"There is no other choice. If we do nothing, the Marines will be swallowed whole by Kaito."
"I agree."
"Agreed."
The remaining elders nodded one after another.
"When will it begin?" Saint Nusjuro asked coldly.
"One month," Saint Saturn replied. "That is enough time to gather those people at Naval Headquarters."
"Approved."
"I'll contact Sakazuki immediately."
Marine Headquarters, conference chamber.
Akainu stood at the head of the room, a lit cigar clenched between his teeth. Kizaru and the remaining Marine Vice Admirals were gathered below.
"You all saw Kaito's speech," Akainu growled. "A pack of pirates daring to overthrow the World Government, overthrow the Marines, and proclaim a so called New Government. Disgusting."
His eyes burned with fury.
"And Kuzan," he continued coldly. "That traitor. I knew he would never stay loyal. He actually joined Kaito."
No one spoke.
The truth was obvious.
After the public reveal of Kaito's forces, the Marines were at a severe disadvantage.
To oppose him head on now would be like smashing an egg against a rock.
The Five Elders were already overwhelmed.
Intervention was no longer simple.
"Sakazuki," Kizaru said slowly. "What if I infiltrate Kaito's forces and rescue the Vice Admirals he captured?"
"No," Akainu replied immediately. "You don't understand Kaito's strength. We don't even know where those Vice Admirals are being held."
His voice was grim but controlled.
His earlier rage had been nothing more than venting.
"What the Marines need most right now is more high level combat power," one Vice Admiral said. "If Kaito attacks now, the consequences will be catastrophic."
The room fell silent.
Akainu knew it better than anyone.
High level combatants were not something that could simply be created overnight.
Sengoku had ruled for decades and even then only produced a handful.
The Den Den Mushi at Akainu's waist suddenly rang.
"This is Akainu."
"It's me," Saint Saturn's voice replied.
"We have decided to increase Marine combat power. A world level conscription will be held at Naval Headquarters in one month."
"The top two will be appointed Admirals. Ranks three through twenty will become Vice Admirals."
Akainu's eyes widened.
"That's absurd. How can outsiders leap ranks like that? The Marines already have qualified talent."
"This is not a discussion," Saint Saturn said coldly. "The news agency has already been informed. The entire sea will hear about it soon."
"All you need to do is prepare the arena."
The line went dead.
Akainu crushed the cigar in his hand.
"Those old men…" he muttered before turning. "Kizaru, you're in charge of this."
"No problem," Kizaru replied lazily.
With the New World under Kaito's control, Kizaru no longer needed to guard it.
He was free.
One day later.
The World Government's conscription announcement and Kaito's policies spread across the seas simultaneously.
The entire world erupted.
When ordinary people learned that Kaito was not ruling like a pirate, their fear faded.
When they read his promises, hope replaced it.
Once again, Kaito became the center of the world.
The conditions he offered were too good to ignore.
People everywhere dreamed of serving under him, but the New World was far away and dangerous.
For those without strength, setting sail meant death.
But the people already living in the New World were different.
This was Kaito's territory.
They could reach Totto Land directly.
Overnight, the island was flooded with eager young recruits.
The number exceeded ten thousand.
Reporters documented everything and published it the next day.
Ten thousand in a single night, and more would come.
This completely overshadowed the Marine conscription.
Everyone understood what the World Government was fighting for.
For the strong, the Marine offer had value.
For ordinary people, Kaito's system was far more appealing.
The entire sea discussed Kaito's governance.
Yet in the shadows, those with ambition saw Marine conscription as their only chance to rise.
The ocean appeared lively, but beneath it, dangerous currents stirred.
IWC.
Inside the grand hall, Kaito sat at the head of the table.
The highest commanders filled the room.
Holding a newspaper, Kaito sneered.
"So they intend to challenge us after replenishing their strength."
"Captain," Issho stepped forward. "What is your decision?"
"I planned to consolidate the New World for a year before striking the Marines," Kaito said calmly. "But now…"
His eyes narrowed.
"Quietly issue the order."
"Withdraw all forces."
"Directly attack Marine Headquarters from the Grand Line."
"Crush Naval Headquarters and overthrow the World Government in one strike."
"The numbers are too large," Dragon said slowly. "Movement like that cannot be hidden. The entire world is watching us."
"Brulee" Kaito asked. "How many can your space mirror hold?"
"At most ten thousand," Brulee replied carefully.
"Too few," Kaito said. "Then I'll use mine."
The room stiffened.
"Captain?" someone asked.
"You'll see."
Within the Heavenly Palace, several sub spaces existed.
Transporting a hundred thousand was not impossible.
"When do we move?" King asked.
"Is the food prepared?"
"Yes."
"Everyone goes together."
Kaito's voice was steady.
"As long as we are present, no one will dare touch our seas."
"How many days of supplies?" King asked.
"Three."
One day to arrive.
One day to prepare.
The third day to fight.
"Then there's no delay," Issho said with a faint smile.
"Dismissed," Kaito said calmly. "Inform everyone quietly. Rest well. We leave tomorrow."
"Yes."
The hall emptied rapidly.
"Three days," Kaito murmured, a strange light in his eyes. "World Government, you have three days left."
"At last…"
"I can return home."
____
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