The leader of the group looked at everyone and said coldly, "The mission has failed. Withdraw all personnel and return to Marine Headquarters!"
"Fail…?!"
The agents all widened their eyes in shock. However, among the three CP0 members who had arrived, only one returned, and he was covered in blood. The other two officers—have they already…?
The agents didn't want to ask. They didn't want to die…
In the minds of the government agents, CP0's status was on par with that of the Marines' Admirals—an existence revered by the Navy. For CP0 to actually fail? That was simply unbelievable.
Even though the government tried to conceal this matter, this was one of the largest cities in the first half of the Grand Line, so it couldn't be kept secret for long.
It wouldn't be long before the news of CP0's defeat spread across the entire sea.
Momousagi looked at Plank, who simply waved his hand. "Since that's the case, I'll be leaving first. I don't feel like I have anything to do here!"
"You…" Momousagi drew his sword, intending to pursue, but was stopped by the leader.
"This mission's target is Grimm. Don't bother with him anymore!"
After the ship was activated, an agent took the Den Den Mushi to the leader's side and respectfully said, "Sir, the Five Elders are calling."
The Five Elders—those are the highest authority in the world. Anyone would have to show respect.
The leader placed the Den Den Mushi in his palm. "This is CP0."
"I heard you failed the mission. What happened?" the voice from the other end was that old man with short blond hair and a short beard. The Den Den Mushi vividly displayed his facial expression.
The agents on the ship, hearing the icy tone of the Five Elders, broke out in cold sweat. Trained professionals, they couldn't help but tremble with fear—if they made a mistake, they might all end up dead.
"Tirion D. Grimm possesses very troublesome abilities. Not inferior to the great pirates currently dominating the sea. The failure was indeed unexpected, but it wasn't due to carelessness. The opponent was just too difficult to deal with."
"..."
After hearing this, the Five Elders fell silent.
As the five most powerful people in the world, they at least had capable personnel.
CP0 was a sharp sword of the government. They wouldn't just be wiped out because of a single failure, but they wouldn't be let off easily either.
After a few seconds of thought, the Five Elders said, "Your punishment will be decided later. Be prepared. Your current task is to personally meet with Admiral Kong and clearly explain the situation to him!"
"Designate Grimm as a wanted criminal!" the Five Elders ordered firmly.
...
On the west coast of Water City.
"What's going on? That disturbance!" Tom, who was working on Grimm's ship, couldn't help but ask.
"It seems to be something about the World Government. I don't know the details," replied a crew member under Tom.
"Hey, Uncle!"
A shout came from behind. Tom turned to see the red-haired kid from Roger's crew.
Shanks ran over and said, "Grimm asked me to tell you—work on the ship first. He'll come to pick it up later. If anything happens, contact that guy Plank!"
"Did something happen?"
Tom was curious. What exactly had happened?
"I don't know, but it should be something interesting!" Shanks shrugged. "And we've paid our money. After that, you should help us finish the ship, right?"
"I got it. Don't worry," Tom nodded, then smiled at Roger: "A good ship isn't afraid to wait!"
...
After passing through the Gate of Justice, they finally arrived at Marine Headquarters—Marineford.
"Sir, we've docked the ship at Marine Square. After meeting with Admiral Kong, please return promptly. Also, report to the higher-ups of the government!" a spy approached the CP0 leader and respectfully reminded him.
"The main thing is to wait patiently," the leader replied coldly.
"Sorry for my intrusion," the agent quickly bowed in apology.
Soon after, the trained Marine officers spotted a tall, conspicuously dressed man in a white suit, accompanied by several government agents in black suits and sunglasses, walking between Momousagi and others in the alley.
"CP0?"
The Marines at the headquarters whispered. Their outfits were too obvious—only CP0 agents would wear white suits.
"CP0, follow me. The Fleet Admiral is waiting, and the higher-ups have already given orders!" a Vice-Admiral in a Marine uniform, smoking a cigarette, said at the building entrance.
Momousagi sighed. "Sir, then please transfer to Fleet Admiral Kong."
"Understood. Sorry for the trouble, Vice-Admiral Momousagi. Others, step back. I'll handle this alone," the leader said, instructing the other government agents to return to their ships while only one entered.
Inside the Marine Headquarters building, surprisingly, the style was Japanese. When they reached Kong's office, the doors were sliding paper doors typical of Japan. Without much defense, anyone who could break in here could ignore any number of doors.
Kong stood at the door, indicating that CP0 could enter.
When the leader entered, he saw that the office was very simple—tatami mats, a desk, and behind it, a man dressed in a black suit, wearing a Marine cloak.
That was Marine Fleet Admiral Kong, known as Kong the Conqueror!
Kong was sitting with his arms crossed, a grim expression on his face. His thick lips moved slightly: "CP0 actually failed? That's beyond my expectations."
"This time, we're here to convey the higher-ups' orders—to immediately list Grimm as a wanted criminal. The bounty amount will be decided by the Marine departments," the leader said calmly, showing no reaction to the word "failure."
"Dare you admit your failure? Such incompetence! And you still dare to give me orders!" Kong was unhappy inside but didn't dare to say it openly. "Then, what should I call the charges against him?"
"Mass murder of government officials, stealing top secret documents!" the leader said as a matter of course.
"That's just a blatant accusation! Do you think it will damage your reputation if you accuse others like that?" Kong thought for a moment and added, "Maybe you should change the charge!"
"That's the order from the Five Elders," the leader replied.
"Understood. Then, let the Marine handle this matter fully. You may leave now!"
"One last thing!"
"What?"
"Can I get permission to meet Vegapunk? Although I wasn't able to bring Grimm over, there are some things I need to tell him!" the leader said.
"Just send a report, and I'll pass it on," Kong asked plainly.
"This matter is very important within the government. Even you, Fleet Admiral, shouldn't know about it for now!"
Hearing this, Kong's eyes narrowed. His aura suddenly exploded, causing the entire building to shake loudly. Outside, the Marine standing guard looked exhausted and said, "This group of government agents is making the Fleet Admiral furious again!"
__________________
For more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.
"Schedule"
Monday - Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day
Saturday - Sunday - Off