Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro spoke with firm confidence, "The new Fleet Admiral of the Marines is Sakazuki. He may not possess Sengoku's strategic genius, but he is a man of iron will, deeply devoted to suppressing pirates. Order Fleet Admiral Sakazuki to act against the Three Emperors Alliance. If we can eliminate even one of them before their alliance solidifies, the threat of this coalition will be greatly reduced."
"A preemptive strike?" Saint Marcus Mars frowned, replying gravely, "The New World is pirate territory. Eliminating a single Four Emperors is already difficult, and now three have allied. This will be far more challenging."
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn responded immediately, "I strongly support a preemptive strike. Their ambition is clear, and once the three fully control the New World, an attack on the World Government is inevitable. It is better to strike first than wait."
Saint Marcus Mars shook his head. "I believe dismantling them from within is a better option. The Big Mom Pirates, Beasts Pirates, and Phoenix Pirates have had grudges for years. They won't suddenly cooperate as allies without tension. With careful preparation, their alliance could be broken from the inside."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro nodded. "Then we act on both fronts. Launch a preemptive strike while simultaneously infiltrating their alliance to disrupt it as much as possible."
All the Gorosei agreed. Even at their level, the Three Emperors Alliance demanded utmost respect. Each emperor was a power comparable to an Admiral, and especially Kaido, whose Devil Fruit had awakened after his battle with Marco on Nanku Island, made him nearly untouchable.
---
Meanwhile, at Marineford, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki received direct orders from the Gorosei.
He clenched his fists. Three Emperors Alliance… this isn't a challenge for an ordinary Marine.
He summoned all officers of Vice Admiral rank and above. Vice Admiral Bran New, known as the "Meeting King," briefed them on the alliance. Gasps filled the room.
"I didn't expect the worst-case scenario to occur," murmured one officer. "One Four Emperors is hard enough; now three have allied."
Even the most experienced officers felt a creeping despair. Less than half a year had passed since the Marineford War, and Whitebeard's overwhelming power was still vivid in their memories.
The new Admirals—Kizaru, Fujitora, and Aramaki—remained calm. Their confidence came from their own strength.
Aramaki joked, "Brother Sakazuki, what are we going to do now? The Three Emperors Alliance isn't targeting us, is it?"
Kizaru replied in a teasing tone, "Oh, how terrifying. During Marineford, we barely survived the Whitebeard Pirates. Now, three allied emperors? Even we might struggle."
Fujitora's expression was serious. "Kaido, Charlotte Linlin, and the newly promoted Four Emperors Marco are all formidable. Each commands tens of thousands of pirates. Combined, their forces likely exceed one hundred thousand. Fleet Admiral, surely the Marines have intelligence on this?"
Sakazuki nodded. "Yes, but much of the information is classified. Bran New, explain the origins of this alliance through the history of the Rocks Pirates."
Bran New nodded, producing documents. "Before discussing the Three Emperors Alliance, we must understand the Rocks Pirates. Forty years ago, this crew was a superpower on the seas, led by Rocks D. Xebec, a pirate who sought to dominate the world. Its members were extraordinary: Whitebeard's Edward Newgate, the current Phoenix Marco, Kaido of the Beasts Pirates, Charlotte Linlin, and even the legendary Golden Lion Shiki. These pirates were all once Rocks crew members."
"What? Four Four Emperors served under one pirate crew?" officers whispered in shock. Some of the Commodores and Rear Admirals were astonished, though many Vice Admirals already knew.
Bran New continued, "Other notable pirates like John, Wang Zhi, and Gin Axe were also part of Rocks. Kaido was then a trainee, and Marco, being Whitebeard's adopted son, spent some time with the crew. Thirty-six years ago, the God Valley Incident occurred. Vice Admiral Garp acted decisively, crushing Rocks' ambitions and earning the title 'Hero of the Marines.'"
Gasps and murmurs echoed throughout the room.
Sakazuki, unimpressed, scoffed. To him, Garp was an overrated relic of past glories. He interrupted Bran New's praise, stating firmly, "Bran New, get to the point."
Bran New, understanding the Fleet Admiral's impatience, nodded and continued with the briefing.
___
🌙 Ramadan Special
Unlock advance chapters on my Patreon with 7 DAYS FREE TRIAL on all Tiers.
40% Discount
Use code: RAMADANPASS
Link: Patreon.com/Zphyr
Limited-time Ramadan offer, don't miss it.