New World, former G-1 Branch, now New Marineford.
Once a strict military stronghold, it became even more solemn and imposing after becoming the new Marine Headquarters.
The simple and clear city walls, dense firepower emplacements, and the countless warships docked in the harbor all exuded majesty.
In the conference room.
Sakazuki sat at the head of the table, with Tsuru and Borsalino seated on either side.
Behind them were vice admirals who had been recalled from nearby, forming a semicircle around the center. Many rear admirals were taking notes.
A row of Den Den Moshis were placed on the table, used to broadcast the meeting's content to Marines all over the world.
Carole stood in front of the large screen, explaining the current situation in the New World.
On the giant screen, the spheres of influence of the Four Emperors and the Navy's divisions were clearly marked. As the explanation progressed, the Navy's influence gradually encroached upon the Four Emperors' territories.
The original trapezoidal sphere of influence was gradually filled in, forming a semicircle against the Red Line, creating a semicircle.
Carole's pointer indicated the last small gap in the semicircle:
"A week ago, Dahkla Island, which had already been conquered, was attacked by a Devil Fruit user."
"The 43rd Fleet was more than half destroyed and has been reorganized. The attacker eventually died in an explosion."
"The subsequent 44th, 47th, 51st, 52nd, and 57th fleets continued north and conquered the Briana Islands."
The gap on the large screen was then filled:
"Our strategic deployment in the New World is complete."
"The next step is large-scale corps operations."
"Not long ago, one of the Four Emperors, Shanks the Red-Haired, contacted the other Emperors and, after some unknown discussions, the exchange of ships between the four parties increased."
"They may have joined forces, which is something to be wary of."
"Regarding the blockade of supplies in the New World, there are still issues with circulation."
"With the investigation by intelligence personnel, it has been confirmed that the Vinsmoke family in the North Blue is secretly colluding with the Four Emperors."
"Using their giant snail technology, capable of crossing the Red Line, they have entered into a transaction with Hearu Knock, seeking his support to annex other kingdoms in the North Blue."
Borsalino looked a bit surprised:
"Hmm?~"
"The Vinsmoke family, if I recall correctly, is a subordinate nation of the World Government~"
"And they would collude with the Four Emperors~"
Vice Admiral Tsuru clasped her hands and rested her chin on them:
"Perhaps they are trying to achieve some goal."
"Although that guy is a genius scientist, his dream is to unify the North Blue."
"He can't hold back any longer..."
Carole smiled:
"Indeed."
"After all, that guy wandered for over twenty years and hasn't gained an inch of land."
"Even the slowest would realize it."
"Even with higher emotional intelligence, Judge wouldn't have worked for the government for free for over twenty years..."
"As for how to deal with it..."
Carole looked at Sakazuki, who was at the head of the table. Sakazuki said indifferently:
"First, report to the World Government and define the crime."
"Dispatch troops to annihilate the nation."
Carole nodded, indicating she understood.
Sakazuki looked at the map on the large screen.
His indifferent yet powerful voice spread to all the Marine bases in the New World:
"The so-called Four Emperors are nothing more than the biggest garbage on the sea."
"Their alliance is just garbage huddled together."
"The strategic layout in the New World is now complete."
"Reinforcements will arrive gradually."
Sakazuki slowly stood up, and everyone around him also stood. On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, the Marines of various units stood straight with solemn expressions.
Sakazuki took a deep breath:
"Everyone."
"In the past eight hundred years, we have never been closer to victory."
"This war, which will influence future generations for thousands of years, will be carried out by us."
"The pirates who have ravaged the world for eight hundred years will meet their end."
"We will not lose this war that carries the future of the world, nor can we afford to lose."
"All bases and fleets, maintain your current state of alert and prepare for battle!"
"When the final battle arrives!"
"In the name of Justice, we will utterly defeat them!"
"Justice will prevail!!!"
In various parts of the world, the Marine bases that could receive the live broadcast of this meeting erupted with fervent cheers that shook the heavens:
"Victory! Victory!! Victory!!!"
----------
Grand Line, Sabaody Archipelago.
At the Marine branch base, fervent cheers of victory echoed throughout the island.
