Chapter 27 Prestige Appears
"Huh, that Tenyasha has finally left. If he weren't so restrained, if he truly fought seriously, there'd be no telling who would come out on top—it could go either way.
Fortunately, that guy is bound by too many strings. Just mentioning one or two things is enough to make him back down from a fight.
As long as we don't go near Dressrosa, he has no reason to target us again—he's not someone who takes risks without purpose."
It wasn't until Doflamingo's ominous presence completely vanished that Carl let out a long breath of relief then calmly sheathed his twin blades.
He surveyed the area slowly, noting that the entire Marineford plaza had been turned to ruins.
The surrounding buildings had been nearly obliterated left as scorched debris from the brief but devastating clash.
Though it lasted only a matter of minutes, the destructive force exchanged was immense a reflection of Doflamingo's terrifying strength.
"Captain Carl! Thank you so much if it hadn't been for you, we'd all be finished!"
A marine colonel who had fought alongside Carl during the skirmish stepped forward gratefully, bowing in thanks.
Gradually, the other marines emerged as well—despite their injuries, they too lined up to express their heartfelt gratitude to Carl.
"Colonel Carl, you performed admirably! Without your intervention, none of us would be standing here and even worse, that Celestial Dragon's corpse might have been stolen!
Even if we don't care about the fate of a Tenryuubito, it would've been a disgrace to the Navy's reputation.
That Tenyasha is far too arrogant this was a blatant insult to us. You handled things beautifully once I report to Navy HQ, I'll make sure the Fleet Admiral hears of your deeds!"
Vice Admiral Pizza had been bandaged up, and though he looked battered, his vitality had returned.
Carl scratched the back of his head, puzzled.
"Honestly, I don't get it why would Doflamingo return just to seize a corpse?
Is the body of a mere Celestial Dragon really worth all that? Is he doing some kind of twisted biological research?"
"Hahahaha! What kind of wild idea is that? Tenyasha did it for one reason only to extort the Gorosei, the Five Elders.
He's done it before too—back when he first became a Warlord, he pulled a similar stunt.
If memory serves, he blackmailed the World Government out of a massive sum of Beli!"
"So this wasn't even his first time doing this kind of thing? What a repeat offender how shameless can you get?"
Carl snorted in disdain clearly disgusted by Doflamingo's habitual manipulation and thuggish tactics.
Pizza chuckled, then gave Carl a firm pat on the shoulder.
"Thanks to you, we got through it. None of us expected Doflamingo to be lurking in Sabaody Archipelago of all places during this time.
He's just like before he always strikes during moments of chaos. Him stealing that corpse? Just rotten luck for us…"
"Yeah, really sounds like you had some bad luck this time."
Just as Pizza began to lament their misfortune
A sleazy, high-pitched voice slithered out from the rear of the crowd—startling many of the marines where they stood.
Carl and Pizza became vigilant at the same time turning their heads sharply in the direction of the voice.
Neither of them had sensed any incoming presence, no haki signature, no footsteps nothing at all.
Carl, having just endured a tense battle with Donquixote Doflamingo, had finally allowed himself to relax only to be jolted once more by the sudden voice.
However, when he saw the source was Borsalino, better known as Admiral Kizaru, his tension eased slightly.
It was a clear warning no matter how brief the peace may be, a moment of carelessness could be fatal especially with enemies like Doflamingo still moving in the shadows.
Carl mentally made a note never to fully lower his guard again and then saluted respectfully as Polusalino approached with his usual leisurely gait.
"Welcome, Admiral Polusalino what brings you here?"
"Ehh? Wasn't it you who requested backup? I've arrived now so, where's the enemy? Was he driven off, or is he lying dead somewhere?"
Polusalino's tone was as laid-back as ever, his eyes half-lidded, his words dragging slowly as he tilted his head toward Carl and Pizza.
"Reporting, sir! The intruder, Donquixote Doflamingo, has been repelled by Colonel Carl. The crisis has been resolved, and the area is secure!"
"Hmm? Is that so? Well then, that's probably for the best. I have to admit I didn't expect you, a youngster, to be able to go toe-to-toe with Ten'yasha Doflamingo. Seems I've underestimated you quite a bit."
Hearing Pizza's report, Polusalino narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Carl more seriously than before.
Though he had previously seen Carl in action—most notably during a training session arranged by Fleet Admiral Sengoku, where Carl had only managed a stalemate with Vice Admiral Garp he had assumed Carl's strength hovered somewhere above a major general but not quite at vice admiral level.
But now having driven back one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, who also held ties to the Celestial Dragons and the black market that changed things.
"Pizza, bring the body of the Tenryuubito with you—we're returning to Marine Headquarters together.
As for things here until a new commanding officer arrives, Carl will take charge. That's fine with you, right, Carl-boy?"
"Me…?"
Hearing the sudden assignment from Admiral Polusalino, Carl blinked in surprise but then snapped to attention and answered immediately.
"Understood, sir! I'll complete the mission without fail!"
"Good, good—that's settled, then. I'll head to the naval port. Pizza, finish packing up quickly and don't make me wait."
Though Polusalino's voice retained its trademark sluggishness, there was a sharper edge to his tone now and his expression, while still unreadable, was clearly more focused.
"Keep pushing forward eventually, you'll make it to the New World… and that's where the true battlefield lies!"
Pizza grinned and clapped Carl hard on the shoulder, offering him a nod of encouragement before going to prepare for departure.
It wasn't long before Pizza emerged again, accompanied by several marines and carrying the lifeless body of the Tenryuubito, who had caused the conflict in the first place.
Carl silently watched them disappear into the distance then turned his eyes to the shattered remains of the naval installation around him and sighed.
"Everyone, listen up! For now, Admiral Polusalino has assigned me temporary command of this station.
If anyone disagrees with this appointment, speak up now I'll give you the chance. But if you stay silent, I'll take that as your acceptance!"
"No objections!"
"No disagreement!"
"Yes, sir! No objections!"
The remaining navy soldiers quickly fell into formation. Some had injuries one had a broken leg—but they all forced themselves to stand.
Carl's heart swelled slightly at the sight it was a reminder of the loyalty the navy could inspire, even when battered.
"In that case all critically wounded and those with restricted mobility, proceed to the infirmary immediately for treatment!
Everyone else join me in repairing the naval base!"
"Yes, sir!"
At Carl's order, the division split into two groups.
Those in need of treatment were escorted to the medical ward while the rest joined Carl in clearing debris, lifting wreckage, and reconstructing what had been damaged.
With Carl taking the initiative, no one voiced a complaint despite the fatigue written all over their faces.
He had saved their lives if returning that favor meant rebuilding walls and sweeping rubble, they would do it with pride.
Besides this wasn't just about repairing a base.
Thanks to Carl's Devil Fruit abilities, the restoration work proceeded at a surprisingly efficient pace.
In the hours that followed, they not only made remarkable progress on repairs but also managed to resume several key operations of the naval outpost.
Under Carl's direction, the navy sub-branch stationed at Sabaody Archipelago functioned without a hitch despite the earlier chaos.
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