Chapter 289: Vice Admiral Daren's Panic
"It's over... It's all over! The Luvas Kingdom is going to be destroyed because of me!"
Having finally taken a closer look, the prime minister realized that the person in the photo and Charlotte were identical, except for the addition of a mustache. His legs went weak, and he slid from his chair to the floor.
"Quick! Contact the North Sea Navy!"
The prime minister, still kneeling on the floor, raised his trembling hand and shouted at the general.
"Yes!"
The general didn't dare hesitate, knowing that one wrong move could spell the end of the kingdom.
"Bring everyone back immediately!"
The general hurried out of the prime minister's office to rally the city guard and simultaneously contact the North Sea Governor's Office.
"Moshi Moshi! This is the Luvas Kingdom! The Rockefeller Pirates have landed in Luvas Kingdom and are attacking! Requesting support!"
The general's loud plea echoed throughout the military camp, causing everyone to tense up.
"North Sea Governor's Office, received! Hold your ground. Admiral Zephyr is en route from Marine Headquarters!"
The navy's response came swiftly.
"How long until he arrives?"
The general asked anxiously.
"Estimated one month."
The naval officer reported truthfully.
"Damn it! A month? By then, the entire Luvas Kingdom will be wiped out! You useless navy bastards! We pay heavenly tributes to you, not for you to slack off! I'm reporting this to the World Government!"
The general, hearing the estimated time, felt his vision blur as his legs gave out. The phone snail slipped from his hands and fell to the ground.
"It's over... it's all over!"
The general slumped back, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"No, I can't stay here any longer. It's too dangerous!"
He recalled the terrifying reputation of the Rockefeller Pirates and shivered, quickly deciding to flee the garrison. He had no intention of relying on his so-called soldiers.
---
North Sea Governor's Office
The naval communications officer, hearing the disconnection tone, didn't dare delay and rushed to the governor's office.
"Vice Admiral Daren, latest news from the Luvas Kingdom! The Rockefeller Pirates have landed and are attacking the kingdom!"
"What? They're attacking Luvas Kingdom? Are they out of their minds? Don't they know that Luvas Kingdom is a World Government member? Are they openly declaring war against the World Government?"
Vice Admiral Daren jumped up, nearly choking on his own fear.
Attacking a World Government member country was tantamount to declaring war on the government itself—a line even most New World pirates dared not cross.
"Oh no... I can't just sit here. I need to resign immediately!"
Daren suddenly realized his own vulnerability. If the Rockefeller Pirates could attack a government-affiliated kingdom, it wouldn't be long before they reached his own office.
Just as he was planning his escape, the door burst open with a loud bang, startling him. He almost thought the pirates had arrived.
It was just Sakazuki, the Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral.
"Rear Admiral Sakazuki, didn't your instructor teach you to knock before entering your superior's office?"
Daren snapped, his fear and frustration spilling over.
Sakazuki merely raised an eyebrow at the old man's outburst but offered a brief apology.
"Apologies, Vice Admiral Daren. I was eager to confirm the news about the Rockefeller Pirates."
Daren took a deep breath to steady himself and handed the report to Sakazuki.
"Read it yourself."
As Sakazuki scanned the report, his body began emitting waves of heat, causing the room temperature to rise dramatically. Daren glanced around nervously, trying to figure out where the heat was coming from before realizing it was emanating from Sakazuki himself.
"Sakazuki, what are you planning to do?"
"Vice Admiral, I request permission to go to Luvas Kingdom and monitor the Rockefeller Pirates!"
Sakazuki's voice was resolute, his eyes burning with determination.
"No! That's too dangerous! You're no match for them. Wait for Admiral Zephyr to arrive!"
Daren refused immediately, knowing full well that sending Sakazuki would be sending him to his death.
Sakazuki's expression hardened, and he spoke firmly.
"I'll take responsibility for my own actions. I can't sit back while those bastards run wild."
Without waiting for Daren's response, Sakazuki turned and left the office.
"Damn it! Sakazuki, get back here! Do you even respect your superior?"
Despite Daren's shouts, Sakazuki ignored him and headed straight for the harbor.
"Ghost Spider, we're moving out to Luvas Kingdom! The Rockefeller Pirates are there!"
"Understood!"
Ghost Spider, one of Sakazuki's trusted subordinates, didn't hesitate to follow.
---
Luvas Kingdom
Charlotte and his crew entered a restaurant to enjoy a well-deserved meal. After the brutal combat earlier, no one dared approach them.
"Rest for the night. We'll leave tomorrow. This city doesn't exactly welcome us."
Charlotte announced to his crew, glancing around at his children and companions.
The whole afternoon had been spent in relentless skirmishes with wave after wave of guards and soldiers. It served as valuable combat training for his children, sharpening their instincts and tempering their minds.
The ruthless environment of the One Piece world demanded strength and ruthlessness to survive. To Charlotte, this was merely part of ensuring his family's safety.
Meanwhile, the kingdom's soldiers continued to report the chaos to the palace, and panic spread like wildfire. Despite his usual confidence, the prime minister felt an overwhelming sense of doom looming over the entire nation.
Somewhere in the capital, a few of Charlotte's children were laughing and playfully recounting their battles. Esdeath and Caesar remained vigilant, while Robert and Deidara eagerly discussed their latest techniques.
The air was tense, but to Charlotte and his family, it felt just like any other day in their adventurous lives.
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