thefictionvixens Chapter 49 The Truth
Chapter 49 The Truth
After listening to the advice of Advisor He, Sengoku fell into deep thought.
Because that person might have killed Colonel Rat in Cocoyasi Village before wiping out the entire 16th Branch.
That's certainly very possible. What if Colonel Rat had started it in Cocoyasi Village? That would have led to retaliation, which implicated the 16th Branch as well. Staff Officer Tsuru, seeing Sengoku deep in thought, explained again.
Sometimes, it's true that an outsider's perspective is clearer, and guidance is needed. Under the guidance of Advisor He, Sengoku found the analysis increasingly insightful.
"Xiaohe, why do you think he did this? If it was just because he was provoked, would he really destroy all 16 branches? Isn't that a bit too cruel?" Sengoku asked, his face full of doubt.
Regarding Sengoku's doubts, Staff Officer Tsuru shook his head, indicating that he was also puzzled. Logically speaking, if it were just that, it certainly wouldn't have warranted the annihilation of all 16 branches.
"Sigh," Zhan Guo sighed, "Who in the East Sea do you think possesses such power?"
Warring States's unintentional remark sparked a flash of inspiration in Advisor Crane.
“During the Warring States period, there was indeed someone in the East Sea with such strength,” Advisor He said quietly.
"Little Crane, who are you talking about?" Sengoku asked excitedly, standing up from his seat.
"Sengoku, don't be anxious. This is just a guess," said Advisor Tsuru, seeing Sengoku's anxious expression.
"I'm sorry, Tsuru. I was too hasty." Sengoku was very embarrassed.
In response to Sengoku's apology, Advisor Tsuru simply shook his head; given their relationship, such apologies were insignificant.
Staff Officer He shook his head helplessly when he saw Sengoku's burning gaze.
"Warring States, have you forgotten that brat who became famous on the high seas a few days ago?" Advisor Tsuru said quietly.
"What? That can't be! You mean that red-haired brat known as the Killer?" Sengoku's tone was extremely agitated after hearing Tsuru's words.
“It is indeed very possible, Sengoku. Have you forgotten that the brat Killer possesses a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit and Conqueror's Haki, which is rare among millions?” Advisor Tsuru’s eyes flashed, and he said in a serious tone.
“Yes! That red-haired brat, the Killer, is indeed very likely,” Sengoku whispered.
"We underestimated that brat, the Killer, thinking he was just a kid who had just obtained a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit ability. But now it seems that the Killer was hiding his abilities perfectly," Staff Officer Tsuru exclaimed.
"If it really is that brat Killer, then his strength is hard to estimate," Sengoku said with a solemn expression.
Sengoku really didn't expect that the little devil, the Slayer, would actually do something so big for him.
That's absolutely malicious!
"If they could sink an island like the 16th Branch, then the Killer's combat strength must have reached at least that of an Admiral!" Staff Officer Tsuru said with great concern.
"He might be a little lacking in general-level strength, but he could probably reach the level of a near-general-level general." Sengoku's tone was somewhat relaxed.
"Should we notify Aokiji now?" Staff Officer Tsuru's tone had relaxed considerably.
"No need, Tsuru. Let Aokiji handle this himself. I believe he can handle it well," Sengoku said calmly.
Sengoku believed that Aokiji's strength was more than enough, so what if that little killer was also a general?
Aokiji has been at the Admiral level for many years; a newly promoted Admiral is no match for him. (Okay, others might not be able to defeat Aokiji. But Minos, with the enhancement of the Killing System, could probably kick Aokiji. (⌒▽⌒))
"But we still need to keep an eye on Aokiji's situation to prevent any problems from arising," Staff Officer Tsuru said with concern.
"Okay, Xiaohe, I will definitely pay attention. It's already very late, so let's discuss it tomorrow!" Sengoku said, looking exhausted.
"Then I'll be going now." Seeing that Sengoku looked exhausted, Staff Officer Tsuru didn't want to bother him any longer. He said this casually and left Marshal Sengoku's office.
"Ah, these are truly turbulent times!" Sengoku sighed before leaving the exhausting office.
……
The sky was still dimly lit and damp when Aokiji led Smoker, who was still wrapped in bandages, Tashigi, who looked confused, and dozens of Marines from Loguetown away from Loguetown.
Apart from Smoker, who knew a little, everyone else was very confused.
This is because Aokiji arrived in Loguetown very late last night and simply told Smoker that something big had happened in the East Blue and that he would have Smoker and his soldiers go to investigate with him first thing tomorrow morning.
Smoker was also puzzled by this. But military orders are absolute, and Aokiji had gone to great lengths for him, so Smoker listened to Aokiji's words as they were.
This led to the scene of many naval soldiers leaving early in the morning, their faces filled with confusion.
Smoker stood on the warship, opened a cigar, took a puff, and then exhaled a puff of smoke before speaking.
"What on earth happened, Admiral Aokiji?"
Smoker's words instantly snapped the previously confused soldiers to attention.
They were eager to know what had happened and why Admiral Aokiji was also on the warship.
Moreover, it seems that it was Admiral Aokiji who ordered Smoker to lead the expedition.
Aokiji naturally heard Smoker's question and saw the thirst for knowledge in the eyes of many naval soldiers.
"Well, something really big has happened," Aokiji said to the group of naval soldiers with a serious expression.
Ugh, just say it! (Smoker roared inwardly.)
Aokiji's next sentence left Smoker and many other marines utterly horrified.
“That means the 16th branch of the East China Sea Navy, along with the islands, have disappeared,” Aokiji said gravely.
"What?! This can't be!" Smoker exclaimed in shock. His face was filled with horror.
The other naval soldiers, like Smoker, were filled with horror.
Seeing the horrified expressions on Smoker's and the others' faces, Aokiji reaffirmed, "It's true. I was in the 16th Branch's waters yesterday."
The island that was once home to the 16th branch is now just an empty sea area, with nothing else.
What does it mean to be frightened? Aokiji's words at this moment are exactly that.
This was indeed too exaggerated for the naval soldiers in the East China Sea; they couldn't imagine what kind of power could make an island disappear.
Smoker, having regained his composure, took a deep drag of his cigarette, then exhaled and asked, "So what should we do now, Admiral Aokiji?"
"We're going to the waters around Branch 16 to investigate how Branch 16 disappeared. Was it destroyed by a Super Sea King, or was it caused by that Devil Fruit user?" Aokiji said solemnly to Smoker and the Marines behind him.
After hearing Aokiji's words, Smoker and the naval soldiers said solemnly, "Don't worry, Admiral Aokiji, we will definitely find out the reason."
And so, Aokiji and the others marched in a grand procession toward the waters of the 16th Branch.
……