Chapter 118 All Hokage in Chat Group (Patreon)

"It's all over, it's finally over!" The weight of those words hung heavily in the air.

"My official career is coming to an end," the Marine Rear Admiral thought somberly.

Upon receiving this news, the Marine Rear Admiral stationed at the Sabaody Islands was struck with shock, as if a bolt of lightning had pierced the sky.

"All that I've known has now reached its conclusion," the Rear admiral pondered, a sense of finality washing over.

But before accepting this fate entirely,

"If only we could apprehend the person responsible for the demise of those celestial dragons," a flicker of hope ignited within the rear admiral's mind.

A glimmer of opportunity yet remained.

With this thought in mind, The Marine Rear Admiral's hand instinctively reached for the emergency button.

A deafening siren promptly blared, its wails echoing throughout the marine base, alerting all personnel. Marines swiftly congregated, a sense of urgency palpable in the air.

"Hurry up!" barked the admiral, urgency lacing every word.

"Someone has killed the Celestial Dragons!"

"These vile criminals must be captured! Otherwise, we'll have no tomorrow to look forward to!"

As the Marine Rear Admiral urgently relayed the situation, the gravity of the situation became starkly apparent to all present. Without delay, the Marines were dispatched.

They hastened towards the vicinity where the Celestial Dragons had met their demise.

Simultaneously, At the headquarters of the Navy, Marineford.

An alarm resounded suddenly within the communication department.

As the alarm pierced the silence, Expressions of all those in the vicinity underwent an instantaneous transformation. With haste, they arrived at the office of Sengoku, bearing the report.

"Marshal, urgent report!"

"A crisis has unfolded at Sabaody Islands!"

"The Celestial Dragons have been targeted!"

The messenger, foregoing formalities, barged into the office.

The attack on the Celestial Dragons was an event of unparalleled significance, rendering even the norms of protocol obsolete.

Sengoku, busy perusing the report,

"What's the matter?" Garp inquired, intrigue displacing his nonchalant expression.

"This is no ordinary attack," Sengoku's countenance revealed the severity of the situation.

"On Sabaody Islands, three Celestial Dragons have been slain!"

"What?!" Garp's response was a mix of astonishment and disbelief.

Sengoku's face contorted with a mix of frustration and anxiety, mirroring the gravity of the report. Garp rushed to the desk, grabbing the report for a closer read.

Having absorbed the contents, Garp was confounded, the distinction between raiding and killing Celestial Dragons being starkly evident.

The implications diverged significantly.

"To all units! Recall all furloughs for Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals!"

"Assemble the Three Admirals!"

"Prepare the ships swiftly! We're setting sail for Sabaody Island!"

Sengoku's orders reverberated, initiating a flurry of activity throughout the Marine headquarters.

Garp's swift reaction underscored the unprecedented nature of the situation. He sprung to action, exiting the room to make preparations.

As Sengoku readied to depart for the port, A distinctive den den mushi, emblematic of the World Government's communications, began to ring on the table.

Sengoku heaved a resigned sigh; the inevitable had caught up.

Answering the call, A somber voice emanated from the bug, "Sengoku, heed this directive! Use all necessary means to apprehend these criminals! This transgression shall not go unpunished! Their execution shall be a public spectacle worldwide!"

"The world must grasp the consequences of this affront!"

In the face of this mandate, Sengoku's compliance was swift.

The reasons behind the World Government's urgency were evident, even without explicit explanation. Over the course of eight centuries, the Celestial Dragons had evolved into a decadent elite, basking in past glory.

The world too had grown accustomed to their impunity, refraining from any action against them. Yet now, audacious criminals had taken the lives of Celestial Dragons.

Failure to address this would unravel their perceived invincibility, imperiling their already fragile standing.

Malevolent individuals seeking notoriety would inevitably target these vulnerable elites.

Hence, resolute action was imperative.

The assembly of Marines began promptly.

Sengoku and Garp joined the ranks, accompanied by the Three Admirals and various Vice Admirals.

A formidable force set forth toward Sabaody Islands.

Fortuitously, the Naval Headquarters' proximity to the island was advantageous.

Timing seemed favorable.

"Kizaru!"

"Initiate reconnaissance on the island's situation!"

