Marie Geoise, the Holy Land.
The Five Elders watched Sakazuki on the screen with a trace of solemnity.
The shifting camera, the constantly changing branches and soldiers, all showed Sakazuki near fanatical worship, which was chilling...
Never before had a Marine Admiral commanded such prestige...
The sword-wielding Elder narrowed his eyes:
"We still underestimated him."
"This kind of influence... is truly unsettling."
The curly-haired Elder gripped his cane:
"Our previous decision was indeed a bit hasty..."
"If this fellow truly rebels, then we will have to ask Lord Imu to intervene..."
But there was also a hint of disbelief; honestly, no one in the world could instantly kill a powerhouse of this level.
The burly Elder frowned:
"While that may be true... his determination to eliminate pirates should not be fake."
"And with the current strength of the Marines, after Sakazuki engages in a decisive battle with the Four Emperors in the New World."
"Not many will survive..."
"The most urgent matter right now is the Revolutionary Army."
The blonde Elder nodded:
"Indeed."
"Given Sakazuki's approach, before all pirates are eliminated."
"We don't need to worry about those issues."
"However, the Revolutionary Army... has been researching many new things recently."
"The items that CP agents risked their lives to retrieve have been tested and can greatly improve production efficiency."
The other Four Elders' hearts sank as they thought of those things.
Things that could greatly increase production efficiency were not unheard of, but they were controlled by the government.
If the commoners were freed from labor and their lives improved,
Then who would serve the nobles...
"This matter indeed requires careful consideration..."
-----------
New World.
Wano Country, Onigashima.
Inside the massive palace, Kaido sat on his throne.
Below, King stood with his arms crossed, while Queen, cigar in mouth, watched Sakazuki on the video Den Den Mushi.
Jack and several of the later Tobi Roppo sat respectfully, daring not to speak.
Kaido raised his sake gourd and took several large gulps before setting it down:
"Hoo—"
"That Sakazuki guy..."
"He really played us."
King frowned:
"Blocking the New World, what a bold move."
"Did he plan for this day during our cooperation?"
"With this, the territories we seized will be of little use."
"Nothing can be shipped in or out."
"The New World's internal consumption is limited."
"Won't all this effort be in vain?"
Queen next to him chuckled:
"Scum King, what's your head for?"
"If the routes there are blocked, just find another one."
"The Calm Belt is much faster than sailing the Grand Line."
King snorted:
"Idiot Queen, the cost wouldn't be worth it."
"The escorts would need to be at least of the 'All-Star' level, with so much supplies and weaponry."
"If they're all tied up escorting, who will guard the territories?"
"As for you..."
"The Marine scientist Vegapunk has already developed warships capable of traversing the Calm Belt."
"Don't you always claim to surpass Vegapunk? Why haven't you developed such a ship?"
"Otherwise, we wouldn't be in such trouble."
Queen's expression darkened, and he bit his cigar in half:
"What did you say! You rascal..."
Bang!
The sound of a sake gourd hitting a stone table echoed.
Kaido wiped the sake from the corner of his mouth and stood up:
"Enough."
"What are you arguing about?"
"Everything will proceed as planned."
"Someone is more anxious about this than we are..."
"Just wait."
"Barororororo!!!"
His lips curled upwards as he looked in the direction of Whole Cake Island...
The Four Emperors have temporarily put aside their grievances, so it's normal to borrow the opened path, right?
After all, there is a common enemy now...
-----------
South Blue.
Sober Kingdom, in the royal palace.
Dragon and other high-ranking Revolutionary Army officials gathered here.
Watching Sakazuki's declaration of war on pirates and the concluded ceremony on the video Den Den Mushi, they were all silent.
They didn't know what to say... Even though he was an enemy.
But no one doubted Sakazuki's resolve and determination to eliminate pirates.
There was even a hint of admiration...
Dragon's mind echoed with his last conversation with Vegapunk, as if he understood why Vegapunk had faith in Sakazuki...
Turning around.
He looked at the high-ranking Revolutionary Army officials:
"Everyone has their own opinions."
"And the future direction of the Revolutionary Army."
The others all looked at Sabo.
Despite his youth, his intelligence far surpassed that of ordinary people, and with their implicit consent, he was already considered the chief strategist under the Commander-in-Chief.
Sabo's expression was grave, and after stroking his chin in thought for a moment, he let out a sigh of relief:
"Hoo—"
He raised his head and revealed a confident smile:
"One word."
"Wait."
The others were somewhat confused, but Dragon also showed a slight smile, indeed...
Sabo continued with a smile:
"While I admire this new Marine Admiral."
"Unfortunately, we are enemies."
"From the perspective of the Revolutionary Army's future development."
