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Because he needed to answer the call, Ikki didn't bother retreating to the cozy cabin. As the Den Den Mushi emitted its familiar perepere sound, he held Toyako Bokuto in one hand while fishing it out of his pocket with the other.
"Hello? Ikki?" came Garp's unmistakably loud voice through the receiver.
"Vice Admiral Garp! What's the occasion?" Ikki replied, somewhat amused.
"Well, I—"
Before Garp could finish, another voice interrupted. The Den Den Mushi's expression shifted into a more composed visage, reflecting Sengoku's voice.
"Boy, this is Marine Fleet Admiral Sengoku. I have a mission for your so-called private Marines."
Ikki blinked, surprised. He hadn't expected an informal force like theirs to receive a direct mission from the top brass.
"Alright," Ikki said after a pause. "As long as it doesn't go against the just purpose of the Straw Hats, we'll help."
The Den Den Mushi's face mirrored Sengoku's furrowed brows.
"Are you suggesting that Marine's justice isn't true justice?" Sengoku grumbled.
But even as he spoke, Sengoku's thoughts turned bitter. The existence of the Celestial Dragons, the World Government's corruption, and the Shichibukai's unchecked power—all of it weighed on his mind. He couldn't deny that Marine justice was often compromised.
Still, Sengoku reflected on Garp's creation of the private Marine. It wasn't such a bad idea. Missions the World Government would suppress could be delegated to this independent force, allowing the regular Marines to maintain their integrity while cleaning up afterward. Dissatisfied Marine officers could even find solace serving under Garp's unofficial banner.
Perhaps there was merit in this arrangement after all.
While Ikki conversed with Sengoku, Miss Valentine, who had been knocked away earlier, rose shakily to her feet. Lowering her weight and taking to the air, she aimed to crush Ikki with a heavy-pressure attack.
Ikki, however, paid her no mind. His focus remained on the Den Den Mushi in his hand.
Nearby, Vivi stared at the scene in disbelief, her thoughts spiraling.
"Wha—what am I hearing?!" she stammered, her voice shaking.
"This pirate… he's talking to Marine Hero Garp and Fleet Admiral Sengoku?" Her thoughts raced. "Are pirates and Marines on such friendly terms now? Is this why no one's taken action against Crocodile's tyranny in Alabasta? This—this is outright collusion between criminals and officials!"
Her mind went blank as the realization struck her. So shocked was she that she barely registered the ongoing conversation or even noticed Miss Valentine's attack.
When Miss Valentine finally came crashing down, Ikki casually sidestepped, her attack landing harmlessly on the ground. For someone like Ikki, her moves posed no threat.
"Boy, what's going on over there?" Sengoku asked, his curiosity piqued as he heard the commotion through the Den Den Mushi.
"Nothing serious," Ikki replied casually, sidestepping another of Miss Valentine's attacks. "Tell me, Fleet Admiral, what's the mission you need us to handle?"
"I need you to go to Alabasta and investigate the cause of the rebellion and uncover who's behind it," Sengoku said. His tone was serious, leaving no room for misunderstanding. "And remember—this investigation must produce sufficient evidence."
The final remark carried extra weight. Without concrete evidence, Crocodile's status as a Shichibukai would shield him from any direct action by the Marines. Sengoku had already concluded that Crocodile was the mastermind behind the unrest in Alabasta.
Ikki's eyes flicked toward Princess Vivi, who was still staring into space, processing everything she had heard. Turning back to the phone, he said confidently, "Don't worry, Fleet Admiral. We'll handle it. Princess Vivi of Alabasta is with us now."
The mention of her name snapped Vivi out of her daze.
"Princess Vivi? You mean Nefertari Vivi, the only daughter of King Cobra?" Sengoku's voice rose slightly. "Quick—put her on!"
Ikki handed Vivi the Den Den Mushi, and she took it hesitantly.
"Are you really Sengoku, Marine Fleet Admiral?" Vivi asked cautiously, her voice trembling.
"Yes, it's me," Sengoku confirmed.
Vivi's eyes narrowed. "Then… why are you working with pirates?"
The question caught Sengoku off guard. For a moment, he was silent, then realized she must be referring to the Straw Hats.
"Ah, don't misunderstand. While Luffy and Ikki sail under the pirate flag, they're actually private Marines," Sengoku explained.
Vivi: …
She blinked in disbelief. From a Fleet Admiral, the words sounded utterly absurd.
Sengoku felt the awkwardness too. His gaze flicked to Garp, who was contentedly munching on senbei. This was Garp's idea… he thought grimly, but it was too late to backpedal now.
Sighing, Sengoku continued, "Vivi, trust the Straw Hats. I've tasked them with investigating the mastermind behind Alabasta's rebellion."
Vivi's expression hardened with determination. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I have no hard evidence, but I'm certain the culprit is Crocodile. His goal is to seize Alabasta under the guise of being its hero."
"Please, Fleet Admiral, send troops to arrest him immediately!" she implored, her voice steady and resolute. The timid facade of "Miss Wednesday" was gone.
Sengoku, impressed by her conviction, replied, "Princess Vivi, while I understand your concerns, we can't act without evidence. Crocodile is seen as a hero in Alabasta. If we act rashly and fail, it'll only strengthen his position."
Vivi clenched her fists but nodded. She understood the logic, even if it frustrated her.
In the end, they agreed: Vivi would work with the Straw Hats to uncover Crocodile's crimes and gather solid evidence. Sengoku also informed Ikki about Smoker's covert operation to "pursue" the Straw Hats while assisting the investigation.
As the call ended, Vivi turned to Ikki, extending her hand.
"I'm counting on you, Vice-Captain Ikki."
Ikki smiled and shook her hand gently. "It's not just me—it's all of us. Don't worry; the Straw Hats are very reliable."
Before Vivi could respond, the ground shook as the sound of destruction erupted nearby.
The two turned to see Luffy and Zoro locked in a heated sparring match, the rubble of what had once been a house lying around them.
Ikki scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh… it's just normal post-meal exercise," he said sheepishly.
Vivi: …
Her eye twitched as she thought, 'Exercise? I know eating is important, but is it necessary to swing deadly swords and throw lethal punches?!'
Before Ikki could intervene, Nami stormed in, her voice ringing with fury. With one swift motion, she unleashed her Haki, sending both Luffy and Zoro flying.