Kara arrived dragging Moria by the leg, one brow arched and a hint of surprise on her face as she eyed Kizaru's warship. The same reaction spread across the faces of those who came in behind her.
"What the heck happened here? "asked Chopper, slack-jawed, staring at the half-wrecked ship.
The vessel, which Kara had been strictly forbidden to damage under Momousagi's orders just a short while ago, was now covered in slashes, broken parts… and large sections turned to stone.
"Sigh… "Kara brought a hand to her forehead, clearly exhausted, and let out a deep breath before dropping Moria without much care". Someone else take care of this bag of bones...
Without delay, she jumped aboard the warship, leaving the unconscious Shichibukai lying on the ground.
Once she landed inside the ship, she was met with a scene as absurd as it was dangerous: Hancock and Momousagi stood facing each other in combat stance, breathing heavily, with torn clothes, cuts, and bruises all over their bodies. They stared so intensely at each other that the air between them seemed to burn.
"…Would someone please explain what the hell you two are doing? "Kara asked, her voice unusually serious, causing both women to snap their heads toward her in surprise.
From the ship's corners, marines peeked out with wide eyes, as if they'd just survived a natural disaster. Upon seeing Kara, they couldn't help but look at her like their savior.
"Kara! You have to do something about this Marine bitch! "Hancock rushed forward, wearing such a pleading expression that any man would have fallen at her feet… or maybe already had.
"Hmph. Just a manipulative viper "Momousagi replied coldly, sheathing her sword with a sharp motion and shooting Hancock a venomous glare.
Kara stared at them in silence for a few seconds, as if she were evaluating two kids who had just fought over a doll.
"Follow me… both of you "she said with a firm tone and a hint of irritation. The two blinked, confused by her attitude, but followed without a word.
"Let's go… "Kara added, her voice so authoritative that even the proud Momousagi didn't dare argue.
Meanwhile, the marines laid down a plank for Uta and the others to board the ship, carrying the unconscious Gecko Moria. Well, more like dragging him"Zoro pulled him along as if he were a sack of potatoes.
"Should we follow them? "Chopper asked, imagining Kara scolding them like a strict mom.
"Hahaha, better not… "Uta laughed, a mischievous smile on her lips.
"What do we do with this guy? If he wakes up, he's definitely gonna start screaming like a maniac "Zoro said, clearly uninterested in whatever Kara was dealing with.
"Just lock him up in a cell with seastone chains "Uta ordered casually, signaling the marines". You've got to learn to delegate, right? You're a captain, after all.
"You're right… "Chopper nodded, impressed.
Suddenly, muffled thuds came from deeper within the ship. Everyone went silent, looking in the direction Kara and the two women had disappeared.
"…How about I sing a song? "Uta suggested with a nervous smile.
"Yes, please! "Chopper exclaimed enthusiastically.
In no time, they set up an improvised stage. The marines started playing music, and laughter and joy filled the air. Uta gave a short concert while the ship sailed under the sun, helping to lift everyone's spirits.
A couple of hours later, Kara emerged from the ship with a wide smile on her face, walking calmly back to her usual spot and sitting down as if nothing had happened.
Everyone wanted to ask what had gone down, but no one dared. Especially not after they saw Hancock walk out soon after, radiant like a queen in a parade, and right behind her, Momousagi… her cheeks flushed red, eyes avoiding everyone, lips tightly sealed as if afraid to speak.
They all quickly went back to their tasks, pretending they hadn't seen a thing.
Uta, however, gave her big sister a thumbs-up.
Kara, of course, winked at her.
...…
Kara and her crew arrived at Marineford as the marines at the docks stared in shock at Kizaru's half-destroyed warship.
Still, Kara didn't bother explaining. In her mind, if she hadn't wrecked that ship in retaliation, the other two troublemakers would've done it just for fun.
Hancock tried to follow her, but Kara had to report to Sengoku, so Momousagi led her to the rest area where she would wait for the arrival of the other Shichibukai"or maybe crash at Kara's house. Although Kara had her own place in Marineford, she often slept in the officers' dorms just to annoy them. Ironically, her house mostly served as a hiding spot… for her own grandfather.
Under Uta's orders, the marines brought down Gecko Moria, still unconscious. Technically, he had woken up during the trip, but one punch from Kara had put him back to sleep after he started yelling to be released.
As she walked toward the Fleet Admiral's office, Kara hummed one of her sister's songs.
