The World Government's plan to suppress news of the attack on Mariejois remained unknown to Sanders.
He was unconcerned about whether they would seek retaliation.
Given the speed he demonstrated during the final moments of his assault, it was clear to anyone with sense, including Mars, that he had the capability to escape the range of any large-scale attack from the World Government.
As he left the Sky Fortress, he had already relocated the entire structure to another location. Even if the World Government deployed agents with flight capabilities to search for it, it would take considerable time and effort.
On the ship's deck, Sanders stepped into the cabin and retrieved a Den Den Mushi from a cabinet.
Buru Buru Buru...
Moments later, a voice filled with laughter came from the other end.
"Captain, what a surprise! Why the sudden call?"
Sanders' gaze softened as he replied gently,
"Just stirring up some trouble. Thought I'd give you a heads-up."
"What did you do this time?"
Robin's tone grew more serious, sensing the importance of the situation. After all, Sanders rarely called to "warn" her unless it was something significant.
"Nothing much. Just dropped an island on Mariejois," Sanders said nonchalantly.
Robin was silent for a moment before taking a deep breath.
"Well, that's... unexpected, Captain."
"You didn't get hurt, did you?" Robin asked with a hint of concern.
"No, I stayed airborne, threw an island, and followed it up with a big move. Fought one of the Five Elders, too," Sanders explained matter-of-factly.
Robin sighed in relief upon hearing he wasn't injured, then asked in astonishment,
"The Five Elders?"
"They can actually fight you?"
"The World Government sure is full of surprises."
The Five Elders were known for their high authority, but Robin had never heard of them possessing combat abilities—let alone being capable of fighting someone like Sanders.
"The Five Elders have decent strength. It feels like they're users of Mythical Zoan Devil Fruits, but there's something different about them," Sanders explained.
He elaborated further, mentioning Mars' regenerative abilities, which resembled immortality and were particularly troublesome to deal with. While Sanders admitted Mars wasn't on par with the strongest in the sea, he acknowledged that some of the other Elders, like Topman Warcury, likely posed greater challenges—particularly with his defensive capabilities.
"Mars excels in aerial combat," Sanders added, then detailed the Five Elders' extraordinary regenerative powers.
Robin, as an archaeologist and the most knowledgeable member of the Thunder God Pirates, listened intently. Sanders hoped her insight might help unravel their secrets, providing them with an edge in future confrontations.
"I've never encountered anything like these abilities or species," Robin said, frowning in thought.
"I'll keep an eye out. If I find anything, I'll let you know."
"Thanks."
Sanders had considered using his power to deduce more about the Five Elders, but anything tied to the world's ultimate secrets—such as the Void Century or the One Piece—always proved elusive.
Instead of relying solely on deductions, seeking answers directly often proved faster.
"Keep an eye on the area around the Sky Fortress, you and Viola," Sanders said.
"If anyone with flight capabilities approaches, notify me immediately. I suspect the World Government might retaliate."
"Their hidden strength shouldn't be underestimated."
Robin's tone grew serious. "Understood. I'll inform Viola."
Despite no longer being the terrified child who once feared the Buster Call, Robin still felt a shiver at the thought of the World Government's retaliation.
"Don't worry, Robin. I'm here," Sanders reassured her, recognizing her unease.
"The World Government won't make a move against us lightly. They can't afford to face the consequences of angering me."
"Mm."
Robin responded softly, quickly regaining her composure.
"This time, are you planning to meet the Pirate Empress?"
Robin proactively changed the subject.
"Ahem, the cadres in the Thunder God Pirates are still too few. I think we need to recruit some strong allies to join the crew."
Sanders coughed lightly, speaking in a casual tone.
"Join the crew? Is that all?"
Robin's voice was tinged with playful sarcasm.
"I think it's more about joining something else."
Robin's teasing made Sanders a bit embarrassed. He scratched his nose, clearly caught off guard, and hastily changed the topic.
"Has anything major happened recently?"
On the other end of the line, Robin chuckled lightly and replied,
"Whitebeard and Kaido went to war. Both sides had victories and losses—it ended in a draw."
"The territories Kaido seized were mostly reclaimed by the Whitebeard Pirates under Whitebeard's leadership."
Hearing this, Sanders wasn't surprised in the slightest.
"Whitebeard isn't someone who takes losses lying down."
"If Kaido took advantage of the situation to seize territory, Whitebeard would naturally strike back."
After a moment of thought, Sanders added,
"Once the situation in the New World stabilizes, we'll be able to take over Whitebeard's territories."
"The Whitebeard Pirates will likely take the initiative to contact us."
Sanders considered it briefly. The matter of taking over territories didn't require urgency.
Since the Whitebeard Pirates had given their word, they wouldn't go back on it.
The Whitebeard Pirates still had that level of credibility.
But if they didn't honor their agreement, Sanders didn't mind paying them a visit.
"Of course, if it comes to that, a fifth of the territory won't be enough to resolve things."
"Well then, if there's nothing else, I'll hang up for now. Let's stay in touch. Safe travels."
Robin chuckled softly and ended the call.
Sanders let out a deep breath, placing the Den Den Mushi back into the cabinet.
For now, he didn't need to worry about the safety of his base.
With a Gaze-Gaze Fruit user on alert, any attempt by the World Government to locate Sky City would be detected.
He'd be informed long before they could make a move, giving him ample time to return and respond.
Even at top speed, it wouldn't take him long to return to his base.
As for the safety of Dressrosa, Sanders was even less concerned.
First of all, Dressrosa was well-known across the New World.
The World Government couldn't erase it quietly.
If Dressrosa were wiped out, it would plunge the world into chaos.
The Four Emperors, major pirates, allied nations, and non-affiliated countries—none of them would want their territory or nation to be wiped out without a trace for any reason.
If these forces united, the World Government would have to consider whether they could survive a change in regime.
If it came to that, the Revolutionary Army would be laughing all the way to the bank.
With no worries left on his mind, Sanders set sail toward the Sabaody Archipelago.
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T/N:
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