Chapter 98: Chapter 98: Protecting the Heavenly Tribute
"Law, make sure you keep yourself safe…" Wright's voice pulled Rosinante back from his stunned daze, the latter still reeling from Wright's assertion that this was just a skirmish. The attack on the Heavenly Tribute convoy was already an audacious scheme, yet Wright had labeled it a mere prelude?
But... as much as he didn't want to admit it, Rosinante knew his brother's personality too well. If Wright said it, then it was likely true.
"I'm currently submerged in the submarine," Law's voice came through, steady but tense. "Doflamingo should have realized by now that I've escaped, but his plan is already nearing its climax. There's no way he can stop it now!"
"The Heavenly Tribute convoy he's targeting has already departed for the North Blue. Even if he wanted to redirect to another fleet in another sea, it'd be too late!"
"So for now, he shouldn't have the capacity to chase after me."
"With his capabilities, though," Wright murmured, "he'll definitely figure out that you've reported his plans to Rosinante. Even if his scheme can't be stopped, he'll adjust accordingly. We need to move fast!"
"Wright-san, Rosinante-san…" Law hesitated before blurting out, "I... I want to go out to sea and form a pirate crew!"
"..." Rosinante stared blankly at him, utterly baffled. Law? A pirate?
Wright, however, wasn't surprised in the least. "What brought this on?"
"Wright-san, Rosinante-san, you're both Marines…" Law's voice was impassioned. "There are bound to be things you can't do within the Marines! I've come to understand just how dangerous the Ope Ope no Mi is… I can't join the Navy, but as a pirate, I can set sail and help you from the outside!"
"Hahaha, kid, I appreciate the thought," Wright chuckled, nudging Rosinante, who looked ready to faint. "But your priority right now should be growing stronger, protecting yourself, not helping us."
"Only when you're strong enough will you be able to make a difference! And I believe you have that potential."
Rosinante let out a sigh of relief, a gentle smile spreading across his face. "Wright's right. Law, you're free to choose your own path. Whatever kind of life you want, I'll support you!"
"Now, get moving, Law. Keep running," Wright added, glancing at the time. "Even if Doflamingo doesn't come after you personally, he'll definitely send someone. Take care of yourself!"
"Yes, Wright-san!"
...
"Old man Sengoku, that's the situation."
In the Fleet Admiral's office, Rosinante activated his soundproofing ability once again as Wright briefed Sengoku in detail about the intelligence from Law.
"That child… it's such a pity he can't join the Navy," Sengoku sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"When he's strong enough, that won't be a problem," Wright replied confidently. "In the meantime, I'm requesting to lead the escort team for the Heavenly Tribute heading to the North Blue!"
"After all, Doflamingo and I go way back… I'm sure he'd be delighted to see me."
"Hah! More like scared out of his wits!" Sengoku barked, slamming his teacup down.
Taking a deep breath, Sengoku gritted his teeth. "Doflamingo's audacity knows no bounds. But now that we have this intel, there's no way we'll let him succeed!"
"The Heavenly Tribute convoys are usually led by a Vice Admiral, but Doflamingo must have learned something…"
"This time, due to recent personnel reshuffles following the promotions of the three Admirals, the convoy heading to the North Blue is being escorted by two Rear Admirals instead. Only once they return to the Grand Line will a Vice Admiral take over…"
"Hey, why wasn't I assigned to the escort?" Wright asked, feigning innocence.
"Don't be ridiculous! With your strength, you're far beyond most Rear Admirals—even some Vice Admirals!" Sengoku huffed, though inwardly he added, Especially with that ridiculous healing ability of yours… Even someone like Momonga would struggle to take you down without being worn out himself. But I can't inflate your ego…
"Oh? Really?" Wright scratched his head sheepishly. "Hearing that makes me blush, old man Sengoku, hahaha!"
"Ahem!" Sengoku cleared his throat loudly, cutting Wright off before he could ramble. "Given the chaotic situation in the North Blue, the two assigned Rear Admirals are some of the strongest: Rear Admiral Steeless and your old instructor, Rear Admiral Goomir."
"Goomir? It's been ages since I've seen him. Wasn't he stationed at G-2?" Wright recalled the dual-swordsman fondly, once a subordinate of Admiral Zypher.
"Correct," Sengoku confirmed. "Since you're volunteering, consider yourself a Vice Admiral for this mission. Take my orders to relieve the two Rear Admirals and escort the Heavenly Tribute convoy yourself."
"Remember, your mission is to protect the Heavenly Tribute and the representatives of the allied nations. Capture the Donquixote Family if you can, but driving them off is the priority!"
"No problem!" Wright grinned confidently. If Doflamingo hadn't improved significantly in the past few months, Wright figured this could very well be the warlord's one-way ticket to Impel Down!
"Then go. Time is of the essence!" Sengoku commanded.
"Yes, sir!"
The Heavenly Tribute convoy heading to the North Blue consisted of three warships, positioned to guard the transport vessel from the left, right, and rear.
Wright, accompanied by Rosinante and Smoker, arrived just before the convoy entered the Calm Belt, relieving Rear Admirals Goomir and Steeless. The convoy had just retrieved the Tribute and was now en route back through the Calm Belt.
Standing on the deck of the left escort warship, Wright watched snowflakes drift gently from the sky. "It's been a while since I last came to the North Blue… Every time I come here, there's a surprise. People, Devil Fruits… The North Blue sure is generous!"
Rosinante, a cigarette dangling from his lips, exhaled a puff of smoke behind Wright. As someone you 'picked up' yourself, and the one whose Devil Fruit you 'picked up' from my brother… my brother and I owe you too much!
Smoker, meanwhile, had been assigned to the right escort ship, leaving Wright to oversee the rear ship personally. Rosinante remained on the left escort ship as its guardian.
Over the past two years, Rosinante had made significant strides in developing his Calm-Calm Fruit abilities. He had progressed from silencing vibrations in an area to temporarily halting movement at fixed points!
Though not yet capable of the sheer dominance of a master like Sengoku's "Shockwave Stop," even immobilizing a single finger mid-battle could be catastrophic.
With time, Wright was certain Rosinante would become a force to be reckoned with. For now, his abilities were already enough to give most opponents serious trouble—Wright had tested it himself. Without overwhelming Haki, he couldn't land a decisive blow before Rosinante's stamina gave out.
Truly, advanced Paramecia Devil Fruits represented the power of rules.
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