Right now, the ones under the most pressure aren't the pirate Emperors.
In fact, their very existence thrives on chaos. They are one of the root causes of the world's instability. No matter how the world descends into turmoil, they will always find a way to survive—perhaps even flourish—in the madness.
But there's one organization that cannot afford that kind of world.
The Navy Governnt.
Inside the newly established Fleet Admiral's office, Sakazuki sat with a heavy expression. Having officially taken over as Fleet Admiral, the weight of the position was beginning to show.
Following the results of the World Military Draft, Admiral Fujitora (Issho) and Admiral Ryokugyu (Aramaki) had joined the Marine Headquarters as two of its strongest new pillars.
As for Aokiji (Kuzan)—after the resignation of veterans like Garp and Tsuru, he too stepped down. Sengoku had once vouched for Kuzan to succeed him as Fleet Admiral, but the World Governnt rejected his recomndation, choosing instead to appoint Akainu Sakazuki directly.
This decision didn't sit well with Kuzan, who clashed with Sakazuki's extremist ideals. Unable to accept the Marine's increasingly iron-fisted approach, he chose to walk away without looking back.
Seeing that all three admirals had assembled, Sakazuki stood and said with his usual sternness, "Let's move to the eting room."
---
When they arrived at the conference hall, several familiar figures were already waiting inside.
Vice Admirals Momousagi (Gion) and Chaton (Tokikake), along with Vice Admiral Strawberry and Onigumo, were all present.
But most notably—retired legends like Garp, Sengoku, and Tsuru had also appeared.
Their presence made one thing very clear:
This situation was serious.
Sakazuki didn't waste ti. He walked to the head of the table and addressed the room.
"As you've probably heard, the Dragon Hunter Pirates have officially declared war on the World Governnt.
They've taken up position at the G-5 Branch... and they're not planning to leave.
The World Governnt has ordered us to mobilize every available force to annihilate them.
Before we act, I want to hear your thoughts."
The room went silent.
Especially Gion, who shifted uneasily in her seat. She had suffered defeat at the hands of the Dragon Hunter Pirates more than once—and had only survived the last encounter thanks to Garp's intervention.
Facing them again was the last thing she wanted.
Then, with a knowing grin, Chaton spoke up.
"Admiral Sakazuki, co on. We all know you've already made up your mind.
Just give us the order."
He wasn't wrong. Sakazuki was a man who upheld Absolute Justice—unyielding and direct. The eting was more formality than discussion.
"I believe the Fleet Admiral has already made the most strategic judgnt," Strawberry added.
"After all, these aren't your average pirates."
No one here wanted to be scapegoated for a potential failure. They knew Sakazuki already had a plan—what they needed to decide was whether to follow him into the fire.
"Then it's settled," Sakazuki said grimly.
"Prepare the fleet. We attack G-5 at full strength.
This ti, we'll wipe out the Dragon Hunter Pirates—"
"No."
A quiet, forceful interruption cut through the room.
Everyone turned to see Sengoku standing.
He looked at Sakazuki with calm disapproval.
"So, it's just as I thought. You're planning to stake everything—the full strength of the Navy—on eliminating them.
But this isn't just any pirate crew, Sakazuki.
They're the Dragon Hunter Pirates.
Even if we give it our all, are you certain we can defeat them?"
He glanced around the room, his voice steady.
"If there's even one miscalculation, this could beco the worst disaster the Navy has ever faced."
Sengoku's words were t with silence.
"Yes, we represent the World Governnt.
But if we lose this battle—if they counterattack or defeat us outright—what then?
The honor and legacy we've protected for generations… would vanish overnight."
Sakazuki's jaw clenched. His pride burned. He was Fleet Admiral now—and Sengoku was rely a special advisor. He no longer had authority.
Still, his words carried weight.
"Do you have an alternative suggestion, Sengoku?" Sakazuki asked, barely hiding his frustration.
"I don't plan to interfere with the details.
But have you truly considered the consequences of losing this war?
More importantly—do you really believe we can stand against them now?"
That was the heart of the issue.
The Dragon Hunter Pirates' last appearance had already stunned the world. And that was months ago.
Now, intelligence reports—courtesy of Morgans—suggested that a new powerhouse had joined their ranks, supposedly from the mysterious 4th Division.
Each one of these divisions seed to appear out of nowhere, and each new mber was stronger than the last.
Sengoku had personally reviewed the surveillance footage—particularly the mont when Escanor obliterated two Marine warships with a single swing of his axe. Even Sengoku couldn't guarantee he could block such overwhelming power.
teorites. Lightning. Axes. Freakish monsters from the sea.
Just imagining the chaos of facing that kind of crew in battle made his blood run cold.
This wouldn't be a war—it would be a massacre.
"I agree with Advisor Sengoku," Fujitora said as he stood.
"I've heard of their exploits.
And while I may be the one most familiar with controlling teorites… I still wouldn't support a full-frontal assault."
Though blind, Fujitora spoke with clarity.
"Even if we did manage to hurt them, the cost to the Navy would be enormous.
A strategy that injures the enemy by a thousand… but costs us ten thousand in return—
that's not justice. That's foolishness."
Sakazuki's hands tightened into fists.
He had planned to use this opportunity to settle old scores from the War at the Summit.
But now, no one in the room supported a direct assault. Even if he issued the order, there would be hesitation—doubt—and that alone could doom the mission.
Still, they were the Navy.
And now a pirate crew had the gall to openly declare war on the World Governnt... and no one wanted to respond?
Where was the pride? The honor? His dignity?
His face darkened again, smoldering with frustration.
Then, from the back of the room, a familiar crunch echoed.
It was Garp, munching on senbei.
"How about this," he said, standing with a grin.
"Let the Fleet Admiral lead a small force to test the waters.
The rest of us can support from a distance."
He shot a glance at Sengoku and Tsuru.
"Sengoku, Tsuru—I'll go with you. Even if we can't win, we sure as hell won't die.
The new generation of Marines still needs ti to grow.
No point sending them to their deaths just yet."
Sakazuki's eyes lit up.
That might work.
If he led the mission himself, they could test the Dragon Hunters' true strength without risking everything. And if things went south—he could pull back.
A tactical probe. Not a full war.
"Fine," he said, making his decision.
"Prepare for deploynt. We move soon."
As for asking the World Governnt for approval?
Sakazuki didn't care.
He was done waiting for permission.
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