Chapter 92: The Arrest of the Red Count!

Chapter 92: Chapter 92: The Arrest of the Red Count!

In the waters of the New World, a massive sailing ship quietly cut through the waves, flying the insignia of an official World Government caravan. It looked like an ordinary merchant vessel, nothing that would attract undue attention.

But standing on its deck were some of the mightiest figures in the world: Marine Headquarters' Fleet Admiral Kong, Vice Admiral Garp, renowned as the Marine Hero, and Claudius, the young Celestial Dragon. Their target was none other than Patrick Redfield, also known as the "Red Count," and their destination—Bat Island.

Claudius hadn't had many opportunities to meet Fleet Admiral Kong before, and the two didn't share any particular friendship. In fact, he didn't know much about him at all. But in the days they'd spent together, Claudius had come to appreciate that Kong was a straightforward, stubborn man, but not inflexible. The Fleet Admiral had a strong personality yet remained approachable, and they'd quickly found a mutual respect.

"It should be close now, right?" Claudius asked, watching the record pointer in his hand as it swayed in the direction of their destination.

Garp, an old sea dog with years of experience, didn't even bother with the pointer. After a moment of thought, he said, "Another half a day, give or take."

"This mission is as covert as it gets. I didn't even bring any Marine soldiers along. Just the three of us know about it. I doubt that Redfield would ever expect such a small force," Fleet Admiral Kong remarked with a smile.

Claudius looked at him, curious. "Is he really as arrogant as they say? Always working alone, never trusting anyone?"

Kong nodded. "Exactly. That's why he's earned the nickname 'Lonely Red.' He refuses to rely on anyone."

"Well, this time we'll shatter that pride of his and send him straight to Impel Down," Garp said, clenching his fists with a dangerous grin.

Kong nodded in agreement. "Garp, once we reach Bat Island, you'll station yourself at the port. That place has a peculiar geography, there's only one port for getting in or out, and the rest of the island is surrounded by cliffs. As long as you hold the port, he won't be able to escape. I'll handle him myself."

"Huh? You're planning to take that bastard on solo, Kong?" Garp asked, clearly surprised.

"Oh, you mean that candidate for the 'Seven Warlords of the Sea' project that Sengoku mentioned? His Highness Doflamingo, right?" Kong asked, recalling their conversation.

"That's right, though please don't call him 'Your Highness' around him. He's sensitive about it. He was stripped of his Celestial Dragon status when his father took him to North Blue," Claudius replied with a chuckle.

"Got it," Kong replied, slightly embarrassed by his mistake.

As they closed in on Bat Island, Doflamingo himself was preparing on the shore, waiting for Claudius's arrival.

"So I'm supposed to face off against the infamous 'Lonely Red,' Patrick Redfield? I barely got my feet wet in the New World, and I'm already dealing with a legend?" Doflamingo muttered to himself, a cold gleam in his eyes. A wicked grin spread across his face. "Fufufufu... cousin, I see you're making me prove my worth."

"If you can't endure this, you'll never reach the top," he recalled Claudius saying over the Den Den Mushi before this mission. "This is a chance to show the World Government your value. Make a good impression, and we'll both benefit in the future."

Doflamingo hadn't reached the level of patience he'd have in the future, but under Claudius's guidance, he'd learned to control his impulses. This mission was just another step in his ascent, a necessary sacrifice for a greater reward.

Meanwhile, deep within Bat Island's dense forests, Redfield examined a worn scrap of parchment he had just uncovered. The markings on it hinted at a place called "The Sleeping Ancient Town," and he frowned, unfamiliar with the name.

"The Sleeping Ancient Town... never heard of it," Redfield murmured. His latest quest had brought him here, searching for a rare Zoan Mythical Devil Fruit he'd heard rumors about. He intended to find it and harness its power, thinking it might prove useful in his future endeavors.

Little did he know, however, that the World Government had already set a trap for him—a net that had taken months to weave and was about to be sprung.

If he truly wanted that fruit, it would have to wait. It would be over twenty years before Blackbeard would one day come to free him from his cell in Impel Down...