New World, Marine G5 Fortress.
Due to the exchange of positions between G1 Fortress and Marineford, the former jurisdiction of G1 was re-divided between G3 and G5, significantly expanding the jurisdiction of the G5 Branch.
The Base Commander, Vice Admiral Vergo, was eating lunch, unaware of a piece of beef patty residue stuck to his cheek.
"Bulu bulu bulu..."
The den den mushi in his arms rang. Vergo put down his steak knife, pulled out the den den mushi, and answered it.
"What has that person been doing lately as we discussed? How is the investigation going?"
Donquixote Doflamingo's low voice came through, lacking his usual sinister charm, which surprised Vergo slightly.
"He took over as the G4 Base Commander. Previously, he had been active in the first half of the Grand Line, but..."
Vergo paused for a moment, organized his words, and then continued.
"However, it is said that he came to the New World not long ago and killed a powerful pirate. News of this has spread throughout Marineford, but the exact details haven't been released yet. Sakazuki might have other considerations!"
Doflamingo froze for a moment. "A powerful pirate?"
Vergo nodded. "Yes, this matter also alarmed the World Government. I heard Sakazuki had a heated argument with them because of it. At the moment, this is all I know!"
Doflamingo was silent for a while, then suddenly laughed.
"Fuffuffuffuffu, the World Government is involved too? That makes things much easier; I'll know soon enough!"
After another moment, he continued, "My friend, I want you to contact him directly."
Vergo remained expressionless and asked no questions. "Understood!"
Doflamingo, on the other end of the den den mushi, seemed somewhat conflicted and hesitant. Only after a long while did he add,
"Just test the waters. How much does he know about me? Don't make a move, and unless absolutely necessary, don't blow your cover."
Vergo didn't hesitate for a second. "No problem!"
"You've worked hard all these years!" Doflamingo said softly. "Remember, do not force the issue if it's not working out."
The corners of Vergo's mouth curled up slightly into a smile. "Mm."
Click!
The den den mushi hung up.
Doflamingo's face had already turned gloomy. After a long time, he adjusted his glasses and revealed a cruel, tyrannical smile.
"Taro, since the Warlord of the Sea meeting, the speed of your growth has truly been surprising!"
"However, this time, I hope you'll be smart—no, be a little stupider, because smart people generally don't live long!"
Afterward, he returned to his usual uninhibited smiling self and walked out of the empty room... After hanging up the phone, Vergo picked up his knife and fork again to continue his lunch. He didn't walk out the door until he had finished unhurriedly.
"Vice Admiral Vergo!" The Marine Soldier outside the door gave a military salute.
Vergo returned the salute and gently reminded him, "Next time, please call me Mr. Vergo, Marine!"
The Marine Soldier froze. He had originally wanted to remind Vergo about the beef patty residue on his cheek, but now he could only salute again. "Yes!"
"Is Commodore Smoker at the base?" Vergo asked again.
"Yes, sir."
"Good, please ask him to come over!"
...Grand Line, G4 Base.
Hina was very surprised to receive a call from her old classmate, Smoker.
"Smoker, how are you doing in the legendary G5 Branch? I've heard that it's full of problem Marines!"
Smoker had two cigars in his mouth at once and took a deep drag.
"Yeah, it's not bad. Occasionally watching the Marines use pirates as bait for fishing is quite interesting!"
Hina chuckled softly. "Is it only occasionally? That's not what I heard!"
Smoker laughed along, then said,
"Let's not talk about that. Hina, have you been in contact with Taro lately?"
Hearing Taro's name from Smoker's mouth, Hina's smile immediately vanished, and her tone became much colder.
"Why are you asking this? Hina is confused!"
The sudden change in Hina's attitude made Smoker take another fierce drag of his cigars.
"Base Commander Vergo wants to strengthen the ties between G4 and G5. He's asking if Taro has time to chat in person."
Hina frowned deeply, finding the reason ridiculous.
"You are in the New World, and we are in Paradise. What ties need strengthening? What are you really up to?"
Smoker sighed softly. "With Taro's strength, he'll come to the New World sooner or later. What's the harm in communicating beforehand, Hina?"
Hina didn't really believe Smoker's rhetoric, but since they shared the bond of being classmates, she thought about it.
"Fine, I'll pass on the message, but I can't guarantee whether Taro will agree! This reason seems too ridiculous to me!"
"Yeah, as long as you're willing to pass it on, that's enough!"
Sabaody Archipelago.
When Taro received Hina's call, he was accompanying Shirahoshi and the other Fish-Men at the 40GR Amusement Park. He gave Shirahoshi a quick word and turned to a corner of a wall.
"Hina, is there something wrong at G4 Base?"
Hina explained how Smoker had reached out to her, then frowned. "Taro, I think Smoker was being vague. There must be a problem."
Taro thought for a moment and smiled. "No, talking serious nonsense is indeed Vergo's style!"
"You shouldn't have met Vergo before, right? Why do you sound like you know him well?" Hina became even more confused, her brow furrowing.
"Hina is perplexed!"
Taro's mouth twitched, and he shook his head. "I've just heard people talk about him. He is a Base Commander, after all!"
"Let's not talk about that. Hina, tell Smoker that I have a lot on my hands lately. Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll pay a visit!"
Hina gave an 'mm' of acknowledgement, then asked, "Do you need me to help you?"
"Uh, no..." Taro subconsciously wanted to refuse, then raised an eyebrow. "If nothing's happening at G4, why don't you come to Sabaody for a vacation?"
Hina's voice immediately sounded more pleasantly surprised. "Nothing's happening at G4. No pirates are choosing this route right now. I'll head over as soon as possible!"
"Good!" Taro nodded, but after hanging up the phone, his brow furrowed.
Vergo was Doflamingo's mole planted in the Marines. Could his sudden desire to meet be because of Monet?
That was the only possibility he could think of. Otherwise, considering Vergo had remained hidden for years without leaving a single trace, Doflamingo wouldn't resort to using him unless absolutely necessary.
It seemed the plan to make Caesar give up on the Giantification experiments on children had failed!
A flash of ruthlessness crossed Taro's eyes.
Doflamingo held the status of a Warlord of the Sea and was the highly supported King of Dressrosa; it was fine if he couldn't do anything to him for the time being.
Hmph, you, Caesar, are a wanted criminal. No one can find fault if I kill you!
Taro leaned against the wall and pondered for a long time. He decided to meet Vergo first to test the waters. Killing Caesar would be the last resort.
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