Sengoku nodded, his expression resolute. "You're right. Regardless of what motives he may have, we cannot allow our Admirals to remain in his custody. They represent the power and authority of the Marines. If we lose them… it would set a dangerous precedent."
Tsuru leaned forward, her voice calm but with an edge of determination. "If we negotiate, it has to be carefully calculated. Handing over Mythical Zoan or Logia fruits is no small matter. We need to ensure he doesn't gain more strength from this exchange than he already has."
Sengoku gritted his teeth, considering the risks. "Max's terms are steep, but with three Admirals as his captives, he holds all the leverage. We'll need to select fruits that won't tip the scales too far in his favor while giving us a chance to rescue our men."
Garp folded his arms, finally setting aside his rice crackers. "Maybe it's time we turn to our old allies—or even the warlords. Some of them might jump at the chance to take down a pirate like Max."
Sengoku exhaled heavily, the weight of the decision pressing on him. "We'll prepare a team and reach out to those we can trust. And if it comes to it, we'll take Max down ourselves."
He glanced around the room at his comrades, his eyes hardened with resolve. "Prepare the strongest we have. This might be our only chance to rescue the Admirals—and send a message that the Marines will not be trifled with."
The room fell silent as Sengoku's words hung heavily in the air. Vice Admiral Tsuru leaned back thoughtfully, already considering possible allies and strategizing approaches for the delicate exchange.
"We'll need backup on standby," she began, her eyes scanning the gathered officers. "If Max tries any tricks, we can't afford to be caught off guard. He may have the Admirals, but we're still the Marines."
"Agreed," Sengoku nodded. "Let's mobilize units that specialize in Devil Fruit powers. If Max wants a fight, he'll get one."
Garp shifted uncomfortably, his usual easy-going demeanor gone as he felt the weight of the situation. "So, are we going to call in the warlords, or are we handling this alone?"
Sengoku considered it. "If we involve the warlords, we have to be cautious. Some of them might be as much a liability as an asset. Still, a few could be useful in keeping Max's crew busy while we focus on the rescue."
Tsuru added, "We should send word to Fleet Admiral Kong. He needs to be aware of the situation—and, if possible, reinforce us. We're dealing with a pirate unlike any we've encountered before. Max's power isn't just in his Devil Fruit or his crew; it's his ideas that are the most dangerous"
The officers all shared a determined look, steeling themselves for the difficult mission ahead.
"Very well," Sengoku concluded. "Gather the Devil Fruits he's requested, but also prepare a task force that includes our best fighters. This is our priority: rescue the Admirals, neutralize Max if possible, and remind the world that the Marines are not to be trifled with."
Garp cracked his knuckles, his usual grin replaced with a steely expression. "About time we had a real fight. Let's see what this so-called 'Night Monarch' is made of."
"After all this brat looks like my grandson age, I wonder how he is so powerful at such age" Garp mumbled as he looked forward to have a fight with him.
****
Meanwhile, after a few days of relaxation and revelry, Max stepped out of the bar, his eyes focused on his next goal—the notorious Public Service Office in Marine Hangage, also known for its infamous slave auction house. Max knew the Marines often used the name to mask their complicity and incompetence in keeping such vile practices alive. But today, he intended to take action against those who truly ran these operations: the Celestial Dragons.
"Time to make some noise," he muttered with a smirk, feeling a surge of energy as he imagined the chaos his presence would bring to these hallowed halls of corruption. The mere thought of capturing a few Celestial Dragons for leverage—to trade them later for powerful Devil Fruits and other valuable items—made his day.
As he strolled down the busy streets, his crew followed, each of them equally eager to disrupt the dark dealings of the so-called elites. Bullet cracked his knuckles, grinning in anticipation, while Gwen walked beside Leon, her hand resting on her newly acquired sword, keen to test the strength she'd gained under Leon's training.
The townspeople and lower-ranking Marines in the area were on high alert. They knew something was wrong when Max and his powerful entourage walked openly through the streets toward the auction house without a hint of subtlety. Rumors of his capture of three Admirals had spread like wildfire, and his presence struck fear into the heart of every Marine nearby.
Reaching the Public Service Office, Max paused, his gaze shifting toward the slave auction house next door. He could see the opulent decorations and banners lining the building, which stood as a twisted symbol of wealth and power built on the suffering of others.
"Hehehe, I just had a great idea," Max muttered, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he gazed at the auction house.
"What is it?" Gwen asked, curious, while the rest of the crew turned their attention to him.
Max's smirk widened. "How about we auction off the Celestial Dragons themselves? Wouldn't that be a fitting end for them?" His eyes gleamed with amusement at the thought, and the others shared in his dark amusement.
"And we'll do it in the New World, make it a grand event," he added as he took a step toward the auction house. "Let's go and collect our 'products.'"
He looked at Bullet, World, Leon, and Patrick. "Spread out and search the other auction houses nearby. Free any slaves you find, kill the auction leaders, and capture every Celestial Dragon you come across."
The crew nodded eagerly. "And don't forget to take any Devil Fruits you find," Max added, as they split up to carry out their orders.
Max himself strode confidently toward the main auction house, where guards already looked panicked, some rushing to sound an alarm. But before they could react, Max raised his hand, emitting a powerful wave of energy that knocked them to the ground, silencing any warnings.
***
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