"Caelan, what should we do?"
Vivi's eyes were filled with confusion. The constant stream of bad news left her at a complete loss.
Her father Cobra's safety, the growing misunderstanding between the people and the royal army, and the manipulated rebellion…
Every piece of news struck her like a heavy hammer, shaking her heart.
"We head to the capital as soon as possible."
"Since Crocodile has moved his plan ahead, that will be the final battlefield."
Caelan thought for a moment and gave his answer.
According to what they learned from the mid-level agents, Crocodile was already furious and planned to take the country by force.
Even Mr. 2 Bon Clay had been sent out, which meant Crocodile had abandoned his idea of impersonating Cobra.
From this point on, Crocodile's actions would only grow more violent and crazed.
"Yes… as long as Crocodile is stopped, everything can be saved."
Vivi's gaze became firm once again.
She had resolved to stop Crocodile, determined not to let her country fall into his hands.
Even if it meant sacrificing her life, she would not hesitate.
Soon, they woke the newspaper publisher who had been knocked out by the wave of Conqueror's Haki.
They handed over all the information on Baroque Works, asking the newspaper to expose Crocodile's conspiracy to the public.
After that, they went to the Marine station in the city, turning over the captured Baroque Works members and exchanging them for a bounty of 130 million berries.
With simple medical treatment completed, the group immediately set off toward the capital of Alabasta, Alubarna.
At the Marine Branch, Captain Deka watched as Caelan and his group left, his expression grave.
"That Conqueror's Haki just now… it must have been from him. It's unbelievable."
Captain Deka spoke in disbelief.
Until now, he had only ever heard of Conqueror's Haki.
It was said that those who possessed the qualities of a king were always among the top powerhouses on the seas.
"For a bounty hunter from the East Blue to awaken such a talent…"
Captain Deka was deeply puzzled.
In his understanding, this type of gift was rare even in the New World.
For it to appear here at the entrance to the Grand Line was simply unimaginable.
At that moment, a group of soldiers brought over the senior Baroque Works agents, their hands bound tightly with Seastone handcuffs.
"Sir, is it really true about Crocodile's conspiracy?"
The soldiers still found it hard to believe. The scale of the crime seemed too shocking to accept.
Crocodile was officially recognized as a Warlord of the Sea and had always portrayed himself as Alabasta's hero.
Even though they now knew Baroque Works belonged to him, they had assumed it was just to boost his reputation.
No one had imagined Crocodile was the one behind the drought, or that he planned to overthrow the kingdom.
"Didn't those Baroque Works agents explain everything clearly?"
"The evidence is solid, their plan has clear logic, and the facts line up."
Captain Deka's face darkened.
If not for such undeniable proof, even he would not have believed it.
A Warlord of the Sea, a system established by the World Government, plotting to usurp a member nation? It was unthinkable.
"Thankfully, Caelan and his group uncovered the plot."
Captain Deka felt a wave of gratitude.
If Caelan hadn't acted, they would have remained blind to the truth.
Had Crocodile's plan continued unnoticed, the royal family would have been wiped out, countless civilians would have died, and the Marines would have borne part of the blame for their failure to prevent it.
"But… can Caelan really defeat Crocodile on his own?"
Deka frowned, looking toward the direction of the capital, worry etched across his face.
He knew Caelan possessed Conqueror's Haki and had crushed a group of senior agents with ease, as if swatting flies.
But the enemy he was about to face was nothing like those agents.
It was Crocodile of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, wielder of the Sand-Sand Fruit.
A Logia-type Devil Fruit, just like the admirals. Immune to physical attacks, capable of reshaping the battlefield at will.
Just imagining it left Captain Deka feeling hopeless.
Aside from the admirals, he could not think of anyone who might stand a chance.
Deka took a deep breath, suppressing his concern.
His next priority was to spread the truth and request support from Marine Headquarters.
"Notify all nearby Marine branches. Prepare to stabilize the situation with the civilians."
Deka was already imagining the chaos that would erupt once the people learned the truth.
He quickly picked up the Den Den Mushi to contact headquarters and report the incident.
Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's Office.
The moment the report came in, the high-ranking officers at Headquarters gathered for an emergency meeting.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku slammed the table in fury, his usual calm demeanor gone.
A Warlord of the Sea, a pirate officially sanctioned by the World Government, attempting to overthrow a member nation?
The implications of this were far too severe.
Would the other 170-plus member nations simply sit back and accept it?
They would certainly question the authority of the World Government, stirring up unrest across the entire world.
"I've said it before, the Seven Warlords system is a mistake!"
"We should have abolished it long ago!"
Akainu spoke up, his expression grim and voice harsh.
Even Aokiji, usually quick to challenge Akainu's aggressive views, stayed silent this time. The matter was simply too serious.
"Ahem. Enough. The priority right now is to discuss how to handle the situation."
Vice Admiral Tsuru interrupted, cutting off the argument.
Whether the Seven Warlords system should remain was a decision for the World Government, not the Marines.
"The most urgent task is to send support to Alabasta immediately and take down Crocodile."
Sengoku's expression was stern as he gave the order.
"Borsalino, head there at top speed and make sure this matter is resolved quickly!"
Sengoku turned his gaze to Kizaru.
Kizaru yawned, raising his heavy eyelids as he stood reluctantly.
"Isn't that Caelan guy already there? He should be able to handle Crocodile."
Kizaru's tone was as lazy as ever. He clearly did not want to go.
"What nonsense! How could he possibly stand up to Crocodile? Just go already!"
Sengoku's face darkened as he scolded Kizaru.
Of course, Sengoku knew about Caelan. He had personally approved his bounty hunter license and recognized his potential.
But defeating Crocodile? It was far too soon for that.
Maybe in a few years, once Caelan had fully mastered Haki. But not now.
"Crocodile really is terrifying, isn't he?"
Kizaru sighed dramatically, then left the meeting room, turning into a flash of light as he headed toward Alabasta.
Watching him go, Sengoku let out a long breath.
Despite his laziness, Kizaru was reliable when it came to completing missions.
"Alright, let's continue discussing the situation."
Sengoku brought the focus back to the meeting.
This matter was too serious. Capturing Crocodile alone would not be enough to resolve it.
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