"That brat Doflamingo," Saint Nusjuro said with a look of displeasure. "What does he think we are?"
How dare he speak to them in such a tone... Did he have a death wish?
"This fellow knows the secret of the national treasure, so naturally, he is arrogant," Saint Saturn said expressionlessly.
Although he was also very displeased, he had to admit that Doflamingo was someone who knew how to seize an opportunity.
"Releasing a fake newspaper report once isn't a problem," Saint Shepherd said calmly. "Regardless, we can push everything onto that fellow Morgans."
It wouldn't affect the prestige of the World Government anyway, so Saint Shepherd didn't mind playing along with Doflamingo's act for once.
As for whether that kid would try to push his luck further...
He believed Doflamingo was a smart man who wouldn't do anything unnecessary.
Otherwise... what awaited him would be death!
The others listened to Saint Shepherd's words and nodded in agreement. This was also why they were willing to agree to Doflamingo's request.
As for whether the people on the sea would overthink it...
That wasn't their concern. As long as it didn't affect the World Government's control over the ocean, it was fine.
Subsequently, Saint Warcury asked, "What do you all think of the suggestion Doflamingo mentioned?"
"Support it, of course."
Saint Nusjuro said without hesitation, "If we can take this opportunity to capture Fire Fist Ace, we can use it to suppress the arrogance of the pirates!"
That kid's growth rate over the past two years had been far too fast. Given a bit more time, there was no guarantee he wouldn't become a figure at the level of the Four Emperors. Therefore, it was better to stifle him early if possible.
And if they couldn't...
Heh, letting Fire Fist Ace kill Doflamingo wouldn't be a bad thing for them either.
As for the impact of a member of the Royal Seven Warlords being defeated?
Compared to the secret held by Doflamingo, such a thing was practically nothing!
"You're right, this is indeed an opportunity." Saint Saturn nodded from the side and said, "It would be even better if we could deal with the Straw Hat Pirates as well."
Saint Saturn's thoughts were different from Saint Nusjuro's.
Compared to Doflamingo, he cared more about the Straw Hat Pirates.
After all... the Straw Hat Pirates might possess something left behind by the Blood-Eyed Ninja!
To obtain those things, he felt it was necessary to conduct a suppression operation against the Straw Hat Pirates.
And this time was an opportunity!
"The Straw Hat Pirates..."
At the mention of the Straw Hat Pirates, the other four old men couldn't help but think of what had happened two years ago.
That man named Ōtsutsuki Meiser had charged into Mary Geoise all by himself...
Although they had killed him, they hadn't gained any benefits in the end.
So, if there was a chance to catch the Straw Hat Pirates, it was better to capture them. That way, they would have a chance to get some of the things they wanted.
Even if they couldn't obtain the legacy of the Blood-Eyed Ninja, capturing Nico Robin would still be a good thing, wouldn't it!
"Then let's send an Admiral," Saint Nusjuro said. "This way, we can also resolve the trouble in Dressrosa in a timely manner."
This trouble referred not only to the Straw Hat Pirates and Fire Fist Ace, but also to Doflamingo!
If something unexpected happened to Doflamingo or if he were driven to desperation... they had to be able to capture him immediately.
"Who should go?"
"Fujitora, naturally." Saint Mars narrowed his eyes and said, "It's the perfect chance to see how he handles this matter."
They could also use this to observe Fujitora's loyalty to the World Government.
This matter was equally important to them.
"Seconded!"
The others nodded in agreement, clearly favoring Saint Mars' choice.
"Then let him go," Saint Saturn said. "With his strength, dealing with Fire Fist Ace shouldn't be a problem."
"However... sending him alone might not be secure enough," Saint Warcury said. "Don't forget that the other Four Emperors might also be interested in that Devil Fruit."
The Diamond-Diamond Fruit might not be a top-tier Devil Fruit, but its defensive power was very considerable.
It was more than enough to create a powerful individual; there was no reason for the other Four Emperors not to be interested.
Therefore... it would be best to send more powerful figures.
"We can't send two Marine Admirals together just for this matter," Saint Saturn frowned.
What kind of figures were Marine Admirals?
They were monsters with overwhelming power!
Characters of that level, as long as the Four Emperors themselves didn't show up, couldn't be defeated no matter how many others came!
