One Piece: So What If I Sin, Lie, and Lust? I'm Still a Good Marine

"The Heavenly Tribute... has been stolen!"

The Den Den Mushi perfectly conveyed Sengoku's anxious and heavy expression, even showing a bead of cold sweat trickling down his forehead.

Daren was momentarily stunned, then immediately put on a shocked look.

"How could something like this happen?

Admiral Sengoku, are you sure the information is accurate?

The Heavenly Tribute is the treasure offered by the World Government's member nations to the Celestial Dragons—it's of critical importance... Who in these seas would dare to steal it?"

Sengoku opened his mouth as if to speak, then shook his head.

"I can't explain everything right now. You need to come to my office immediately."

"I'll be right there, Admiral Sengoku!"

Daren responded seriously.

Once the call ended, Daren stood silently for a moment, then the corners of his mouth slowly curled into a smile.

"I didn't expect that brat Doffy to move so fast... As expected, when it comes to getting revenge against the Celestial Dragons, he acts with terrifying speed."

When it came to Doflamingo's mentality, Daren saw right through him.

Back when he rescued Fisher Tiger, Doflamingo had already shown an intense, almost obsessive hatred toward the Celestial Dragons.

Taking his time, Daren puffed on his cigar leisurely.

He didn't rush. Instead, he strolled into a coffee shop, ordered a cup of coffee and some desserts, and only after enjoying a slow, relaxed break did he begin making his way toward the Fleet Admiral's residence.

By the time he arrived, half an hour had passed.

At a glance, Daren spotted a massive hole where one of the port's gun emplacements had been torn out, and the corner of his eye twitched.

He shook his head and then knocked on the door to the Admiral's office.

"Admiral Sengoku."

As soon as he pushed open the door and raised his hand in salute, Daren saw Sengoku pacing anxiously inside, hands clasped behind his back, like an ant on a hot stove.

"You're finally here!"

Sengoku looked at Daren as if grabbing onto the last life-saving straw.

"I don't have time to explain everything. The government's top brass is treating the theft of the Heavenly Tribute as a major incident. You must leave immediately."

Daren remained calm.

"Admiral Sengoku, with all due respect, since it involves the Heavenly Tribute, wouldn't it be more appropriate for the government to handle it themselves?"

"Doesn't the government have people assigned to these matters?

And with CP0's strength, handling something like this should be easy."

Sengoku gritted his teeth, then shook his head.

"No. The individual who stole the Heavenly Tribute is... extremely special.

Both the government and the CP agencies are wary of him. They can't act rashly."

He gave Daren a meaningful look.

"Actually, you should know this guy as well... Donquixote Doflamingo."

Daren's pupils shrank slightly, and he finally feigned realization.

"So it's that guy..."

"I understand now, Admiral Sengoku. This really is a tricky situation."

Sengoku nodded heavily and let out a long sigh.

"Fleet Admiral Kong has already left for Mary Geoise to report to the Holy Land. As for Garp... he's not exactly suited to handle matters like this."

"Doflamingo is already deadlocked in negotiations with the World Government's representatives. After thinking it over, you're the only one in Marine Headquarters who has both the strength and the wisdom to handle this situation."

"You fought Doflamingo back when you were stationed in the North Blue. If you show up in person, he might actually hesitate and back down."

Daren showed a troubled expression and hesitated.

"Admiral Sengoku, to be honest, back when I was stationed in the North Blue, my relationship with Doflamingo was nothing short of hostile.

We even fought, and almost destroyed an entire town."

"He wanted my head, and because of his former status as a Celestial Dragon, I had no way to rein him in.

All I could do was order the North Blue Marines to stay vigilant and maintain heavy precautions against the Donquixote Family."

Sengoku waved his hand, interrupting Daren's words, and said earnestly,

"I know. You were wronged back then."

A former Celestial Dragon—

Even one stripped of the right to live in Mary Geoise—

Still posed an enormous political headache for the Marines.

Whether they chose to arrest, kill, or ignore him, there was no "correct" way to handle it.

It was a no-win situation.

At the time, Daren had adopted a strategy of "encirclement without engagement," maintaining a delicate balance between the Marines and the Donquixote Family.

That approach was close to flawless.

The political wisdom behind it was something roughnecks like Garp and Sakazuki could never hope to possess.

"It's precisely because you have experience dealing with Doflamingo that I'm entrusting this difficult task to you," Sengoku said, his face full of helplessness as he let out a long sigh.

"I know you've shouldered too much and endured plenty of hardships. If there were any other way, I wouldn't trouble you."

Alright, alright, quit pretending...

Daren secretly rolled his eyes.

"I don't mind handling it, but I can't guarantee that Doflamingo will obediently hand over the stolen Heavenly Tribute."

"It's fine! Just do your best!" Sengoku, worried that Daren might refuse, immediately made the decision.

Daren nodded, then asked,

"What kind of authority do I have for this operation?"

Authority...

Sengoku paused.

Of course, he knew exactly what Daren meant by "authority"—whether or not he had the right to take action against Doflamingo.

He hesitated for a moment. If he didn't give Daren enough freedom, it would only tie his hands and make success even harder to achieve.

Clenching his fist and straightening his posture, Sengoku declared resolutely,

"As long as you don't kill him, I'll take full responsibility for everything else!"

A faint smile appeared on Daren's lips.

"Then I have no problem, Admiral Sengoku."

Seeing the slight upward curve of the Vice Admiral's mouth, Sengoku suddenly had a bad feeling. After a moment's thought, he quickly added,

"Vice Admiral Tsuru will accompany you as your staff officer for this operation."

...

At the same time.

In the New World, on a secret shipping route.

A remote, deserted island.

"Doflamingo, don't push it too far!"

Several World Government officials, dressed in ornate suits and accompanied by a group of black-suited CP agents, glared furiously at the blond brat before them, shouting one after another.

"Where have you hidden the Heavenly Tribute!?"

"I advise you to hand it over! Otherwise, there will be no place left for you in this sea!"

"What you've done has already provoked the wrath of the elders!"

"..."

Angry shouts and murderous intent surged like a tidal wave, but the blond Celestial Dragon surrounded by enemies only let out a cold, mocking laugh.

Sitting arrogantly atop a mountain of corpses, he looked down at the group of World Government lackeys with disdain-filled eyes.

"You're not even qualified to negotiate with me... Bring those five old fossils here!"

The moment the words left his mouth, his fingers began to curl and twist.

A chilling, razor-sharp force burst forth into the air!

...

(100 Chapters Ahead)

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