Chapter 542: Marine Reaction and War Preparations
"What is that guy Shiki up to now?"
Fleet Admiral's Office.
Sengoku sat in the head seat, looking at the intelligence report in his hand, asking with a deep frown.
"I always have a bad feeling.
If it's a big move, the Flying Pirates' target is likely us."
Advisor Tsuru's eyes held some worry.
Looking at the current situation of the Flying Pirates, there's no need for external territory expansion.
To become the leader of numerous Great Pirates, they must know when to stop.
Otherwise, they will only face the joint counterattack of all Great Pirates.
Of course, that's what the Marines and the World Government hope to see.
However, it's clear the Flying Pirates aren't that foolish.
The Flying Pirates don't need a reason to target the Marines or the World Government.
The creation of Blood War Island back then was exactly like this.
Before that, the Marines had received no news of the Flying Pirates making a move.
"If that's the case, it will be trouble."
A somewhat aged voice sounded beside Sengoku.
It was none other than Fleet Admiral "Steel Bone" Kong, who had recovered consciousness.
For a normal life and the ability to battle, Marine Headquarters specifically ordered the most top tier mechanical arms and mechanical legs from the New World through other channels.
The size perfectly matched Kong.
However, to prevent potential eavesdropping or the installation of signal isolators within the mechanical arms and mechanical legs, when this machinery is activated, Kong's mechanical arms and mechanical legs will fall silent.
At this moment, Kong's abdomen was still wrapped in bandages, and he held a teacup in one hand.
His overall complexion looked significantly older.
Besides his already advanced age.
Several months had passed, yet Kong's injury had still not recovered, having caused too great a consumption of his body's vitality.
It was difficult to maintain sufficient energy and spirit.
To prevent the news from leaking out and to stabilize the hearts of the many Generals currently at Marine Headquarters.
Less than half a month after Kong recovered consciousness, he returned to work.
Appearing at various occasions within Marine Headquarters and handling affairs.
On the surface, it was truly impossible to tell that there was anything wrong with Kong's body.
Especially his hands and feet; after being fitted with artificial skin, they looked completely natural, exactly like the real thing.
The scars on his body were also invisible, hidden by his clothes.
This was also paving the way for Sengoku.
Therefore, the one currently sitting in the head seat was Admiral Sengoku the Buddha.
As for Kong himself, he was merely sitting to the side, assisting Sengoku.
He needed to help Sengoku quickly become proficient in the Fleet Admiral's work, learning how to deal with Various Factions, and even the World Government.
To become a qualified Fleet Admiral as soon as possible.
Many people could see this situation and didn't say anything.
Ordinary Marine Soldiers simply thought Kong was retiring, as he was already over eighty years old.
However, those who knew the inside story were aware of Kong's somewhat poor physical condition.
Logically speaking, for Kong to achieve complete recovery, it would be impossible without half a year of quiet recuperation.
However, Kong returned to work not long after recovering consciousness.
This would definitely extend his recovery time significantly.
With Kong by his side, Sengoku could feel his stress significantly reduced, feeling very reassured.
And what they were about to face now was the Flying Pirates.
"Have Zephyr and Garp prepare.
The Intelligence Department will closely monitor news regarding the Flying Pirates."
"We shouldn't act rashly for now.
We'll countermeasure when the time comes, but we need to prepare in advance."
Kong calmly instructed.
"Alright, Garp and Zephyr will each lead ten thousand Marines stationed at G-1 Fortress.
When the situation changes, we'll mobilize military strength from G-1 Fortress."
Sengoku nodded.
If the Flying Pirates' big move was aimed at the Marines, then they could prepare in advance.
"That's still not enough.
After all, that guy Shiki has summoned all his Fleet Captains."
"Relying solely on Garp and Zephyr, it will still be difficult to withstand the Flying Pirates' impact."
Tsuru shook her head.
She had already begun making the worst plan, and at the same time, she had gained some insight into the Flying Pirates' target.
"Shiki has been preparing for a war against the World Government, or rather, the second God Valley Incident."
"And we Marines are their obstacle."
"If their target is us, they will definitely consume our strength.
Blood War Island was clearly for this purpose."
Upon hearing this, Sengoku and Kong also reacted.
But they were still waiting for Tsuru to finish speaking.
"Perhaps it's not an all-out war, but the scale of this war is still considerable."
"You're right, our strength is still not enough."
"It's a good opportunity to let those young people undergo training."
Kong nodded, giving recognition to Tsuru's idea, then looked at Sengoku.
"Send more people over.
Notify the World Government after the Flying Pirates' specific operation is confirmed."
The Flying Pirates' sudden operation had, to some extent, disrupted the Marines' idea of stable development.
Two Vice Admirals died in battle, and Kong was injured.
The Marines' strength had declined significantly.
If war truly broke out, the Marines would still need to leave a Top Tier Combatant to defend the Headquarters.
This person would definitely be Sengoku.
After all, Kong's strength was severely weakened, and his suppression ability was greatly reduced.
"Then let's do that."
"However, is Garp alright?
Tsuru."
After what happened, Sengoku also wanted Garp to rest for a while.
But in terms of time, it wasn't possible.
Garp had come to see Kong once shortly after he recovered consciousness.
After that, there wasn't much news.
After all, his own biological son had left the Marines.
Although this wasn't betrayal, merely withdrawing from it.
But Garp knew that Dragon's dissatisfaction with the World Government could no longer be hidden.
In the future, there would definitely be conflict with the Marines.
In this situation, with the Marines on one side and his own son on the other.
Caught between the two sides, Garp's heart was extremely conflicted.
"He will adjust.
Believe in Garp, Sengoku."
Tsuru understood Garp's disposition very well.
Just this wouldn't be enough to break Garp.
Garp would recognize reality.
The meeting ended, but for the Marines, it was just the beginning.
The Flying Pirates' intentions were unknown, but the Marines had already begun small-scale troop movements and preparations in advance.
Many people felt that something big was happening.
Logistics resources were being mobilized and transported.
Marine warships, one after another, headed towards the New World.
At the same time, they contacted the World Government to gain the Government's support.
Utilizing the Government's Intelligence Force, they hoped to further determine exactly what the Flying Pirates intended to do.
It wasn't just the Marines.
Although the Flying Pirates had reassured the Major Powers that they weren't going to war with them.
It was certain that the Flying Pirates were making a move, and it might involve them.
If they weren't targeting them, but the World Government and the Marines, "Golden Lion" Shiki would definitely utilize their strength.
After all, this wasn't the first time they had done this, and they also made investments in Blood War Island every year.
And the Underworld was the first to experience turmoil.
For the vast majority of Factions, "Golden Lion" Shiki was an existence that surpassed everything.
Now the Flying Pirates needed money and a large amount of supplies.
Regardless of what they were going to do, they had to cooperate.
Large quantities of grain, supplies, and munitions were being acquired.
It was clear that the Flying Pirates were preparing for war.
(end of chapter)