Bab 14: Chapter 14
Whitebeard still possessed some force but... without Xilan, even if the Whitebeard Pirates managed to save Ace, the losses would be catastrophic.
Paying 101.5 billion berries may sound like something extravagant, but it was actually a relatively acceptable price.
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On the far side, the warship remained docked on the sea, motionless for an extended period of time.
After an indeterminate amount of time, with a creak, the cabin door opened, and Xilan, adorned with snow-white hair, emerged from within.
His countenance was rosy and invigorated, as if he had just awakened from a restful slumber and stretched luxuriously.
Shortly after his emergence, Boa·Hancock, who was limping, also made her way out.
In stark contrast, her delicate visage betrayed a sense of resentment, and she gently clenched her silver teeth, glancing at the aged figure, privately astounded.
This old man, wasn't he supposed to be deceased? How is he suddenly capable of action once more?
"Hancock, you grow more radiant with each passing day," Xilan remarked, turning his gaze to that delicate and alluring countenance.
While these words might have sounded like compliments, to Boa Hancock's ears, they were nothing but blatant taunting.
As if to imply, "Isn't it magnificent? It's all thanks to me."
"The Summit War is over; return the way you came," Xilan waved his hand, realizing that he too needed to hasten back to the Naval Headquarters.
After seizing Ace and "releasing" a significant number of prisoners from Impel Down, Sengoku harbored deep animosity towards the black dragon, and the ensuing manhunt on the sea would be relentless.
Boa Hancock leaned against the wall, supporting herself with both hands, her legs weakened and throbbing with agonizing pain.
She dared not voice her grievances and merely nodded in acquiescence to Xilan's command.
"Regarding Luffy, how will he be dealt with?" She couldn't help but inquire further.
"Didn't I say it already? We shall see how much his father is willing to pay," Xilan replied impatiently.
Simultaneously, he cast a penetrating gaze upon Boa Hancock, issuing a warning, "Should you harbor any unrealistic notions, dismiss them immediately."
"Remember, you belong to me!"
Xilan's voice carried the essence of Conqueror's Haki, causing Boa Hancock to tremble.
Helplessly, she nodded, left with no choice but to comply.
Should she incur Xilan's wrath, not only would she suffer, but Nine Snake Island as a whole would be plunged into the depths of hell.
Half an hour later, the two parted ways.
Straw Hat Luffy was entrusted to Boa Hancock's care. Firstly, it would be inconvenient for Xilan to have Luffy accompany him on his journey to Naval Headquarters. After all, Xilan intended to test her as well. If she were to release Luffy, Xilan would not hesitate to annihilate her.
By noon, Xilan's warship finally reached the Naval Headquarters.
Surveying the surroundings, hundreds of warships were docked at the port, with Marines returning from all corners of the world.
This time, although 100,000 individuals were mobilized, they returned with a sense of desolation, turning the Marines into a subject of ridicule worldwide.
"I'm furious!"
Within the highest chamber of the headquarters, Sengoku seethed with fury, veins criss crossing his cheeks.
Xilan, seated beside him, glanced over, genuinely concerned that the old man might succumb to anger.
As the news of the Black Dragon's involvement reached the Five Elders, their anger surged to new heights. They viewed this situation as a significant failure on Sengoku's part and deemed him the most incompetent marshal Marine had ever seen. The weight of their disappointment pressed heavily on Sengoku's shoulders, fueling his determination to rectify the situation.
"Mobilize all our strength!" Sengoku thundered, his voice resonating with resolve. "Even if we have to turn the entire sea upside down, we must find the Black Dragon! I will personally tear him apart with my own hands!"
His sandbag-sized fist clenched tightly, showcasing the depth of his loathing towards the enigmatic criminal mastermind. Sengoku was fueled by his sense of duty and a burning desire for justice. He understood the urgency of capturing the Black Dragon and bringing an end to his reign of chaos.
Xilan maintained a smile, choosing to remain silent. The black dragon was his alter ego, and unless he changed his appearance, the Marines would never be able to find him in their lifetime.
"Sengoku... While apprehending the black dragon is crucial, we cannot neglect the escaped prisoners from Impel Down," the Crane Vice Admiral "Tsuru" expressed concern. "Several countries have already sent distress messages, and the government has requested our support in dealing with the situation."
"Hmph, that guy is nothing but trouble," Akainu, sitting opposite Xilan, grumbled with annoyance. In his plans, once the Whitebeard group was dealt with, the next task would be to eliminate the nuisance that was Xilan. However, with the current chaos in the seas, the Marines lacked the resources to clean up Xilan's mess.
"Following Tsuru's suggestion, let's prioritize the capture of the escaped pirates from Impel Down," Sengoku sighed softly, momentarily appearing like a burdened teenager as he left the room with a slight hunch.
Not long after, the Four Admirals of the Marines were dispatched with the mission of apprehending the escaped prisoners.
Unlike Akainu and the others, who were occupied with their bureaucratic tasks, Xilan took advantage of the opportunity and slipped away to a secluded spot basking in the sunlight.
Since the prisoners from Impel Down had already paid their dues, Xilan saw no need to take action. After all, maintaining credibility in business was essential.
Blue, blue, blue...
Xilan dialed a particular number that he had obtained at great cost. The individual on the other end was quite enigmatic and also a wanted criminal by both the Marines and the World Government.
"Ivan, have you finally escaped?!" After a while a voice from the other side inquired, the voice was filled with a touch of hoarseness.
Xilan remained silent for a few seconds: "I'll have to let you down, it seems, I'm Xilan."
After a brief pause, the very same voice tinged with hoarseness, came from the other end of the phone bug. "Xilan?!"
Monkey D. Dragon's voice faltered, sensing something amiss. "Where did you find Ivan's Den Den Mushi?"
"He's free now, no need to worry," Xilan reassured him.
Xilan didn't want to delve into it,"I'll spare you the details. Instead, focus on your son's safety," Xilan swiftly changed the subject. "Straw Hat Luffy is no longer in control of the situation. He actually came to Impel Down to rescue someone, and now I have captured him."
Upon hearing this, Monkey D. Dragon's expression grew extremely grim. Luffy was his only son, and he couldn't help but feel speechless about his reckless actions. It wasn't easy to locate individuals in the treacherous confines of Impel Down, so why would Luffy blindly join in the chaos?
"However, don't worry. I haven't handed Luffy over to the Marines yet. It will depend on your sincerity," Xilan stated bluntly, causing Dragon to close his eyes in anguish. He knew he would need to leverage his power to save his son.
...
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