The intelligence officer wiped the sweat from his forehead, his voice trembling with respect as he repeated his report.
"Currently, the Middle Kingdom is not only constructing standard warships but also producing military uniforms for both the navy and the army!"
With those words, Caesar's ambitions were laid bare.
Hearing this, Fleet Admiral Kong slammed his palm against the table, his face contorted with fury. "Continue!"
The very idea of a pirate assembling a military force was a direct affront to the Marine Headquarters—an insult that could not be ignored.
Sensing the marshal's rising anger, the intelligence officer quickly continued, flipping through his report.
"Based on our latest intelligence, their Field Marshal is none other than the 'Devil's Heir' Douglas Bullet!"
"And their Admiral of the Navy is reportedly a blind swordsman known as Issho!"
The names alone carried enough weight to shake the balance of power. Bullet, a monster who once rivaled Roger's crew, and Issho, whose strength was enough to be considered admiral-level—even the most battle-hardened officers knew what that meant.
Kong withdrew his hand from the table, folding his arms in thought.
"This situation is worse than I imagined…"
His brow furrowed deeply. "Damn you, Caesar!"
"Under him, there are already three individuals who can stand against our admirals… No, four!"
"If we allow him to expand his forces any further, his power will rival that of the Marines themselves!"
Kong's expression was grim as he analyzed the current situation. If Caesar was truly allowed to form an independent navy, the consequences would be unthinkable.
His eyes gleamed with determination.
"Summon the high-ranking officers. We must convene a war council immediately!"
"Yes, sir!"
His subordinates wasted no time, rushing to inform the Marine Headquarters' top brass. Within minutes, senior officers from all over had gathered in the conference room. Those stationed away from headquarters joined via Den Den Mushi.
Meanwhile, within Pangaea Castle, the Five Elders had also received the troubling report.
"This man actually intends to establish his own navy… His ambitions are far too great."
The elder in a black suit, with white curly hair, a fluffy beard, and a distinctive scar on his left face, rested his hands on his cane as he spoke with a somber tone.
It was clear from his expression that he was deeply displeased.
"Hmph! We thought Rocks was a serious threat, and we went to great lengths to eliminate him."
"But in the end, this Caesar may be an even greater problem!"
The elder in a dark red suit, with golden hair and a scar across his chest, scoffed coldly. There was an undertone of frustration in his voice.
Caesar's growing influence was quickly surpassing even Rocks D. Xebec, a reality that unsettled them.
"Yes. Unlike Rocks, who relied on brute force, Caesar understands how to build a foundation—he cultivates power, expands influence, and carefully consolidates his forces."
"Given time, he may become an even greater threat to the World Government."
The bald elder in a dark green suit, with a distinctive mustache, narrowed his eyes.
However, the long-haired elder in a dark blue suit shook his head.
"No, I don't believe it will come to that."
"Caesar may be ambitious, but as long as the events of the Void Century remain hidden—so long as no one reaches the Final Island and uncovers the true history—then his movements are insignificant."
"At best, he can form a powerful kingdom, but it will never challenge our rule."
His words carried the weight of confidence, the kind that came from knowing the World Government's true trump card.
While Caesar's growing strength was a nuisance, it did not yet warrant a direct response.
Of course, his actions would need careful monitoring, but an immediate military response would be excessive.
For now.
"Hmm… You're right. The New World is already chaotic, and tensions are rising everywhere."
"Our priority should be to stabilize the situation first."
The final elder, the one in a white Daoist robe, continued to polish his sword. Among them, he was the only one who did not wear a suit.
He was also the most mysterious and dangerous of the Five Elders.
"Speaking of which," the blond elder suddenly remarked, "O'Hara has recently assembled a group of scholars for an expedition at sea."
"Could they be…"
Before he could finish, the long-haired elder cut him off.
"Warn them." His voice carried a chilling finality. "Let them understand that some things are better left undiscovered."
O'Hara, the island of archaeologists—the birthplace of Nico Robin, was the most renowned archaeological center in the world.
Recently, its scholars had begun uncovering clues about the past, piecing together fragments of the Void Century.
But the World Government could not allow such knowledge to resurface.
"Yes… That would be for the best."
The elder with curly white hair nodded.
For now, a simple warning would suffice.
If the scholars persisted in their research, however… the World Government would not hesitate to take drastic measures.
---
Meanwhile, as the Marines and World Government deliberated their next course of action, the Middle Kingdom continued its preparations undisturbed.
With warships being constructed and military uniforms distributed, the next phase was assigning commanders and veterans.
The Central Navy, the force Caesar envisioned, was finally taking shape.
Within the heart of the kingdom, Caesar stood on an open-air platform, gazing across the landscape.
Beside him were Mihawk and his three children: Alice, Carlos, and Lucius.
"Father, where are we going to train today?" Alice asked, clinging to Caesar's arm with a bright, curious expression.
Despite her ability to fly on her own, she preferred to be near her father.
Carlos and Lucius, meanwhile, hovered nearby. Though their Devil Fruit abilities allowed them to fly, their powers were still too fast and volatile for precise control.
"You're about to find out, little one."
Caesar gently kissed Alice's forehead before turning his gaze forward.
Mihawk, standing to the side, sighed inwardly.
As a swordsman devoted to Zoro's way of the blade, he envied those who could fly freely.
Before long, they arrived at Vermejo Island, a land fused with Ruskaina Island months prior.
The ecosystem here had rapidly evolved thanks to the influence of Guizi, one of Caesar's most powerful subordinates.
Rare plants, IQ-enhanced beasts, and newly evolved creatures now roamed the terrain.
"Alright, we're here."
Caesar landed on the ground, glancing at the group.
"From now on, this will be your training ground."
Mihawk instinctively activated his Kenbunshoku Haki, scanning the surroundings.
His eyes widened.
There were many powerful creatures lurking in the jungle—far beyond the strength of ordinary animals.
Caesar smirked.
"I will designate an area for you. Stay within it and don't go wandering off."
"I will oversee all of you… except for you, Mihawk."
The young swordsman turned to him in surprise.
"They are still young, but you know the difference between an opponent you can fight and one you should avoid."
"Understood, Master."
Mihawk nodded, his excitement barely contained.
"Good. Now go!"
With that, Mihawk dashed into the jungle.
Caesar turned to his children.
"Your turn, little ones. Find your opponents."
As they took off, Caesar watched them with a knowing smile.
This was just the beginning.
And soon, the world would realize—
The Central Navy was here to stay.
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