"Prevent these felons from fleeing at all costs!"

Kizaru, usually nonchalant, now grasped the gravity of the situation.

Moreover, duty beckoned, reminding him of his allegiance to the World Government.

Sengoku's command spurred Kizaru into action.

Transforming into a beam of golden light, he raced towards Sabaody Islands.

Meanwhile, on the island,

Ryan, the center of the unfolding events, Emerged from a shop with his companions. A seafaring chart clutched in his hand, indicating the path to Water 7.

Amidst the group's movement to the shore,

Hashirama contemplated shaping a wooden boat using his Wood Style abilities. Such feats were well within his capabilities. Yet Ryan interjected, recognizing the impracticality of a wooden vessel's utility.

After all, such a craft offered minimal amenities.

Time was of the essence; indulging in unnecessary preparations was unwarranted.

"Where's the shipyard near Area 50?"

"Plenty of boats there! Just go and get one!"

With Ryan's instruction, the chat members surged toward Area 50 with determination.

In the wake of the Celestial Dragons' demise, Sabaody Islands had descended into chaos. Consequently, the shipyard, once bustling, had been deserted by many who fled in panic. The number of available boats had dwindled significantly.

Staring at the deserted shipyard, a silence fell over the group momentarily.

However, hope remained as there were shipyards from Area 51 to Area 59. The search continued as they moved to the next area.

After exploring multiple areas, they finally stumbled upon a newly constructed, sizable ship at Area 54's shipyard. This vessel boasted complete facilities and was ready for the voyage. Without hesitation, they boarded and surveyed their newfound means of escape.

"Hey, that ship ain't yours?"

Yet, just as Ryan and the others were ready to set sail, an unexpected voice reached their ears, arresting their attention.

Turning their gaze towards the source of the voice, they found an elderly man with white hair regarding them skeptically.

Upon seeing this man, Ryan immediately recognized him.

The individual before them was none other than Pirate King's Silver Rayleigh, also known as the Pluton's Deputy.

As Rayleigh expressed surprise, Ryan's straightforward response brought their motives to light.

"It wasn't ours before, but it is now. The ship belongs to us."

Rayleigh remained in character, feigning ignorance. "I'm not concerned about ownership. However, I do ask for my fee. Coating is a labor-intensive task."

With that, Ryan tossed a bag of treasure toward Rayleigh. The substantial contents of the bag elicited an almost comical reaction from the seasoned pirate.

Rayleigh's amusement was evident. "This is more profitable than selling myself to Slave-hunters."

Content with the compensation, Rayleigh confirmed that the payment sufficed.

Ryan's response drew a chuckle from the Deputy, "Haha, captain is certainly straightforward!"

"However, coating isn't instantaneous; it will take time before you can venture into the New World."

Ryan's next words seemed to perplex Rayleigh, "Who said we were headed to the New World? We're returning to the Grand Line; there are matters we must address there. As for the New World, that's a discussion for another time. When we're ready for coating, we'll reach out, and I hope you won't decline; consider the money a deposit."

As the group sailed away, Rayleigh remained bewildered by their intentions.

Meanwhile, the ship smoothly navigated towards the Grand Line.

Rayleigh's contemplation deepened as he pondered the reasons behind the young pirates' unconventional decisions.

Observing the powerful individuals on board, Rayleigh noted that their strength was extraordinary, indicating a formidable presence in the New World.

Attempting to discern their motives, Rayleigh chalked it up to generational differences.

Returning his attention to the treasure, Rayleigh's spirits lifted, and he set out to enjoy a well-deserved drink.

As the ship embarked on its journey, a sudden question broke the peaceful ambiance, "Hey, what actually happened on the island?"

Rayleigh brushed off the query, "Don't worry about that; let's just focus on getting some wine!"

However, as Ryan's ship left the harbor and ventured into the open sea, its abrupt departure did not go unnoticed. Near the Marine base in Area 60, caught sight of the hasty retreat.

Ryan's shrewd instincts told him that the Marine fleet on the horizon was undoubtedly pursuing them.

Meanwhile, as the ship sailed further away,

Kizaru, taking the lead, noticed Ryan's ship and without hesitation, conjured a concentrated beam of light at his fingertip.