Compared to the stillness of the deep sea, the Four Seas had descended into complete chaos.
The four steel fleets of Marine Headquarters had initiated a brutal large-scale purge. Pirate crews still growing within the rookie regions were crushed instantly, as if they had encountered an insurmountable final enemy. There was no room for resistance.
Surrender was never an option. Any pirate targeted by the Marine Headquarters fleet faced only total annihilation.
As a result, every pirate force across East Blue was thrown into panic. Numerous crews disbanded on the spot in a desperate attempt to survive. It proved meaningless. Once identified on a wanted list, they were executed immediately upon discovery.
Inside the cabin of his warship, Lloyd remained seated, calmly directing the movements of multiple fleets from afar. A full week had passed, yet there was still no trace of Luffy or his group.
Luffy, along with a large number of Revolutionary Army members, had vanished without a trace, as if erased from existence.
However, Lloyd's authority extended far beyond the Marines. He also commanded the CP Organization. CP9's chief, Spandine, and CP0's leading figure, Stussy, both operated under his orders.
Following Lloyd's directives, Spandine and Stussy had deployed a vast network of intelligence agents across the Four Seas.
The results came quickly.
Professional operatives handled the task with ruthless efficiency. Numerous Revolutionary Army members hiding among civilians were captured. Most were low-ranking individuals, unable to provide useful information regarding Luffy's whereabouts.
Even so, the effort was far from fruitless.
Using gathered intelligence, the Marines and the CP Organization coordinated their actions. Within just three days, more than a dozen hidden Revolutionary Army bases were wiped out entirely.
On this particular day, a white figure appeared abruptly on the warship's deck.
The man wore a pristine white suit and a white top hat. His face was concealed behind a cat-shaped mask. In his grasp, he carried an unconscious young woman.
The Marine soldiers stationed on deck reacted instantly, raising their rifles and aiming without hesitation.
At that moment, Vice Admiral Momonga stepped forward from the ranks. He raised his hand and gave a firm order.
"Stand down. He is not an enemy."
The soldiers immediately lowered their weapons in perfect unison, their discipline precise and unwavering.
The masked man approached Momonga in silence.
Momonga studied him briefly before speaking in a low tone.
"You are from CP0. Saint Lloyd is waiting inside."
The masked man gave a slight nod.
"Thank you."
With that, he carried the woman toward the cabin.
Before he could knock, Lloyd's voice sounded from within.
"Lucci, come in."
The masked man paused briefly, then pushed the door open.
Inside, Lloyd sat at the center of the room, composed and observant. Beside him stood Lucia.
The man removed his mask, revealing the unmistakable face of Rob Lucci.
In Lloyd's presence, Lucci's usual cold arrogance disappeared entirely. He set the unconscious woman aside, then dropped to one knee.
"Saint Lloyd, Lucia-sama."
Lloyd offered a faint smile, his gaze drifting toward the woman on the floor.
She wore a wine-red hat, beneath which short orange hair framed her face. A pink dress clung to her figure, paired with black thigh-high stockings and boots.
Resting his chin on one hand, Lloyd tapped the table lightly with the other.
"You brought something interesting this time. Stand, and explain."
Lucci rose without hesitation.
"Saint Lloyd, this woman is Koala, a high-ranking officer within the Revolutionary Army. She was captured two days ago."
Lloyd nodded, clearly satisfied.
"Efficient. How was she located?"
"She had been organizing large-scale food stockpiling. After Gabra's investigation, we discovered the base and launched an assault. She attempted suicide, but I prevented it."
"I see," Lloyd replied, his tone measured. "Allowing you to join CP0 was a wise decision."
Lucci lowered his head slightly.
"This is due to Saint Lloyd's guidance. Without you, we would still be fugitives."
Lloyd gave a quiet chuckle.
"I heard from Stussy that Kalifa has been sent to Foosha Village."
"Yes, Saint Lloyd. Under Stussy's orders, Kalifa is assigned to protect a pregnant woman named Makino. After the child is born, she will escort them to Mary Geoise."
"I am aware," Lloyd said. "That assignment came from me. Still, sending Kalifa is appropriate. Her background as a secretary makes her suitable for such a role."
Lucci did not question further. Instead, his gaze shifted toward Koala.
"Saint Lloyd, shall we wake her?"
Lloyd gave a soft acknowledgment.
Lucci crouched down and pressed a point at the back of Koala's neck.
A faint groan escaped her lips as consciousness slowly returned.
Her vision cleared, and Lloyd's face came into focus.
Her eyes widened instantly.
"A Celestial Dragon!"
Lloyd's lips curved into a faint, amused smile. He raised a hand slightly.
"Good afternoon, Miss Koala."
Hearing her name spoken so casually, Koala's expression darkened. She turned toward Lucci, her voice filled with anger.
"A puppet of the World Government..."
Lucci's eyes narrowed.
"Choose your words carefully."
Ignoring him, Koala forced herself to stand. Her gaze locked onto Lloyd, burning with hatred.
"It was you. You were the one who killed Ace."
Lloyd waved his hand dismissively.
"Yes, a trivial matter. Hardly worth remembering."
The moment those words left his mouth, Koala's face flushed red with fury. She coughed violently, forcing out her next words.
"You… bastard…"
A sharp sound echoed.
Lucia had already moved.
Her strike landed across Koala's face with brutal precision, sending her flying backward into the wall before collapsing onto the floor.
Koala's cheek swelled instantly, her once smooth features distorted. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth as she struggled to remain conscious.
Lloyd watched the scene, then shook his head slightly.
"Lucia, that was excessive. You might kill her."
Lucia lowered her head.
"My apologies, Young Master."
Lloyd waved it off.
"There is no need to apologize. I am not blaming you."