"Only when this Marine Admiral engages in a decisive battle with the Four Emperors in the New World."
"Will it be the best time to overthrow the World Government."
"From the orders just announced by Marine Admiral Sakazuki, it is clearly a desperate gamble, even if the war fails, he will drag all the pirates in the New World down with him."
"One-third of the soldiers from the Grand Line have been deployed to the New World."
"During the decisive battle, even more will likely be withdrawn."
"So, we just need to wait patiently, accumulate strength. Industrialization has just begun, and it is a time for recovery and rest."
"Once industrialization is fully established, our strength will be enough to sweep through the agricultural kingdoms of the Four Seas."
These terms like industrialization and agriculture were terms Sabo learned after conversing with Robin.
At the time, he felt astonished... The wisdom of the Lamp of Revolution was truly... unfathomable!
Sabo continued:
"When the Marines engage in a decisive battle with the pirates, it's possible that all the Marines in the Grand Line will be deployed to the New World."
"This will be our opportunity."
"At that time, we can march unopposed, attacking the Red Line in one fell swoop."
"And drag those arrogant fellows down."
"Although their technology is more advanced than our newly entered industrial era,"
"They lack our unity."
"The various countries in the world act independently and are not of one mind."
"Although the World Government has deep foundations, by then we will control the Four Seas."
"Who wins and who loses is not yet determined..."
Dragon nodded:
"Sabo is right."
"Does anyone have anything to add?"
Everyone shook their heads. It was too detailed; there was nothing to add...
Dragon smiled and said:
"Then we will proceed according to the plan. Try to avoid conflict with the government and the Marines."
"Notify the branches in the World Government's affiliated nations that there should be no major actions before the decisive battle."
"Meeting adjourned."
"Kuma and Sabo, you two come with me."
On the rooftop of the royal palace.
Dragon, Bartholomew Kuma, and Sabo gathered.
Dragon looked at Kuma:
"Has the government found out anything?"
Kuma shook his head:
"No. Mother mobilized her contacts to inquire, but the high-ranking officials of the government are all tight-lipped. It seems they are truly targeting me."
Kuma's mother, Queen Dowager Kony, had excellent connections across the world.
She even had many people in the World Government who owed her favors.
But even so, she couldn't find anything out, and their silence indicated everything...
Sabo and Dragon exchanged glances, clearly understanding that Kuma's identity had been exposed.
A solution had to be found quickly. Unlike others, Kuma was now the King of the Sober Kingdom and couldn't simply escape.
Suddenly.
The three of them sensed Queen Dowager Kony rushing towards them with a telegram, followed by nervous servants...
A bad premonition washed over the three of them.
A gust of wind lifted Queen Dowager Kony to the rooftop and gently set her down.
Before she could steady herself, Queen Dowager Kony, holding the telegram, shouted in fear:
"Kuma! Run! Run!"
The group exchanged glances and took the telegram. It read:
"The Five Elders have just ordered the Marines to arrest your son, Bartholomew Kuma. Please take care."
This shocking news had not even been processed before...
Bururu~ Bururu~
Kuma's King Den Den Mushi rang...
Reassuring his mother, Kuma signaled the others to be quiet and answered the Den Den Mushi.
On the other end, a familiar, indifferent voice from just moments ago spoke...
"Bartholomew Kuma."
"Given the Sober Kingdom's influence in South Blue."
"After deliberation between the government and the Marines, you have been granted the title of Shichibukai."
"You are required to reach Marine Headquarters, Neo Marineford, within one month to accept the bestowal."
Queen Dowager Kony reached out to snatch the Den Den Mushi and shouted:
"What kind of joke is this!"
"Shichibukai is granted to pirates!"
"The Sober Kingdom is an affiliated nation of the World Government! Kuma is the King of the Sober Kingdom!"
"To grant a king the title of a pirate! What kind of joke is this!!!"
"This is utter lawlessness!"
"You are insulting our Sober Kingdom! I will certainly unite with other nations to report this to the government!"
"Sakazuki!!!"
Sakazuki's indifferent voice came from the Den Den Mushi:
"Seven days. Reach headquarters to accept the bestowal."
"If you fail to arrive, you will repent before the Sober Kingdom under a Buster Call."
Queen Dowager Kony's eyes widened in fury, a Buster Call... How dare he!!!
"Saka...!!!"
Before she could finish shouting, Kuma stopped her:
"Alright."
"I'll go."
*Click—*
The sound of the Den Den Mushi hanging up was heard.
Queen Dowager Kony collapsed onto the ground, weeping continuously.
Sabo's pupils contracted, his fists clenched, filled with resentment but helplessness...
