(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited
smoothly. sp.atreon/INeedRest)
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"I have two announcents today."
"First, there was news from Momousagi that during their attempt to arrest the God Killer, they were attacked by Sea Kings, and the target managed to escape."
"Second, the World Governnt demands that we cooperate with the CP organization to capture him as soon as possible, dead or alive. Alive is the direct order, however!"
ntioning the CP organization made Sengoku visibly aggrieved.
During the last global conscription, the Marines found several promising recruits, but the CP organization poached the strongest among them.
Moreover, the Marines' recent string of failures had increasingly frustrated the Five Elders.
Just days ago, the budget for the coming year was announced-not only had it not increased, but it had actually been reduced.
anwhile, the CP organization's funding had tripled.
Sengoku's anger flared at that.
But there was nothing he could do.
As for why they requested to capture Colt alive, it was obvious enough that they wanted to make an example out of him.
But in the case that there was nothing to do but kill him, it was permittable.
"It's not easy to find a handful of people in the vast seas, especially in the New World, where even the Five Elders face difficulty."
Vice Admiral Tsuru frowned and raised a concern.
"If this were the first half of the Grand Line, where routes converge at Sabaody Archipelago, we could intercept them. But in the New World, it's like searching for a fish in the ocean. With only very few Marines stationed there, if we focus too much on Colt and his group, who will protect the civilians?"
"Tsuru."
Sengoku sighed, stopping her. Arguing further wouldn't benefit the Marines.
"The Five Elders are already dissatisfied with us. We can't challenge their orders now. Sakazuki, I'm assigning this mission to you and Momousagi."
Akainu gave a curt nod.
"Understood."
With that, Sengoku seed to regain so composure.
"Next, let's talk about the Whitebeard Pirates. According to intelligence, they'll reach Fish- Man Island in two days."
"Last ti, Kisa's interference on behalf of the Marines offended Whitebeard. We can't ignore this."
"Agreed."
Kuzan adjusted his blindfold and nodded lazily.
"If we don't act, no Shichibukai will trust us to have their back in the future."
"Shichibukai, pirates-they're all the sa filth."
Garp's gruff voice interrupted; his disdain for the Shichibukai evident.
Bang!
Sengoku slamd his fist on the table, glaring at Garp.
"Garp, you b*****d! If you can't say anything useful, I'll eat all your senbei!"
"Go ahead! See if I care!"
Watching the two bicker like children was nothing new to the room.
Finally, Vice Admiral Tsuru intervened, her patience wearing thin.
"Sengoku, Garp, calm yourselves. We're still in a eting."
The two grumbled but settled down.
Naruto, present in the room, couldn't help but reminisce.
He thought back to the early days of Team 7, with Sasuke and himself always fighting, and Sakura acting as the diator.
A pang of nostalgia hit him as he wondered how Sakura was faring back in the ninja world.
He silently wished Colt's work would progress faster so he could reunite with everyone he missed.
In the end, Sengoku assigned Aokiji and Naruto, along with five Marine Vice Admirals, to support Kisa. They were instructed not to start a full-scale war with Whitebeard but to drive them away.
As Sengoku strategized, he tapped into his years of experience with Whitebeard. Although Whitebeard was imnsely strong, his weakness lay in his love for his "sons."
As long as casualties occurred, Whitebeard would avoid prolonged conflict. However, Sengoku's approach was far from altruistic.
"Don't intervene imdiately. Let Kisa suffer the onslaught a bit first so he understands the importance of the Marines. It'll make him more cooperative in the future."
Aokiji sighed at Sengoku's calculated plan, doubting it would succeed.
****
Elsewhere, in the New World, another player was moving toward Fish-Man Island-none other than the red-haired Shanks.
Shanks wasn't there to aid Whitebeard or Kisa. His goal was to prevent war and preserve the balance of power at sea.
Accompanying him was a notable ally: Hawkeye Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman.
"Hey, Mihawk," Shanks said with a grin, draping an arm over his shoulder. "How about joining my crew? I'll even make you my vice-captain."
Benn Beckman, puffing on a cigarette, chid in. "Yeah, Hawkeye. I'd gladly hand over the position. I'm sick of dealing with this idiot captain anyway."
The crew burst into laughter.
"Captain, Beckman's disdain is showing!"
"The captain is an idiot. That's spot on, Hahahaha!"
Shanks pretended to be hurt, turning to Mihawk.
"See? You have to join my crew and save from these guys!"
Mihawk, unimpressed, shook his head.
"Shanks, you've asked this a dozen tis already. I've no intention of giving up my
Shichibukai status."
He paused, his expression growing serious.
"I'm here for one reason to challenge Uchiha Sasuke's swordsmanship again."
The mory of Sasuke's Susanoo and its terrifying sword slashes lingered in Mihawk's mind.
In pure swordsmanship, Sasuke might not surpass Mihawk.
But with the Susanoo, the playing field changed entirely.
Mihawk's lips twitched in faint envy.
"What a remarkable talent..."
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