As several orders were issued one after another, Vice-Admiral Tsuru, sitting in front of Kuzan, frowned.
Vice-Admiral Tsuru: "…"
Of course, she had already guessed why Kuzan was doing this.
There was no doubt that, aside from Rear-Admiral Enchi, who had been transferred back to Marine Headquarters and promoted to Vice-Admiral, everyone else belonged to factions close to the World Government.
Just like those marines who had been killed by the vicious Umbrella Corporation and sacrificed during the Egghead incident.
However…
"Aokiji, I understand your determination to change Marine Headquarters."
Tsuru fell silent for a moment before speaking in a tone filled with melancholy and concern. "But the World Government is not stupid. What you're doing is too blatant. And leaving other things aside…"
Her gaze fell on the file labeled "Rear-Admiral Enchi."
"You should know that when Rear-Admiral Enchi was promoted to Rear-Admiral, it was already an exceptional promotion. Although he has been tempered in the New World during this time and his strength has indeed improved considerably, his record and current strength still have not reached the minimum standard required for the rank of Vice-Admiral."
And not East Blue, but West Blue…
East Blue was one thing; there was nothing much to say there.
But West Blue… that was the territory of the king of the West Blue, Ian.
Sending these people who were close to the World Government there, if any problems occurred and the Umbrella Corporation discovered them, none of them would likely return alive.
"Sengoku should have told you… Only by sitting in this position can you carry out the justice in your heart!"
"I know."
Kuzan showed no surprise at Tsuru's words. He calmly looked at her. "But there has never been a more suitable moment than now, Great Staff Officer Tsuru!"
"You should understand what the World Government cares about more. With the King of the West Blue involved, the World Government simply doesn't have time to deal with us right now. No era has been more suitable than this one. I must seize this period and, before the World Government realizes what's happening, guide Marine Headquarters onto the right path."
"But doing this has no real meaning. They are also marines who carry justice on their backs! If this is discovered, it will chill the hearts of others!"
Tsuru seemed to have a headache and sighed helplessly. "Besides, the problem of Marine Headquarters cannot be changed by transferring one or two Marines!"
"If we don't do it, how will we know it has no meaning? These are necessary sacrifices. I don't want to give up this opportunity!"
Tsuru : "…"
Looking at Kuzan, who remained firm in his thoughts, Tsuru finally chose to compromise.
Helplessly, she nodded.
"Very well. You are the Fleet Admiral. Do as you wish."
After saying that, she said nothing further and stood up.
"If there's nothing else, I'll go carry out your arrangements."
"Go ahead, Great Staff Officer Tsuru."
Kuzan nodded and did not refuse her request.
After watching Tsuru's departing back, he spoke again.
"Don't worry. Even if something really goes wrong, the World Government will only come looking for me, the Fleet Admiral."
"You know I don't care about that."
These words caused Vice-Admiral Tsuru to pause slightly, but only briefly.
As she continued walking, she spoke in a calm tone.
"I'm only worried that one day you'll fall into an endless abyss, Aokiji."
As soon as the words fell, she had already walked out of the office.
Her slow footsteps gradually faded into the distance.
Only Kuzan remained seated in the Fleet Admiral's chair, his expression unchanged as he muttered to himself,
"I know that too… but even if the road ahead leads to an endless abyss, I still want to try."
...
The quiet changes within Marine Headquarters did not create much of a ripple in this chaotic and thrilling era.
Just as Kuzan had said, the World Government truly had no time to pay attention to them.
The appearance of Joy Boy and Vegapunk joining the Umbrella Corporation had already consumed most of the World Government's attention.
On top of that, a force that had been hidden on the seas for many years suddenly changed its plans, adding even more fuel to this chaos.
This was the Grand Line, Baltigo, headquarters of the Revolutionary Army.
Sabo, the chief of staff of the Revolutionary Army, who had just returned from the New World not long ago, looked at the Revolutionary Army cadres in front of him and spoke in a serious tone: "It's time to declare war on those high-and-mighty Celestial Dragons of the World Government!"
With just that single sentence, it was like a stone falling into a lake, sending ripples spreading throughout the quiet meeting room.
...
However, the storm that was about to rise over the sea did not attract much attention. Or rather, the chaos currently happening across the seas was already enough to give the various forces headaches or cause them to celebrate wildly.
Something that was going to happen… no, more accurately, something that had not yet happened simply could not draw much of their attention.
Not to mention the Warland Kingdom, far in the latter half of the New World.
After so many days had passed, the Straw Hat Pirates had finally arrived at this nation known across the seas as the world's strongest country, and with the help of Dorry and Brogy, they successfully entered Elbaph.
That's right. Although, for various reasons, Crocodile's Utopia plan had collapsed and the accident at Little Garden had not happened, the Straw Hat Pirates still became good friends with Dorry and Brogy at the time.
In addition, because of earlier events, the reputation of Ian, the king of the West Blue, was actually quite good within the Warland Kingdom.
So, after hearing that the Straw Hat Pirates had a good relationship with Ian, the arrival of the Straw Hat Pirates was warmly welcomed by Elbaph, and a banquet was even held in their honor.
However, during the banquet, Luffy displayed his abilities, instantly shocking Elbaph. As a result, when they woke up the next day, an accident happened…
The Straw Hat Pirates were captured and locked in a strange place.
Afterward, they escaped from there and unexpectedly encountered another prince of the giant race, Loki.
If Ian were here, he would probably sigh about fate once again.
In the end, the Straw Hat Pirates successfully escaped the underworld and once again began touring the Warland Kingdom. While visiting the Owl Library in Elbaph, they unexpectedly encountered someone.
"So you are the Straw Hat Pirates? Dereshishishi, my name is Jaguar D. Saul."
The giant, wearing a somewhat worn black shirt and gray jeans, along with a cowboy hat, showed a warm smile as he looked at the Straw Hat Pirates before him.
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