Caution was necessary, and so were precautionary measures. The matter at hand was of great significance. While Rosen believed that Vice Admiral O'Neill indeed harbored rebellious intentions against the World Government, there was no trust between them.

Thus, a "pledge" was needed to solidify their alliance and determination. Mere words or shared thoughts were not enough; actions were required to strengthen their bond.

Since Rosen would be relying on O'Neill's intelligence in the future, this step was unavoidable. It also ensured that both men were truly bound together, with no way to turn back once the deed was done.

Rosen spoke candidly. "We must kill Eric?!" Vice Admiral O'Neill was shocked, though not entirely surprised. This revelation also increased his respect for Crocodile.

He understood the significance of this act—it was the first step in breaking free from the shadow of the World Government's authority. There was no room or reason to refuse.

Rewinding slightly, at Marine Headquarters, a sharp, repeated alarm blared. "The Buster Call has been initiated! Immediately summon five vice admirals and prepare ten warships with full ammunition!" Vice Admiral Doberman emerged from the meeting room.

"Understood." "What's the destination?" Vice Admiral Onigumo, who had just returned to Headquarters, asked. "Lantis Island," replied Another Vice Admiral, who had also just left the meeting, his expression grave.

From Marine Headquarters to Lantis Island, even using the special currents and sailing at full speed, it would take considerable time. Why not mobilize forces from nearby bases?

"The base commander at Reiser Base has fallen, and nearby forces are tied up in forming a blockade. Warships have also been lost, making it insufficient to launch a Buster Call. We must prepare quickly,"

"Understood," Onigumo nodded, aware of the urgency. With the Marines already blockading the area, the situation should remain under control until the Buster Call arrived.

The entire Marine Headquarters was now engulfed in a tense and busy atmosphere. The initiation of a Buster Call was a major event that could not be ignored.

Five top vice admirals, armed with overwhelming firepower and ample ammunition, would launch a devastating attack. The warships were massive, capable of carrying substantial personnel and supplies.

At Sase Island's Marine Base, Eric was in his office, having just ended a call from the World Government. Unsurprisingly, he was severely reprimanded for the mission's failure.

"Damn the Shichibukai, damn Lantis Island! Let the Buster Call wipe everything out! They all deserve to die, those bastards!" Eric punched the wall, losing his composure.

The defeat at Lantis and the loss of Marines meant little to him. What troubled him was the World Government's doubt in his abilities, which shattered his chances of advancing further within their ranks.

He needed to make amends quickly. Once the Buster Call annihilated the Lantis people, he had to land on the island and retrieve the long-lived species, even if they were just corpses.

The Buster Call was terrifying; even those hiding underground would not survive. The only possible survivors would be Crocodile, Queen Hathaway, and a few strong individuals. But the majority of the Lantis people would perish.

The remaining forces, facing five top vice admirals and elite Marines, would stand no chance, even if they had two or three Hathaway-level fighters.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "Enter. Huh? Vice Admiral O'Neill, didn't you just return to Frans Island? What's the urgent matter?" Eric was slightly surprised to see O'Neill, who had just left.

"I've found Crocodile's trail," O'Neill said as he entered, moving past Eric to stand near his desk. Eric turned to face him, intrigued. "Where is Crocodile?" "Behind you," O'Neill replied calmly, his eyes devoid of emotion.

"What?!" Eric was stunned. His Observation Haki sensed something, but his injured body couldn't react in time, nor could he activate his Armament Haki. A sand sword suddenly pierced his heart.

He looked down at the blade and his rapidly fading life force, disbelief written all over his face. He wasn't surprised that Crocodile could infiltrate silently. In fact, at the last moment, his instincts had detected danger, even without actively using Observation Haki.

But it was too sudden, and Rosen had deliberately suppressed his killing intent until the final moment.

What truly shocked Eric was that a Marine vice admiral had brought a pirate to kill him. It was unthinkable. How could this happen? His strength hadn't fully recovered, and though he wasn't weak, he was far from his peak during the Lantis battle.

Moreover, being ambushed in his own office, where pirates couldn't bypass the guards without insider help, made it all the more unbelievable.

"Cough..." Eric tried to speak, but his mouth filled with blood. At that moment, Rosen completed another 600 million berry mission, earning Activity x4. These recent missions had been the easiest of his life.

Eric's strength was undoubtedly worth over 600 million, perhaps even 800 million or a billion. Even among the Yonko's top officers, he was a formidable figure. Yet, he was about to die, weakened and betrayed by a Marine, bringing him to his end.

"Should we finish him off? He was a key figure in your decision," Rosen asked O'Neill, watching Eric's fading breath. Whether or not to deliver the final blow didn't matter; the moment O'Neill brought Rosen into the office, their fates were sealed. They were now bound together.

"It's pointless. He was just a puppet of the World Government. What's next?" O'Neill looked at Eric's lifeless body, feeling no satisfaction, only sorrow.

Rosen pulled out the sand sword, and his body underwent a dramatic transformation as the Activity reward took effect. His body felt like it was boiling, but he wasn't worried—his physical strength could withstand any change.

"Although you avoided detection, you should return to Frans Island quickly. I need to stay exposed, or you'll be easily suspected. Go. I've given you the contact method. Let me know if anything comes up,"

Rosen said calmly, though his mind was anything but. He noticed that one of his abilities had surpassed 1,000 proficiency points, reaching an advanced level. His Devil Fruit ability seemed to be boiling within him.

"Understood," O'Neill nodded. Having made his choice, he knew what to do next.

(End of Chapter)

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