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Chapter 657 - Changed Foundation

Marine HQ. Ingens Fortezella, Grandline 

"Fleet Admiral!" A large man with a fat neck and chin with strong jaw, small hair, and glasses approached Muromachi. Who was now back in a proper uniform. A few bandages on his hands. But his full body was wrapped beneath the outfit. 

"Yes? What is it Director Aberline?" The Department of Investigation head, Aberline. Handed Muromachi a pamphlet of printed paper. He flipped through it. It was new updates on everything. Essentially an agenda. From Losses, to Luchre loss, stock loss, and updates on Pirates. 

"What am I looking at." The Admiral asked. He knew what it was. But it was standard practice to have it explained as he read 

"The Islands Quake has not subsided. And the foundations of the islands are essentially floating on the water." He said as another spike of tremors shot through the island 

"As for reports on the Pirates that left. 10% of the ones that were spotted and able to be identified through our information networks, preexisting bounties, descriptions, and help from CPA, have been arrested." 

That was over 3,000 pirates. 

"As for the commanders and leadership of the Redbeard Fleet. Nothing has been spotted or rumored about them. As for the Pirates on Desmare. Zuyi was spotted in the 5th route. Agnus Trix was last seen on County Island. Hound was last seen making mysterious contact with a Marine Base. Walker has released yet another set of expose's. As always it reveals all it can to the world." 

"Along with The Deluge Pirates and their recent activity, but its not exactly known where they are. They seem to have also fallen off the face of the earth. All of the newly labeled 'Disasters' have their locations confirmed or at the very least rumors of their objectives or activity. Aside from the Red Sashes that is..."

One was of the pirates. The exposure of names making big moves. Noise about the death of Azar and Redbeard. Along with his Commanders. There was also mass intrigue at Sparrows suppsoed arrival. Another praised the Marines. Statting facts and the narrative presented for the execution.

"Whats going on with Sparrow…" The Fleet Admiral flips a page 

"Informants dont have much. But what we do know is that Chamoro was going to attempt to come to HQ and Take down Redbeard himself. But Sparrow seems to have been able to stop him. Their fight was intense. And was quite fulfilling for The Titan. Only to be hit with disappointment when Sparrow left before it could end or get intense. Sending him into a rage and reserving himself." 

"Apparently he thought, as per an informant. That after that, he was satisfied and refused to leave his island." 

"Typical. He is an easy man…" Muromachi grumbled 

"Hornigold?" 

"No information. He left sometime before Vane Arrived…" 

"Bonney?" 

"Nothing. Last seen was that him and Sparrow were still together…Then that book came out." 

"And Red Sash?" Jack asked. Pulling out a golden lighter with a big cat sitting behind a small cub. Hiding in the shadows of brush. He lit a cigarette. Inhaling the Cherry Taste. 

"Nothing. There was one rumor that the Navigator had Been spotted. But nothing came from it. As for the rest, Nothing seems to have come out…They as well have not returned for their ship. So it's my assumption that they are no longer a threat." 

Jack closed his eyes. Breathing a large puff of smoke out. Jack suddenly stood dragging long and deeply. Before flicking it to the ground and grinding it hard out of frustration. 

"You never know…Red Sash has caused a massive fuss. And he may try to strike revenge against us for the death of his supposed brother…" Muromachi stroked his chops 

"What of the Militia? Find those papers yet?" 

"In fact yes. But…We can only assume that it means that they've made copies…" 

"Then tell me you at least have good news on Vane?" 

"Indeed. He's been holed up on an island partying for the past days sense he left. Not a single move hs been made on any of Redbeards Territory. But given the reports and destress calls of Rookies attacking his territory. I could only imagine its a matter of time…" 

Pulling another length out. Jack lit another. And walked off "I need to go. I still haven't been back home…"

Time passed. And Muromachi found himself in that large ornate flat room of the Commander and Chief, Rex. The large old man folding his arms as he looked to the Younger man in front of him 

"This was a disaster and utter success at the same time." His voice was gruff. Shaking his hands "Such a sheer amount of stock." He shook his head. "And an immense amount of gain too. 10,000 arrests. Remaining individuals on the island and those that didn't make it far enough." 

Rex snuffed a bit of tobacco from a tin. 

