Ubiquitous news spread throughout the pirate world.
The news was varied, but each piece was enough to enrage the World Government and Marine Headquarters, instill fear in pirates, and shock ordinary citizens who trusted Marine Headquarters.
The first piece of news: Marine Headquarters tore off its mask of justice and bombarded Ohara, massacring civilians.
The reason was that the World Government, in conjunction with Marine Headquarters, assembled a fleet to bombard Ohara and massacre civilian scholars. They were then repeatedly defeated by the Genbu Navy's Admiral Zephyr and the Buster Call fleet, successfully rescuing Ohara civilians who were being bombarded.
This news, along with photos and videos, created a massive wave across the sea.
Especially among the common people.
If the first piece of news caused fear and horror among civilians, the second piece of news that followed shocked all factions.
"‘Beasts’ Kaido Severely Wounded by Genbu Navy, Forced to Flee!"
This news stunned the Four Emperors of the sea, such as Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Golden Lion Shiki, as well as various pirate factions.
It was also at this time that they somewhat agreed, in their hearts, with the rapidly rising Genbu Navy, though only to this extent.
Despite their strength, the Genbu Navy was still too weak in terms of foundation.
Besides the two news items above, the third piece of news that followed brought further shame to Marine Headquarters.
The East Blue Marines were suppressed by the Genbu Navy at their base and did not dare to venture out for ten consecutive days.
The reason was that the East Blue Marines attempted to gather at Reverse Mountain to ambush and intercept the Marshal of the Genbu Navy, along with the civilian scholars of Ohara. After engaging with the East Blue Marines led by Kenshiro, they were forced to retreat to the East Blue Marine base and dared not come out again.
This incident, after being reported, caused the public trust in the East Blue Marines to plummet across the East Blue.
The Genbu Navy protected the weak civilians, while the East Blue Marines intended to attack them. So, who was the army of justice, and who were the pirates?
Every heart has a scale that can measure good and evil.
For a time, there were many people on the sea who cursed the East Blue Marines, cursed Marine Headquarters, and cursed the World Government.
Some dared to speak out publicly but were suppressed, arrested, or killed.
Such methods only intensified their desire for resistance and their resentment.
East Blue Marine Base.
A specially cleared and built area, also known as the Cemetery of Martyrs.
Soldiers who perished in battle had their bodies, if recoverable, retrieved, registered, and cremated. They were then buried at the nearest base or headquarters, with tombstones erected.
This time, most of the Genbu Navy warriors who had fallen with Sakata Gintoki were recovered; the remaining ones were swept away by the sea and lost to unknown locations.
Despite this, each person had a record and was inscribed on a tombstone.
This was a commemoration of the fallen soldiers, a remembrance, and a hope that the surviving soldiers would remember their mission.
Old Curator Groba, Olvia, Nico Robin, and other scholars, dressed in black with white boutonnieres, offered their final blessings to these warriors who had rescued them.
As everyone dispersed, Sakata Gintoki remained, not leaving immediately, as he was not in good spirits.
To intercept the main force of the Hundred Beasts Pirates and to protect the scholars of Ohara, his entire squadron had been almost wiped out.
These were the brothers he had sailed with, killed pirates with, dined and partied with. Now, almost all of them had fallen in that battle.
"Brother Gintoki."
As Sakata Gintoki leaned quietly against the tombstone, a voice sounded in his ear.
Sakata Gintoki opened his eyes, looked at Nico Robin standing before him, and smiled, saying, "It's Nico Robin."
"Brother Gintoki, thank you." Nico Robin hesitated for a moment, then bowed towards the tombstone, saying, "Thank you. You saved me, you saved everyone."
At the same time, white flowers appeared on the tombstones, covering each one.
Sakata Gintoki was somewhat shocked by this sight, then realized,
He looked intently at Nico Robin, not expecting the young girl before him to also be a Devil Fruit user.
However, this young girl was still young and one of their own, someone who could be cultivated.
After thinking it through, Sakata Gintoki felt much more at ease.
Nico Robin kept her head bowed for a long time. Tears streamed down her cheeks and fell, and her muffled sobs could be heard.
Hearing this, Sakata Gintoki was inexplicably touched. He stepped forward, caressed Nico Robin's head, and smiled, "Don't cry."
"They were Marines, they died fighting pirates, heroes who protected civilians and justice. You can't cry in front of them, understand?"
"Now, for them, and for yourself, you must live well and strive."
Comforted by Sakata Gintoki, Nico Robin wiped her tears, bravely holding back her sobs, and immediately put on a smile.
"Brother Gintoki, I won't cry."
"I'm studying with Grandpa Groba, and I've learned a lot. Soon, I'll take an exam and become an archaeologist."
Nico Robin clenched her fists and said earnestly to Sakata Gintoki, "I will prove it to Brother Gintoki, prove it to everyone."
Sakata Gintoki's mood was no longer as heavy due to Nico Robin's appearance.
Afterward, seeing Sakata Gintoki teasing Nico Robin, they left the Cemetery of Martyrs.
Genbu Navy Grand Conference Room.
Benedict sat in the Marshal's seat, with Kenshiro and Wang Zhi on either side. Below them were Silver Axe, Yelü Siji, and Buggy the Clown. Further down sat the Navy colonels, lieutenant colonels, and so on, who had been selected through layers of vetting and were stationed at headquarters.
Benedict had summoned them here for a meeting, not only to hear the latest reports and handle urgent matters but also to announce an important event to everyone.
After resolving most matters, Benedict looked at everyone with a solemn expression. He stood up and said in a deep voice, "Here, I solemnly announce to all of you a significant event concerning the fate of the Genbu Navy. Intensify your training and be prepared for battle at all times."
"In ten days, a tough battle is imminent."
"I hope the Genbu Navy can withstand it and defeat the enemy. At the same time, I hope you can sit here again alive."
Kenshiro, Wang Zhi, Silver Axe, Yelü Siji, Buggy the Clown, and other high-ranking officials were all shocked by this announcement.
What kind of battle would involve the fate of the Genbu Navy?
With the current combat strength of the Genbu Navy, they could even fight against the Four Emperors. Who beneath the Four Emperors would dare to fight them?
Could it be that the Four Emperors were going to declare war on them?
But wouldn't they fear other Four Emperors taking advantage of their misfortune?
Everyone wanted to seize the territory of others and expand their influence.
Would they miss such an opportunity?