Chapter 37: The Buster Call!

Inside the conference hall of Marine Headquarters, Marineford, the atmosphere was exceptionally heavy.

Outside, dark clouds hung low in the sky as if rain could fall at any moment, mirroring the oppressive mood within.

Most of the Marine high command had gathered for the meeting. Anxiety and concern were written across their faces, and their eyes reflected unease about the uncertain future.

Everyone understood that an unprecedented storm was brewing.

The entire world seemed poised to descend into chaos.

At the front sat the three Admirals—the Marines’ greatest military force.

Admiral Akainu (Sakazuki) sat with clenched fists and a burning gaze.

Admiral Aokiji (Kuzan) maintained his usual calm demeanor, though traces of concern could still be seen in his eyes.

Admiral Kizaru (Borsalino) wore his trademark smile, but even that could not completely conceal the worry beneath it.

Vice Admiral Tsuru sat nearby, deeply focused as she considered possible countermeasures.

Meanwhile, Garp, even under such dire circumstances, remained as carefree as ever, casually munching on rice crackers.

The other Vice Admirals sat in orderly rows on both sides of the hall.

"Everyone."

Fleet Admiral Sengoku’s voice echoed through the conference room, breaking the oppressive silence.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he slowly continued.

"I believe all of you already know why we’re here today."

After a brief pause, he said,

"That bastard Morgans somehow obtained information regarding the Whitebeard Pirates’ multiple Devil Fruit users and published it for the entire world to see. The secret is no longer a secret."

His expression darkened.

"Additionally, a Celestial Dragon has been killed. The authorities above have made their position very clear on this matter."

A collective intake of breath swept through the room.

Once such information became public, it would not only weaken the Marines’ control over the New World, but also inspire countless ambitious forces to pursue that power for themselves.

Some organizations had likely already begun making plans.

Others might seek to exploit the situation for their own benefit.

The possibility of a massive global conflict was no longer impossible.

For the Marines, whose duty was to maintain order across the world, this represented a tremendous crisis.

The room fell silent once more.

The stillness was so complete that even breathing seemed unusually loud.

Sunlight continued to shine outside the windows, yet the atmosphere within remained unbearably heavy.

"So."

Sengoku looked around the room.

"What are your thoughts?"

His calm voice carried unquestionable authority.

His gaze swept across every officer present, searching for someone who could provide a clear direction.

Yet faced with such a sudden turn of events, most people found themselves at a loss.

The officers exchanged glances.

Confusion.

Anxiety.

Expectation.

All were visible in their eyes.

Everyone seemed to be waiting for someone else to speak first.

Without sufficient intelligence, any decision carried significant risks.

That uncertainty made everyone cautious.

As a result, aside from a few veteran officers, most either lowered their heads in thought or simply remained silent, waiting for Sengoku’s orders.

At a time like this, blindly acting was far more dangerous than following command.

A wrong decision could have disastrous consequences.

Time seemed to slow.

Everyone waited for someone to break the silence.

Sengoku remained seated, his eyes fixed ahead as he contemplated the situation.

The room once again fell completely quiet.

Finally, Akainu broke the silence.

His voice was firm and unwavering.

Notably, he made no mention of the Celestial Dragon’s death, as if that matter held little relevance to the discussion at hand.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, there’s still no definitive proof regarding Whitebeard supposedly possessing three Devil Fruit powers."

He paused.

"However, we cannot ignore the fact that they obtained Admiral Kizaru’s blood."

The room grew even more serious.

"That alone makes the rumors far more believable than they should be."

Akainu took a deep breath before continuing.

"A true powerhouse isn’t measured by how many abilities they possess."

He leaned forward slightly.

"Take Whitebeard, for example. He may once have been among the strongest men on the seas, but he’s old now. His strength and endurance are no longer what they once were."

His eyes hardened.

"If he dares to attack Marine Headquarters, Marineford will become his grave."

Hearing that, Kizaru slowly shook his head.

Had Akainu said those words before their recent mission, Kizaru might have agreed.

But after what he had personally witnessed...

Even he wasn’t certain how things would unfold anymore.

Beside him, Aokiji remained silent.

His hands rested behind his head as he lounged lazily in his chair.

No one could tell what he was thinking.

The room fell silent once again.

Only the distant sound of waves crashing outside reminded everyone that conflict was drawing nearer.

"Enough, Sengoku."

Vice Admiral Tsuru finally spoke, breaking the stalemate.

"As planned."

She slowly rose to her feet.

Her gaze swept across Sengoku before turning toward everyone present.

"All of Whitebeard’s recent changes can be traced back to that young man named Ron."

Her voice was firm.

"We must capture Ron as soon as possible and uncover the secret behind how Whitebeard’s crew gained multiple Devil Fruit powers."

A faint gleam appeared in her eyes.

"Only then can the Marines dramatically increase our own strength and finally bring an end to this so-called Great Age of Pirates."

"Hahaha! Exactly!"

Garp burst into laughter.

He completely ignored the increasingly dark expression forming on Tsuru’s face.

"Sengoku, I strongly support that idea too!"

Tsuru’s proposal immediately sparked discussion throughout the room.

Everyone understood the seriousness of the situation.

Whitebeard’s transformation wasn’t simply a matter of personal strength.

It represented a challenge to the entire Marine system.

If they failed to respond quickly, the consequences could be catastrophic.

After a long moment of thought, Sengoku nodded.

He knew Tsuru was right.

Capturing Ron and uncovering the Whitebeard Pirates’ secret would not be easy.

But it was the only way to regain the initiative.

Taking a deep breath, Sengoku rose to his feet and addressed the room.

"First."

His voice rang through the hall.

"I am authorizing a Buster Call."

A ripple of shock spread through the officers.

"Target: Jaya."

"We will eradicate the island if necessary. At the very least, we must demonstrate our position to those above."

He continued.

"Second, from this moment forward, all Marine forces will devote themselves to the pursuit of Ron and the investigation into the Whitebeard Pirates’ secrets."

"Every department is to cooperate fully and ensure the success of this mission."

"This is not only for the honor of the Marines, but also for the peace and stability of the world."

Sengoku raised three fingers.

"Third."

"No matter which Marine branch discovers Ron or obtains intelligence concerning him, they are to report directly to Marine Headquarters immediately."

"Yes, sir!"

"Understood!"

"Affirmative!"

Responses echoed throughout the conference hall.

The Marines had officially begun their hunt.

◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇

◇ 1 bonus Chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!

◇ 1 bonus Chapter for every 100 Power Stones.

◇ Read 100+ Chapters ahead on P@treon → /Sagamaster789