"While the Four Emperors themselves might not come, it would still be a hassle if their number twos showed up," Saint Mars said. "Moreover, Fire Fist Ace's own strength isn't weak."
"So, to be safe, it's better to send one more powerful fellow."
Even though the goals of those people might be to snatch the Devil Fruit... once they realized this matter was a trap, they might unite to deal with the Marines!
So they had to send enough strong people there.
"Then let Smoker go," Saint Saturn said. "His strength is quite formidable."
Although he was very annoyed by Garp, the bastard who had beaten him years ago, he had to admit that Garp's strength was immense.
And the students taught by such a man were also very powerful!
So leaving it to Smoker would surely be fine.
"Smoker, eh..."
Recalling the record of this newly appointed Vice Admiral, Saint Mars frowned and said, "This person hates evil as much as he hates his own life. If he discovers the things Doflamingo has done, wouldn't he turn around and deal with Doflamingo instead?"
That could easily ruin things.
"Then it depends on whether Doflamingo can hide it well himself," Saint Saturn said expressionlessly. "At the same time... we can issue an order not to easily take action against Doflamingo, using this to see what his loyalty is like."
If this brat acted like Garp, then he could forget about ever becoming a Marine Admiral in his life.
If he was a smart man, he should know what to do.
The others thought about it for a moment and then nodded in agreement.
Smoker was indeed a very good choice; at least his strength met the standard.
"Hehe, if Smoker can capture Ace with his own hands, we can also build him up," Saint Shepherd said with a slight upward curve of his lips. "This way, we can gradually reduce that bastard Garp's influence."
If they could create a new generation Marine Hero, Garp's influence would slowly weaken.
In this way... some of the small flaws within the Marines would completely disappear!
"That is indeed a way!"
Saint Nusjuro's eyes immediately lit up.
Although Garp became a Marine Hero because of Rocks... who said that capturing Fire Fist Ace, the son of the Pirate King, couldn't make someone a Marine Hero?
Ultimately, whether someone became a Marine Hero was up to them!
As for whether Smoker was willing to capture him...
If Smoker was unwilling to move against Fire Fist Ace, it would show his loyalty was problematic, so they wouldn't need to waste any more effort.
After this matter was resolved, they would simply marginalize Smoker.
"This can not only weaken Garp's influence but also test Smoker's loyalty," Saint Saturn said. "I think it's viable."
He felt this plan was perfect and raised both hands in support.
"Then it's settled!" Saint Nusjuro said. "While capturing Fire Fist Ace, the Straw Hat Pirates must also be brought back."
"This time, no accidents are permitted!"
"Seconded!"
"Send Fujitora and White Snake to Dressrosa together?"
Upon receiving the order from the Five Elders, Akainu was instantly filled with questions.
A mere Straw Hat crew and Law—were they worth deploying so much of the Marines' high-level combat power?
Even adding Doflamingo wouldn't make them worth it.
"Fire Fist Ace will likely appear in Dressrosa as well," the Den Den Mushi said expressionlessly. "Not only that, but people from the other Four Emperors might also show up there."
"So, Fujitora alone is not enough."
This was also a decision made to ensure the plan would not encounter any failures.
Akainu fell silent upon hearing this. So many people would appear in a tiny place like Dressrosa?
Just what was happening there?
Akainu, who hadn't received the relevant intelligence, was completely baffled.
"Could it be that the report Smoker just submitted has issues?" Akainu wondered to himself.
Thinking of this, Akainu glanced at the report on the desk again but didn't see any problems.
"Doflamingo intends to do something..."
Saint Saturn briefly explained to Akainu what was about to happen, including the possibility that Doflamingo might "resign" from the Royal Seven Warlords.
But whether it was true or fake, Saint Saturn didn't tell Akainu.
He then said, "So we need to send Fujitora and White Snake together."
Hearing the explanation, Akainu's brow furrowed even deeper.
Originally, he had thought that once Smoker collected enough evidence, he would report it to the World Government to have Doflamingo dealt with.
But now it seemed... they didn't really want to deal with Doflamingo. Otherwise, given the personalities of these five old men, they wouldn't use the word "suspected"!
Thinking of this, Akainu said, "I can send the two of them to Dressrosa together, but... you should also know what Doflamingo has done, right?"
"Are you referring to the events on Punk Hazard?" Saint Saturn said expressionlessly. "That matter has nothing to do with Doflamingo; it was entirely Caesar's individual action."
