Chapter 289: Marine Conference
The New Marine Headquarters.
After defeating Kuzan, Sakazuki, to demonstrate his resolve to combat the pirates of the New World, established the Marine Headquarters in the New World, based on the former G-1 Branch.
The original G-1 fortress was relocated to the first half of the Grand Line to guard the former Marineford.
Unfortunately,
Fleet Admiral Sakazuki's first offensive had suffered a crushing defeat, and in some people's eyes, this determination had undoubtedly become a joke.
At this time, the new Marine Headquarters wasn't yet fully completed, but the basic infrastructure was in place: a port, training grounds, the headquarters building, and more.
At the port,
a massive warship slowly docked.
The nearby Marines showed respect, as this was a flagship belonging to a high-ranking officer of Marine Headquarters—a rare sight even within the vast organization.
On the gangway,
Momousagi, draped in a coat of justice, had long legs that gleamed like white jade in the sunlight, yet no one dared look directly at her—for she was a rare female swordswoman of exceptional skill!
Gazing at the still-unfinished Marine Headquarters in the distance, Momousagi's expression remained cool and composed, seemingly unmoved, though a hint of helplessness lingered in her heart.
The disciple she had taken on a whim had proven far more unexpected, far too monstrous.
Each feat he accomplished was more astonishing than the last—making his name known at the Paramount War, sweeping through Dressrosa, and now even defeating Sakazuki.
"While watching him beat Sakazuki was satisfying, it's still rather troublesome..."
Momousagi muttered. Sakazuki's extreme personality didn't make him particularly popular among his Marine colleagues.
Back when she was a recruit under Zephyr, she had also been beaten by Sakazuki. There was nothing she could do—no one could defeat a Logia-type Devil Fruit user in the early stages.
Later, as Sakazuki rapidly rose through the ranks, Momousagi became even less capable of defeating him, which was quite regrettable.
She hadn't expected that fate would have her disciple defeat Sakazuki in the end.
Thinking about it made her quite pleased.
A faint smile appeared on Momousagi's lips.
"..."
Eleanor, standing behind her, was speechless. Momousagi hadn't bothered lowering her voice, and everyone present had heard her.
"Is it really appropriate to openly criticize the Fleet Admiral like this?"
Eleanor silently lamented.
She didn't know Sakazuki well and worried he might make things difficult for them.
Perhaps it wouldn't be enough to trouble someone as strong as Momousagi, but she, as her adjutant, would certainly suffer.
Under the watchful eyes of other Marines who pretended not to hear, the two descended the gangway and headed toward the Marine Headquarters conference room.
After they left, the Marines began whispering among themselves.
"Vice Admiral Momousagi, an Admiral candidate; Vice Admiral Chaton; Admiral Ryokugyu; Inspector General Sengoku; Fleet Admiral Sakazuki; Admiral Kizaru..."
A Marine Captain frowned deeply.
"With such a gathering, what major event has occurred? Could it really be as the news reports claim—that the Thunder God Swordsman defeated Fleet Admiral Sakazuki?"
His words caused the entire group to fall silent.
"Impossible! Lord Sakazuki is our Fleet Admiral, the strongest in the Marines. Who could defeat him?" someone immediately protested.
Another glanced at him, realizing he was a new recruit probably unaware of Hero Garp's existence, and didn't pursue the matter, simply saying:
"Otherwise, why summon all these important figures to headquarters?"
"Regardless, something significant must have happened!"
The crowd murmured, their eyes filled with deep concern.
If the higher-ups made any major decisions, these ordinary Marine personnel would almost certainly be affected.
In the new Marine Headquarters, the most magnificent building at the center bore the symbol of peace and order, possessing an inexplicable sense of authority that caused people to unconsciously lower their heads and remain silent.
At this moment, in the conference room on the highest floor, the Marines' supreme council was being held.
The conference room door opened, and Momousagi entered with her adjutant. Sakazuki, seated at the head of the table, frowned and stated:
"Momousagi, you're late."
