Red Line Continent.
Marie Geoise, the Holy Land.
After handing over matters to Sengoku, Garp the Steel Bone immediately came here.
Some things cannot be communicated solely through Den Den Mushi.
"Kong, the rapid rise of the Genbu Navy and its current influence are things that absolutely cannot be allowed to continue to exist."
One of the Five Elders, wearing a black suit, white curly hair, and a scar on his face, said calmly to Garp's questioning.
"If the death of Admiral Zefa can completely kill Benedict and heavily damage the Genbu Navy, then it is a very meaningful event."
"There is no problem with Spandine's actions."
Upon receiving the response from the Five Elders, Garp's expression turned grim.
However, this was something he had anticipated on his way here.
"However, Zefa is not dead yet, which is a good thing," the bald Five Elder, with a crescent mustache and a mark on his face, chuckled lightly.
Garp's cheeks twitched slightly at this remark.
Zefa was not dead, but after being bombarded by cannons, he might be living a fate worse than death.
Furthermore, Benedict was currently in a frenzy, and he had no idea how many people had already died at Benedict's hands.
In short, the Marines had lost face, and the losses would undoubtedly be considerable.
"This matter ends here."
"Kong, we have approved your previously submitted proposal. You will be promoted to Commander-in-Chief of the entire army, and Sengoku will succeed you as Fleet Admiral."
The Five Elder, who was polishing his katana and wearing glasses, said from the side.
Garp heard this and pondered for a moment, saying, "That was indeed my original intention, but I hope to postpone this matter for the time being."
The Five Elder polishing his katana stopped his actions and inquired with some curiosity, "Why?"
"The turmoil on the seas has become even more dangerous," Garp stated calmly.
"The Beast Pirates, the Big Mom Pirates, the Whitebeard Pirates, the Genbu Navy, and the Flying Pirates whose traces have appeared in the East Blue, not to mention the escaped dangerous pirates, the Marines' top-tier combat power is severely insufficient."
"If they were to join forces and attack us, the Marines, we would be unable to resist."
Hearing Garp's words, the Five Elders also fell silent.
Shiki the Golden Lion was the first pirate to escape from Impel Down. What displeased them even more was that Shiki was almost unharmed and had released a large number of troublesome dangerous individuals.
The current seas, including Shiki, were the era of the Four Emperors.
For a moment, the Five Elders couldn't help but curse the name of the 'Pirate King' Roger in their minds.
He was simply a huge, stinking, and stubborn troublemaker, making the seas even more chaotic.
"Alright, let's leave this matter as it is for now."
"Regarding the top-tier combat power, we can search the seas, and we will also find ways."
In response to the Five Elders' reply, Garp nodded and then turned to leave.
As the door closed, leaving only the five of them in the vast room.
"The development of events has exceeded our expectations somewhat."
"The Genbu Navy has developed too quickly, possessing the combat power of three Admirals, and is not weak."
"Especially the Marshal of the Genbu Navy, Benedict possesses the strength to easily defeat Zefa. The current Genbu Navy is a force no weaker than a Yonko," the curly-haired, scarred Five Elder said calmly, picking up his teacup for a sip.
The Five Elder, who had been silent, with golden hair and a scar on his chest, then proposed, "It is time to place high-ranking officials within the Marines. We can take this opportunity to let those people show their faces."
The other four Five Elders fell into a slight silence upon hearing this.
Finally, the Five Elder with the katana spoke unhurriedly, "There is no rush."
"From the East Blue to the West Blue, they will not be able to return so easily."
"Some people can be exposed, or some pirate crews can be involved."
"The Marines and pirates are inherently opposed."
"Ants can also bite and kill elephants."
"Since they have come, they should not think of returning so easily."
"Furthermore, action must also be taken in the East Blue, and the Flying Pirates must be lured out."
The other four Five Elders pondered for a moment and quickly agreed.
...
East Blue.
Without the need for the Five Elders to say anything, Sengoku had already made arrangements.
However, their targets were slightly different.
Momonga, as the overall负责人 of the East Blue Marine base, immediately made arrangements upon receiving Sengoku's order.
The target was to go to Reverse Mountain and intercept the Genbu Navy returning to the East Blue, destroying the ship carrying the Ohara criminals and various books.
Frankly speaking, Momonga was quite surprised when he received this order.
He had not received any news about Benedict going to the West Blue.
He also had no idea that the World Government intended to destroy Ohara.
But none of these were the key points. The crucial point was that Benedict, on his own, had easily defeated the fleet that had the Buster Call, including the strength of Admiral Zefa.
However, he would definitely execute the order given by Admiral Sengoku.
Thus, alarm bells continuously rang throughout the East Blue Marine base, and a large number of troops were rapidly assembled.
Since they were to intercept Benedict, they had to go all out. Once they failed, the East Blue Marines would inevitably face a devastating blow from the Genbu Navy.
"Except for the forces remaining on duty, all others have been assembled," Bastille said seriously to Vice Admiral Momonga, who was approaching.
Momonga nodded and then said to Bastille, "This battle is extremely dangerous. I suggest you stay at the base to prevent the Genbu Navy from launching a surprise attack."
Bastille heard this and said with a serious expression, "I am not afraid."
"But to protect the Marine base, I am willing to risk my life."
Momonga patted Bastille's shoulder and boarded the ship with a solemn expression.
He was also determined to give his all on this journey.
As for life and death, he would leave it to fate.
"Depart!" Momonga waved his battle robe behind him and said in a deep voice.
The sound of the horn echoed, and the warships sailed out of the port, heading towards Reverse Mountain.
Momonga glanced at the East Blue Marine base behind him and then prepared to devise plans and strategies in the ship's cabin for the upcoming battle.
"Vice Admiral Momonga, look over there, towards the southwest."
"It's the Genbu Navy's fleet."
At this moment, a soldier responsible for reconnaissance discovered an anomaly in the distance and shouted.
Upon hearing this, Momonga quickly looked in that direction, and his expression changed drastically.
Ten warships, each equipped with elite forces.
Even the leader was Kenjiro, who possessed Admiral-level strength.
Kenjiro alone could suppress the top-tier forces of the East Blue Marine base.
After a moment of consideration, Momonga immediately understood that the Genbu Navy had been waiting for them all along.
Everything had been calculated.
One could imagine that Benedict led a force to raid the East Blue, stopping the Buster Call and rescuing the criminals of Ohara, while another force went to support near Reverse Mountain, and a force led by Kenjiro was responsible for intercepting the East Blue Marine base. Everything was perfectly arranged.
"All soldiers, prepare for battle," Momonga immediately issued the order.
Momonga knew very well that if the Genbu Navy made a move, after this battle, there would be no troops left to intercept Benedict's return to the East Blue at Reverse Mountain.
From beginning to end, the East Blue Marines would not be able to participate.