The army atop the Red Line might not rival the Navy in size, but its number of strong fighters certainly wouldn't be inferior. From Boa Hancock's experience as a slave, it was evident that the Celestial Dragons didn't particularly value Devil Fruits. While this might be attributed to their incompetence, figures like Imu and the Five Elders were undoubtedly not useless.
Not to mention, the World Government's "Commander-in-Chief," Kong, was another factor. Even if this position were largely ceremonial, it indicated the existence of related military structures. Add to this the CP0 operatives who previously pursued Daniel Davis, and it became clear that while the number of Admiral-level fighters on the Red Line might not be vast, it was definitely significant.
Moreover, with Imu and possibly the mysterious "Uranus" in the mix, Daniel remained cautious. Even though he felt confident he could handle Imu or Uranus if he went all out, there was no need for a premature confrontation. As his power grew, dealing with the World Government could eventually become as effortless as dismantling the Mohist Mechanized City and the Azure Dragon Automaton.
When Daniel first arrived in the world of The Legend of Qin, he wouldn't have been capable of easily handling such threats.
Of course, not attacking the Red Line now didn't mean he intended to sit idle. Overthrowing the World Government and establishing a new system required time. This period would allow for the gradual construction of a new Navy and a new world order.
The World Government's 800-year rule had led to pervasive corruption. Reforming such an entrenched system was impossible—much like the Warring States-era attempts at legal reform in the The Legend of Qin world. Old powers would resist any change fiercely. The only reason Shang Yang succeeded in reforming Qin was because the state was on the brink of collapse.
The same logic applied to the Navy. Despite Sengoku and others being a rare clean stream in the institution, the Navy as a whole was thoroughly corrupt. Only by tearing down the old and building anew could a revitalized Navy emerge.
While the The Legend of Qin world might lack high levels of combat power, it possessed unparalleled wisdom. During his time there, Daniel had learned much—especially from his interactions with Han Fei. That wisdom had been invaluable.
Looking at the history of empires in Daniel's homeland, only founding emperors managed sweeping reforms. Later rulers faced endless obstacles—be it entrenched interests protecting their privileges or mere laziness to avoid the hassle. Such challenges couldn't be solved with brute strength alone. Rampant killing worked for founding emperors, but for their successors, it often led to chaos.
The One Piece world's Navy faced a similar dilemma. Even if the World Government were dismantled, inheriting and reforming the Navy would be a monumental task.
Many Navy officers came with powerful backers—often nobles from allied nations. Even Garp, a native of the Goa Kingdom, couldn't act against his homeland despite his disdain for its corruption. Others who might wish to intervene also had to consider Garp's presence. Such situations were endlessly frustrating.
Even Dragon, the Revolutionary Army's leader, refrained from targeting the Goa Kingdom directly due to Garp.
Throughout the Four Seas, the Grand Line, and the New World, corrupt officers like Captain Morgan, Captain Nezumi, Lieutenant Colonel Coburne, and Commodore Nelson Royale were all too common.
Given this, breaking and rebuilding from scratch seemed the only viable path forward. Only by restructuring could abhorrent places like the Goa Kingdom be addressed.
The nobles of this world were no less repugnant than the Celestial Dragons—perhaps best described as their "budget versions." Within their territories, they ruled as absolute monarchs. Countries like the Goa Kingdom were hardly isolated cases.
"While the World Government is powerful, that's no excuse to sit idle. If no one dares to overthrow it, this world will remain shackled under its rule. True peace will forever be out of reach."
As in Daniel's original world, modern comforts only existed because of predecessors who shed blood and tears. The One Piece world needed its own revolutionaries. Unfortunately, aside from Dragon, figures like Sengoku and Garp lacked the vision to see the bigger picture.
"This path might bring heavy casualties in the short term, but it's the only way to secure lasting peace. As long as the World Government persists, more people will be driven into piracy under the guise of seeking freedom."
When Fujitora called out to him, Daniel guessed that Fujitora had begun to agree with his reasoning. Seizing the moment, he continued speaking. He wasn't trying to deceive Fujitora—such an approach would backfire with someone as perceptive as him. Instead, presenting the truth allowed Fujitora to see the broader picture.
