20demayo Chapter 98: It Has to Be Done Even If It Doesn't Work!
Chapter 98: It Has to Be Done Even If It Doesn't Work!
Chapter 99: It Has to Be Done Even If It Doesn't Work!
Oro sat on the deck near the edge of the artificial island, close to the whirlpool, and answered the phone: "Zeffa? What's up?"
Oro spoke into the Den Den Mushi, his gaze still fixed on the vortex in the distance.
The Den Den Mushi, mimicking Zephyr on the other end, spoke quickly and impatiently: "I want to take advantage of the World Government's ten-day trial to contact Garp and try to bring him to our side."
Oro gripped the Den Den Mushi, his brow furrowing slightly: "—You mean you want to use this opportunity to poach people from the Navy?"
From Aurora's tone, you could hear the full disapproval: "Zeffa, the reason I told you not to act rashly and to keep a low profile was because after the incident in Mary Geoise, the World Government will definitely list you as a suspect, and any move you make will be closely monitored by CP."
"And now, you actually want to poach their men right under their noses at this critical juncture?"
"You're digging into the strongest corner of the wall? No, I don't agree with your idea. The risk is too great."
Zephyr seemed to have anticipated Oro's reaction. Undeterred, he continued, "I know the risk is high, and I know you're unlikely to agree. But my people inside Marineford just gave me some very interesting intelligence."
"Is it so interesting that you're risking arrest or even execution to poach people from the Navy before you've even established the basic framework for the new navy?"
Oro countered directly, demanding a more compelling reason from Zefa.
The Den Den Mushi mimicked Zephyr's voice, exuding certainty: "You'll definitely be just as excited as I am! Just two days ago at the Navy's high command meeting, Garp openly turned against Fleet Admiral Kong because of his strong opposition to the extreme policy of the Ten-Day Trial, and slammed the door and left on the spot."
"And according to the exact information I have received, Garp is not currently involved in any of the Navy's actions during the Ten-Day Trial."
"And most importantly, the World Government already inquired about why Garp didn't participate in the operation yesterday, even if that guy Sora can temporarily fool the World Government."
"But the way the world government operates—especially in this particular time, well, you know."
Auro raised an eyebrow; this was indeed unexpected yet reasonable news.
Given Kapna's sense of justice in "protecting the underprivileged," he would never accept, much less participate in, the World Government's current indiscriminate cleansing operation.
Well, Oro has to admit, he was indeed tempted.
Please, that's Garp! The future headshot hero, the Navy's top combat force, his personal strength and prestige, as well as his influence among ordinary Navy soldiers, are unparalleled.
If he is truly disappointed with the current navy because of the ten-day trial, then the possibility of influencing him has changed from almost zero to something worth trying.
Oro weighed the pros and cons, but the risks remained enormous. Garp had deep feelings for the Navy and unwavering beliefs, so he might not easily switch sides.
But the opportunity is equally enticing, and the rewards are immense if you succeed.
Moreover, if Zephyr, who is also disappointed with the Navy, were to make the contact, the chances of success might be higher.
After a brief silence, Oro made his decision and said to the Den Den Mushi, "I agree, you can give it a try."
"But listen carefully, I know you understand, but I still have to say, don't force it, don't expose your relationship with us, and don't try to use force or coercion."
"You know that Garp is a very principled person, and I don't believe he would be easily swayed by a single conflict."
"The key to making contact is to understand his true thoughts, express our position and possibilities, rather than rushing things."
Oro added seriously, "Safety must be ensured during the operation, and a complete evacuation plan must be prepared."
"Don't end up getting caught by the navy and losing both your wife and your army."
Zephyr on the other end of the Den Den Mushi visibly breathed a sigh of relief: "Okay! I understand. Wait for my message."
"I'm sure I can persuade Garp! He has to!"
The communication was cut off, and the Den Den Mushi returned to its original state, retracting into its shell. Oro set it aside and turned his gaze back to the enormous, eternally spinning vortex in the distance.
Garp—if we can win him over, our bargaining chips will undoubtedly be much stronger when facing the World Government and Im in the future.
But all of this depends on Lingling and the others being able to return safely and bring back half of the national treasure. There are still three days left of the seven-day deadline agreed upon with Lingling and Ousha.
Oro has made a decision: if they haven't come out within two days, he will go down to find them.
We can't delay any longer. The national treasure is important, but Lingling and the others' safety is equally important. And the longer we delay, the more likely Im will find out.
Furthermore, Oro needs to return to the Kingdom of Jaya as soon as possible, as the World Government's insane retaliation against the entire world is also impacting his kingdom.
The United Kingdom's trade network, which it had cultivated for many years along the Grand Line, has been brought to a standstill by the World Government's comprehensive ban on navigation, with all overt trade routes now shut down.
As the de facto head of the Skysea Trading Company, Mermaid Taylor and her secretariat have been working tirelessly for several days and nights, trying to maintain the basic operation and influence of commercial shipping routes through secret channels in the underworld and stockpiled supplies.
Because Taylor was really too busy, Gails took Stusky back to Gaya Island first.
On the one hand, it was to assist Taylor in handling kingdom affairs, using Gails' own identity and her experience in domestic affairs to help Auro stabilize the rear.
On the other hand, this is also an opportunity for Stussy, the new president's personal assistant, to formally meet and become familiar with the core management of the United Kingdom, to get to know the people, and to clarify her authority and responsibilities.
Stussy's intellect and abilities should be of great use in such chaotic times.
"Sir."
The sound of the artificial island manager's footsteps on the steel deck echoed behind Oro.
The garrison on this island was handpicked from the armed forces of the Kingdom of Gaya, and according to Oro's orders, the soldiers all addressed Oro as Commander.
"Speak," Oro said without turning his head.
"The Treasure Island outpost has sent a message reporting that Bee suddenly came to your door and that the landline Den Den Mushi he uses to communicate with you is broken, so he cannot contact you directly. Bee also emphasized that he can only tell you the specific details."
Although Oro didn't turn his head, the person in charge still stood two meters away from Oro, keeping his back straight.
Hearing the person in charge's words, Oro finally turned his gaze away from the whirlpool. He looked back with some surprise: "That little bee? Lox is still lying in Elbaf, what could possibly happen to him?"
Because Oro was sitting, the person in charge dared not look down at him, and could only look straight ahead and honestly answer that he did not know.
"He better be really in trouble."
Oro wouldn't make things difficult for his men for no reason. He stood up and strode towards the island's communications room.