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As the year-end approached, a special news report caught the attention of the entire world:
Hoenn Government Military Exercise!
Codename: Operation Bright Sword!
The exercise was scheduled for one week later, coinciding with the World Government's tariff adjustment, and the location was the sea near Reverse Mountain.
This rather astonishing move left various forces dumbfounded, and the term "military exercise" was incredibly unfamiliar to them.
Baltigo, Revolutionary Army Headquarters.
"Is this a declaration of war against the World Government?"
"Probably not."
"The World Government is going to lose its composure!"
"That's for sure."
Dragon convened his officers to discuss the Hoenn Government's special operation.
Such a high-profile military action would undoubtedly make the World Government extremely nervous, but more importantly, what was the Hoenn Government's intention?
If it truly intended to start a war, the Hoenn Government wouldn't need to make such a big fanfare, letting the whole world know and giving the World Government time to prepare.
It was more likely a display of power!
The purpose of this display was probably related to Erumalu Trade Port. The Revolutionary Army had heard about the World Government's shameless behavior of continuously raising tariffs.
"Dragon, what should we do?"
"Go to Reverse Mountain!"
Regardless, they had to go and see for themselves.
The Revolutionary Army didn't know much about the Hoenn Government. It could be said that no one in the world knew enough.
The Hoenn Government was too low-key.
After the Hoenn Government was established, the only major news was that the former Admiral Kuzan had joined the Hoenn Government and taken on the role of Fleet Admiral.
In other aspects, there was very little information.
It was mostly about trade.
As for its performance at the Paramount War, it was largely Daichi's individual effort. His subordinates didn't show much.
No one knew how much power the Hoenn Government truly possessed now, or where it got the courage to challenge the World Government.
In comparison, the Beast Pirates behind Daichi the Destroyer seemed more powerful, and they had been quite active in the New World recently.
Ulti, Page One, Hajrudin, and others.
The young officers of the Beast Pirates had all carved out fearsome reputations, their power in no way inferior to that of the All-Stars.
Marine Headquarters, Supreme Meeting.
Sakazuki was mobilizing the Admirals and Vice Admirals.
"Undoubtedly, the Hoenn Government is challenging us!"
"The Hoenn Government is merely an unofficial regime not recognized by the World Government. It has no right to operate in World Government waters!"
"We must respond!"
The World Military Draft hadn't ended yet, but the Admiral and Vice Admiral level combat power had been significantly bolstered, especially with two Admirals and several Vice Admirals.
Deployment was unavoidable.
Fleet Admiral's Office.
Chief of Staff Tsuru was not so naive, her tone somewhat low. "The Hoenn Government wants us to fall into disarray, don't they?"
"Not long ago, we reached a reconciliation with the Hoenn Government. Although it was their scheme, in the eyes of the world, that's how it appeared, and even the Marines at Marine Headquarters were happy for a long time."
"If we initiate the attack, we won't have the moral high ground in public opinion!"
The state of public opinion would affect the world's recognition of the Marines' justice, including the Marines themselves. If even the low-ranking Marines began to doubt the Marines' justice, the consequences would be severe.
"Tsuru is right."
Sengoku expressed his agreement.
"Now, the Marines don't just have us as an option. The Hoenn Marines are also recruiting, and there's also Kuzan as a banner," Sakazuki said, his brows furrowed.
Everyone understood the logic, but facing the Hoenn Government's special action, the Marines couldn't stand by. They had to prepare for the worst.
"Are the Beast Pirates making any moves?"
"In the past few days, Beast Pirates warships have appeared near G-14 and G-5 branches!"
Clearly, the Beast Pirates were warning them.
If the Marines dispatched all their forces, the Holy Land's defenses would be greatly reduced, and the Beast Pirates would surely seize the opportunity.
"Let Aramaki and Fujitora go!"
"Also, issue an exercise statement to the public!"
Sakazuki made up his mind.
Facing his former comrade, he wanted to go personally, but as Fleet Admiral, he bore the heavy responsibility of guarding the Holy Land and could not leave Marine Headquarters without authorization.
Not all three Admirals could be deployed.
At least one had to remain to confront the Beast Pirates. Kizaru was the most suitable, as he could maintain a stalemate even against Kaido.
As for Sengoku and Garp.
Both had retired to the second line and were not suitable to go to the front lines, both in terms of reason and sentiment. Moreover, Garp was still on vacation in his hometown in East Blue.
"Purupurupuru~~~"
The Den Den Mushi suddenly rang.
It was a call from the Holy Land!
Half a day later, several large military transports departed from Marine Headquarters.
At the same time, Marine fortresses in the first half of the Grand Line received orders and also dispatched warships.
Two Admirals led the fleet, along with ten Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals, 20 large warships, and numerous medium and small warships, forming a massive fleet totaling over a hundred warships.
Such a formidable lineup was many times stronger than a Buster Call.
Days passed, and the Marine fleets of both sides were heading toward Reverse Mountain, with other forces also keeping a close watch.
The first to arrive were not the Marines, but news reporters, determined to capture the breaking news even if it meant their lives.
New World, Hachinosu.
At the main entrance of Hoenn Community, a large screen was hung on the wall, broadcasting the situation in the Reverse Mountain sea area in real-time.
The pirates gathered, watching the calm sea on the screen, a tense atmosphere pervading the air.
"The Marines and Hoenn are going to war!"
"Idiot, it's a military exercise!"
"Will they fight?"
"Who knows!"
The pirates discussed animatedly.
Not just Hachinosu, but every island with a Hoenn Community was broadcasting the scene from the Reverse Mountain sea area.
The New World, North Blue, Sabaody Archipelago, Alabasta, and even many islands in the three major seas like East Blue were broadcasting.
Today's Hoenn Community was spread across the world like stars, though the number in other seas was much smaller.
East Blue, Foosha Village.
Since the Goa Kingdom had sold all the land outside the city to Groudon Company, Foosha Village also became territory of the Hoenn Government.
The Hoenn Community was under construction, and the broadcast location was specifically chosen in Foosha Village. This village had been exceptionally peaceful recently because Garp was there.
"Garp, aren't you going?"
"Bwahahaha, I'm not interested."
Garp laughed heartily.
He had retired to the second line and didn't want to bother with these troublesome matters. Even if he hadn't retired, he wouldn't want to interfere.
In his opinion, the World Government's rule was inferior to the Hoenn Government's. If the Hoenn Government could overthrow the Celestial Dragons, he would applaud.
Makino's bar.
The Red Hair Pirates were drinking.
"Boss, aren't you going to take a look?"
"No hurry."
Shanks sat by the bar, flirting with the proprietress, Makino.
After the Paramount War, he returned to Foosha Village and settled there, with no immediate plans to leave.
He intended to head to the New World after Luffy made his move.
"Hoenn Government..."
Shanks's gaze was filled with melancholy.
A few years ago, he was full of prejudice and worry about Daichi. As he had expected, the other party was now a highly influential figure.
However, the establishment of the Hoenn Government and its righteous ideals completely exceeded his expectations. He had to admit that this world needed the Hoenn Government.
He no longer intended to interfere.
He wanted to see if the Hoenn Government could replace the World Government!