“Report.”
A marine walked in, standing at attention and saluting crisply.
“What is it?”
Tsuru looked at the marine, suppressing the ripple of thoughts in her mind.
“Vice Admiral, the battleship is severely damaged and needs repairs.”
Tsuru frowned deeply.
“Can we sail to Marineford?”
“Report, we cannot.”
“You may leave. Natalie, bring the map.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
After the marine left, Natalie spread a map on the desk.
“We were supposed to reach Marineford by tomorrow, but it looks like we’ll be delayed. What’s the nearest island with a Navy base?”
“Vice Admiral, the nearest island is Apatite Island, three hours away by sea. There are no Navy bases nearby.”
Natalie’s finger slid across the map and pointed to an island.
“Then set course for Apatite Island.” With no other choice, Tsuru gave the order.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Uska left the office to relay the instructions.
As time passed, day turned to night in the blink of an eye.
Foxy had a nightmare. He dreamt of killing Scarface, only to be killed by another pirate.
In that moment of death, Foxy felt himself falling into an ice pit, waking up with a start.
Sitting up in bed, Foxy was drenched in sweat. He looked around and, realising he was in the infirmary, sighed in relief.
He hadn’t died; he was still alive.
Hearing movement, the plump nurse from before entered, seemingly having been waiting outside.
“You’re awake.”
Seeing Foxy awake, the nurse smiled.
Foxy was surprised to see the plump nurse with her left arm in a sling, clearly injured.
“Yes.”
Nodding, Foxy moved slightly. He found his body unusually light, as if he had fully recovered from sleeping.
What happened? Not only had his injuries not worsened, but they had healed completely.
Was the attack from that axe-wielding pirate a figment of his imagination?
Foxy vividly remembered the excruciating pain when he was struck.
“My injuries…”
Getting out of bed, Foxy felt unprecedentedly light.
“The Vice Admiral used her ability to wash away your injuries.”
“Wash away?”
Foxy suddenly understood. Tsuru was a Devil Fruit user, seemingly of the Paramecia type… able to wash people like clothes.
Foxy couldn’t recall the exact name but remembered some details about Tsuru.
“Thank you for taking care of me again.”
With great politeness, Foxy expressed his gratitude.
“Ha ha… You’re quite impressive. Many on the battleship admire you now.”
The plump nurse laughed kindly.
Foxy was a bit puzzled.
“During the battle with the Fierce Lion Pirates two days ago, you showed great courage, killing several pirates and saving many comrades.”
Seeing Foxy’s confusion, the nurse explained.
Hearing the praise, Foxy scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. But two days ago? What?
“Two days ago?”
“Yes, you’ve been unconscious for two days. We’re currently resupplying at Apatite Island. It should be finished soon, and many comrades have returned.”
“This…”
Foxy felt as if he had just blinked, and two days had passed. It seemed too fast.
“Can I go out for some fresh air?”
After hesitating, Foxy looked at the nurse.
“Yes, but don’t leave the ship. We’re about to depart.”
The nurse reminded him.
“Okay.”
Responding, Foxy left the infirmary. He saw many marines carrying supplies like flour, vegetables, and other daily necessities in the corridor.
“Hey, Foxy!”
Along the way, many marines greeted Foxy, leaving him feeling a bit bewildered.
Nonetheless, he politely responded to each greeting, smiling sincerely.
Whether it was genuine or an act, only he knew.
Exiting the cabin, he saw that the damaged structures from the battle had been repaired.
A moist sea breeze greeted him.
The weather was cool and overcast, and marines were busy everywhere. They greeted Foxy as they passed by.
Standing by the railing, Foxy watched squads of marines returning from the island, sensing the goodwill around him.
His efforts were worthwhile.
Making friends was always better than making enemies. Whether sincere or not, Foxy planned to keep up the act.
Humility, politeness, and justice were ways to mitigate unnecessary threats while he grew more assertive.
There was a long road ahead.
Why did he feel like a hypocrite?
Oh well, survival was paramount.
Exhaling heavily, Foxy looked at the island, wanting to explore. But seeing the ship was about to depart, he wisely stayed aboard.
In the office, Tsuru was on the Den Den Mushi, her expression serious.
Uska and Yafiel stood by, equally grave.
Natalie was handling the resupply.
After hanging up, Tsuru quickly ordered, “Notify everyone, we’re heading to Shattian Island in the New World immediately.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Uska and Yafiel swiftly left the office, and alarms blared across the ship.
Tsuru’s face was sad; she hadn’t expected such news.
She had just spoken with Admiral Sengoku.
Eight days ago, Baroque Redfield, for reasons unknown, had attacked a ship of the World Nobles, the Celestial Dragons.
Three Celestial Dragons were killed, shocking the entire Holy Land Mariejois. The highest authorities, the Five Elders, immediately ordered Fleet Admiral Kong to capture Baroque Redfield.
Who was Baroque Redfield?
Even in this era, he was a top-tier figure, par with Pirate King Gol D. Roger, Whitebeard Edward Newgate, and Golden Lion Shiki.
His strength was unquestionable. Twenty years later, he would be a legendary pirate, a true myth.
The World Nobles were descendants of the twenty kings who established the World Government 800 years ago. They considered themselves creators’ descendants and wore bubble helmets to avoid breathing the same air as commoners.
Arrogant and tyrannical, they enslaved other races and enjoyed every privilege. The Navy Admirals or CP0 would mobilise all forces to protect them if offended.
They were a group of self-important individuals, essentially a cancer.
Male Celestial Dragons added “Saint” to their names, while females added “Marie” to show their greatness.
Sengoku’s call was to send Tsuru to Shattian Island. Fleet Admiral Kong had been fighting Baroque Redfield for eight days and nights, and the situation was dire.
He needed to guard Marineford.
Admiral Zephyr was battling the Flying Pirates in the New World, and Hero Garp was clashing with the Whitebeard Pirates.
While they were extricating themselves, it would take time.
Thus, Sengoku sent Tsuru, hoping she could help.
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