NOVEL WEB Chapter 456: Chapter 457: Buster Call
Chapter 457: Buster Call
Fleet Admiral Kong looked at the two rising stars of the Navy—Akainu and Aokiji—and spoke gravely.
His words prompted immediate responses.
"Yes, sir!"
Aokiji and Akainu both stood up straight and saluted.
This was a direct order from the World Government.
If they executed it well, it would leave a strong impression on their superiors.
Both men were quietly thrilled.
"That concludes this meeting. All departments, return to your duties and prepare," Kong said, sweeping his gaze across the room.
"Yes, sir!"
All high-ranking Navy officers stood and filed out.
Aokiji and Akainu left the office with visible excitement on their faces.
Suddenly, a voice called out.
"Vice Admiral Aokiji, may I join this operation?"
Aokiji turned and saw the speaker.
"Saul? Of course, no problem. I'll call you when it's time," he replied, not even hesitating.
It was Jaguar D. Saul, his good friend from the giants.
"Thanks a lot! I haven't been on a mission in ages," Saul said with a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his head.
Aokiji smiled back. His old friend had transferred from the West Blue, where he served as a branch vice admiral, to Marine HQ—of course he'd want to prove himself.
As his friend, Aokiji had no reason not to give him this chance.
The two chatted as they walked to the Marine canteen.
But after they parted ways—
Saul's expression turned serious.
Worry clouded his eyes.
"I have to warn Olvia and the others!"
From his conversation with Aokiji, Saul had figured out that a Buster Call was being launched against Ohara. He knew time was critical, so he quickly boarded a Marine warship and set sail for the West Blue.
As a vice admiral, he had the authority to mobilize one.
---
Three days later, all preparations were complete.
Aokiji knocked on Saul's door.
No response.
"Saul?" Aokiji called out.
Still silence.
He stopped a patrolling Marine.
"Do you know where Vice Admiral Saul is?"
"Vice Admiral Saul? I think he left port three days ago, sir. Not sure where to."
Aokiji stood quietly for a moment, then nodded and walked away.
He headed to the port, clearly troubled.
"About time you showed up, Aokiji!"
Akainu stood on the deck, frowning as he spotted his partner.
Aokiji lowered his head and joined him in silence.
Ten warships departed the harbor.
Leading them were Aokiji and Akainu, accompanied by other strong vice admirals such as Momonga, Burning Mountain, Onigumo, Strawberry, and Dalmatian.
Akainu was in charge of military execution.
Aokiji was tasked with coordinating with the World Government's agents on Ohara.
---
One month later—West Blue
After rushing from HQ, Saul finally found Olvia on an island.
"Olvia! Something terrible's happened. The World Government is furious about your research into the Void Century. They've ordered a Buster Call on Ohara. All the scholars are in danger. You must flee now!"
Saul's voice was urgent.
"What?! That's impossible! The World Government can't do that! Tell me this isn't true, Saul!" Olvia said in disbelief.
"It's true! The Navy fleet has already reached the West Blue. They're heading for Ohara right now. Hide—quickly! I'll cover you!"
"No. I have to warn Dr. Clover and the others!" Olvia said with firm resolve.
"No! Going there now is suicide!" Saul tried to stop her.
"My daughter is there. And my life's work. I will live and die with Ohara!" Olvia declared, then ran to the boat and set off without waiting for a response.
Saul stood stunned, watching the boat fade into the distance.
He clenched his jaw—
And boarded his own ship to follow.
---
Entrance to Reverse Mountain, West Blue
Aokiji sat at the prow of the warship, eyes fixed on the calm sea.
Over the past month, he had sent people to track Saul.
News came: Saul was in the West Blue.
A heavy sense of dread hung over Aokiji.
"Don't do anything foolish, Saul…" he muttered.
Brrruu brrruu!
A Den Den Mushi rang.
Aokiji answered.
"Vice Admiral Aokiji? This is Spandine, the World Government's agent. You are to assist me during this Buster Call. When will you arrive?"
Aokiji frowned slightly at the voice.
"Three days."
"Three days? Fine. Meet me on Ohara Island then. The Buster Call won't begin until I give the command!"
"Understood."
The call ended.
Aokiji gazed out at the endless sea, his heart full of conflict.
---
Half a month earlier – Carmel Island, New World
"Are we sure the Navy's main forces are in the West Blue?"
Charlotte sat at the head of a long table, asking the assembled officers.
All the senior members of the Rockefeller Pirates were present.
"Yes, Captain. Intelligence confirms that two of the Navy's monster trio—Aokiji and Akainu—left HQ with ten warships. Their destination is the West Blue," Carter reported from the captain's right.
In recent years, Carter had become more of an intelligence officer than a fighter.
Charlotte tapped the table.
A large-scale Navy deployment during Sea Circle Calendar Year 1500… it could only mean one thing:
Ohara's Buster Call.
Research into the Void Century—one of the World Government's biggest taboos—was about to be silenced.
Charlotte felt no particular emotion about Ohara's fate.
What mattered was: how could he profit from it?
Right now, the Navy was at its weakest.
A long-buried plan stirred in Charlotte's heart.
Two years ago, Golden Lion Shiki was captured. A year ago, Red Count Patrick Redfield was also imprisoned.
Charlotte had always had a big plan in mind:
To attack the most infamous stronghold in the pirate world—
Impel Down, the Great Prison.
Time to make a scene.
And while he was at it, he could rescue Golden Lion Shiki and his friend Patrick Redfield.
(Golden Lion: So I'm the afterthought now?)
Charlotte hadn't forgotten how Shiki once helped him break through to the rank of Greatsword Master.
He owed the man a favor.
By busting him out now, Charlotte would repay that debt—and save Shiki from losing his legs.
He smirked to himself.
"Truly, I'm a genius."
---
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