"On top of that. The erasure of the Gol Blood line. The Death of an Emperor who has been in our side and expansion and establishing Law and Order in the New World for almost a Century. And key assets of his organization being destroyed." Rex leaned forward. Clasping his hands together. He was certain happy and pleased with this out come. It was the best possible outcome truly

"Yes. But the Marines have fundamentally changed. For many, this was the first large scale war in recent memory. Many fought in the 30 years war. Wars in the North Blue with the Aristocrats funded by the Celestials and their Companies." 

"Let alone The Troubles, due to Flint. Then War between the Pact Nations and the World Government Decades back. Theres been a large amount of progress. From the betterment of treatment in Marina to the increase in Wages among industrialists to satiate Radicals. On top of the those like the Militia." 

The Troubles was a time during the Rookie Era of Roger and Barbossa. Before he and countless other Pirates became influential in the world during The Pirate Age. The defeat and death of a Particular Pirate and Incident began 'The Pirate Era' where Roger Circumnavigated the world. The Emperors Culminated their strength and power all the pieces that would fall into place when Roger was executed and Ushered in the 'Golden Age of Piracy' that just ended with the Death of Barbossa… 

The Marines and World Government went to War with Nations Constantly. It allowed for the citizens under their control and protection to be bolstered by siphoning of resources and declaring War against them. Either ending in them 'Understanding' their wrongs and joining. Or being wiped out and hit with enormous sanctions due to their actions that removed all outside influence and support from other nations 

In the History of the World Government. There had been Four 'Great Wars'. One in the 150th Year of the Government. The Second in the 275th Year. The Third In 550th Year. And the Fourth during the Age of Roger. There was bound to be another soon. Especially with there being veterans who still remembered the Latter

There was dozens of wars constantly. Backed by the WG. 

"Agreed. Too much progress. And not in our direction. There must be a dramatic and fundamentally opposition to such radical ideals. The progress needs to be in our direction. Not remain stagnant…" Muromachi sighed. Cracking his neck. 

"The Preservationist want the world to stay the same. But we in the government and Marines Need Progress. It keeps us in power and ensure order. Mean while the Preserve's want as little government as possible. They are much like the Persistants and want 'Freedom' but only for themselves. Not those that are around them." Rex added. Machi nodding along

"They Call us Regimist, but we are divergent than the Civisit because we want to up hole those that earned their power. Hold the power. The money, the stock. The Dragons and Industiralist that keep the government flowing." Rex continued. Muromachi added on

"Yes. Radical Civisit want everyone to be in control. A Naive and destructive way of life."

Rex took snuff from the tin. Pinching and taking a deep inhale "Yes. Yes. But. Ha…" He let out a long sigh. "How would you fix the Marines, Murmachi?" Rex tilts his head. 

"Well. Personally I take a bit of a Perservasionist approach. Stay as we are. But grow slowly internally. But if there was another fleet admiral…Like Kuroryu. His ideas are…Extremely Radical." 

"How so? What is it that he has to offer?" 

"Total expansion into the New World. Risking Conflict with the Yonko. Complete and full frontal progress in technology, base weaponry, Vehicles. And even uniform." 

"Uniform?" Rex Cocks a brow. 

"Yes. An update to the Uniform. First time in the past 120 years. More…Utilitarian. HE's willing to take stock in Private Companies. Letting them be the one to produce new weapons and vehicles to take stress of the Government." 

"Then he wants to have dozens of more Marine Bases. Updating all of them over the world with new technology to focus on Radio and Telecommunications. Building Hundreds of new bases in the New World. Claiming Islands in the Name of the Government." 

"In other words." Rex said "Total Progress for the Marines…." 

Rex snapped his fingers. Causing a flame. Lighting a small slim cigarette. "Guess this is the time to mention it." 

"Muromachi. You're being Promoted. You have the Opportunity to take my Position as Commander in Chief. And Be head advisor Financially and Strategically. Along with being the one to Decide the Royal Marshal Privateers of the Sea. Along with having oversight of the Operations of CPA." 

"What of you?" Muromachi tilts his head "I'm retiring. I was offered a position within Eden, and I'll be living within the Holy Land from now on. If you don't take the position. I'm sure it'll be filled." 

"I'll take it." Muromachi says confidently. "And I'd like to offer the Postion of Fleet Admiral to Kuroryu in return." 

"I made my last stand. If I risk continuing as Fleet Admiral, it'll possibly tarnish as I get older. If I take my leave with humility.'" 

"So. Kuroryu…Okay." Rex agrees.

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