Like Dragon, Fujitora lacked the overarching perspective to view the world's problems as systemic. His perception of the Celestial Dragons as untouchable made him unable to consider the possibility of fundamentally changing the world.
Dragon, on the other hand, faced no such constraints. As the leader of a movement opposed to the World Government, he naturally viewed the Celestial Dragons as anything but invincible.
This difference mirrored the dynamics in the Naruto world, where even figures with power exceeding the Daimyo—like Hashirama and Madara—never considered replacing them. The only difference was that the World Government wielded immense strength.
"What does Akatsuki plan to do?" Fujitora asked.
"Are you willing to join Akatsuki?" Daniel countered.
"If it means bringing peace to this world and ending these atrocities, I will gladly lend my strength."
"You may die."
"A trifling life—what of it?"
"Good. Here is your uniform and codename."
Hearing Fujitora's acceptance, Daniel handed him an Akatsuki robe and a ring inscribed with the kanji for "tiger." Unlike the original Akatsuki rings, this one lacked communication capabilities, as there was no Outer Path Gedo Statue in this world. Fujitora's codename would be "Fujitora of Akatsuki."
Though he wasn't yet an admiral, the name "Fujitora" suited him perfectly.
"Now I can tell you Akatsuki's plan. The World Government is currently conducting a massive recruitment drive. Your mission is to infiltrate the Navy, rise to a high rank, and sow division within its ranks."
Even if Daniel's vision involved creating a new Navy, starting entirely from scratch was impractical. The most efficient method was to recruit from the existing structure. If not for his other obligations, Daniel might have undertaken this mission himself.
The aftermath of Daniel's actions had significantly undermined the Navy's authority. With Sengoku, Garp, and others discredited, many defected after learning the truth. Combined with Daniel's battle against Garp and others at G-1, the Navy's strength had diminished significantly—even without the events of Marineford.
Forced to respond, the World Government and Navy launched a recruitment drive. While the admiral slots were filled, Fujitora's strength easily qualified him as an elite vice admiral—a rank often given command over naval bases.
"I understand," Fujitora said after a moment of reflection.
Having traveled the world for so long, Fujitora had already considered joining the Navy—not to oppose the World Government, but to reduce suffering. Now, with a clear goal, he knew how to proceed: rally the just within the Navy and witness the government's corruption firsthand.
"Don't leave just yet," Daniel said, stopping Fujitora as he prepared to leave. "Since we've met, let's visit another person together."
"Who?" Fujitora asked bluntly.
"Someone you might be familiar with: former Navy Admiral Black Arm Zephyr." Fujitora's infiltration could win over part of the Navy, but Zephyr's influence could sway a much larger portion—enough to split the Navy outright.
"Him?" Fujitora said, surprised. Even as a wanderer, he had heard of Zephyr's reputation as the "Admiral Who Doesn't Kill."
"Exactly. Like you, he misunderstands the root cause of this sea's suffering. He believes eliminating pirates will bring peace, unaware that as long as the World Government exists, peace is impossible. His own experiences are proof enough."
Daniel had previously gathered extensive information on Zephyr, confirming much of what was hinted at in the anime. Zephyr's downfall stemmed from his attempts to intervene in Sabaody's human trafficking operations—a tragic testament to the government's corruption.
"The former admiral fell because he challenged the human trafficking on Sabaody. In this, Sengoku and Garp were far wiser than he was."
With that, Daniel placed his hand on Fujitora's shoulder. Using Flying Thunder God, they teleported to a small, deserted island about three kilometers in diameter.
Zephyr was easy to locate. Unlike Fujitora, who wandered aimlessly, Zephyr had a fixed base. Originally stationed in the New World to train the next generation of Marines, his fallout with the World Government over Edward Weevil's appointment as a Warlord drove him to form the "Neo Marines," waging a relentless campaign against pirates.
Once an admiral who refused to kill, Zephyr had become someone who left no pirates alive—more akin to Akainu in temperament.
"Who's there?"
Sitting alone on a rock by the shore, Zephyr turned sharply toward the sound of approaching footsteps. His gaze fell on a tall, masked figure—Daniel.
