Chapter 164: Marine Headquarters Shaken! Imu's Judgment?
Marine Headquarters.
Although the events in Wano Country were kept secret.
The commotion was too big for the World Government's intelligence agencies to ignore. They quickly reported everything that happened there.
And similarly.
The sudden appearance of this masked powerhouse.
Also plunged Marine Headquarters and the World Government into heated discussions.
Steel Bone Kong sat in his chair, squinting at the intelligence and data on the desk. For a moment, he fell into silence.
The emergence of this mysterious dual-blade user.
Had planted an ominous premonition in Steel Bone Kong's heart.
Even though ten full years had passed.
The terrifying power Lotte displayed during the God Valley battle still sent chills down his spine to this day. Although he didn't know why the man suddenly vanished from the New World afterward.
According to the information he obtained from within the World Government.
Lotte hadn't been killed.
He frowned slightly and tossed the report in his hand to Sengoku in front of him.
"What do you think? Could this guy be Lotte?"
"He's been gone for a full ten years. Why would he suddenly appear now?"
"A dual-blade Great Swordsman—even if he hasn't shown any Devil Fruit ability, if it's really Lotte…"
"Possessing Great Swordsman-level swordsmanship wouldn't be surprising at all."
Thinking of this.
Steel Bone Kong couldn't help but sigh.
To be honest, he really didn't want that monster from the past to return to this turbulent New World.
The pressure on Marine Headquarters would be far too great!
Sengoku took the file.
He scanned it roughly, his expression turning extremely grave.
Defeating top swordsmen Shimotsuki Yasuie and the Fierce Blade head-on with dual blades—his individual combat power alone was enough to conquer all of Wano.
This record was simply luxurious!
Not to mention Kozuki Oden—the son of Wano's shogun—was defeated in a single move.
Later, he even directly joined that masked man's pirate crew.
Although the crew's name wasn't recorded yet, the terrifying strength displayed by the masked captain was impossible to ignore.
He could already be considered one of the strongest pirates in the New World.
Even a Marine Admiral would struggle against him.
Since when did such a Great Swordsman appear on the seas?!
And using dual blades, no less!
No wonder Fleet Admiral Steel Bone Kong suspected it was Lotte.
But if it really was him, why hide his identity with a mask? With Great Swordsman-level swordsmanship plus terrifying Wood Release.
No one in the New World could match him!
This made Sengoku feel puzzled.
But although this masked man hadn't used those two Supreme Grade swords, the two Great Grade blades combined with Great Swordsman-level swordsmanship.
Would give even the Golden Lion a massive headache.
Marine Headquarters couldn't spare more energy to target a Great Swordsman right now.
Their strongest combat force, Garp, was focused on capturing Roger.
As an Admiral.
He also had plenty on his plate.
Where would he find the time to pay attention to this newly risen pirate crew?
Sengoku hesitated for a moment.
Finally, he looked up at Steel Bone Kong and said helplessly.
"Fleet Admiral Steel Bone, if we want to deal with this guy, we probably need to gather more intelligence first."
"Whether he's Lotte or not."
"A Great Swordsman-level figure requires us to treat him with utmost caution."
"Better to let the World Government deal with this headache."
The New World was chaotic beyond measure right now. Marine Headquarters couldn't claim to control the overall situation.
Whether it was Golden Lion Shiki, Whitebeard Newgate,
Or Charlotte Linlin—the remnants left from the old Rocks Pirates.
Their grown strength was terrifying. Among them, Golden Lion Shiki, Whitebeard Newgate, and Roger were the most terrifying.
Charlotte Linlin was mainly strong in intelligence.
Hearing Sengoku's words.
Steel Bone Kong nodded in strong agreement.
"I think the same. Why not hand this mess over to the World Government?"
"Though we don't know exactly how they pulled it off ten years ago, since they managed it once, a second time shouldn't be impossible!"
His expression turned cold and stern.
In the God Valley battle ten years ago, the World Government had definitely hidden many forces behind the scenes.
Otherwise, why would they sacrifice so many Marines!
Even now, ten years later, the impact of the massive Marine casualties from God Valley hadn't fully faded.
Though Marine Headquarters was subordinate to the World Government.
Those people had simply watched his subordinates get sent to their deaths.
It was simply too much!
Steel Bone Kong took the report back from Sengoku's hand. A smile appeared at the corners of his mouth as he looked at the other man and patted his shoulder.
"Keep this matter confidential. Don't let Garp know."
"You know what he wants most right now is to find Lotte from back then and have a proper fight with him again. That's not good for us."
After all, Garp was currently the Marine hero.
If he could win against the returning Lotte, fine—but if he lost, it would be a devastating blow to Marine Headquarters.
So Steel Bone Kong had no intention of telling too many people.
Sengoku was the one he trusted most.
He was also being groomed as the future Fleet Admiral successor.
"Don't worry, Fleet Admiral."
Sengoku nodded without hesitation, smiled at Steel Bone Kong, turned around, and pushed open the door to leave.
....
At the same time.
In Holy Land Mary Geoise.
Based on the intelligence returned by CP0.
The Five Elders had once again gathered in that magnificent golden palace.
The long-bearded elder at the head narrowed his eyes slightly.
"The mysterious figure who appeared in Wano this time is almost certainly connected to Lotte. But his actions were too fast."
"Any spies on the island who tried to leave."
"Not a single one survived. Even Den Den Mushi communications seem to have been cut off by some method. It looks like he's become quite cautious now."
The other Four Elders also furrowed their brows tightly.
"In that case, do we need to awaken Lord Imu to deal with him?"
"Has Lotte's location been confirmed?"
"Can we begin the judgment?"