Translator: PapaSmurf0700
Recent News from the World Economic Journal:
The Great Naval Shake-Up: In the wake of its devastating defeat at the Battle of Marineford, the Navy has announced another series of shocking decisions. Citing poor command during the war, Fleet Admiral Sengoku has officially resigned from his post. On the same day, the famed Marine Hero, Monkey D. Garp, also submitted his resignation. Shortly thereafter, Admiral Aokiji Kuzan chose to leave the Navy as well, followed by a number of mid-level officers. Yesterday, witnessed by officials of the World Government, the Navy held a formal handover ceremony at the G-1 branch. Admiral Akainu Sakazuki was officially promoted to the rank of Fleet Admiral. On-site photos reveal a Navy that is almost unrecognizable from its former self. Fleet Admiral Akainu immediately announced several sweeping new policies.
Two of the three vacant Admiral positions will be filled by Vice-Admiral Chaton Tokikake and Ryokugyu Aramaki, the latter a monstrously powerful individual selected through a World Military Draft. Furthermore, Akainu has relocated Marine Headquarters to the former G-1 base in the New World. The ruins of Marineford will be rebuilt to serve as the new G-1 branch.
Where Are They Now? Sengoku and Garp have been spotted in Foosha Village in the East Blue, seemingly embracing a quiet retirement. Kuzan, however, has officially joined the Spark Alliance. On the same day Akainu took office, Kuzan was named a Commander of the newly formed Wildfire Army, a military wing of the Alliance. His authority is said to be equal to that of the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff, Sabo. The Spark Alliance also appointed a third commander: a blind swordsman known only as Issho.
In a related move, the Alliance's Vice-Chairman, Monkey D. Dragon, has been appointed by the Chairman as the first head of the Wildfire Army's Military Commission. This structure—three formidable commanders and a commission chairman—appears to be a deliberate and direct challenge to the Navy's three Admirals and Fleet Admiral. It is worth noting that the Marine officers who resigned alongside Kuzan have also joined the ranks of the Wildfire Army.
A New Emperor? The Blackbeard Pirates have seized Hachinosu, the infamous Pirate Island in the New World, and have officially announced an alliance with Kaido of the Beasts Pirates. The world wonders if the New World is about to welcome its fifth Sea Emperor. However, reports indicate that the Whitebeard Pirates are relentlessly hunting down Blackbeard's crew. Therefore, Marshall D. Teach, whose bounty is a mere 2.8 Billion Beri, will only be worthy of the title of Emperor if he can survive the wrath of Edward Newgate, whose own bounty stands at a staggering 6 Billion.
As the latest issue of the World Economic Journal circulated, the world was once again thrown into a storm of discussion and debate.
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The Holy Land, Mary Geoise
Inside the Chamber of Authority, the air was thick with fury.
"That insolent mongrel, Akainu!" the portly Gorosei slammed his cane into the floor. "He's been Fleet Admiral for a day and already he defies the will of the World Government! He courts his own destruction!"
"Heh. To think the five of us could be so wrong about one man," the blond Gorosei mused, his voice cold. "His ambition makes Sengoku's look quaint."
"Sengoku? Sengoku merely wanted naval independence," another countered. "This dog, Akainu… he wants to replace us."
"To better enforce 'Absolute Justice.' Hah," the bald, sword-wielding Gorosei sneered. For the first time in years, he felt a genuine urge to draw his blade and end someone. "He is the first man I have ever met who has taken justice to such a fanatical, dangerous conclusion."
"Is he brilliant, or just dangerously lucky?" the long-bearded Gorosei said, his face a grim mask. "At this stage, we can no longer force him to step down. It's no wonder he didn't care about the soldiers leaving. The entire Navy is now under his faction's control. If we remove him, the institution will collapse into an empty shell."
While the World Government commanded other forces—the Army, the Royal Guard, and... them—the Navy was their most effective and visible tool for maintaining global order.
"If the man is so eager to purge evil," the blond Gorosei finally said, "then let him. He shows no concern for the lives of his own men. Let him wage his war. When the Navy's ranks are thinned and its power spent, we will remove him."
"And the new Admirals?" the bald Gorosei asked. "Kizaru is an unpredictable variable. Chaton is clearly one of Akainu's own. What of the new one, Ryokugyu?"
"His profile," the blond Gorosei said, passing a file to the others, "is unexpectedly... suitable."
It was the Cipher Pol assessment of the new Admiral. The final sentence was telling:
Subject holds the fervent belief that humanity's survival is predicated on subjugating lesser species and is a zealous supporter of the World Government's absolute authority.
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The Spark Alliance Headquarters
In a room on an island in the first half of the Grand Line, Sabo put down the newspaper with a weary sigh.
"Three Commanders versus three Admirals? Morgans certainly has a high opinion of us." He knew his own limits. Having faced Akainu, he understood the vast chasm in power that separated them. And now, to have two powerhouses of that caliber as his peers… the pressure was immense.
"Strength isn't the only way to measure a man, Brother Sabo," Kuzan said from a nearby chair, his legs crossed casually. "Personally, I find your other talents far more impressive." Though his tone was as lazy as ever, a new fire burned in his eyes—the fire of a man who had rediscovered his own justice. "When it comes to strategy and planning, you, who grew up in the Revolutionary Army, are far superior to a man like me, who was simply trained as a weapon."
"Kuzan is right," Issho added, his voice a low rumble. He sat on a sofa, carefully polishing the blade of his cane-sword. "I joined this army to pursue the justice in my own heart. I am a commander because of my strength and the trust the Chairman placed in me. But you, Sabo… you were chosen by the soldiers themselves. In that, you have my deepest respect." He offered a confident smile. "As for strength, do not worry. Between my own humble abilities and Kuzan's, we are more than enough to cover any shortcomings."
Compared to the fractious, divided Admirals of the Navy, the three Commanders of the Wildfire Army shared a surprising harmony. Reassured by their words, Sabo felt some of the weight lift from his shoulders. At the same time, a new resolve formed in his heart.
He would make a trip to Alabasta. Perhaps there, he could find the power he needed.