The others' minds were in a haze... There was nothing else.
They couldn't think of any good solutions.
Betting that Sakazuki wouldn't dare to launch a Buster Call?
What a joke...
That guy had no humanity... He would really do it...
He strikes with deadly moves...
The terrifying Sakazuki...
-----------
North Blue.
Vinsmoke Family.
A floating kingdom made of giant snails.
In the grandest palace, Sakazuki's promotion ceremony had concluded.
The channel had been cut.
But Judge's eyes were still bloodshot, and he was breathing heavily... His entire body trembled:
"Opportunity! Opportunity!"
"The glory of the Vinsmoke family will surely reign supreme in the North Blue once more!!!"
"Hahahahahaha!!!"
He was like a madman.
Over the years, despite constant battles, they had gained no land.
Even if he were obtuse, he would have realized that the World Government had been playing them like monkeys.
But there was no choice. If they didn't comply with the government's schemes, their family's very existence would be in question.
So, even knowing, they had to swallow their pride.
However, upon witnessing Sakazuki's plan today, he saw an opportunity for the Vinsmoke family to reclaim its glory!!!
Sakazuki had blockaded the New World, preventing pirates from entering or leaving.
The Four Emperors' strongholds were in the New World, and their businesses were as well...
With the route to Fish-Man Island cut off, unless they could cross the Red Line or traverse the Calm Belt... the cost would be unimaginable.
And the Vinsmoke family possessed the world's unique giant snail technology!
They could cross the Red Line without hindrance.
What was this?
This was an opportunity!!!!
An opportunity to ally with the Four Emperors!
An opportunity to reclaim the family's glory!
An opportunity to reign supreme in the North Blue!
An opportunity to counterattack the government!
"Vinsmoke! Will be great once more!!!"
"Hahahahahaha!!!!"
-----------
Grand Line, First Half.
Former Marineford, now G-1 Branch.
In the office of the fortress, shortly after the promotion ceremony.
Sakazuki hung up the phone.
He had originally planned to let the Revolutionary Army simmer for a while, as they were drawing fire. For the Marines now, pirates were the primary target.
But... they couldn't even maintain their anonymity, and even the Five Elders were calling.
Sakazuki shook his head:
"Fools..."
Zephyr and Morris were also sitting in the office.
They thought Sakazuki was referring to Queen Dowager Kony... After all, they had given him a month, but her provocation had reduced it to seven days...
Zephyr frowned slightly:
"Isn't this a bit too aggressive, Sakazuki."
"After all, it's an affiliated nation of the World Government, a Buster Call... isn't that a bit impulsive?"
"What if they aren't intimidated?"
"And today's mobilization order was too sudden."
"Those guys in the New World, what if they resort to desperate measures..."
Sakazuki chuckled:
"Do you think I'm bluffing?"
Zephyr's eyes widened in disbelief.
Morris paused his hand holding the teapot, showing no other reaction, and continued to pour tea.
Sakazuki stood up and walked to the window, looking at the distant sea:
"It's just one kingdom."
"If they're foolish, then they'll be destroyed."
"The King of the Sober Kingdom chose to join the Revolutionary Army, and the government found out. Then there is only one outcome."
"Death."
"I don't have that much patience to play house with them."
"I joined the military at twelve and have served until today."
"What was it all for?"
"I've killed countless pirates, and I've almost been killed by pirates."
"Was it for myself?"
"Whitebeard's power tore me apart, Roger's slashes shattered my chest."
"But so what? They are all dead."
"I am still alive..."
"The greatest tumor in this world is those pirates."
"If they are not solved from the root."
"Even if I spend my entire life, I won't be able to kill all these pirates."
"In hundreds, thousands of years, this chaos will not end."
"Aggressive methods?"
"I don't think so."
"The methods of the past Marine government were too soft."
"Maintaining a balance, fearing sacrifice, it's laughable."
"This declaration of war."
"I want to make it clear to the world."
"The end of pirates has arrived."
"I want them to watch their own demise with their own eyes, yet be powerless to do anything."
"What about the Four Emperors?"
"I will personally crush their dreams and futures. Children, territories, comrades?"
"Do they even deserve to have these?"
"I want them to lose everything and die in despair."
"If, ten or twenty years from now, there are still scum like pirates on this sea."
"Then it will be my failure."
"But this will absolutely not happen."
"Therefore..."
"From the moment of the declaration of war until the elimination of all pirates."
"This war for the future of the world has begun its operation, and no one can stop it for even a moment."
"What about the Revolutionary Army? What about a kingdom?"
"All obstacles in my path will be crushed by me until all pirates are eliminated..."
"This is for the future of this world."
"Sacrifice... one generation is enough..."