The division of power in the New World had gradually stabilized.
Sakazuki had made his arrangements across the four seas.
The seas fell into a period of eerie tranquility.
Time slowly moved into the year 1495.
During these three years, neither pirates nor the navy had made any significant moves.
The three major powers of the New World were consolidating their forces and had halted their expansion.
After the Roger Pirates suddenly appeared at Twin Capes two years prior, they had advanced with great momentum towards the New World.
Their unusual progress had attracted the attention of high-ranking navy officials, who were constantly speculating about Roger's intentions.
The navy, meanwhile, was gradually becoming overstretched.
The integration of forces in the New World had made it a unified entity.
Garp was pursuing Roger, while Sakazuki guarded the first half of the Grand Line. Sengoku was leading efforts to suppress the G1 branch in the New World.
The new generation of naval monsters was growing stronger and gaining fame across the four seas. The shortage of high-level combatants prevented the navy from intervening effectively in the New World.
It was at this time, following discussions between Holy Land officials and Fleet Admiral Kong, that a plan named "Shichibukai" was proposed. The intention was to select seven exceptionally talented rookie pirates, granting them the right to plunder legally and other special privileges. This would allow them to contend with the New World's giants and, in turn, curb their development.
However, the right to legal plunder met with strong opposition from many admirals and had yet to be implemented.
Meanwhile, Carol, along with Enel, was patrolling the four seas, discreetly placing soldiers they had trained since childhood into various branches. Unbeknownst to many, over the years, several branch chiefs in the four seas had mysteriously died at the hands of pirates.
This strange peace was shattered when Roger returned to the New World.
---
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Sakazuki, having just returned from the G1 branch, heard the alarm before even disembarking. He flashed forward, heading directly for the Fleet Admiral's office.
In the Fleet Admiral's office, Sakazuki pushed open the door to find several high-ranking officers already gathered. Fleet Admiral Kong nodded to Sakazuki, gesturing for him to take a seat nearby. Sakazuki found a spot and sat down.
Soon, a Marine Headquarters clerk ran in to report: "Fleet Admiral Kong, Roger and Shiki have made contact in the Ed War Sea in the New World."
Fleet Admiral Kong nodded. "Regarding Roger and Shiki..."
Garp suddenly stood up and turned to leave. "Haha, an opportunity has arrived."
Veins bulged on Fleet Admiral Kong's forehead. "Wait, Garp, I haven't finished speaking!"
Garp chuckled. "But I've finished listening!" With that, he pulled open the office door.
Fleet Admiral Kong slammed his fist on the table. "Stand..."
*Bang!*
The sound of the door closing abruptly cut off Fleet Admiral Kong's words. He was extremely exasperated by Garp's personality, but since Sengoku had been assigned, and with Garp's involvement, there shouldn't be major problems.
With the issue of Shiki and Roger seemingly resolved, only one matter remained. He then turned to the others in the room. "Regarding the Shichibukai proposal. Does anyone have any other opinions? Feel free to share."
Immediately, the room erupted as if they had swallowed gunpowder.
"Impossible! Allowing pirates to plunder legally is a colossal joke!"
"They are pirates. If plundering becomes legal, wouldn't we, the navy, become a laughingstock?"
"We absolutely cannot agree to this."
"..."
"Since when has the navy needed pirates to help pacify the seas!"
"Absolutely not..."
Fleet Admiral Kong looked at the noisy assembly with a headache. He slammed the table again. "Silence!" Rubbing his temples, he looked at Sakazuki, who had remained silent throughout. "Sakazuki, what do you think?"
Everyone stopped their arguments and looked at Sakazuki. As currently the fourth strongest figure openly recognized in the navy, Sakazuki held considerable influence.
After a moment of deliberation, Sakazuki spoke. "The Shichibukai proposal has good intentions. Merely by tying down the New World pirate giants, it could significantly reduce the sacrifices of our navy soldiers. However, the Shichibukai's powers are too extensive. They must be restricted. For instance, this legal plunder right is too vague. Setting aside other matters, if they were to plunder warships, would we allow that too? If it's not regulated within a certain scope, it might become uncontrollable in the future. We must meticulously define the treaties they need to adhere to, then infiltrate, control, and even assist their development from all angles. Cultivate them into dogs, not entities on par with the navy. Dogs only need to be able to bite. If they don't obey, they can be killed. Many will want to be dogs when faced with the threat of death. We don't need to indulge them too much. It would be best to concentrate the Shichibukai in the first half of the Grand Line. With the backing of Marine Headquarters, they can fully contend for power and profit with the New World giants, firmly locking those pirate giants within the New World and restricting their development."
Everyone considered his words and found them logical.
Fleet Admiral Kong's eyes lit up. "Excellent, that makes sense. I will make a trip to the Holy Land. Dismissed!" He then added, "By the way, Leopold, investigate recent records and see who is closest to Kaya Island. Notify them to apprehend that group of Ohara's illegal organization as quickly as possible."
"Yes!"
Sakazuki, standing nearby, remained expressionless.
---
Meanwhile.
Garp, having just walked a short distance from the Fleet Admiral's office, was suddenly approached by a carefree young man. Kuzan, with his hands in his pockets, spoke with exaggerated admiration. "Mr. Garp, you refused a promotion again, didn't you? How cool!"
Garp grinned. "If you want freedom, you don't need such a high position." He then looked at Vice Admiral Tsuru beside him. "Little Tsuru, give me a ride on your ship later."
Vice Admiral Tsuru glanced at him. "The sortie order hasn't been given yet. You'll have that ship destroyed soon, I don't want you on board."
Garp laughed heartily. "Don't say that. I have to be the one to deal with that guy Roger." Saying this, they headed towards the port filled with ships.
On a warship in the port, Sengoku, who was assigning tasks to Borsalino and others, suddenly turned his head. Seeing Garp approaching below, he had a bad premonition and roared, "Garp! We've already been assigned to handle Shiki's matter, go back!"
Garp laughed and boarded another warship. "Don't mind me, Sengoku! All the credit goes to you! Hahahaha!!!"
On the opposing warship, Sengoku's veins bulged. "Is that what I meant, you idiot!"
---
Brublublublu~ Brublublublu~
On a warship in the Grand Line, a Den Den Mushi rang. Years of training and experience had made Dragon a more composed individual. He picked up the Den Den Mushi, and a voice from the other end inquired, "Is this Rear Admiral Monkey D. Dragon?"
Dragon replied, "It is I, speak." The communicator's voice came through the Den Den Mushi. "It's like this. The group that was previously wanted for researching government taboos has appeared near Kaya Island. You are the closest, and Fleet Admiral Kong has ordered you to apprehend them as quickly as possible. We will transfer the information to you."
Dragon replied, "Understood." He then relayed the instructions to the helmsman.
A moment later, the information transmitted via Den Den Mushi was recorded on paper. Dragon frowned as he looked at the documents. "Historians..."
---
In a corner of the headquarters.
Sakazuki, using Kenbunshoku Haki, perceived everything happening in the communication room. He chuckled lightly. "Dragon..." "Is it fate..." The time has come...