Sengoku, who was the Ometsuke and head of the base, held a bag of snacks and munched on them while looking out the window at a blind man who seemed to be feeling the fervor with his head tilted slightly:
"How does it feel, Issho?"
Issho, by the window, slowly turned around, a slight smile on his face:
"I feel the will to win."
"And that unparalleled fervor. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki has become a belief, hasn't he?"
Sengoku paused his hand with the snack and smiled:
"Yes."
"No Marine Fleet Admiral has ever achieved what Sakazuki has."
"The name Sakazuki has become synonymous with the Marines and the faith of the soldiers."
"At his command, countless Marines are willing to die for him."
Issho looked slightly surprised:
"Mr. Sengoku, are you lacking confidence?"
After all, this was an admission of being inferior to Sakazuki.
Sengoku shook his head with a bitter smile:
"I'm far behind... alas."
Issho's eyes widened slightly, revealing milky white pupils:
"Even so, I'm even more eager to meet him..."
"However..."
"Dispatching troops to annihilate a nation, isn't such a punishment a bit too severe?"
Sengoku continued to eat his snacks:
"This is Sakazuki's usual style."
"But... it's very effective."
"It can greatly reduce trouble."
"Your promotion order to Admiral is already on its way."
"Codename 'Fujitora'."
"After it's announced to the world in a while, you'll be transferred to the New World soon."
Fujitora smiled:
"Is that so..."
"Then I must look forward to it."
"I have to see it with my own eyes..."
"Mr. Sengoku."
"If you have time now, how about a couple of bets?"
Sengoku's mouth twitched, his face covered in black lines:
"No..."
Issho, a user of the Gravity-Gravity Fruit, a gambling enthusiast, and a strong individual recruited in the Great Conscription, was confirmed for his strength after a spar with Sengoku and reported to Marine Headquarters.
Sakazuki signed the promotion order to Admiral, codenamed 'Fujitora'.
At the same time.
Another Marine base in the Grand Line reported a suspected Logia-type user of Admiral-level strength. Due to the distance, Sakazuki temporarily recalled Borsalino to conduct an assessment.
This was also why Borsalino was present in New Marineford...
----------
Grand Line, Dieppe Island.
At the Marine branch base.
"Victory! Victory!! Victory!!!"
The loud cheers could be heard throughout the entire island.
Even though the meeting had ended, the cheers had not stopped.
Among the Marines, a tall, green-haired man was also cheering, and after a long while, he stopped.
A fanatical look appeared on the green-haired man's face:
"As expected of my idol! Mr. Sakazuki!"
"Destroying nations and eliminating pirates so casually!"
"Dispatching troops to annihilate a nation!"
"Cool!!!"
At this moment.
A laser beam crossed the Red Line and flew towards here...
------------
New World.
A video conference initiated by Hearu Knock was also underway.
He casually turned off the image of the internal Marine video conference that was being broadcast:
"Tell me, how should we respond next?"
For this kind of video conference broadcast to all Marines, with Hearu Knock's connections and resources, bribing a few corrupt individuals was not difficult.
In a projection of a dimly lit palace, Kaido sneered:
"Barororororo!!!"
"Respond to what..."
"This is the war I've always dreamed of!"
"A world-sweeping! Unprecedented..."
"War!!!"
In a projection with a background full of food, Charlotte Linlin was unusually serious:
"Kaido!!!"
"Are your brains filled with muscles!"
"That Sakazuki guy isn't easy to deal with."
"The most important thing right now should be the blockade of the New World, right?"
"The Navy has an endless supply of resources and personnel, but the New World doesn't..."
Hearu Knock chuckled lightly:
"Regarding the blockade of the New World, there's no need to worry."
"I've already acquired technology that can easily cross the Red Line, and as for the price..."
Kaido's projection sneered:
"We're all on the same side now."
"This kind of thing should be shared, right? Hmm?"
Upon hearing this, Charlotte Linlin also sneered:
"Kaido is right, don't be stingy at times like this..."
Hearu Knock sneered and said nothing.
Shanks had to step in to mediate, but the final result was not very good, and it ended on a somewhat unpleasant note...
------------
South Blue, Saint Malo Island.
Boney, with her pink hair, was busy on a small boat by the shore.
