Chapter 234: Tempest on Cake Island

“What happened?”

“Did something go wrong?”

Dorry and Brogy were handling their final tasks when a wave of murderous intent suddenly burst from Karl’s room, snapping both their attention in that direction.

They exchanged glances and picked up the pace.

Inside the room, Karl gritted his teeth and growled, “Is Linlin’s condition stable now?”

At first, he was thrilled to hear the lanternfish had been found, but that joy turned sour the moment he learned Charlotte Linlin had been injured—and even her unborn child was at risk. Rage flared within him.

Damn it, Garp and Sengoku again. I’ll make the Navy pay.

Krell, sensing Lord Karl’s fury, didn’t dare to hesitate and rushed to reply, “Charlotte Linlin isn’t in any real danger.”

“But we’re not sure if she’ll go into labor early.”

Suddenly remembering something, Krell added, “Oh, and Lord Karl, on Linlin’s way back, John gathered Silver Axe and Wang Zhi to ambush her.”

“John… Some people just can’t help but cause trouble,” Karl fumed inside. He’d been too lenient these past few years, letting John do as he pleased. Who would’ve thought he’d dare to cross the line now.

Karl’s voice turned icy. “Where are those three now?”

Clearly, his first order of business after leaving would be to deal with John and the others.

“Reporting to Lord Karl: John is already dead—killed by Lady Linlin herself. But we still haven’t located Silver Axe or Wang Zhi.”

“But please rest assured, I’ve sent my Fishmen out on the hunt. I believe we’ll have results soon.”

Karl hadn’t expected Silver Axe and Wang Zhi to slip away so quickly, even avoiding Krell’s Fishmen. In the New World, there shouldn’t be anywhere the Fishmen can’t search. So, they must have already left.

After all, Fishmen are rare in the Four Seas. Looks like it’s time to send men further afield.

“Where are you now?”

“Reporting to Lord Karl: I’m at the Elbaf Giant Village.”

“Wait there. I’ll be there soon.”

Karl hung up right away. With so much on his plate, he couldn’t sit around any longer, especially since Linlin had already resolved the Giant Tribe’s hostility.

Packing his things, he stepped out and spoke softly to the two at the door. “Brogy, Dorry, looks like I have to take my leave for now.”

Brogy’s face was full of emotion as he replied, “Don’t worry, Brother Karl. If you need our help, just call. We won’t say no.”

“That’s right, just reach out if things get tough. We’re brothers now, after all.”

Dorry’s words struck a chord deep in Karl.

He nodded seriously. “Don’t worry—if I’m in trouble, I won’t forget you guys.”

With a brisk pace, he left through the door, launched himself off the ground, and soared toward Elbaf Giant Village.

“Brogy, we need to pick up the pace too.”

“Yeah, looks like we’re about to tie up our own affairs.”

Watching Karl fade into the distance, the two hurried their own packing and soon gathered the rest of their people to head toward Elbaf Giant Village.

Over the past month, the Navy had turned two more deserted islands into outpost bases.

Garp and Sengoku, worried that Charlotte Linlin might attack again, remained stationed there.

Whitebeard Newgate didn’t care at all, drifting with his sons across the seas and ignoring the situation.

The Golden Lion was also chasing Roger across the world. In his eyes, bringing Roger to his side was far more important than expelling the Navy.

With the Navy entering the New World, he didn’t have anything to worry about—Karl would take care of them. The grudge between Karl and the Navy ran deep; there was no way Karl would let this chance slip by.

On Hachinosu.

“Garp, ready to go?” Sengoku asked, watching him.

Since yesterday, Garp had been gathering his crew. It was impossible to keep it from Sengoku.

He clearly understood Garp wasn’t heading to Navy Headquarters, but was going after Roger again.

Garp had worked hard for so long, and there was no way he’d give up—the longer he chased Roger, the longer he could avoid a promotion to admiral by Headquarters.

Two birds, one stone. You couldn’t really blame Garp for that.

“Yeah, Sengoku.”

“We’ve stood guard here for a month, and Karl never attacked. Any more time here is just wasted.”

“I won’t let Roger have a peaceful cruise out there on the sea.”

“Call me if anything comes up. I’m off.” Garp waved behind him as he walked to the deck. His dog-headed warship slowly pulled out of the harbor and set course for the deep sea.

After Garp left, Sengoku felt it was pointless to stay and led his ships back to Sabaody Archipelago.

He also ordered the Navy on the four outpost islands: if Karl shows up, retreat at once—don’t bother fighting him.

Sengoku couldn’t bear to see loyal vice admirals die at Karl’s hands. They had too much left to do.

With Garp and Sengoku gone, the waters gradually returned to peace. Yet, it hadn’t all been idle—they’d intercepted dozens of pirate crews sailing from Fishman Island into the New World.

They’d dealt a heavy blow to pirates trying to enter the New World, curbing their growth.

But this method brought new dangers—who knew whether the next attack would come from Karl or the Golden Lion.

After hours on the move, Karl finally reached the harbor. Even from the air, he spotted ships docked among the port trees. He released his Observation Haki and immediately located Krell.

Krell sensed the presence too. The moment he looked up, he saw Lord Karl in the sky and waved in greeting.

“Is everything here wrapped up?” Karl asked, anxious to leave the port.

“All taken care of, Lord Karl. You can depart any time.”

Scanning the surroundings, Karl said quickly, “Let’s go. Next stop: Cake Island.”

Krell nodded, looking serious. He knew exactly why Lord Karl was in such a rush—he wanted to see Charlotte Linlin.

Without delay, he led Karl to the ships and signaled the fleet to set sail for Cake Island.

These ships had been modified by Vegapunk, so they were several times faster than ordinary ones. Normally, though, they avoided top speed, since it risked permanent damage to the vessels.

After many hours, they finally made it back to Cake Island.

“Krell, see you in the meeting room in an hour.”

Dropping that line, Karl shot off toward the island interior.