After ending the call, Caron’s expression became grave.
Kizaru’s warning could not be ignored.
They had just destroyed an arms deal between the Donquixote Family and the Vinsmoke family.
Given how both organizations operated, retaliation was almost inevitable.
The Donquixote Family was infamous throughout the underworld.
Any force that crossed them could expect a cruel response.
Even if the target happened to be the Marines, the Donquixote Family might not back down.
The Vinsmokes were another matter.
On the Grand Line, they might hesitate before openly challenging the Marines.
But this was the North Blue.
Here, Germa’s military power and influence were far greater, and there was no telling how extreme their retaliation might become.
Both organizations were ruthless enough to strike back.
“We need to warn every Marine branch in the North Blue.”
Caron’s expression grew heavier.
“They must prepare for possible retaliation from both families.
Otherwise, the losses could be severe.”
Destroying the two ships had felt like a major victory.
Now, however, the consequences weighed heavily on him.
The immediate threat had been resolved, but the trouble that followed might be far worse.
Marine authority in the North Blue was not as absolute as it was closer to Headquarters.
Germa’s influence ran too deep.
Time passed.
The following morning, the sun rose over the sea.
Golden light spread across the water, reflecting brilliantly from the rippling surface as a gentle breeze stirred the waves.
Elsewhere in the North Blue sailed an enormous mobile kingdom.
The Germa Kingdom.
This was the stronghold of the Vinsmoke family and the moving territory of the Germa Kingdom.
It was the world’s only recognized nation without permanently fixed land, yet it still retained its status as a World Government-affiliated kingdom.
The country was ruled by Vinsmoke Judge, supported by the children who remained at his side:
His eldest daughter, Reiju.
His eldest son, Ichiji.
His second son, Niji.
And his fourth son, Yonji.
Germa commanded a technologically advanced military and had already begun producing clone soldiers in great numbers.
That morning, news arrived that the arms transaction with the Donquixote Family had ended in disaster.
Judge was furious.
He immediately summoned his three sons and daughter.
Before long, the central members of the Vinsmoke family had gathered.
“Yesterday, the unit I sent to conduct an arms deal with the Donquixote Family was completely wiped out because of Marine interference.”
“We lost every man involved, along with the entire shipment.”
“We received none of the payment, and the weapons are gone.”
Judge’s voice was cold.
“The financial loss alone will not damage Germa’s arms business.”
“But that is not the issue.”
“In the North Blue, Marines openly attacked members of the Vinsmoke family.”
“That is a direct challenge to our authority.”
Judge stood nearly three meters tall.
Long, curling blond hair fell down his back.
He wore dark clothing beneath an orange cape, while a golden mask covered part of his face.
His imposing appearance matched the pressure surrounding him.
Losing a shipment of weapons meant little to an organization as wealthy and productive as Germa.
What Judge could not tolerate was the insult.
The Marines had attacked his people in the very region where the Vinsmoke name commanded the greatest fear.
It was a public blow to both his pride and the family’s reputation.
“The Vinsmoke name cannot be insulted!”
Yonji spoke angrily.
He was direct and hot-tempered, never bothering to conceal what he felt.
He wore green clothing beneath a dark cape, and his short, curled hair was the same vivid shade.
“Reiju, what do you think?”
Judge turned toward his eldest daughter.
Vinsmoke Reiju was the princess of the Germa Kingdom.
As a child, she had been genetically modified through Judge’s research into the Lineage Factor, granting her superhuman physical abilities.
Unlike her brothers, she had retained her emotions.
However, she remained unable to directly disobey Judge’s commands.
She wore a pink outfit, and her softly curled pink hair framed a mature, composed expression.
“We should retaliate.”
Reiju answered calmly.
“An attack on the Marines would also remind the kingdoms and other powers of the North Blue that Germa remains strong.”
“Even though they are Marines?”
Judge asked meaningfully.
“Even the Marines cannot be allowed to make the Vinsmoke family retreat.”
“This retaliation can serve as a warning to the North Blue’s royal families.”
“They have become increasingly restless in recent years.”
“Some of them are no longer willing to accept Germa’s influence and have begun making plans behind our backs.”
“A decisive response would make them more obedient.”
Judge nodded approvingly.
“You’re right.”
He then turned toward his sons.
“According to the information we gathered, the Marines who interrupted the transaction came from the Mushroom Town Marine Branch.”
“If we intend to retaliate, then that branch should be the target.”
“They destroyed our transaction and cost us a considerable sum.”
“In return, we will strike their base and inflict losses of our own.”
“That seems fair.”
“If I remember correctly, the branch is commanded by a Marine captain named Caron.”
“Since he dared to attack the Vinsmoke family openly, there is no reason for us to continue showing restraint simply because he wears a Marine uniform.”
Judge’s sons immediately volunteered to lead Germa’s clone soldiers in the attack.
“There is no need to mobilize the entire family over a minor Marine branch.”
Judge made his decision.
“Yonji, you will lead eight hundred clone soldiers.”
“Take sufficient weapons and ammunition and destroy the Mushroom Town Marine Branch.”
“Perhaps we should wait briefly and see how the Donquixote Family responds,” Reiju suggested.
Judge considered it.
“That may be sensible.”
“The Marines did not only offend us.
They also disrupted the Donquixote Family’s business.”
“Knowing Doflamingo’s personality, he will not let the matter end here.”
“Germa will retaliate, but the Donquixote Family will likely send its own forces into the North Blue as well.”
At that moment, Judge’s Den Den Mushi began to ring.
He answered it.
A deep voice, heavy with suppressed anger, came through the receiver.
“It’s me.”
“Doflamingo.”
Judge’s eyes narrowed slightly.
As expected, the Heavenly Yaksha had no intention of remaining silent.
The Marines had humiliated both families.
Doflamingo was one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, but he was hardly someone who accepted losses quietly.
“The arms deal failed because the Marines intervened,” Doflamingo said.
“But I do not believe the problem came from your side.”
“We can continue doing business in the future.”
“As for this failed transaction…”
“I intend to demand an explanation from the Marines.”
“What are you planning?” Judge asked.
“There is something you may not know.”
For the first time, Doflamingo’s voice carried a trace of caution.
“One of the Marines involved has a very unusual identity.”
“He was the one who destroyed the transaction.”
“He was also responsible for wiping out several hundred of our men.”
Judge raised an eyebrow.
Even he had not received that information yet.
Doflamingo was in Dressrosa, far away in the New World, yet his intelligence network had already uncovered details from the North Blue.
“Who is he?”
Judge asked directly.
“Admiral Kizaru’s biological nephew.”
“A young Marine named Leon.”
Doflamingo’s voice turned cold.