Within the Marine base facing Cake Island across the sea.
Sensing the furious aura of Charlotte Linlin emanating from the island, and the faint mention of Sakazuki's name.
Zephyr and Garp wore peculiar expressions.
"Good heavens..."
"What has Sakazuki done now to enrage her to this extent..."
Garp, chewing on a donut, remarked, "It seems a great battle is imminent."
"You've arrived just in time."
Zephyr's lips curled up, a long-dormant fire igniting within him. "Indeed..."
-------------
The New World, on Cake Island.
Charlotte Linlin crushed the eyeball specimen in her hand into powder.
"That damnable thing!!!!"
"She hasn't awakened in so many years! And she awakens only after being captured by the Marines!!!"
"Has she been too pampered by me all these years!!!!"
*Boom—*
Her berserk Conqueror's Haki directly destroyed surrounding objects. Charlotte Linlin was almost driven mad...
The three-eyed tribe, upon awakening, could decipher Poneglyphs.
Currently, there was only Pudding on the seas with the three-eyed lineage. Although she had been disappointing for not awakening over the years, there was still a sliver of hope, the only hope.
And now, merely a few months after being captured by the Marines, she had awakened?
What did this mean?
Was she deliberately defying her?
"Damn youuuuuuu!!!!"
Charlotte Linlin, in her rage, was exceptionally terrifying.
"Guards!!!"
"Organize an attack!"
"Kill all those Marines!!!"
She was utterly infuriated, yet a shred of reason remained as she commanded her trembling subordinates:
"Contact Kaido!!!"
"Have him come to our aid! No matter the cost!!!"
While she wished to annihilate the Marines confronting Cake Island, that old man Garp was truly unkillable.
She couldn't break through this predicament alone; she needed an ally.
Previously, it was due to self-interest that they hadn't united, each acting alone. But now, she couldn't afford such considerations...
-----------
Meanwhile.
The Grand Line, Whiskey Peak.
On the rooftop of the highest building in the bounty hunter town.
Robin, having found an opportunity after leaving Alabasta, arrived here to rendezvous with Sabo and jointly discuss matters concerning Alabasta.
Robin reached the agreed-upon church spire. Sabo had not yet arrived.
The town's lights began to flicker on one by one. They had just hosted a group of pirates that evening, preparing to "deal" with them.
Leaning against the highest church spire, Robin watched the bounty hunters moving about in the dim light.
*Whoosh—*
A faint sound of wind and snow arose.
Sabo materialized, his expression somewhat agitated, and he spoke with solemnity, "Mr. Robin."
He extended his right hand.
Robin smiled and extended her own, grasping his. "Hello, Sabo."
Sabo's smile couldn't conceal his excitement. "It's finally a pleasure to meet you."
"Hahahaha."
Sabo's admiration for Robin, who was profoundly learned and had guided the Revolutionary Army into an industrial era, was immeasurable, hence his perpetual use of "Mr."
Now that he had finally met his idol, the 'Light of Revolution,' Nico Robin, how could he not be excited?
Sabo calmed himself and looked towards the growing number of people in the town.
"Is this place convenient?"
"Shall we move elsewhere?"
Robin smiled and replied, "It's fine."
"Those below are ordinary bounty hunters. It's best to remain unseen in plain sight."
The town lights gradually illuminated the area, and while they were unseen below, they could survey the entire town.
Sabo nodded and chuckled, "Then I'll follow your lead."
Saying so, he produced a Den Den Mushi and dialed it.
Dragon on the other end answered almost instantly, his voice carrying, "Have you arrived, Sabo?"
Sabo spoke into the Den Den Mushi, "Yes, Commander."
"I have met with Mr. Robin."
Robin also chimed in, "Mr. Dragon."
Robin had not joined the Revolutionary Army, so their previous interactions had been with standard appellations.
Just as Dragon on the Den Den Mushi was about to speak.
*Boom—*
A massive explosion came from the town below.
Dragon's voice immediately ceased, and he remained silent.
The two looked down at the town. Robin chuckled, "Oh dear."
"An unexpected event has occurred."
It appeared the pirates they were hosting tonight were not as easily dealt with as they seemed.
She wondered if the fellows below would succeed.
Although the bounty hunters in this town were subordinates of Crocodile, it had nothing to do with Robin, who watched with a spectator's mentality...
Sabo spoke into the Den Den Mushi, "There's been a slight incident nearby."
"It has nothing to do with us."
Dragon seemed to relax and replied, "That's good then."
"Be extra careful."
Sabo responded, "Yes."
He then looked at Robin, inquiring, "Should we relocate?"
Robin nodded. "We must relocate for now."
"Let's go."
She turned and left, as unexpected events were the most unpredictable.
Sabo followed, Den Den Mushi in hand.
*Boom—*
Another massive explosion echoed from behind.
A young boy's voice could be faintly heard:
"Gomu Gomu..."
Dragon's pupils constricted, and he hastily exclaimed, "Wait!"
-------------
The New World, New Marineford.
Karol was perusing the latest intelligence, deep in thought.
He then put it away and headed towards the Fleet Admiral's office.
In the Fleet Admiral's office.
Sakazuki took the intelligence from Karol and commented, "It seems it's nearing success."
His tone was nonchalant, and he casually tossed the intelligence aside.
The intelligence detailed the recent developments in Alabasta, with the rebel army nearing the capital.
The entire territory of Alabasta, with the exception of Crocodile's domain, Rain Dinners, had been occupied by the rebel forces. If the capital were to fall, Alabasta would be officially extinguished.
Crocodile's scheme would then succeed, and obtaining Pluton would depend on Nico Robin.
This was also Crocodile's objective in harboring Nico Robin for so many years—to decipher the Poneglyph hidden in Alabasta and thus obtain Pluton.
Sakazuki looked at Karol.
"Continue surveillance."
"If you wish to intervene, take Baret and Saut with you."
"Enel cannot be spared at the moment."
Sakazuki had no interest in the affairs of Alabasta. It was only because Karol constantly monitored Robin that Crocodile hadn't been eliminated long ago.
As for the so-called Pluton.
The Pluton's main cannon had long been built. That thing would only be used in a decisive battle, and it was of little use beyond that. Besides, Crocodile's intelligence might not be accurate...
Receiving Sakazuki's permission, Karol breathed a sigh of relief.
"Yes."