Michael took revolution extrely seriously...
But when it ca to slacking off, he was no less dedicated.
So seeing the confusion and bewildernt in Dragon's eyes, Michael didn't bother to explain much.
He just patted his shoulder and told him...
"Relax, it's not like I'm planning to disappear... It's just that since the Revolutionary Army needs to lay low, I should redirect my energy elsewhere."
"Then where will your focus be? The Marines? Or the Cross Guild?"
"No need to worry about the Cross Guild—their organizational structure is stable enough... The Marines are about to begin their Worldwide Draft, which ans they're also in a turbulent period of developnt. They definitely can't make too many moves in the short term... or it might alert the enemy." Michael smirked.
"Not only does this align with the World Governnt's wishes, but it also allows us to sift through a batch of promising recruits from around the world... And in the end, it'll make the Marines completely disillusioned with the World Governnt. Why wouldn't I take advantage of that? Once the talent surge from the Worldwide Draft passes, we just need to thoroughly reorganize the Marines' internal order, and we can openly establish them as an entity independent of the World Governnt."
"An independent Marine force... You really think big, kid." Dragon stared into Michael's eyes.
"Be careful not to overreach—you might strain sothing."
"Don't worry, Dragon... My 'sothing' is indestructible. Pull all you want, no limits." Michael chuckled.
"But you don't need to worry about the Marines becoming too powerful and affecting the Revolutionary Army... The Marines and the Revolutionary Army are just different paths to the sa destination."
Michael spent a long ti talking with Dragon that day.
By the end, Dragon's expression had gone numb.
As Michael was leaving, he turned back and tossed out a remark.
"So, Dragon, have you ever considered that you might have the chance to serve in the sa organization as old man Garp again soday?"
"If what you're saying is true... I'd rather be stabs in the back instead!"
"Got it. I'll tell old man Garp you don't want to acknowledge him as your father anymore."
"Who the hell ever said that, you bastard?!"
...
It was already three days later when Michael returned to Marine Headquarters again.
During this ti, the study materials he had requested to be distributed throughout the entire force had been printed and disseminated, covering Marine Headquarters and several large branch bases nearby.
The Marines had now embarked on an intensive "Great Marine Study Campaign"—studying, morizing, writing reflections...
Making these Marines of wildly varying (and mostly lantable) literacy levels absolutely miserable.
Forcing them to battle daily with paper, pens, and knowledge... they'd rather go fight pirates in the New World for so proper action!
But then... the people at G-1 Branch would have sothing to say about that!
Damn it, not only do we have to endure the Great Marine Study Campaign, we still have to fight pirates for real action!
Thinking frontline duty exempts us from the tornt of knowledge!?
How naive!
It was against this backdrop that the World Military Draft quietly began.
Though this initiative had been proposed by Michael, he handed primary control over to the World Governnt.
After all, this was sothing the Five Elders had been planning to propose anyway... spending the World Governnt's money to bring fresh recruits into the Marines.
Why not go along with it?
While the Marines accepted all applicants, Michael also conducted thorough background checks, cross-referencing intelligence from both the Marines and the Cross Guild to register anyone suspicious in detailed records.
No need to worry about it now.
When the ti cos to completely sever ties, this will be Death's Hit List.
Apart from Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Chief of Staff Tsuru, Marine Hero Garp, Grand Inspector Michael, and the assisting SWORD Classified Special Forces, even the Three Admirals and elite vice admirals were unaware of this matter.
Michael walked through the streets of Marineford, observing the sudden increase in naval personnel with so emotion.
Overall, the World Military Draft was more beneficial than harmful.
Especially since the Marines didn't have to spend their own money... that was a huge advantage.
'Tap, tap, tap...'
The sound of a blind man's cane tapping the ground suddenly echoed beside him.
A tall figure holding a cane walked toward Michael.
It was the long-absent Issho.
And now...
"Good morning, Vice Admiral 'Fujitora' Issho."
"Good morning, Grand Inspector."
"My, my... sotis, just being a good dog for the World Governnt can directly earn you the rank of Marine vice admiral..."
"No need for the Grand Inspector to concern himself with that."
Though Michael's words were mocking, his expression remained completely relaxed.
That very day, news of the discord between Marine Grand Inspector Vice Admiral Michael and the newly appointed Vice Admiral "Fujitora" Issho spread across the seas at lightning speed.
As they passed each other, Michael glanced at Issho again while muttering to himself...
'Damn, this gambling-addicted middle-aged man is doing quite well with the World Governnt!'
...
After the promotion ceremony that shocked the world and the subsequent World Military Draft, all factions in the One piece World seed to enter a period of quiet developnt.
Of course, the word "quiet" was only relative.
Though no earth-shattering waves were stirred... undercurrents continued to swirl.
Doflamingo led the Donquixote Family into the New World and, with the help of a mysterious force, drove out the "Queen of the Pleasure District" Stussy, seizing the island where the Pleasure District was located and bringing all its industries under the Donquixote Family's control.
Others might not know, but Doflamingo understood clearly—the Pleasure District was essentially a World Governnt operation.
Thus, under the condition that these industries would continue to generate profits for the World Governnt, Doflamingo exchanged them for one person...
Caesar Clown.
No sooner had Caesar Clown been sent out from Egghead Island than Doflamingo packed him off to Thunder God Island.
Along with him ca batch after batch of scientific research facilities, all transported to Thunder God Island.
...
anwhile, in nearby Whole Cake Island, blinding white light would occasionally shoot into the sky, illuminating the skies above Cake Island.
But the residents of Whole Cake Island had grown accustod to it.
Since it caused no harm—except for occasionally appearing at night and disrupting sleep—they paid it little mind.
What they were more concerned about was the recent announcent from the Charlotte Family, the rulers of Whole Cake Island...
From now on, Whole Cake Island would no longer collect lifespans and souls but would instead transition to normal "taxation."
All of this was thanks to the boundless benevolence of Whole Cake Island's one and only queen, Charlotte Linlin.
-----------------------------
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