The news of the complete annihilation of the Marine branch quickly reached the Marine Headquarters at Marineford, and the World Government was soon informed as well!
In an instant, the entire Navy was deeply shaken by this news.
Reactions to the fate of the Hachinous branch ranged from anger to sorrow.
The largest Navy branch in the New World had been slaughtered by the Rocks Pirates in less than half a day.
One could only imagine how terrifying their strength must be.
The high-ranking officials of the Navy and the top leaders of the World Government urgently convened a meeting.
At a massive round table, the high-ranking officials gathered together.
On the table lay several photographs detailing the core members of the Rocks Pirates.
The topmost photo was of the captain of the Rocks Pirates, Rocks D. Xebec: 2.4 billion Berries.
"This man is the leader of the Rocks Pirates, and I'm sure everyone here recognizes him from this battle."
"He formed the Rocks Pirates and is the mastermind behind this raid!"
The Marine Admiral picked up the photo from the table and explained to those present.
After putting down the photo, he picked up the second one.
"Edward Newgate: 1.25 billion Berries."
"The wielder of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, the second-in-command of the Rocks Pirates, his abilities are incredibly powerful! His attacks are destructive and capable of triggering tsunamis and earthquakes."
"Shiki the Golden Lion: 1.1 billion Berries."
"The wielder of the Float-Float Fruit, and also a great swordsman, the first-in-command of the Rocks Pirates! His strength is on par with Edward's."
"Charlotte Linlin: 1.05 billion Berries."
"The wielder of the Soul-Soul Fruit."
"I believe everyone is familiar with these four individuals; they all share a common trait: they have all awakened the Conqueror's Haki, a rare ability among millions, making them the pinnacle of power in this world!"
"However, the situation is dire."
"According to the information from Navy personnel who escaped the branch, there were five individuals on the island who had awakened Conqueror's Haki!"
With that, the Marine Admiral picked up another photo.
"Bob, the eighth division commander of the Rocks Pirates, it is unclear whether he possesses a Devil Fruit ability! His exact strength is unknown!"
"He is the fifth pirate in the Rocks Pirates to awaken Conqueror's Haki! Moreover, he is the youngest commander in the entire Rocks Pirates!"
The Marine Admiral expression was serious the photo in his hand was gripped tightly, as he struggled to suppress his emotions.
Not just him, but everyone present fell silent.
The individuals just introduced were the ones causing the most headaches for the Navy and the World Government.
Now, they were faced with yet another captain-level figure.
"Is there any more information on this new pirate named Bob?"
One of the Five Elders, dressed in a suit, frowned as he looked at Bob's photo.
The gloom on his face reflected his current mood.
"From the accounts of the escaping Navy personnel, it was reported that during the battle, he killed a Navy Vice Admiral with a single punch!"
"He is a person with exceptional martial arts skills!"
The Marine Admiral relayed all the information he had gathered.
However, other information was scarce, almost entirely derived from hearsay! "What? A single punch?"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked incredulous; how strong must this person be to achieve a one-hit kill?
It should be noted that although the Vice Admiral stationed at Hachinous was not as strong as those at headquarters, he was still a battle-hardened individual.
"Is the information... reliable?"
Seemingly skeptical, a high-ranking government official spoke up.
After all, the person in the photo looked far too young.
"I considered that possibility as well, but the information has been verified as true!"
The Marine Admiral wished it were a lie, but its the fact.
"Let's classify this person as a world-class wanted criminal!"
One of the highest authorities in the World Government, an old man leaning on a cane, stated.
His deep-set eyes revealed no emotional fluctuations the fact that this newcomer could become a commander at such a young age indicated one thing.
Either he possessed extraordinary strength, rivaling that of other commander in combat, or he was poised to grow into an absolute powerhouse.
Or perhaps he embodied both aspects. Regardless, gaining the Rocks Pirates' recognition was significant.
"How much should the bounty be set at?"
"Let's tentatively set it at 700 million!"
This meeting made it abundantly clear to those present just how terrifying the Rocks Pirates were.
What was already a difficult adversary now had an additional powerful opponent.
This was not good news for the entire World Government.
"The Rocks Pirates are rebels in this world; we cannot allow them to develop unchecked, or it will undermine the authority of the World Government!"
"Marines, you must immediately find a way to eradicate them!"
"In special circumstances, some necessary sacrifices can be made."
The highest leaders of the World Government spoke, directly pressuring the Navy.
"Understood, we will deliberate on how to deal with the Rocks Pirates!"
Upon hearing this, the Marine Admiral's eyes flickered after a moment of contemplation, he spoke softly.
"What I need is for you to act decisively!"
"We must not allow them to invade the Holy Land—Mariejois!"
In response to the pressure from the World Government, the Navy high-ranking officials could only grit their teeth and comply, but in their hearts, they were cursing a hundred times.
The personnel configuration of the Rocks Pirates, with their main members' combat strength, was not inferior to that of the Navy's high-ranking officials to annihilate them immediately was nearly impossible.