As soon as these words were spoken, the veins on Akainu's face bulged with anger.
"Individual action"... did this old fellow think he was an idiot?
The report clearly stated that Joker was the person behind Caesar!
Thinking of this, Akainu said, "But that fellow is after all standing behind Caesar—"
"Sakazuki, watch your attitude!"
Saint Warcury interrupted Akainu's words without hesitation and said, "This is an order!"
"Exactly, you only need to execute the order!" Saint Mars added.
Akainu was so angry he was almost fuming. Did these old men really treat him like a dog?
However, to maintain a certain stability, Akainu forced himself to suppress his fury.
"In other words, this operation does not include dealing with Doflamingo?"
"Yes," Saint Saturn nodded. "If he doesn't truly intend to resign from the Royal Seven Warlords, then there is no need to take action against him."
After saying this, Saint Saturn paused, then continued, "However, if Doflamingo is defeated, let Fujitora arrest him."
By then, Doflamingo, Fire Fist Ace, and the others would all be their prisoners!
Akainu's eyes flickered. No matter which side was defeated, the World Government would be the final beneficiary... these old men really didn't lose out on anything.
They were all old foxes, each one smarter than the last!
With a cold snort in his heart, Akainu said, "I understand."
"I will have the two of them go to Dressrosa."
Although there was immense displeasure in his heart, an order was an order, so he had to make the two of them go.
"Very good." Saint Saturn nodded with satisfaction, then added, "By the way, don't let Smoker do anything unnecessary. Keep a close eye on him."
Kacha~
With that, Saint Saturn hung up the Den Den Mushi without hesitation, leaving behind an expressionless Akainu.
Bang!
After slamming a fist onto the desk, Akainu's temper flared up instantly.
"These old geezers..."
Now he knew just how frustrated Mr. Sengoku must have been back then.
Facing these five arrogant old men, if one didn't burst a blood vessel from anger, they'd have to be remarkably even-tempered.
But anger aside, some things still needed to be done.
Thinking of this, Akainu picked up the Den Den Mushi and dialed Smoker's frequency.
Purupurupuru~
Purupurupuru~
Purupurupuru~
Kacha~
"Hello?" Smoker said, looking expressionlessly at the Den Den Mushi. "This is Smoker."
"This is Sakazuki."
"Is there something the Fleet Admiral needs me for?" Smoker asked.
"It's about Doflamingo."
"Doflamingo?" Smoker frowned. "Haven't I already submitted the report?"
He had clearly explained everything that had happened in the report.
Could it be the other party couldn't understand it?
"I know, so what I'm about to say is the arrangement for your next moves," Akainu said.
He didn't care about Smoker's attitude; after all, this kid had always been like this, and he was used to it.
One should naturally be more tolerant toward a promising junior in the Marines.
"You're not going to tell me not to go to Dressrosa, are you?" Smoker's face darkened.
If Akainu really issued that order, even if he was the Fleet Admiral, Smoker would have to curse him a few times.
After all... that would be equivalent to betraying justice!
"Am I that contemptible in your eyes?" Akainu said with dissatisfaction.
He had always been a hard-blooded soldier. How did he become someone who feared trouble in the other's eyes?
"Not really," Smoker said. "But you are the Fleet Admiral now, aren't you."
After becoming the Fleet Admiral, one had to consider the impact of certain actions on the entire Marines, which naturally led to being tied down.
Therefore... it was possible that an order telling him not to go to Dressrosa could be issued.
This time, Akainu did not refute him, as what Smoker said was indeed the truth.
Then, he said, "Alright, I won't waste any more words."
"This time, you will go to Dressrosa with Fujitora."
"Fujitora?"
Smoker froze for a moment. Did they really need both of them to handle Doflamingo?
Perhaps sensing Smoker's confusion, Akainu said, "This matter is more complicated than you think."
After saying this, Akainu paused, then continued, "This time you go with Fujitora; this is also an order issued by the World Government."
"In short... everything is based on Fujitora's orders, understood?"
An order from the World Government...
Smoker frowned. Could it be he had overthought things just now?
"Then what if Doflamingo is confirmed to be a problem?"
"Then look back at the two words behind you," Akainu said expressionlessly. "You should know what to do."
As soon as these words were spoken, the corners of Smoker's mouth began to curl upward.
"How very reasonable..."
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