Many days had passed since she left the Kingdom of Soba, and her impulsive urge had somewhat subsided. She began to consider how to get revenge on Sakazuki.
She had no detailed plan, and she couldn't even get close to Marine Headquarters. She might even endanger her grandmother...
After much thought, she decided on the most dangerous method. She sold some materials to merchants on shore and prepared to set sail...
On the deck, as the last stroke was added.
A pirate flag with a halo behind its head and long pink hair was completed:
"Excellent, the Boney Pirates are established!"
With her abilities, she could easily deceive the Marines. As long as she made a name for herself, the world would know of the Boney Pirates.
Then, when she killed Sakazuki, no one would suspect that this was revenge...
Although it was a bit naive...
As a princess, Boney was never trained to be a pirate from a young age.
She had knowledge of combat, but not much.
She didn't understand the terror of the strong, and what was even more critical...
She had no source of income now. With her gluttonous appetite, she would likely run out of money for food soon and resort to eating and running.
Whoosh—
A gust of wind and snow condensed on the deck of the small boat.
Boney immediately got up on guard, but the condensed form turned out to be an acquaintance. She lowered her hands:
"Tch, why are you here?"
"When did you eat a Devil Fruit?"
Sabo looked at the pirate flag with a headache and helplessness:
"That's a long story."
"But why did you decide to become a pirate..."
"Kuma wouldn't want you to be like this."
The Revolutionary Army also detested pirates. Many within the Revolutionary Army had been persecuted by pirates.
Therefore, when Sabo saw Boney buying black cloth, he had a bad premonition, which became a reality as Boney began to draw.
When Boney announced the establishment of her pirate crew, he couldn't help but appear...
Boney's expression turned angry, her eyes red:
"How dare you say that!"
"It's because of your existence that he died!!!"
"Do you feel any guilt!"
"Why haven't you avenged him!!!"
Tears streamed from her eyes as she punched Sabo.
*Bang!*
Sabo was sent flying, hitting the deck and sliding.
Boney pounced on Sabo, raining blows down on his face.
Sabo remained silent, letting Boney vent her anger...
After a while.
Boney seemed to have lost steam, kneeling on Sabo, covering her face and crying helplessly:
"Wuuu—"
"Why... why..."
Hearing Boney's questions, Sabo, lying on the ground, clenched his fists. How he wished he could avenge Kuma... but...
"I'm sorry... Boney."
"Now... is not the time."
"The bigger picture is more important..."
At this critical moment of the decisive battle between the Marines and pirates, which concerned the future of the world and carried the expectations of the world's people, no one dared to ruin it for personal grudges...
This eternal infamy, no one dared to bear...
"One day, we will face them."
"We will definitely avenge Kuma."
Boney wiped the tears from her eyes and sneered as she got up:
"One day..."
"I can't wait."
"I will take revenge in my own way."
"Don't follow me."
"Otherwise, I will kill you..."
"Get off my ship!"
Sabo slowly stood up, brushed the dust off himself, and sighed inwardly before dissipating into wind and snow. He continued to protect Boney from a hidden high altitude...
He couldn't let Kuma's daughter be harmed again...
----------
New World, New Marineford.
Sakazuki stood at the edge of the office on the top floor of the fortress, watching the fleets that had been assigned their missions and were setting sail.
As he watched the warships depart the harbor one by one, he asked the person next to him, Carole:
"How many have taken the bait?"
Carole flipped through her notes:
"Since the Great Conscription, the two biggest fish we've caught are the Gravity-Gravity Fruit user, Issho."
"And the user of the soon-to-be-tested Wood-Wood Fruit, Aramaki, dispatched by Admiral Borsalino."
"Both are Admiral-level combatants, and their Devil Fruit abilities are extraordinary."
"As for Vice Admirals and above, there are quite a few, but no particularly outstanding Devil Fruit users have appeared yet."
Sakazuki chuckled:
"No hurry..."
His indifferent voice echoed:
"First, give them a taste of success."
"Next year, we will comprehensively improve their treatment and expand the scope of the recruitment propaganda."
"There is still plenty of time."
"There will always be bait to lure them out."
"These wild ones..."
"It's better if they're dead..."