章 64: Marvel 64
As the Night Monarch's crew disembarked on Sabaody, a feeling of excitement buzzed through them. The bustling island, with its giant mangrove trees and colorful, shimmering bubbles floating everywhere, felt lively and almost festive. It was a far cry from the tense confrontations they'd been having recently, and the crew was eager to take it all in.
"Ah, Sabaody!" Leo grinned, stretching his arms wide. "It's been a while since I could relax properly."
"Same," Gwen added, her eyes lighting up as she took in the sights. "I've heard about the bubble bikes here. We have to try them!"
Max chuckled as he observed his crew dispersing into the marketplace. "Go on," he told them. "Enjoy yourselves, but don't stray too far. We don't want to get separated if trouble finds us."
With that, they were off, blending in with the crowd as they explored the attractions. Gwen and Leon quickly found a rental shop, where they hopped onto bubble bikes and zipped through the groves, weaving between giant mangrove roots and floating bubbles. Their laughter echoed as they tried racing each other, the bubbles bouncing off trees and creating a light show around them.
Nearby, Bullet had found his way to a local food stall, where he indulged in an impressive feast, sampling the island's unique seafood dishes and downing large mugs of ale. The shop owner watched in awe as Bullet devoured plate after plate, seemingly bottomless in his appetite.
Max walked around leisurely, keeping an eye on his crew while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. His usual dark and intense demeanor softened as he took in the island's vibrant energy. He passed by a small music stage where musicians played cheerful island tunes, and a few locals danced along.
Then, as Max turned the corner, he spotted the iconic amusement area where people gathered to watch performances and engage in games of chance. He noticed Patrick, already deep into a gambling game, drawing a crowd as he skillfully won round after round.
Max approached him with a smirk. "Not wasting any time, are you, Patrick?"
"Ah, Captain!" Patrick laughed, pocketing his winnings. "What's life without a bit of luck and chance? I figured I'd make the most of our time here." He winked, clearly enjoying the attention from the onlookers.
The day continued in this lighthearted way, each crew member indulging in something they enjoyed, feeling the rare thrill of freedom and camaraderie. The sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the island, and the air was filled with laughter and music as locals and visitors alike enjoyed the peaceful evening.
Max couldn't help but blend in with them as he watched his crew. Enjoying the day fully.
****
The atmosphere at Marine Headquarters was tense, a stark contrast to the relaxed, almost celebratory air on Sabaody. In the briefing room, Sengoku leaned forward, his gaze intense as he processed the grim report delivered by the Vice Admirals who had barely managed to escape Max's clutches.
"You're telling me both Aokiji and Akainu were captured?" Sengoku's voice was laced with disbelief, though he struggled to keep his composure.
"Yes," one of the Vice Admirals replied solemnly. "Admiral Aokiji surrendered when Max threatened to kill us all if we resisted further. Admiral Akainu attempted to fight, but..." The Vice Admiral hesitated, recalling the chilling sight. "Max severed his left hand and overpowered them both with alarming ease."
Tsuru, standing beside Sengoku, folded her arms, her expression contemplative. "Did Max say anything about his intentions? Why hold them captive instead of killing them?"
The Vice Admiral nodded. "He demanded either Logia or Mythical Zoan Devil Fruits in exchange for their release. That was the only condition he gave."
Sengoku's brows knitted as he leaned back, running a hand through his beard in frustration. "Is that all? Just a trade for Devil Fruits?" He muttered, almost to himself. "What is that pirate planning with all these powerful fruits?"
As Sengoku considered the situation, Garp sat nearby, casually munching on rice crackers with a carefree demeanor. The crunching sounds echoed in the room, breaking the tense silence. Sengoku's eyebrow twitched as he glanced sideways, irritation flashing in his eyes. "Garp! This is serious! Your munching is hardly appropriate right now," he snapped.
Garp merely shrugged, popping another cracker into his mouth without concern. "Bah, you're worrying too much, Sengoku. Maybe it's time we stopped underestimating these pirates. Besides, Max is clever; he knows the World Government won't just hand over rare Devil Fruits."
Tsuru sighed, her voice soft but laced with caution. "Garp may have a point. This demand for powerful fruits could be a diversion, something to draw our attention and resources. But whatever the case, Max isn't just an ordinary pirate. He's already shown a strategic mind."
Sengoku frowned, his gaze drifting to the window as he thought about the situation at hand. "We have little choice but to consider Max's demand, at least as a temporary strategy. We can't let the public or the Marines know that two Admirals are captives. That would be disastrous for morale."
As Sengoku and Tsuru weighed their options, Garp leaned back, a faint grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "If you ask me, Sengoku, sometimes you've gotta let things play out naturally. You never know—those young upstarts might surprise you."
Sengoku shot him a glare. "Don't think you can eat your way out of responsibility, Garp. We'll need all hands to handle this."
Garp just chuckled, unbothered as always, but even he knew that the Marine Headquarters was on the verge of a storm.
The Vice Admiral hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "There's one more thing," he began, glancing nervously between Sengoku and Tsuru.
"What is it? Just spit it out!" Garp said, raising an eyebrow as he cracked a grin.
The Vice Admiral took a deep breath and continued, "Max… he told Admiral Aokiji that despite how corrupt the Marines may be, the organization is still needed in this world. He claimed that's the only reason he's sparing us."
Sengoku and Tsuru exchanged a tense look, processing the implications of Max's words. Tsuru narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "It sounds as if he isn't just another power-hungry pirate," she said, her tone cautious. "If anything, this shows a sense of… purpose, a belief in something beyond mere Pirating."
***
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