Just as she raised her arm to smash the wall beside the door, a firm voice rang out from inside:
"If you break my office wall one more time, I'll assign you six months of duty with your grandfather "Sengoku warned in a stern tone.
Kara froze in place. She took a few more steps, kicked the door open… and walked in with a teasing smile.
"Hi, Sengoku! Did you miss me? I completed your ridiculous mission.
She noticed Garp sitting in a corner, calmly eating cookies.
"Ah… stinky old man, you're here too."
"Idiot! Show some respect, I'm your grandfather!" Garp growled, jumping to his feet.
"Bleh, don't wanna," Kara replied in a childish tone as she plopped into a seat and stole a cookie.
"Enough, both of you! Take your nonsense out of my office!" Sengoku exploded, slamming his desk in frustration. Then he turned a sharp glare at Kara. "And you... why the hell didn't you capture the Straw Hats?! Kuma had direct orders to assist with that mission!"
Kara raised an eyebrow, calm.
"My mission was to gather the Shichibukai, wasn't it? Isn't that what always pisses you off, when I don't finish my missions?"
"That mission wasn't for you!" Sengoku shot back, his anger rising.
"WHAT?!" Kara frowned, genuinely surprised. "That damn snail with legs gave it to me! He tricked me again!"
"Kizaru was sent to Egghead. He should be on his way back now," Sengoku replied before Kara could decide to destroy half the base looking for him. "You stay here. Wait for the other Shichibukai... and don't cause any more trouble. Also, why the hell did you bring Gecko Moria in chains? Did he refuse to show up?"
"No. I just don't like him," Kara shrugged as she stood up to leave.
Sengoku let out a long sigh. At least she brought two Shichibukai.
Just as Kara was opening the door, an alarm blared from the desk. A special Den Den Mushi began vibrating urgently. Kara paused, intrigued.
"This is Sengoku," the Fleet Admiral answered with a serious expression. The call came from the Elders.
"One of the Celestial Dragons was kidnapped in the Sabaody Archipelago. Send an admiral immediately. The culprit is Eustass Kid and his crew," said a voice brimming with fury before cutting the line without waiting for a response.
A second later, several marines burst into the office, handing over additional reports.
"Damn it! There are no admirals nearby. And if Kizaru arrives too late, Kid will have escaped..." Sengoku muttered in frustration. Then his eyes locked on Kara, who was just about to sneak out the door.
"Don't even think about it! Kara, you're the fastest in Marineford right now. Go after Kid. Capture his crew and rescue the Celestial Dragon. Kizaru will follow behind you."
"WHAAAT?! And why the hell do I have to do it?!" Kara complained with an annoyed groan
"Just get it done already!" Sengoku barked, tone leaving no room for argument.
"Fine, fine! Geez, so grumpy..." Kara muttered. Instead of using the door, she opened the window and threw herself out. A second later, she vanished into the sky like a swift shadow.
A marine ran in, handing over more info.
"Sir! Kid's pirates are demanding a ransom. They want a ship and money to reach the New World. The Celestial Dragon is injured but still alive."
"Deploy several support ships to Vice Admiral Kara," Sengoku ordered swiftly. "Notify Kizaru. Have Aokiji and Akainu return from Impel Down with the prisoner, just in case. And place the base on high alert. I want scouts watching every direction."
"Yes, sir!" the marine replied, immediately running off.
Garp stopped munching his cookies for a moment and looked up.
"Why the need to go on the defensive?"
Sengoku narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.
"I don't think this is as simple as it seems... Garp, go to the docks. Make yourself seen."
"Got it," Garp replied seriously, standing up with a cookie still in his mouth.
Meanwhile, in Marineford, the blaring of alarms triggered immediate defense protocols. The marines moved swiftly and precisely, taking their posts on the cannons, warships, and walls.
Full squads were deployed to guard the docks, while armed soldiers stood at the top of the walls, serious and ready for any threat.
In the distance, aboard a small boat hidden among the waves, a man watched the movement through a spyglass. His expression was grim, jaw tight. The Den Den Mushi beside him started to ring urgently.
"What happened?" he asked in a low but firm voice.
"We saw Aokiji and Akainu leave Impel Down… but they're not alone. Looks like they're transporting someone," came the voice on the other end.
The man clicked his tongue, visibly irritated.
"Tch… Damn it. Looks like they figured it out. It was just a move to weaken security at Impel Down..." he paused briefly. "No choice. We'll have to inform Father. War is inevitable."
Without another word, he hung up sharply. In silence, he turned the rudder. The small boat drifted away, melting into the mist as it returned to its point of origin.