The Flying Squirrel's final answer did not disappoint Benedict.
Benedict, in turn, did not disappoint the Flying Squirrel, granting him the treatment of a Vice Admiral and command of a fleet of five thousand men.
The Black Tortoise Naval Base now boasted a hundred thousand soldiers.
Adding the Black Tortoise Navy soldiers scattered across various towns and islands, this number would double.
As Benedict announced the Flying Squirrel's joining of the Black Tortoise Navy as a Vice Admiral, the battle in Marineford was already raging fiercely.
Charlotte Daifuku was not rescued and was killed on the spot.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku battled Kaido of the Beasts and Big Mom single-handedly.
The three Admirals, Zephyr, Garp, and Sengoku, fought against the Beast Pirates' top three executives and the Big Mom Pirates' three Sweet Commanders.
Kuzan, Borsalino, and Sakazuki faced the elite high-ranking members of both pirate crews, locked in fierce combat.
Of course, the specially invited Seven Warlords of the Sea were also a significant force in this battle.
At the same time, the Seven Warlords of the Sea made their official debut.
They were Kiyokaze, the Great Tengu of Gourmet Island; the unsurprising Great Swordsman Mihawk; Gecko Moria; Doflamingo; and the barely qualified Crocodile.
However, 'Descendant of the Devil' Douglas and Captain 'Jhin' of the Ward Pirates were somewhat unexpected to Benedict.
The strength of Douglas, the 'Descendant of the Devil,' was not to be underestimated, and this fellow had also obtained the revived Ushi Ushi no Mi, Model: Gifter, in advance.
Jhin, now around fifty-eight years old, was still ambitious.
Yet, this man had committed no less slaughter, and was still included in the list of Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Was the World Government out of capable people?
Not entirely; at least in this era, there were still many strong individuals.
However, they had all refused, and disdained the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
With the Seven Warlords of the Sea playing neutral and not exerting their full strength, the Big Mom Pirates and the Beast Pirates were still dealt severe blows.
In just half a day, the sea was littered with corpses, along with numerous wrecked ships and ice blocks.
The final battle saw Kaido, unable to bear the escalating losses, choose to retreat.
Big Mom was outmaneuvered by Kaido, and finally, enduring the force of Sengoku's punch and riding on Zeus, she quickly retreated with her crew.
As the pirates withdrew, the World Government and the Navy announced victory in the battle.
Considered a considerable achievement after a series of defeats, they managed to salvage some pride and feel a sense of vindication, propagating the victory widely in the following days.
This was very much in line with the World Government's style.
After repelling the combined forces of the Big Mom Pirates and the Beast Pirates, the Seven Warlords of the Sea dispersed.
"We should have apprehended him," Sengoku said unhappily, referring to Kiyokaze, the Great Tengu, who was the first to fly away immediately after the battle.
Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino shared Sengoku's sentiment.
After the battle concluded, they immediately went to search for Kiyokaze, the Great Tengu.
Unfortunately, Kiyokaze, having received instructions from Benedict, had departed early as soon as it was confirmed the battle was essentially over.
"If he continues to maintain neutrality and does not pose a threat to us, we need not concern ourselves with him."
"If we do not touch Gourmet Island, someone else will."
Fleet Admiral Sengoku understood Sengoku's meaning but reminded him, "The Seven Warlords of the Sea plan was proposed by the Five Elders. Even if you are dissatisfied, you must endure it for now."
Sengoku was genuinely displeased, but as Sengoku said, he had to endure it.
East Blue.
Black Tortoise Naval Base.
Benedict watched as the Flying Squirrel walked over holding a newspaper and said, "Are you perhaps somewhat relieved that they won?"
The Flying Squirrel clenched the newspaper and said sternly, "Those who bravely fought against the Big Mom Pirates and the Beast Pirates are people with a sense of justice."
"Perhaps they did it for fame and fortune, to stand higher and gain greater benefits?" Benedict smiled faintly.
"Fleet Admiral, do you hold a strong prejudice against them?" the Flying Squirrel said indignantly.
Despite joining the Black Tortoise Navy, and knowing that his former comrades would surely be furious with him, his heart remained sincere and trusting towards the organization he had once served and the brothers he had spent his days with.
"Is that so? Perhaps you understand it that way."
Benedict said indifferently, "Believe me, you will discover in the future that all of this is merely superficial."
The World Government possessed a scientific unit whose research was more heinous than the plundering and killing of pirates.
The 'materials' required for this scientific unit's research were provided by the Navy, and their safety was protected by the Navy.
"Now, your mission is to suppress the pirates in the West Blue and establish a base."
"Five thousand men are in your hands; how you utilize them is up to you."
After giving his instructions, Benedict paid no further attention and turned to leave.
Vice Admiral Flying Squirrel did not linger, leading a fleet of dozens of warships and heading out of the East Blue to invade the West Blue.
Sakata Gintoki, leading the detachment of Yelü Siji, led a mighty fleet into the North Blue.
The fleets led by Wang Zhi and Gin Fu directly plunged into the South Blue.
Since the decision was made to rapidly occupy territories and establish bases, it was natural to advance the entire army, quickly plant flags, eliminate pirates, and acquire a large amount of justice points.
Therefore, Benedict's mission to them was to plant flags on islands while simultaneously engaging and eliminating pirates with all their might.
The rapid actions of the Black Tortoise Navy were somewhat surprising, yet also within expectations.
They knew the Black Tortoise Navy would inevitably expand outwards, but they had not expected them to be so greedy, attacking the North Blue, West Blue, and South Blue simultaneously.
"Does he not know that by dividing his forces, he also weakens his overall strength?" Sengoku was shocked by the intelligence, and at the same time, became more active.
"Regardless of whether he knows it or not, this presents a very good opportunity for us," Sakazuki said seriously. "Admiral Sengoku, I propose we concentrate our forces for a targeted strike."
"And Flying Squirrel, that traitor, cannot be let off."
The Flying Squirrel's joining the Black Tortoise Navy had caused some impact within the Navy.
Especially with the constant exposure of the Black Tortoise Navy's dirty dealings, even with the World Government's repeated demands for cover-ups, it was futile.
Sakazuki, with his absolute justice that tolerated no betrayal, was naturally furious with the Flying Squirrel.
"We may not need to intervene immediately. In the South Blue, North Blue, and West Blue, there are their respective overlords, and they will not allow the Black Tortoise Navy to rampage freely there," Borsalino said somewhat sinisterly.
"We have shouldered so much blame for the World Government; it's time for them to take some action."
Sengoku nodded, but then shook his head and said solemnly, "We are the Navy."
Borsalino curled his lips, his eyes revealing a hint of mockery.
Hypocrisy!