[TIOP] Chapter : 145

“What did you say?!” the other vice admiral snapped. “Don’t mistake caution for cowardice! I’m saying we should stay sharp. One misstep out there, and we’re dead. This battle has eyes watching from every corner!”

“Enough!” Jack interrupted, knocking on the table. “We’re not here to argue. You are the backbone of the Navy. You enjoy the admiration of civilians daily—now is the time to repay that trust. I won’t lecture you further. Just remember our duty: repel the pirates, protect the people. Can you do it?”

“Yes, sir!” the room echoed in unison, loud and resolute.

Normally, whether traveling near or far, as long as one wears a navy uniform, they are greeted with respect from all residents. Those who’ve experienced that admiration once never want to lose it—so much so that most officers and soldiers assigned to the G1 branch have gradually been assimilated into its culture.

“Alright! Vice Admiral Issho, you’ll lead Vice Admirals Momonga, Mozambia, Cancer, and the others to defend the island to the right,” Jack ordered, nodding toward Issho. Then he turned. “Vice Admiral Comil, you’ll take Vice Admirals Ryokugyu, Strawberry, Dalmatian, and the rest to hold the left flank.”

“Yes, sir!” All those called by name stood at attention and responded in unison.

“One more thing—keep your eyes on a specific individual: Edward Weevil, the so-called ‘Whitebeard Jr’ and a current Warlord of the Sea. I’ve received intel that he may be siding with Blackbeard and could be heading our way,” Jack said, his voice low and serious. “Do not engage him unless provoked. If you spot him, inform me immediately. But if he attacks—even once—hit back with full force. I’ll take full responsibility for the outcome.”

“Sir, he’s one of the Seven Warlords,” a hesitant Rear Admiral remarked.

“Exactly why I said don’t strike first,” Jack responded firmly. “But if he lays a hand on any of our people, his title won’t save him. Anyone who attacks the Navy is our enemy, no matter who they are.”

“Yes, sir!” This time, the response came without hesitation. In war, hesitation is deadly. Jack’s top priority was to reinforce his officers’ confidence.

This war room, filled with the Navy’s core command, was Jack’s answer to Blackbeard’s challenge. He was no longer the lone fighter from the Battle of Marineford. Now, he had a force behind him—and Blackbeard had made the mistake of underestimating that.

In fact, Jack had already taken action the moment Blackbeard made his move. He sent a message to Ace. The Whitebeard remnants had long harbored hatred toward Blackbeard, and while their cooperation with the Navy wasn’t public, it was real. Although Jack had been the one to kill Whitebeard, they understood where his loyalties lay.

Especially Ace—who owed Jack his life at Marineford. Upon receiving the message, Ace wasted no time. He even contacted Sabo, hoping for help from the Revolutionary Army.

What he didn’t know was that Jack had already established ties with Dragon. The Revolutionary Army rarely involved itself in these matters, but this time, they made an exception. A disguised contingent was sent to support Jack—posing as Whitebeard’s remnants. And leading them was none other than the Revolutionary Army’s newly appointed Chief of Staff, Sabo.

Meanwhile, as the Blackbeard Pirates' fleet slowly approached the G1 Branch, an unexpected visitor arrived at the island under Comil’s command.

“Edward Weevil! As one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, stand down immediately or we’ll consider you an invader!” a navy officer shouted through a loudspeaker toward the pirate ship looming on the horizon.

That’s right—it was Edward Weevil, the self-proclaimed heir of Whitebeard.

“Tch... what’s the point of all that shouting? Just sink the bastard already,” Ryokugyu said irritably, frowning at the delay.

Vice Admiral Comil, however, noticed something off. He stared out at the sea, thoughtful. “Strange… Weevil seems to be chasing a small boat. Did anyone else see it earlier?”

Though not as physically strong as Ryokugyu, Comil had been placed in charge of this sector by Jack for a reason. Known in Navy HQ as the brains behind many strategies, he had a calm, analytical mind and welcomed input from others—a rare trait among high-ranking officers.

Suddenly, a loud, almost childlike voice echoed from Weevil’s ship. “Ahhh! Did you take my mama? Give her back! Or I’ll smash all of you!”