"Akatsuki's Zero greets you, Zephyr," Daniel said.
"Akatsuki?" Zephyr stood abruptly. Despite his split with the Navy, he kept tabs on major developments, including Akatsuki's rise. The presence of pacifistas among his Neo Marines demonstrated Zephyr's enduring influence and resources. For a former admiral to acquire multiple pacifistas was a testament to his reputation and connections.
"What does Akatsuki want with me?" Zephyr asked coldly, his mechanical arm flexing as he glared at Daniel.
Daniel chuckled softly. "I'm here to ask you one thing. Do you want revenge on Edward Weevil?"
Zephyr froze for a moment before narrowing his eyes. The name "Edward Weevil" stirred deep emotions—anger, grief, and regret. The man who had cost him his students, his arm, and, in many ways, his very identity. Revenge had always been a lingering thought, but Weevil's status as a Warlord of the Sea placed him under the protection of the World Government.
"You mean to use me as a pawn in your schemes?" Zephyr finally asked, his voice tinged with disdain.
Daniel shrugged. "Not a pawn—an ally. Let's not beat around the bush, Zephyr. You dared to form the Neo Marines, so why haven't you gone after Weevil? Are you afraid of the World Government? You're not afraid to die, so what's stopping you from taking the fight to them?"
Zephyr remained silent. Daniel's words struck a nerve. Despite his resentment toward the World Government, the idea of directly opposing it felt insurmountable. Years of service in the Navy had ingrained a respect—perhaps even fear—of the institution.
"You were willing to destroy the New World's three endpoints, potentially sacrificing countless lives, yet you won't act against the real culprits. Why? Is it because the World Government feels untouchable? Or are you just too stubborn to see the bigger picture?"
Zephyr clenched his fists. Daniel's accusations were harsh, but they echoed truths he had avoided confronting.
"Let me tell you something, Zephyr," Daniel continued. "The atrocities of this world won't end with the destruction of pirates. They're symptoms, not the disease. The real root is the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. They created the Warlord system. They allowed Weevil to rise. They propagate slavery and human trafficking. Every horror you've witnessed stems from them."
Zephyr's mechanical arm scraped against the rock as he shifted uncomfortably. "And what would you have me do? Join you? Become a rebel? You think I'd abandon the ideals I've fought for my entire life?"
Daniel stepped closer, his voice calm but firm. "Your ideals? You've already abandoned them the moment you started killing indiscriminately. Don't pretend the Neo Marines are about justice. They're about your revenge. And I'm offering you a chance to channel that vengeance into real change."
Fujitora, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. "Zephyr-sensei, what he says isn't wrong. I, too, once thought I could change this world by fighting pirates. But now I see the deeper rot lies within the system itself."
Zephyr glanced at Fujitora, his expression softening slightly. "So, you've joined this... Akatsuki?"
"I have. Because I believe they're fighting for the right cause."
Daniel reached into his cloak and produced a black cloak adorned with red clouds, along with a ring bearing the kanji for "tiger." "Zephyr, we're not asking you to abandon your principles. We're asking you to rethink them. Join us. Help us dismantle the World Government and build something better. A system where people like Weevil can't hide behind titles. A world where the Navy can truly stand for justice."
Zephyr stared at the cloak for a long moment. The sea breeze ruffled his hair as he weighed his decision. His entire life had been dedicated to the Navy, to justice—but that same institution had betrayed him, shattered his ideals, and taken everything he held dear.
"Do you really think you can win?" Zephyr asked, his voice low.
Daniel's eyes burned with determination. "We don't need to win tomorrow, or next year. But we'll lay the foundation. And we'll keep fighting until the world changes."
Silence hung between them, broken only by the crashing waves. Finally, Zephyr extended his mechanical arm and took the cloak.
"If this is a mistake, it'll be my last," he said. "But I'll join you. For now."
Daniel smiled beneath his mask. "Welcome to Akatsuki, Black Arm Zephyr."
As Zephyr draped the cloak over his shoulders, Daniel knew this was only the beginning. With Fujitora and Zephyr on his side, the fight against the World Government had taken a significant step forward. But the road ahead remained treacherous, and the true battle was yet to come.
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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