Marine G-1 Branch
Marineford was a military stronghold—headquarters plus surrounding towns. A fortress city.
G-1 Branch?
Pure military base.
The entire island had been reconstructed with reinforced steel. Strategic-level cannons bristled from every surface. At a glance, the place looked less like an island and more like—
A steel monster.
Even Kai felt impressed.
They went all out.
The resources spent building this fortress could've constructed two more Marinefords. The Marines were serious about projecting power into the New World.
Kai disembarked, heading for his office. A Lieutenant Colonel sprinted toward him—bent over, hands on knees, gasping.
"White... White Dragon Admiral... something... terrible..."
"Uh." Kai's expression went helpless. "I'm standing here perfectly fine. What's terrible?"
He smiled.
"Catch your breath first."
The Lieutenant Colonel's face went red. He straightened after a moment, recovering.
"Sorry, White Dragon Admiral. Just now I—"
His face grew hotter with embarrassment.
"It's fine." Kai waved dismissively. "What happened?"
The Lieutenant Colonel's expression shifted again.
"White Dragon Admiral! News from the New World—" He spoke rapidly. "Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, has gathered nearly half the pirate forces of the New World. They're attacking G-1 Branch."
He swallowed.
"They're less than five hundred nautical miles away!"
"Hmm?" Surprise flickered across Kai's face. "Are you certain? Any other Emperors with him?"
What's Kaido playing at?
Kai hadn't gone looking for trouble. Yet Kaido was coming to him?
"No... only Kaido came."
"I see."
Kai's flat tone carried a hint of... disappointment?
The Lieutenant Colonel stared, stunned.
He sounds dissatisfied only ONE Emperor showed up.
After a long pause—no further instructions coming—the Lieutenant Colonel gathered courage.
"White Dragon Admiral, should I contact Headquarters? Request Admiral-level support?"
"No need." Kai's response came immediately. "We're sufficient."
"Yes, I'll immediately request—"
The Lieutenant Colonel stopped mid-sentence. His expression went dazed.
"White... White Dragon Admiral. You're saying we won't request support from Headquarters!?"
"Go count the troops." Kai's voice carried command weight. "Prepare for battle."
"But, White Dragon Admiral—"
"No buts."
Kai's frown deepened, displeasure creeping into his tone.
"Here, I'm the highest commanding officer."
The Lieutenant Colonel went pale.
"Yes! White Dragon Admiral!"
Seeing fear fill the man's expression, Kai smiled. He raised his hand, patting the Lieutenant Colonel's shoulder.
"Lieutenant Colonel."
His voice carried absolute confidence.
"When have I, Kai Mitarashi, ever been defeated?"
The aura radiating from Kai felt tangible.
The Lieutenant Colonel froze. Then memory clicked.
This is the man who defeated Whitebeard. Who crushed the Seven Warlords.
The strongest Admiral.
Confidence surged through him—inexplicable but real. He straightened, voice ringing out.
"Yes! White Dragon Admiral!"
Watching the Lieutenant Colonel leave, Kai stroked his chin.
"Nearly half the New World's pirate forces..." He murmured. "This actually saves trouble. Crushing them all at once beats hunting them individually."
A smile crossed his face.
"After eliminating this group, the rest will be much more well-behaved."
Admiral-Class Warship
Kai stood at the bow. Behind him—three Headquarters Vice Admirals assigned by Sengoku as direct subordinates.
Onigumo ("Demon Spider")—always smoking a cigar, perpetual smile, massive beard. Participated in Ohara's Buster Call. Strength firmly in the top five among Vice Admirals.
Strawberry—expressionless, tall hat, dual-sword style. Also at Ohara. Strength formidable.
Doberman ("Fighting Dog")—personality matching his nickname. Fierce. Would speak out angrily even facing an Emperor. Strength vaguely first among all Vice Admirals.
(Garp excluded, obviously.)
Plus branch Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals from G-1. Thirty to forty officers total.
Compared to the pirate fleet ahead?
Far too few.
Onigumo stared at the approaching armada. Swallowed hard.
"I've never seen so many pirates before."
"Don't worry." Kai smiled. "I'll handle everyone with bounties over 500 million myself."
"Uh... that's a lot of work for you, White Dragon Admiral."
He's not convinced.
Not doubting Kai's strength. But the enemy had Kaido. One of the Four Emperors.
Kai was just one person. After engaging Kaido, how could he possibly protect them? And besides Kaido, there were other Admiral-level pirates in that fleet.
Onigumo and the others shared one thought:
Just survive this battle. That's enough.
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