Whitebeard across from him nodded in agreement:
"Exactly. Judging by the current situation, Captain Rocks is likely planning to strike an important target of the Marines, or even the World Government!
And he's determined to succeed."
Whitebeard and Shiki had experienced such large-scale operations targeting the Marine's core forces more than once.
"It seems everyone is here." Rocks entered the meeting hall and took the main seat:
"Latest intelligence indicates the Marines have been increasingly active, gradually shifting their strategic focus to the New World!
Not only have they deployed more fleets and elite forces to the New World, they've even transferred most of their Vice Admirals to garrison bases G-1 through G-5!"
Hearing this, many Officers present showed contemptuous sneers.
Clearly, they didn't take the Marine Headquarters' so-called "strategic shift" seriously at all.
In all their previous encounters, even when Fleet Admiral Kong personally led the siege operations, they had never been able to touch them.
However, Rocks' next words made everyone slightly rein in their contempt, their eyes beginning to gleam with a different light.
"According to my top-secret intelligence, while the Marines are doing this partly to contain our expanding influence in the New World,
the more direct reason is that many New World affiliate nations sworn to the World Government are due to pay their Celestial Tribute to those lofty Celestial Dragons.
The Marines' large-scale mobilization and troop reinforcements in the New World are to ensure this staggering amount of Celestial Tribute safely reaches the Holy Land Mariejois.
So..."
The words "Celestial Tribute" instantly captured all the Officers' attention.
John even audibly gulped, his eyes widening like copper bells.
Raiver Sky's heart also stirred.
The Celestial Tribute - the enormous wealth that World Government affiliate nations paid annually to the Celestial Dragons, enough to cripple a nation's finances!
Besides vast amounts of gold, silver, treasures, and Berries, it included many Devil Fruits and famous swords.
"Exactly!" Rocks suddenly stood up:
"The target of our operation this time is to intercept the Marine fleet escorting the Celestial Tribute and seize all those treasures!"
"Roar—!" Excited roars erupted among the Officers.
John was so excited his body trembled slightly.
"John, you're still the same - can't even move when you hear about treasure!
Wipe that drool from your mouth, you look like a pervert! Don't embarrass our crew here!"
Wang Zhi glanced disdainfully at the discomposed John.
Watching John's undisguised greed, Raiver Sky suddenly recalled:
After the Rocks Pirates disbanded, it seemed John's excessive greed led him to hoard massive treasures alone, ultimately betrayed and killed by his most trusted subordinates.
Rocks scanned the crowd, frowning slightly at John's appearance, and coldly reminded:
"We must seize the Celestial Tribute, but everyone remember - don't let treasure cloud your judgment and make you underestimate the enemy!"
According to reliable intelligence, the naval fleet responsible for escorting the main batch of Celestial Tribute this time includes Sengoku and Zephyr!
The other batch is escorted by Garp and Tsuru!
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions grew more solemn.
Garp, Sengoku, and Zephyr had long been selected as Admiral candidates by the Marines.
Clearly, these three had already reached Admiral-level strength, waiting only for the current three Admirals to retire before immediately assuming the positions.
Moreover, the current three Admirals would reach retirement age in just a few years.
This meant that the Marines, including Fleet Admiral Kong, possessed a total of seven Admiral-level combatants.
"Now for the specific operation arrangements." Rocks returned to his seat, tracing his finger across the sea chart spread on the table:
"Intelligence indicates the Marines have divided the Celestial Tribute into two batches, taking different secret routes to disperse risk. This actually gives us an opportunity.
I will personally lead the team, along with Raiver Sky, Shiki, and Newgate. The four of us will intercept and crush the main fleet escorted by Sengoku and Zephyr!
Their treasures should be the largest and most valuable batch!
Linlin, Silver Axe, Wang Zhi, and John will take the other route to plunder the second batch of Celestial Tribute!
My requirement is simple: we must seize both batches of Celestial Tribute completely! Not a single chest can be missing! Understood?!"
"Yes!"
Rocks had clearly given careful thought to placing Raiver Sky in his own team.
Although Raiver Sky was already an Officer and his strength had been proven,
he had not yet formed his own direct subordinate fleet and lacked experience in commanding large-scale naval battles.
Additionally, since he had good private relationships with Shiki and Newgate, their coordination might be more seamless.
"The operation plan is thus finalized." Rocks continued:
"Remaining Officers will stay at headquarters and need not participate in the frontline plundering. However, after success is achieved, they will still receive their due share of treasure!
Everyone return and immediately begin preparing ships, personnel, and supplies.
Speed and surprise are crucial for this operation.
Furthermore, during this period, no information about the operation may be leaked to anyone! Not even your most trusted subordinates!"
If I discover anyone daring to leak even the slightest hint... hmph!"
As he spoke, a terrifying, dreadful Haki suddenly erupted from Rocks!
The air seemed to solidify, and weaker Officers even felt their breath catch, cold sweat beading on their foreheads.
Facing Rocks' undisguited terrifying killing intent and pressure, everyone became solemn, responding in deep voices: "Yes, Captain Rocks!"
The meeting concluded in a stern and heavy atmosphere.
The Officers left the central castle one after another, each with their own thoughts.
...
Late night.
A furtive figure, using the cover of darkness and reefs, arrived at a remote, uninhabited stretch of coast.
Hiding behind a massive ancient tree, he confirmed once more that no one was following him, then took out a Den Den Mushi.
...
Simultaneously, at Marine Headquarters Marineford, in the office of Fleet Admiral "Kong" Kong.
Kong was bent over his desk reviewing a final report on troop movements in the New World.
The Den Den Mushi in the center of his desk suddenly rang.
Click~
Kong quickly picked up the receiver, his voice low: "Speak."
"The Rocks Pirates are planning a large-scale operation! Their target is the Celestial Tribute!"
Rocks had just convened all Officers for a meeting and personally ordered the plundering of the two shipments of Celestial Tribute that the Marines were escorting to Mary Geoise this time!
Kong's expression instantly darkened.
"Detail their specific deployment! Time, routes, troop allocation—leave nothing out!"
The undercover agent did not dare delay, immediately recounting the plan in detail.
After hearing the report, especially upon hearing the name Raiver Sky mentioned alongside Rocks, Whitebeard, and Golden Lion, Kong's face grew increasingly grim, yet a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
This intelligence was extremely critical—not only did it confirm Rocks' audacious plan, but it also exposed a potential weakness in his troop deployment.