Countermeasures
"Sir, the plan has failed!"
Yepi reported calmly into the Den Den Mushi, his voice unwavering.
"In that case, proceed with the contingency plan."
The voice on the other end was hoarse and emotionless.
The line went dead immediately after. The Den Den Mushi's features dulled, signaling the end of the conversation.
Yepi's lips curled into a strange smile.
---
Charlotte Linlin reclined on a lavish sofa, lazily swirling a goblet of red wine in one hand while perusing the latest edition of the World Economy News Paper.
This had become his daily routine—keeping up with major global events to anticipate potential threats. Despite his immense strength, the New World was a treacherous place, where even the most powerful could be caught off guard.
Thinking about his current predicament, a mix of frustration and resentment surfaced in his heart. Especially when it came to that man—the one who laughed with that infuriating "Jihahahaha!" every day.
He clenched his jaw.
If only I could smash that damn face…
Before he could entertain the thought further, a thunderous Boom! shattered the calm.
His door was kicked open violently.
Charlotte Linlin's expression darkened instantly.
"Beta..."
Standing at the entrance was Beta, one of his most trusted subordinates. But instead of his usual composed demeanor, Beta was visibly distressed.
"Boss, we've got a problem!"
Charlotte Linlin's brows knitted together.
A problem?
Couldn't Beta pick a less ominous way to start a conversation?
Yet, seeing the urgency in his subordinate's face, a bad premonition crept into his chest.
He had been relatively low-profile since joining Golden Lion Shiki's crew. Nothing should've gone wrong.
"What happened?" he asked, forcing himself to stay calm.
Beta hurriedly pulled out a sealed letter.
"Boss, take a look at this!"
Though puzzled, Charlotte Linlin snatched the letter and unfolded it.
> Dear Captain Charlotte,
Apologies for the sudden invitation. We have one of your men. If you wish to see him alive, meet us at the specified location.
Attached below was a sea chart marking a remote island.
Charlotte Linlin's face turned stormy.
The sudden nature of the incident left no room for doubt—this was a direct challenge.
His mind quickly ran through potential enemies, but there was only one that stood out.
Wang Zhi.
The damn Wang Zhi Pirates.
His fingers clenched around the letter, nearly crumpling it.
"When did this happen?"
"This morning."
Charlotte Linlin's frustration deepened.
Fine. You want to play dirty?
His gaze sharpened.
"Prepare a small ship. We're setting sail."
Beta saluted. "Yes, Boss!"
Without wasting time, preparations were made. A small vessel, manned by a select few, was soon ready at the port.
"Move out!"
The ship cut through the waves, heading toward its destination at full speed. Charlotte Linlin stood at the bow, his arms crossed, eyes narrowed in thought.
This situation annoyed him to no end.
The common perception of pirates as undisciplined marauders had lulled him into complacency. He hadn't expected such meticulous planning from them.
Soon, the small, desolate island marked on the chart came into view.
It was an uninhabited islet, not far from Lati Island—a forgotten piece of land, ignored for its barrenness.
Such places were abundant across the Grand Line.
Before the ship could dock fully, Charlotte Linlin bent his knees and leaped into the air, using Geppo (Moonwalk) to soar toward the island's center.
Activating Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki), he pinpointed the enemy's location with ease.
Descending swiftly, he landed with a controlled impact.
"As expected of Captain Charlotte, you arrived quickly."
The voice belonged to Yepi, the bald man he had encountered before.
Charlotte Linlin's expression remained unreadable.
"Yepi, what is the meaning of this? Are you trying to start a war?"
Yepi shook his head.
"Not at all. I'm simply carrying out my assignment."
Charlotte Linlin's voice was cold.
"Then let's cut to the chase. Show me my man."
If he hadn't already sensed Ivan's presence with his Haki, he would have sliced Yepi in half by now.
"No problem. But first, let's discuss a deal."
A smirk formed on Charlotte Linlin's lips.
"You think I can't just force the answer out of you?"
Yepi nodded, unfazed.
"I have no doubt about your abilities, Captain Charlotte."
"But if you kill me, your man dies too. So let's keep this civil."
Charlotte Linlin's gaze flickered.
He disliked this.
Yepi's confidence suggested Devil Fruit trickery was at play. The world was full of bizarre and dangerous abilities—a single mistake could cost him dearly.
"What kind of deal are you proposing?"
Yepi's grin widened.
"We want Lati Island, under our control. And we want your loyalty."
Charlotte Linlin's eyes flashed with surprise.
Their ambition is that big?
A second later, he chuckled darkly.
"I'm a pirate. What makes you think I'd honor any deal?"
Yepi's smile remained.
"Since we're making this demand, we already have measures in place to ensure your compliance."
Charlotte Linlin's pupils shrank slightly.
Some kind of Devil Fruit ability?
Yepi's confidence suggested they had an ace up their sleeve—but what?
"And if I refuse?"
Yepi's smile didn't waver.
"Then Ivan dies. Simple."
Charlotte Linlin scowled.
Bastard. Dirty tactics.
Yet, he kept his composure.
"Before we talk terms, I need to confirm my man's safety. No proof, no deal."
Yepi considered this for a moment before nodding.
"Fair enough."
---
Meanwhile, Beta and Barrett scouted the surrounding waters using Geppo (Moonwalk).
Before setting sail, they had formulated a backup plan—Charlotte Linlin would stall for time while they searched for Ivan.
Based on the letter's timeline, it was unlikely Ivan had been moved far.
Furthermore, the enemy's confidence in keeping Lati Island suggested they expected to maintain a short-term grip on their hostage.
Thus, Ivan had to be nearby.
The two regrouped mid-air.
"Any luck?" Barrett asked.
Beta shook his head.
"Nothing. No signs of him."
Barrett exhaled sharply.
"Maybe the boss miscalculated?"
Beta's gaze hardened.
"No. I trust his judgment."
A sudden gust of sea wind blew past, rustling their cloaks.
Beta's eyes widened.
"The wind…!"
He snapped his head upwards, realization dawning.
"We didn't check above us!"
Barrett's eyes lit up in agreement.
"Let's go!"