The young Rear Admiral's question hung in the air. Sengoku didn't answer directly but instead looked over at Brannew.
Brannew understood immediately and stepped forward to explain.
"The criminal's name is Sora, believed to be from the Land of Flowers."
"He's ruthless. Not only did he kill Saint Rosward and his son, but also slaughtered all the Celestial Dragon guards and CP0 agents accompanying them."
"He even killed the King of the Kachinov Kingdom and destroyed the royal palace."
"Additionally, he abducted Shalria, the Celestial Dragon, and Princess Anna of Kachinov."
Hearing this, Akainu, Aokiji, and Tsuru all frowned.
The others were stunned speechless by the madness of it all.
Killing a Celestial Dragon was already a world-shaking crime.
But killing the king of a World Government member nation on top of that?
This guy had to be insane.
As silence fell across the room, Sengoku spoke solemnly.
"Whether it's a Celestial Dragon or a World Government king, their deaths are serious matters."
"Now, not only has Commander-in-Chief Kong ordered the capture of Sora—"
"Even the Five Elders have made it clear: we must bring him in."
"So, we need to act immediately."
A Rear Admiral from the North Blue stepped forward.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, leave this to me."
He was familiar with the North Blue. He felt confident in taking Sora down.
"You're not suitable," Sengoku immediately rejected him.
"Sora likely has the power of a great swordmaster. Even CP0 agents couldn't stand against him."
"He may also have the ability to control a ship alone. Now that he commands the Saint Rosward, even long-range naval bombardment may be useless against him."
"This mission requires a Vice Admiral and three warships. Only then can we guarantee a successful capture."
Akainu stepped forward.
"In that case, let me handle it."
Being from the North Blue himself, Akainu felt responsible for stopping this dangerous criminal.
Aokiji, Tsuru, and several others gave him a surprised glance.
Even the other Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals were stunned. No one expected Akainu to take the initiative.
Sengoku looked at him, visibly satisfied.
If all Admirals were like Kizaru, the Navy would be doomed.
He nodded approvingly.
"Good. Once the World Government and Marine intelligence pinpoint the location of the Saint Rosward, you'll lead the operation."
With Akainu leading the charge, Sora's days were numbered.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, what bounty should we place on Sora?" Brannew asked.
Sengoku paused in thought.
Tsuru, the Chief Strategist, glanced at Sengoku and calmly suggested:
"He not only killed Celestial Dragons but also assassinated the King of the Kachinov Kingdom."
"To show the world—and the World Government in particular—our resolve, I suggest we set a high bounty. One billion."
"One billion?!"
The other officers gasped.
That level of bounty was typically reserved for high-ranking commanders of the Four Emperors.
Sengoku nodded slowly, agreeing with her logic.
Then he raised his hand and spoke decisively:
"To make clear to all allied nations that we will stop at nothing to capture this man…"
"I set his bounty at…"
"One point five billion!"
Gasps swept through the room as the gathered officers stared in shock.
"What?! One point five billion?!"
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku… are you serious?"
World Economic News Headquarters
"President!"
"We've got major news!"
A reporter burst into Morgans' office, eyes wide with excitement.
Behind the desk sat Morgans—sharp beak, small eyes, snow-white feathers, a black-feathered top hat, pale blue shirt, and a yellow bowtie.
"Major news? What kind?" Morgans asked, intrigued.
The reporter, flipping rapidly through a notebook, rattled off the intel.
"Our informants in the North Blue base confirm—Celestial Dragons were attacked in the Kachinov Kingdom. Two dead, one missing."
"Saint Rosward and Saint Charlos were killed. Shalria was abducted."
Morgans stood up abruptly, his feathers ruffling.
"What did you say?!"
"The Celestial Dragons were killed?!"
"Yes, sir!" the reporter nodded rapidly.
Morgans rubbed his wings together in excitement and began pacing.
"This… this is huge!"
"Who would've thought those garbage Celestial Dragons would ever fall like this…"
"President! Please be careful saying things like that!"
The reporter's face went pale, terrified at Morgans' bold words.
"Heh… The Godslayer, Sora, huh?"
Morgans snatched the notebook from the reporter's hands and scanned the contents. When he saw the attacker's name, his eyes narrowed.
"Send the order. Get the presses running. This story goes front page—now!"
"Yes, sir!"
The reporter ran out immediately.
Morgans poured himself a glass of red wine and smirked.
"Godslayer Sora… You've really done it now. I'll make sure your name is known across the world."
Bang!
The same reporter rushed back in just minutes later, looking frantic.
"President! Another scoop!"
"The Marines just finalized the bounty on Sora!"
"How much?" Morgans asked, swirling his wine and taking a sip.
"1.5 billion berries!"
Pffffft—cough cough!
Morgans spat his wine everywhere, stunned.
"What did you say?!"
"1.5 billion! That's the level of a Four Emperor's right-hand man!"
"Add it to the headline—now!"
"Yes, sir!"
North Blue
Sora stood at the helm of his newly claimed ship—the former Saint Rosward, now renamed the Divine Slave—sailing full speed toward Reverse Mountain.
He had no intention of entering the Grand Line.
His next destination was the East Blue.
His goal: to seize the famous women from the early One Piece arcs.
These storyline characters were unique assets, perfect for quickly expanding his pirate crew.
He wasn't yet sure whether Luffy had recruited Nami…
But whether it was Nojiko, Makino, or Kaya—they were all excellent targets.
The more people he controlled, the more power he gained every hour. The faster he grew, the stronger he became.
"M-Master… I… I can't run anymore…"
Princess Anna, now wearing a maid outfit, collapsed weakly on the deck.
Behind her, Shalria, bound in a special collar, had already passed out.
Sora walked over, picked Shalria up by the collar, and shook his head in disgust after confirming she was truly unconscious.
"Useless."