Chapter 1148: I Also Represent "The Future"
Chapter 1148: I Also Represent "The Future"
New World, Marine Headquarters.
Footsteps echoed with chaotic urgency through Headquarters' corridors as swarms of Marines rushed toward the harbor.
"Hurry! Faster! Don't waste any time!"
Vice Admirals barked orders, directing soldiers onto ships departing in unison toward a distant horizon.
In the highest office, Sakazuki still clutched fragments of the shattered Transponder Snail receiver. His grip had crushed it moments ago during an outburst.
Across from him, Fukurou shook her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "Who can say whether this is blessing or curse?"
Kuro has captured Shanks!
He destroyed Shanks' ship while capturing its captain - or rather, the pirate surrendered willingly in exchange for letting Ben Beckman escape. But that distinction meant nothing to the Marines: Kuro had secured Shanks.
The moment he squeezed the receiver into pieces, Sakazuki activated emergency protocols. These departing fleets existed solely to intercept Kuro's return. Their mission - protect Shanks during transfer while preparing defenses against Red Hair Pirates' inevitable retaliation.
As for the pirate's condition about non-aggression toward Marines? Sakazuki wouldn't grant enemies the luxury of dictating terms. And honestly, he never trusted pirates anyway.
"Of course it's a blessing!" Sakazuki declared firmly. "Capturing Shanks marks another victory for the Marines!"
"But you understand his true nature", Fukurou countered meaningfully. "Among pirates, his priority rating was always low."
"He's still a pirate!" Sakazuki snapped. "All pirates must be eliminated. He obstructed Kuro's path thinking his status made him untouchable. Kuro proved otherwise - his actions reaffirmed that no pirate is beyond capture!"
Fukurou paused before warning, "The deed is done, so we proceed. But remember what happened last time we fought Whitebeard - we lost face publicly. This time must be different. You must withstand pressure from above."
"I know what must be done, Fukurou." Sakazuki's voice darkened.
The Great War's official victory - Whitebeard's and Ace's deaths - had been overshadowed by Whitebeard's dying proclamation about One Piece. The world's perception shifted more from Shanks' subsequent appearance than the Marines' efforts. Only Kuro cleaving Shanks and Blackbeard's rise allowed the Marines to salvage any credibility.
Since then, the Impel Down incident further damaged their reputation among informed circles. Now capturing Shanks risked repeating history - Sakazuki couldn't allow political interference weakening their position again.
Mariejois.
The Five Elders received the news simultaneously with Sakazuki. In the Rights Chamber, a curly-haired elder frowned. "This complicates matters."
"The impact will be massive", agreed a bearded elder. "Who'd have thought Kuro would actually capture Shanks?"
"Should we intervene?" a red-skinned elder asked. "Perhaps return him secretly?"
Map Elder shook his head. "Kuro handled this appropriately - capturing rather than killing. He understands Shanks' connections. Releasing him now would provoke Navy backlash."
Curly-Hair Elder sighed. "Not releasing him breaks the balance. Why specifically Shanks?"
Map Elder swept the room. "Because he stood in Kuro's path. Our operative knew what he was doing. This proves Garp's grandson is exceptional."
"Still Dragon's son", a blade-wielding elder scoffed. "That D bloodline never settles for less."
"Better he surrendered than died", the bearded elder reasoned. "At least now we can use him as leverage against his crew."
"Confine him to Impel Down", Red-Skinned Elder suggested. "Hold him as insurance until Wano Country's situation resolves."
Map Elder nodded. "Let Sakazuki handle the transfer. If needed, we can always interrogate him later."
The other four nodded in agreement.
Golden Lion's office.
"Tsk, why run into my path unnecessarily?" Kuro poured wine from a floating bottle toward Shanks' chained form. "If you truly trusted Luffy, you should've watched events unfold."
Klah and Lida watched warily as the crimson-haired pirate accepted the drink. Shanks, his shoulders pierced by imprisonment hooks, released the bottle with a smirk. "You've built quite the luxurious office."
"Rightly earned through hard work", Kuro bit his cigar. "Unlike your plundered wealth."
Shanks shrugged. "I told you - involving you buys Luffy more chances. Without interference, I'd have won. See? You still must escort me, delaying yourself."
Kuro leaned forward. "Clever calculations, but I don't believe mere days will change the future you envision."
His eyes gleamed. "Shanks, you're growing old. But I remain - the youngest Admiral in Marine history. The future has another representative."
Yes, I wanted retirement. But now that an old man holds the title...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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