Spark Rock.
Most people in the world had never even heard that name before.
However, Fleet Admiral Sengoku was not among them.
As the highest-ranking officer in the Marines, he understood exactly what this substance was and why its existence was considered dangerous.
Originally, Spark Rock had not been regarded as a particularly valuable resource.
The mineral was primarily mined on Gat Island in the East Blue, and because it had very few practical applications, it attracted little attention from either the World Government or private organizations.
That changed several years ago.
Following a confidential recommendation from the Marine Science Unit, the World Government quietly assumed control of every known Spark Rock mine.
Production was immediately restricted.
Distribution was prohibited.
Any information regarding the substance was classified.
From that point onward, Spark Rock essentially vanished from public knowledge.
Which was precisely why Sengoku's expression had become so serious.
Now, after years of silence, he suddenly heard that someone was secretly transporting large quantities of it.
And that person was none other than Donquixote Doflamingo.
"Doflamingo is transporting Spark Rock?"
Sengoku's voice became noticeably heavier.
The implications were far more serious than an ordinary smuggling operation.
"That's correct."
Saint Roselith Seraphina stood calmly beside the Den Den Mushi.
"Based on the information we obtained, they even used World Government officials to conceal the transportation route."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"If they went through so much trouble to hide it, then Spark Rock must have a value far greater than what appears on the surface."
Sengoku tapped his fingers against the wooden desk.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
The office fell silent.
His mind rapidly analyzed every possibility.
The answer was becoming increasingly obvious.
After several moments, he finally spoke.
"Seraphina."
"Have you ever heard of Power Stone?"
"Power Stone?"
Seraphina frowned slightly.
The name meant nothing to her.
Before Sengoku could answer, Bruce spoke from the side.
"Your Highness, Power Stone was originally developed as an experimental energy source capable of supplying immense amounts of power to advanced machinery."
Bruce paused before continuing.
"However, because the energy stored within it is extremely unstable, the resulting explosion after destruction surpasses most conventional explosives."
Seraphina's expression became thoughtful.
She finally understood why Sengoku's tone had become so serious.
Sengoku nodded.
"Bruce is correct."
"The technology was developed by Dr. Vegapunk."
"It was originally intended to solve energy shortages throughout the world."
"The exact manufacturing process remains classified, but one thing is certain."
"Spark Rock is one of its primary ingredients."
The Fleet Admiral's voice grew increasingly grim.
"If Doflamingo has begun gathering Spark Rock on a large scale, then this situation is much more troublesome than we originally believed."
Power Stone represented one of Vegapunk's greatest scientific breakthroughs.
As an energy source, its potential was nearly limitless.
Yet that same energy made it frighteningly dangerous.
In the wrong hands, Power Stone could become a weapon capable of devastating entire regions.
While it could not compare to the Ancient Weapons themselves, its destructive potential was still enough to make the World Government nervous.
Sengoku exhaled slowly.
"Wait a moment."
"I need to discuss this matter with Vice Admiral Tsuru."
The amount of information was simply too significant for him to ignore.
"Understood."
Seraphina ended the call.
The Den Den Mushi closed its eyes.
Silence returned.
Meanwhile, inside Marine Headquarters, Sengoku leaned back heavily in his chair.
He rubbed his temples.
A rare expression of exhaustion appeared on his face.
Originally, he had only intended to give Seraphina a simple mission.
At most, he expected her to cause some trouble for a few corrupt World Government officials.
Instead, she had somehow uncovered a connection to Doflamingo, illegal resource transportation, and classified scientific materials.
It was as if he had cast a fishing net into the sea expecting sardines and somehow dragged up a Sea King.
"What a headache…"
Sengoku muttered.
Then he immediately picked up another Den Den Mushi.
"This is Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
"Contact Vice Admiral Tsuru immediately."
"Tell her there is an urgent matter requiring her attention."
The call connected to Tsuru's office.
However, the person who answered was not Tsuru herself.
It was her adjutant.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Vice Admiral Tsuru is currently away from her office."
"Then find her."
Sengoku's tone left no room for argument.
"Immediately."
"Yes, sir!"
The adjutant hurriedly responded.
As Tsuru's assistant, she knew exactly where the Vice Admiral had gone.
At that moment, Tsuru was meeting with Vice Admiral Gion, one of Marine Headquarters' strongest officers.
After ending the call, Sengoku remained silent for several seconds.
Then he reached into a locked drawer.
Inside rested a unique Den Den Mushi.