Comil smirked and touched his chin. “I see. Looks like Blackbeard kidnapped Miss Buckin and lured Weevil here.”

“Huh? What’re you saying?” Ryokugyu asked, confused.

“Weevil’s not all there, mentally,” Comil explained. “His mother, Miss Buckin, brainwashed him into believing he’s Whitebeard’s son. She filled his head with vengeance talk—especially about Blackbeard, since he was the reason for Whitebeard’s death in some ways. Sure, she wanted Whitebeard’s inheritance, but I doubt she’d ever ally with Blackbeard willingly. So if she’s missing... he must’ve taken her.”

“So Blackbeard kidnapped the mother, knowing the son would follow?” Ryokugyu blinked. “Makes sense…”

He wasn’t stupid—just not one to overthink things unless he had to.

"Exactly. I believe it won’t be difficult to trick that fool into turning his weapon against Blackbeard," Comil said, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

Ryokugyu eyed him with suspicion. "And how do you plan on convincing him?"

"It’s actually quite simple," Comil replied. "But that depends on whether Admiral Kurohyou is willing to let him go."

"What? That’s possible?" Ryokugyu asked, visibly shocked.

Comil nodded. "Yes. First, the higher-ups have clearly stated their opposition to the Seven Warlords system. Judging by the way he’s charging in, it would be entirely reasonable for us to retaliate and eliminate him. But more importantly, the Lord—Jack—explicitly asked us to stall rather than provoke. So I haven’t directly instigated anything yet."

His gaze drifted to the approaching pirate ship, a calculating gleam in his eye.

Ryokugyu looked at him like he was seeing a monster. "You figured all that out just by looking at him?"

"I had a hunch during the earlier meeting," Comil said, nodding, "but the moment I saw him charging in like that, I was sure."

Ryokugyu turned abruptly to leave, but Comil grabbed his arm. "And where do you think you’re going?"

"With you doing all the thinking, why should I stick around? I’m going back to bed," Ryokugyu muttered, annoyed.

Comil pointed toward the rapidly approaching pirate ship. "That won’t work. Until the Lord arrives, it’s up to you to hold the line. If too many soldiers are killed or injured, he’ll have your head."

Ryokugyu’s expression darkened. “Great. Just great.” He cursed under his breath as he stomped off toward the port. He knew Jack wouldn't let it slide if things got out of control.

Meanwhile, the Navy's repeated warnings fell on deaf ears. Rather than backing down, Weevil grew more agitated. He had seen the boat carrying his mother disappear behind the island, and now these marines were standing in his way, wasting time.

Fueled by rage, Weevil ordered his crew to charge.

The pirates on board hesitated. Something felt off. The G1 division was a force to be reckoned with, and even though this was just the outer perimeter, those posted here wouldn’t be weak. But their captain was a Warlord of the Sea—a man who had defeated several of Whitebeard’s division commanders. That reputation gave them confidence.

“Go on, Ryokugyu!” Comil shouted cheerfully as the pirate ship closed in.

“Damn it! Don’t talk to me like that,” Ryokugyu growled, but still stepped forward to confront the enemy. According to regulations, they couldn’t fire unless provoked—especially against a Warlord of the Sea.

Comil, always thinking ahead, had already positioned a surveillance Den Den Mushi to capture the entire incident. He needed solid proof that Weevil had ignored orders and launched an attack unprovoked. He even planned for Ryokugyu to act like he was “accidentally” struck first.

As expected, Weevil didn’t hesitate. The moment he saw Ryokugyu, he attacked without a word, slashing down with a heavy blade. Ryokugyu took the hit and flew back, feigning defeat—only to find the blow had actually wounded him.

That wasn’t part of the plan.

“Perfect,” Comil muttered, seeing the bloody gash on Ryokugyu’s chest. “Get the camera! Zoom in on that injury!”

“You damn rat,” Ryokugyu snarled. “You just want footage, huh?!”

“Come on, don’t let it go to waste,” Comil said with a smirk. “You’re injured now, which means you’re free to go all out. Have fun! He’s yours.”

Ryokugyu tossed his cloak to a nearby soldier and cracked his knuckles. “You’re dead meat!” he roared and charged.

Boom!