The world was on the edge of a new dawn, but this was not the kind of dawn that brought peace or hope. Instead, it was a storm that would wash away everything in its path. The pirates had never been more united, and the Marines, though formidable, were spread thin across the seas. But in the middle of all this chaos, one thing was certain—if anyone could hold the world together, it was the Marines, and if anyone could stand against the coming storm, it was me, Gojo.
My office in Marineford had always been a place where I could think and reflect. Yet, as I looked out at the sea, my mind was filled with nothing but worry. The recent reports from the Grand Line painted a terrifying picture. Blackbeard was growing stronger, and his coalition of pirates was starting to rival the power of the World Government. Rumors swirled about a new alliance of pirates—one that would challenge the very foundation of the world.
Kong had made it clear: the time for passive defense was over. The world was on the brink of chaos, and we had to act fast. The Marines needed to be the ones who took the initiative.
"You're thinking too hard, Gojo," Kong said, breaking my train of thought. He entered my office with a purposeful stride, his hands clasped behind his back.
"I'm preparing for war," I replied, standing up from my desk and turning to face him. "I've seen this before. I know what's coming."
"And you're right to worry," Kong continued. "The world is changing faster than we can keep up with. But we can't afford to hesitate any longer. We need to strike, and we need to strike now."
I nodded. "I'll gather the fleet. We'll go after Blackbeard and whatever other threats lurk in the Grand Line."
Kong's eyes grew serious. "This isn't just about pirates, Gojo. This is about the future. The new generation of Marines has to take control. You're one of the last of the old guard. You know how to fight, how to win. But you have to show them how it's done. We can't afford another Rocks incident."
The mention of Rocks D. Xebec's name sent a chill down my spine. The legendary pirate had nearly destroyed the world two decades ago. I had been one of the Marines who had helped bring him down, and the scars from that battle still haunted me. If someone like Rocks ever returned, the world would have no choice but to crumble.
"I'll make sure they understand what's at stake," I said, my voice steady. "This time, we're taking the fight to them."