"Oh, I'm late again."
Momousagi casually sat down in her seat, finding a steaming cup of tea on the table.
She held the cup without drinking, her posture relaxed, her gaze sweeping across the room.
The meeting room was crowded, though most people stood with hands clasped. There were only nine seats in total.
At this moment, only the seat engraved with a tiger was empty.
The other eight seats were occupied by Sakazuki, Garp, Sengoku, Tsuru, Kizaru, Ryokugyu, Chaton, and Momousagi.
Each of the eight exuded a powerful aura, as deep and unfathomable as the ocean itself.
Momousagi already knew Sakazuki and the others quite well, so she turned her attention to Ryokugyu, whom she had never met before.
With his wild black hair and an untamed air about him, Momousagi deduced from details like his calloused hands that Ryokugyu's combat skills must be extremely formidable.
Noticing Momousagi's gaze, Ryokugyu slightly raised his teacup in acknowledgment.
Momousagi simply nodded in response.
Seeing Momousagi's lack of deference, Sakazuki couldn't help but snort coldly, his expression darkening slightly.
Sengoku and Garp, the two veterans, chuckled quietly.
Momousagi was already willful by nature. It was already quite generous of her not to draw her sword after Sakazuki went after her precious disciple.
Of course, the main reason was probably that she couldn't win that fight.
Sakazuki composed himself and spoke in a grave tone:
"The primary reason for recalling everyone is to determine the Marines' strategy for the coming period. My decision is..."
Sengoku's previous approach had been to maintain balance across the seas, but Sakazuki's was different—he would use overwhelming force to eliminate the New World pirates entirely!
After Sakazuki finished speaking, his gaze swept over everyone present.
Kizaru squinted and lounged in his seat, looking indifferent.
Momousagi and Chaton, being of lower rank, didn't speak.
Ryokugyu, being newly appointed, also remained silent.
Garp was even less of a concern.
Sengoku sighed inwardly, knowing that what was inevitable would eventually come to pass. He said:
"Isn't this too hasty? Our losses at Marineford were considerable, and new recruits need time to develop..."
At this point, Sengoku noticed Sakazuki's unwavering expression and couldn't help but ask: "Is this what those people want?"
"That's correct."
Sakazuki nodded almost imperceptibly.
Sakazuki's stance actually aligned with the Gorosei's demands.
This was because Rhodes had damaged the World Government's reputation in Dressrosa, leading to criticism of the Gorosei from their superiors. The Gorosei were eager to produce results.
"Fine. Anyway, I'm just the Inspector General now. You handle it."
Sengoku pursed his lips upon hearing this response and began munching on senbei.
He'd learned this habit from a certain old man who liked treating the Fleet Admiral's office like a tea house.
And it had to be said, this kind of nonchalant snacking during such serious proceedings was quite enjoyable.
Sengoku's declaration of non-interference relieved Sakazuki. His current authority wasn't absolute—if Sengoku had disagreed, matters could have escalated significantly.
"In that case, let's proceed to the war preparation phase..."
Sakazuki waved his hand, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
The preparation phase naturally involved mobilizing elite Marines from various locations, transporting weapons and ammunition, eliminating sporadic resistance between Marine Headquarters and major pirate territories, constructing forward bases, and establishing supply depots.
"Just wait, Thunder God Swordsman. Perhaps you're individually stronger, but I'll eliminate you eventually."
Possessing the largest military force on the Grand Line, Sakazuki was confident. He believed that with steady advancement, both the Thunder God Swordsman and the Yonko pirate crews would be eliminated one by one.
Momousagi sighed inwardly.
She knew that once everything was in place, Sakazuki's first target would likely be Rhodes.
The Marines' power was overwhelming. Even the Yonko couldn't withstand the full force of a concentrated assault.
And what would become of her then?
Momousagi's eyes grew somewhat distant as scenes of teaching Rhodes swordsmanship flashed through her mind.
(End of Chapter)
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