"Let them go back? Do you think that's even possible?"
Kaito's voice was cold and firm.
"We are already two opposing factions, not to mention the countless ordinary Marines. Those are senior generals."
"Sending them back would only be giving the Marines more strength for nothing," another voice argued harshly. "Wouldn't it be better to kill them outright?"
"Ten billion Berries," someone snapped. "That's the price to let them go."
Kaito curled his lips, disdain flashing across his face.
"You don't even need to think about it," Kaito said calmly. "I plan to subdue them. If they cannot be subdued, then I will kill them."
"We are destined to be enemies," he continued, his tone absolute. "I will not give you any chance to increase your combat power."
With that, the Den Den Mushi clicked off.
"Continue the discussion," Kaito said. "Be quick."
---
Marine Headquarters
Sengoku stared at the Den Den Mushi as it slowly returned to silence. For a long moment, he did not speak.
"You heard everything, Tsuru."
"I did," Tsuru replied quietly. "His ambition goes far beyond what we imagined. He truly intends to overthrow the World Government."
Sengoku clenched his fist. "Then what do you think we should do?"
"All conspiracies become meaningless in the face of absolute strength," Tsuru said calmly. "Kaito's power has already surpassed that of the Marines. This matter should be handed over to the Five Elders."
"They already said we shouldn't interfere," Sengoku said bitterly.
Tsuru sighed softly. "It's just a pity that Momousagi and the others are only Vice Admirals."
Sengoku closed his eyes, his expression weary. "Have you found a place for the duel between Aokiji and Akainu?"
"Yes," Tsuru replied. "An isolated island. Punk Hazard."
"Then let them fight," Sengoku said, pressing a hand to his forehead. "The chaos on the seas is overwhelming."
"That will be arranged."
---
Time flowed quietly, like water through fingers.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
On the third day, shocking news spread from Marine Headquarters, stirring the entire world.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku had resigned.
A decisive battle between Aokiji and Akainu was announced, to take place on Dihart Island near Alabasta.
The victor would become the new Fleet Admiral of the Marines.
Before the shockwaves of Kaito's victory over the Marines had even settled, this duel poured fuel onto the fire.
At the same time, Kaito and his people finally finished sorting everything out.
"Hah… it's finally done," Kaito said, letting out a long breath as he set down his pen.
Everyone present looked exhausted, except for one person.
Dragon.
His eyes moved rapidly across the documents, filled with admiration.
"I never imagined you had such ideals, Captain Kaito," Dragon said sincerely. "Compared to this, the Revolutionary Army's planning feels inadequate."
"Enough," Kaito replied flatly. "No useless talk. Since we've started, we finish today."
"Find someone to print everything and distribute it across all our territories."
"Make sure it's enforced seriously," he added. "And pay this month's salary in advance. Treat it as a celebration."
"In that case," someone calculated, "it'll cost at least two billion Berries."
"So what?" Kaito said casually. "We're not short on money. Tesoro's annual cooperation alone can cover our military expenses for an entire year."
Everyone nodded.
"Let's go," Kaito said, standing up. "It's time to meet our forty thousand brothers."
---
As they stepped outside, Katakuri approached quietly.
"Captain."
"When did you return?" Kaito asked.
"Yesterday."
"And the harvest?"
"Thirty-eight point seven billion Berries."
Kaito nodded with satisfaction. "Good. Come with me."
---
Soon, they arrived at the largest square on Whole Cake Island.
Forty thousand former Marines stood in neat formation, already waiting.
"Brothers," Kaito said loudly, his voice carrying across the square. "Sorry for keeping you waiting. We've been drafting the laws of our pirate group."
"Since you chose to join us, you are family from this moment forward."
"To prove my sincerity," he continued, "everyone gets paid today."
The eyes of the former Marines lit up instantly. Any remaining attachment to the Marines shattered completely.
"The new rules are being printed," Kaito said. "They will be delivered throughout the New World shortly."
He raised his hand.
The massive chests beside him opened, revealing stacks of white banknotes, each with a face value of ten thousand Berries.
Even the most disciplined Marines couldn't hide their excitement.
By the time everyone received their pay, night had fallen.
"To welcome our forty thousand brothers," Kaito shouted, "we're holding a banquet tonight."
"Eat whatever you want. Drink whatever you want."
The island erupted in cheers.
"Long live Kaito sama!"
---
The next morning, Kaito woke as pale light appeared on the horizon.
After a simple meal, Katakuri arrived.
"The new regulations have been distributed," Katakuri reported. "Some resistance has appeared."
"Our people, or local kings?" Kaito asked.
"Our own."
Kaito's eyes narrowed.
"These are turbulent times," he said slowly. "And forty thousand Marines have only just joined us."
"Warn them once," Kaito ordered. "If they refuse, expel them."
"Understood."
"One more thing," Katakuri added. "The duel between Akainu and Aokiji."
"Has the time been set?"
"Today."
"So soon," Kaito murmured. "Aokiji will lose. When it's over, try to recruit him."
"Understood."
"And the ten Marine generals?"
"Keep them locked up," Kaito said coldly. "They won't join us. Feed them daily. Make sure they don't starve."
Katakuri nodded and left.
Kaito looked toward the sea.
"The Marines. The World Government," he said quietly. "It won't be long now."
As Kaito's reforms shook the New World, all eyes turned to the island.
Aokiji and Akainu stood facing each other, neither speaking.
They knew words were meaningless.
Akainu struck first, magma roaring as a massive lava fist surged forward.
Aokiji exhaled cold air, forming an ice sword in his hand.
Armament Haki surged as blade and fist collided.
Ice shattered. Lava exploded.
The battle for the future of the Marines had begun.
___
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