Unlike ordinary communication snails, this one possessed an encrypted connection linked directly to Egghead's research facilities.
Without hesitation, Sengoku dialed the number.
A few moments later, the call connected.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku?"
A calm voice echoed through the receiver.
It was Dr. Vegapunk.
Sengoku immediately got to the point.
"Vegapunk."
"Has information regarding the manufacture of Power Stone been leaked?"
The scientist seemed surprised.
"No."
His answer came without hesitation.
"Then explain why Doflamingo is collecting Spark Rock."
Sengoku's expression darkened.
"The quantity involved suggests deliberate acquisition."
There was a brief pause.
Vegapunk appeared to consider the question carefully.
Finally, he answered.
"If someone truly possesses information regarding Power Stone production, then I doubt I'm the only possible source."
"You suspect someone else?"
Sengoku asked.
"Caesar Clown."
Vegapunk replied calmly.
"He participated in several stages of the project's development."
"He never possessed the complete formula, but he understood portions of the research."
Sengoku's eyes narrowed.
Caesar Clown.
Former member of MADS.
Former colleague of Vegapunk.
One of the Marine Science Unit's most brilliant researchers.
Although Caesar lacked access to the full design, he undoubtedly knew enough to be dangerous.
Even so, Sengoku remained unconvinced.
"You still remain the primary suspect."
Vegapunk sighed.
"Then perhaps you should ask the man standing beside me."
His gaze shifted slightly.
Sentomaru stood nearby with his massive battle axe resting against his shoulder.
Officially, Sentomaru served as Vegapunk's bodyguard.
Unofficially, everyone understood his second purpose.
Monitoring the scientist.
After all, even the World Government did not trust anyone completely.
Not even Vegapunk.
Sengoku naturally understood the implication.
After a moment of silence, he made a decision.
"Until this matter is clarified, keep Caesar under surveillance."
"Understood."
Vegapunk sounded completely unconcerned.
"If that's all, I have several experiments waiting."
The line disconnected shortly afterward.
Far away, aboard the Marine warship, another situation was unfolding.
"Behave."
Major Riva grabbed Gladius by the collar and lifted him from the deck.
Despite being restrained with Seastone shackles, the officer of the Donquixote Pirates still glared defiantly.
"You Marines really enjoy acting superior."
Gladius sneered.
Riva answered with his fist.
Bam!
The punch landed squarely on Gladius's face.
The pirate immediately fell silent.
"Much better."
Riva dusted off his hands.
However, his thoughts remained elsewhere.
During the chaos of the battle, he had not paid much attention to the conversation between Reyes and Seraphina.
Now that everything had calmed down, the implications finally began sinking in.
There had only been a handful of people present.
Seraphina.
Bruce.
Reyes.
And himself.
The title Reyes used.
The fear in his voice.
The deference shown by CP0.
Every clue pointed toward a single conclusion.
Rear Admiral Saint Roselith Seraphina was not merely a Marine officer.
She was a Celestial Dragon.
One of the World Nobles who ruled the world from atop the Red Line.
Riva scratched his head.
"Forget it."
"There is no point overthinking it."
He shook away the distracting thoughts.
To him, titles were meaningless.
What mattered were actions.
The justice Seraphina pursued was genuine.
He had witnessed it personally.
Whether she was a Marine, a noble, or a Celestial Dragon changed nothing.
In fact, her status might allow her to accomplish even more.
Unlike ordinary officers, she possessed authority capable of bypassing countless obstacles.
For the first time in years, Riva felt something he had nearly forgotten.
Hope.
Perhaps the world truly could change.
Perhaps justice was not entirely powerless.
Perhaps there were still people willing to fight against corruption, regardless of where they were born.
"Major Riva!"
A Marine soldier suddenly rushed over.
The interruption broke his train of thought.
"What is it?"
The soldier pointed toward the distant horizon.
"Another vessel has appeared."
Riva immediately looked in that direction.
A large ship was gradually emerging from beyond the sea's edge.
Its sails swayed beneath the wind.
The vessel was moving directly toward their position.
Riva's eyes sharpened.
"Maintain observation."
"Do not let them leave our sight."
The Marine soldier saluted.
"Yes, sir!"
Riva adjusted the sword hanging at his waist.
Then he turned toward the upper deck.
No matter who the newcomers were, only one person would decide their next move.
Rear Admiral Saint Roselith Seraphina.
And so, Riva headed toward her location to await further orders.