Chapter 509: A Desperate Struggle
The Marines have launched a full-scale attack, even recalling forces from the New World.
All combat power is concentrated in the sea area around the Sabaody Archipelago.
The World Government has also dispatched various forces.
Even the Holy Knights are appearing more frequently; although they are just candidates, it's enough to show the Government's attention.
Furthermore, the Army General "Storm Dragon" and the CP0 Director-General, who have been continuously active in the wars between the World Government and the Rocks Pirates since the previous era, are already quite old.
"Storm Dragon" is over sixty, and the CP0 Director-General is already eighty, only one year younger than the current Fleet Admiral "\"Steel Bone\" Kong".
They are basically reaching retirement age, especially "Storm Dragon," who has gained enough benefits over the years and doesn't want to stay in this position his whole life.
The Great Sea is too dangerous now; he might die in battle during any operation.
For the sake of his life, he wants to enjoy the rest of his years.
Moreover, his Family's younger generation has grown up, so even if he steps down, it won't affect his Family's status.
Furthermore, he can still exert influence.
This operation is likely his last; regardless of success or failure, he will step down from the position of Army General.
As for whether he goes all out, that depends on his own actions.
The CP0 Director-General will hold on for another two years; the new generation of CP0 Director-General still needs several years of growth.
The war against the Rocks Pirates was too brutal, causing a gap in the CP organization's overall strength and resulting in unknown losses in personnel.
In particular, many young Agent with great potential died in battle on the Battlefield.
The original Director-General candidates either died in battle or were disabled.
Many forces were also provided by various Celestial Dragon Family.
To return to its peak, even with sufficient funds, it would take at least half a century.
There isn't enough time now, and furthermore, funds haven't been sufficient in recent years, while the Marines' military budget is gradually increasing.
Especially the compensation for Soldier who died in battle; the existence of Blood War Island has worsened the already bad situation.
Moreover, two years' worth of Heavenly Tribute was stolen, causing a terrible situation where the expenditure budget was broken.
The establishment of Trade Route requires time for development and a stable environment.
The destruction of the Trade Route in the Former Half of the New World brought immense damage and losses.
The Byrnndi Pirates' suicidal rampant actions completely collapsed the Trade Route painstakingly established in the West Blue.
The losses are immeasurable.
Due to the Guild's increased strength and the Marines' weakened strength, the military budget cannot be further increased.
This makes it impossible for the Marines to provide further support to the West Blue.
The Marines' control over the West Blue has significantly decreased, and the Trade Route cannot be fully rebuilt, not even half of what it was.
Many outstanding Agent were also scouted and poached by Celestial Dragon Family in advance, which greatly delayed CP0's recovery time.
The all-out Marines, combined with the numerous high-end combat power provided by the Government, possess the overall strength capable of completely suppressing the Roger Pirates.
Facing a World Government that has set its absolute resolve, the Roger Pirates will face even more terrifying pressure than when facing the Flying Pirates.
Roger cannot yet use the ability of Hearing the Voice of All Things; once he uses it, the Marines could likely detect an abnormality, making it easier to discover them.
In such a short time, Hearing the Voice of All Things cannot play a significant role.
Located on a certain Uninhabited Island nearly eighty kilometers South of the Sabaody Archipelago, close to the Red Line.
The Roger Pirates' Oro Jackson is anchored beneath the Island's Cliff, and a large rock protruding from the Sea Surface blocks the view, so even if a warship passes by, they cannot see the Pirate Ship.
Fish-Man Sambell, carrying a barrel of coating material on his back, swam quickly for two or three hours without stopping.
"Sambell, you're back!"
"We need to hurry, we don't have much time left; the Marines and the World Government have already started searching for our whereabouts."
Seeing Sambell return, the Roger Pirates' Crewmate all breathed a sigh of relief, worried about Sambell's safety and fearing it was a trap deliberately set by the Marines and the World Government.
At the same time, they were somewhat anxious.
While Sambell was returning, they had already learned what happened at the Sabaody Archipelago through a special channel.
The Faction they traded with has been completely arrested by the Marines.
The Marines and the World Government are searching everywhere for their whereabouts, and this Island will soon be found.
Everyone felt a sense of urgency.
"We cannot just sit back and wait."
Vice-Captain Rayleigh took out the sea chart.
"We need to go on the offensive. Take a small boat and operate in this Area to attract the enemy. The Captain will use his ability to search for the enemy's whereabouts, and Sambell will take action to sink the Marine warships."
"The others will stay on the Island to protect the Oro Jackson and not interfere with the coating process."
"No matter what, we must buy as much time as possible."
At this moment, Rayleigh was extremely calm, bringing reassuring reliability.
It is still a desperate situation for the Roger Pirates, but under Rayleigh's arrangements, everyone acted in an orderly manner.
"Be careful and don't get discovered by the Marines."
"Avoid them as much as possible, don't get caught."
Rayleigh said in a deep voice.
Marine Headquarters is also located South of the Sabaody Archipelago, and this Uninhabited Island is not far from Marine Headquarters.
No one expected the Roger Pirates to play 'darkness under the lamp,' hiding on an Uninhabited Island close to Marine Headquarters.
According to normal thinking, it would definitely be better to be as far away from Marine Headquarters as possible.
This is a dangerous mission; they have to hide for three or four days under the encirclement of the Marines and the World Government.
Roger, Sambell, and the other members acting as bait are essentially gambling with their lives.
If they are not careful, they could be targeted and surrounded by the Marines.
But they are all like this.
They had long since disregarded their lives.
However, they were unwilling to end their journey like this; they hadn't yet achieved their dream.
No matter what, they had to fight to the death.
(end of chapter)