An hour earlier.
On the other side of Sunset Island, the Xuanwu Navy, disguised as a merchant caravan, appeared somewhat lethargic despite their hidden identities.
However, due to the capture of Olvia, members of CP5 also appeared on this island.
By chance, they discovered the disguised Xuanwu Navy and, after secretly observing, made a judgment and reported the information.
Moments later, other CP5 members hidden on Sunset Island also quickly suspected Sakata Gintoki, who was in disguise.
The information was relayed up through the ranks, reaching the Five Elders.
As a result, Fleet Admiral Sengoku of Marine Headquarters received a phone call.
"On East Sea's Sunset Island, the Xuanwu Navy has been suspected, and Benedict and Sakata Gintoki, believed to be in disguise, have been found there."
"Furthermore, Olvia, who has been in hiding, has also appeared on Sunset Island."
After hanging up the phone, Sengoku immediately summoned Garp, Sakazuki, and Tsuru.
Upon hearing this, Garp's eyes showed surprise.
The West Blue was not the territory of the Xuanwu Navy. For the Marshal of the Xuanwu Navy to appear in the West Blue made it difficult to believe that Benedict was simply there on vacation.
Despite the suspicion, the Xuanwu Navy was taken seriously and would not be easily dismissed.
After all, this was also related to another matter.
"The Ohara plan must be executed as soon as possible, or complications will arise."
Sengoku's gaze fell upon Sakazuki, his eyes carrying a heavy intensity.
Sakazuki understood Sengoku's meaning and nodded solemnly.
The truth that Ohara sought to reveal was something the Celestial Dragons did not want the world to know.
Ohara was not in the wrong.
However, when the authority of the Celestial Dragons was challenged, and under pressure, they, as righteous Marines, were left with no choice.
Garp glanced at Sakazuki, remaining silent, unwilling to intervene.
"What forces are closest to Sunset Island that can be mobilized?" Sengoku asked again.
Sakazuki's gaze turned to Tsuru.
As Chief of Staff, Tsuru was the most knowledgeable about the deployment of many units, their directions, and their objectives.
Tsuru pondered for a moment and said, "Admiral Zephyr and his fleet are nearby."
"Additionally, Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Kizaru are also en route due to the Ohara incident. If all goes as planned, they should arrive tomorrow."
Sengoku deliberated briefly and immediately made a decision, stating, "Order Zephyr to proceed to Sunset Island immediately and intercept the Xuanwu Navy with full force. Benedict must be captured."
"Order Sakazuki and Kuzan to continue with their planned actions, and Kizaru to immediately support Admiral Zephyr."
...
The Marines' actions were swift.
Upon receiving the order, Zephyr immediately led his men to Sunset Island, leading to the current situation.
Zephyr, commanding five warships, surrounded the large cargo ship where Benedict was located and confronted him.
Benedict stood on the mast, unhidden, looking at Zephyr a hundred meters away, with a hint of surprise.
The Marines arriving was not unexpected.
However, Zephyr, as an Admiral, appearing here was surprising.
Zephyr looked at Benedict, who was within his sight, with a serious expression.
He had not expected that the person suspected to be on Sunset Island would indeed be Benedict.
"Benedict, why are you here, and what is your purpose?"
Zephyr approved of the actions of the Xuanwu Navy.
At least, he had not seen the Xuanwu Navy doing anything wrong so far.
However, he did not approve of the Xuanwu Navy recruiting pirates and incorporating them into their ranks.
Having lost his family to pirates, Zephyr harbored an obsessive prejudice against them.
Once a pirate, always a pirate.
How could someone accustomed to the wild freedom, burning, and looting of pirates become a law-abiding citizen?
Therefore, Zephyr was also dissatisfied with the Xuanwu Navy.
He believed they were merely wolves in sheep's clothing.
It was for this reason that Zephyr did not refuse the orders from above.
Sauron stood quietly nearby, ready to control the cargo ship to leave.
He was also unsure of Benedict's strength.
But based on the rumors about Benedict, he was at least Admiral-level.
However, facing Admiral Zephyr, and the Vice Admirals, Rear Admirals, and others on the other ships, how could the two of them stand a chance?
However, to buy time, even if it meant death, as long as Olvia could escape safely, return to Ohara, and persuade the scholars of Ohara, it would all be worth it.
"What purpose?"
"I have no purpose, I'm just here for a vacation."
No one was willing to believe Benedict's response.
As the Marshal of the Xuanwu Navy, holding such a high position, how could he travel casually?
At the very least, when he traveled, he should bring a large contingent to match his status as the Marshal of the Xuanwu Navy.
But now?
There were only two people, and one of them was seriously injured.
If he were to fall here, it could lead to the collapse of the entire organization.
"However, as a Marine with pride and a heart full of justice, you bring such a large fleet here to surround us. Do you not know the reason for this?"
"We are an army of justice, the Xuanwu Navy, who maintain regional peace and combat pirates."
"And your current actions are undoubtedly acting as lapdogs for the Celestial Dragons, eliminating the Xuanwu Navy, which threatens the rule of the Celestial Dragons and the prestige of the Marines?"
"Are these actions what you consider justice?"
Benedict was somewhat tempted by Zephyr, wondering if he could recruit him to strengthen the Xuanwu Navy.
But knowing Zephyr's past and his deep-seated prejudice against pirates, Benedict was not sure if he could succeed.
For now, his words were merely an attempt to gauge Zephyr's attitude towards the Xuanwu Navy.
Zephyr's face darkened as he stared at Benedict and said coldly, "No matter how you disguise yourselves, you are still just a group of pirates."
"Pirates?" Benedict's smile faded upon hearing Zephyr's response, and his tone became more regretful. "Is this your attitude towards the Xuanwu Navy?"
Zephyr frowned slightly, then calmly stated, "Pirates are the root of the current turmoil in this world, sinners who disrupt peace, savage and untamable."
"I do not believe your Xuanwu Navy has the ability to make a notoriously wicked pirate crew repent."
"Therefore, all this so-called 'justice' is merely your hypocritical facade."
With Zephyr's repeated affirmations, Benedict had his answer.
Although Zephyr did not possess the despair and anger he would have twenty years later, his inherent prejudice against pirates had not changed in the slightest.