New World. Former G-1 Branch. Now New Marineford.
It was already a heavily fortified military stronghold. After becoming the new Marine Headquarters, it felt even more solemn and imposing.
The walls were clean and direct. Firepower positions were packed tightly together. Countless warships were docked in the harbor. Every detail declared the authority of this place.
Inside the conference room.
Sakazuki sat at the main seat. Vice Admiral Tsuru and Borsalino were seated on both sides below him.
Behind them were vice admirals recalled from nearby areas, forming a semicircle around the center. Many rear admirals stood farther back, taking notes.
A row of Den Den Mushi lay on the table. They were used to broadcast the meeting to Marine bases around the world.
Carlo stood before a large screen, explaining the current situation in the New World.
On the massive display, the territories of the Four Emperors and the Marines were clearly marked. While speaking, marine influence steadily pushed inward, eating away at the emperors' domains.
What had once been a trapezoid-shaped zone gradually filled out. With the Red Line at its back, it formed a semicircle.
Raising his pointer, Carlo tapped the final small gap in the arc. "One week ago, Dahra Island, which we had just taken, was attacked by a Devil Fruit user.
"The 43rd Fleet was more than half destroyed and has since been reorganized. The attacker was ultimately killed by Dyna Stone.
"Following fleets, the 44th, 47th, 51st, 52nd, and 57th, continued north and captured the Briana Archipelago."
As he spoke, the last gap on the screen was filled in.
"Our strategic deployment in the New World is now complete. What comes next is large-scale legion warfare.
"Recently, one of the Four Emperors, Red-Haired Shanks, contacted the others. No one knows what was discussed, but afterward, traffic between their territories increased.
"They may have formed an alliance. This is something we must watch closely. As for the blockade on New World supplies, there are still leaks.
"According to intelligence reports, it has been confirmed that the Vinsmoke family of the North Blue is secretly colluding with the Four Emperors. They are using giant snail technology capable of crossing the Red Line to trade with Knox, seeking support to absorb other North Blue kingdoms."
Borsalino tilted his head, sounding amused. "Oh?~ The Vinsmoke family. If I remember right, they're part of the World Government, aren't they~ To think they'd collude with the Four Emperors~"
Vice Admiral Tsuru folded her hands beneath her chin as she voiced her thoughts next. "Probably to achieve some goal. That man may be a genius scientist, but his dream has always been to unify the North Blue. He finally lost his patience."
Carlo smiled. "Exactly. He's wandered for over twenty years without gaining even an inch of land."
No matter how slow Judge was, he was bound to figure it out. If he had even slightly better judgment, he would not have worked for the government for free all those years.
As for how to deal with it…
Carlo looked toward Sakazuki.
The fleet admiral's voice was calm and cold. "Report it to the World Government first. Set the charges, then send troops. Destroy the country."
Carlo nodded in understanding.
Sakazuki stared at the map on the screen. His voice, flat yet powerful, echoed through Marine bases across the New World.
"The so-called Four Emperors are nothing more than the largest trash on the seas. Even united, they're still just a pile of trash. Our strategic layout in the New World is complete. Reinforcements will arrive in sequence."
He slowly stood up. Everyone around him followed suit. On the other end of the video Den Den Mushi, Marines throughout the world straightened, faces rigid.
Sakazuki took a deep breath and began, "Everyone, in the past eight hundred years, we have never been this close to victory. This war, one that will shape centuries to come, will be carried out by us.
"The pirates who have plagued the world for eight hundred years will meet their end. This war bears the future of the world.
"We will not lose. We cannot lose.
"All bases and fleets, maintain current status. Stay alert. Prepare for total war. When the final battle arrives, in the name of justice, crush them completely.
"Justice will prevail!!!"
Across the world, Marine bases that received the broadcast erupted. The shouts shook the sky.
"Victory! Victory!! Victory!!!"
* * *
Grand Line. Sabaody Archipelago.
Inside the Marine base, the fanatical cries of victory echoed across the island.
Sengoku, acting as Inspector General and base commander, held a bag of snacks. He chewed while glancing at a blind man by the window, who tilted his head slightly as if feeling the fervor.
"How does it feel, Issho?"
Issho slowly turned. A faint smile appeared on his face. "I can feel the belief in victory. And an unmatched fanaticism. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki has become a kind of faith."
Sengoku paused, snack halfway to his mouth, then chuckled.
"Yeah. No Fleet Admiral before him has ever done this. The name Sakazuki now represents the Marines themselves. He is the faith of the soldiers. With a single order, countless marines would willingly die for him."
Issho sounded a little surprised. "Mr. Sengoku, are you lacking confidence?"
That was almost an admission of inferiority.
Sengoku gave a bitter smile and shook his head.
"I'm far behind… sigh."
Issho's eyes opened slightly, revealing pale pupils.
"If that's the case, I really want to meet him. But… Sending troops to destroy an entire country. Isn't that punishment a bit too harsh?"
Sengoku kept eating as he replied, "That's always been Sakazuki's style. But… it works. It reduces trouble by a large margin. Also, your promotion order is already on the way. Code name, 'Fujitora'. Once it's announced to the world, you'll be transferred to the New World soon."
Fujitora smiled. "So that's how it is… Then I suppose I should look forward to it. I'll have to see him with my own eyes. And Mr. Sengoku. Since you're free, how about a little gambling?"
Sengoku's mouth twitched. Veins popped on his forehead.
"No…"
Issho, a Press-Press Fruit user and a gambler by nature, had been recruited during the World Military Draft. After sparring with Sengoku and having his strength confirmed, his case was sent to headquarters.
Sakazuki personally approved his promotion to Admiral, code name "Fujitora."
At the same time.
Another Marine base on the Grand Line reported a suspected admiral-level Logia user. Because of the distance, Sakazuki temporarily recalled Borsalino to conduct the assessment.
That was why Borsalino had appeared in New Marineford.
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