Given the current physical strength of the Boa sisters and their several times greater comprehension than ordinary people, they quickly mastered the basic usage of their respective Devil Fruit abilities.
Michael waited until the three youngsters' initial excitement subsided before continuing.
"By publicly announcing your identities during this promotion ceremony, it means you can officially graduate from the SWORD Classified Special Forces and join various branches of the Marine to shine."
Before Michael could finish, protests erupted from his team.
"What do you mean by that!? Are you trying to abandon us!?"
"Waaah, what a scumbag! We've encountered a scumbag!"
"Let me make this clear—I'm sticking with you! If you won't let me follow you, then I'll... I'll join the Revolutionary Army!"
"If you join the Revolutionary Army, then I'll become a pirate!"
The group babbled nonsense, but their central message was clear...
Michael wasn't getting rid of them that easily!
"What's wrong with your brains? When did I say you're no longer part of SWORD?" Michael rubbed his temples helplessly.
"My plan was always to train you all to establish yourselves within the Marine... Now that we've basically succeeded, of course you should spread out and develop independently."
Michael didn't bother placating them—he laid things out plainly.
Given his subordinates' intelligence, they naturally understood Michael's intentions.
Especially Crocodile, who knew Michael's other identities...
She remained silent because she recognized Michael's plan to reshape the Marine's internal structure through his own methods.
For example...
By dispersing SWORD members to key Marine units, expanding his personal influence into the collective influence of the entire classified special forces.
With himself as the Grand Inspector at the helm, commanding four Marine vice admirals and a group of officers destined to rise to vice admiral rank...
He would become the largest faction within the entire Marine.
This was Crocodile's interpretation of Michael's solution to internal Marine factionalism...
If factional strife can't be eliminated, why not become the dominant faction?
"Have you decided where to send us yet?"
"That... has already been arranged."
Michael nodded with a smile.
How considerate of Crocodile—such a sharp mind.
Unlike that blockhead Smoker, who just pouted and prepared to wail.
"First, Hancock, Sandersonia, and Marigold... You three will be reassigned to Amazon Lily. Your first task upon returning is to formally install Hancock as the new ruler of Amazon Lily."
"Of course, that's no problem. Grandma Gloriossa and Auntie Shakky have sent us many letters saying it's time for me to inherit the throne," Hancock nodded.
"Especially Auntie Shakky—she's already getting frustrated with handling the political affairs of Amazon Lily... After all, she was forced into this position back then and never wanted to be the empress in the first place."
"Good, as long as you understand," Michael nodded and continued, "After you inherit the throne, your first task will be to establish a Marine branch in Amazon Lily... Once it's built, you'll serve as the base commander."
Michael had already planned Hancock's arrangements back when he first rescued the three sisters.
The empress of Amazon Lily, coupled with the base commander of a Marine branch in a powerful warrior nation—that would carry significant influence.
Moreover, it was entirely predictable that once the warriors of Amazon Lily joined the Marines, they would inevitably seek spouses within the ranks to continue their bloodlines.
This way, any Marine who married an Amazon Lily warrior would, in essence, be boarding Michael's proverbial pirate ship.
"But the construction costs for the branch..."
"Just prepare the receipts and have Rosinante reimburse them later."
With a wave of his hand, Michael delegated the specifics to Rosinante, who was far away in Alabasta.
Then, Michael turned his attention to Hina and Smoker.
"You two will be stationed at the Alabasta branch... Of course, you won't be stuck there for nothing. You'll have priority access to the reserve gold in the City of Gold, and if the Germa Kingdom develops any new technology, you can serve as the trial unit."
"Huh!? Why me and Hina!?"
"I'd also like to know—why Smoker of all people!?"
"Because no one else wants to deal with secondhand smoke... You're a delinquent girl, and he's a chain-smoker. Might as well let you two torment each other." Michael rolled his eyes.
Jokes aside, he still needed to explain it properly them.
"Alabasta is the most important stronghold for our SWORD Classified Special Forces. All our assets are stored there. You two, along with Rosinante, were the first subordinates I recruited. Entrusting this to you gives me the most peace of mind."
Michael wasn't bluffing.
The day-to-day affairs of Alabasta would primarily fall to Rosinante—these two were just there to assist him.
After all, no matter how capable Rosinante was, he was still just one person.
So, it made sense to send these childhood friends to support him, ensuring smoother collaboration.
"Robin... After your official promotion, you'll continue serving as Vice Admiral Momousagi's aide. But beyond that, you'll also be responsible for establishing an exclusive information exchange channel for the SWORD Classified Special Forces on Sabaody Archipelago."
"I... will do my best!"
Unlike those blockheads, Robin—the most intellectually gifted person present—immediately grasped Michael's intentions.
This role clearly positioned her as the glue holding the SWORD Classified Special Forces together after their assignments scattered them apart.
Ensuring they remained a unified, information-sharing collective.
"As for Shu and T-Bone, I've found you two a great assignment..." Michael said with a smile directed at Shu and T-Bone.
"How about Enies Lobby? You'll be stationed there as permanent Marine officers... responsible for all defense duties."
Hearing this, Shu and T-Bone both nodded seriously.
As the only two adults in the SWORD besides Rosinante, Shu and T-Bone had always enjoyed Michael's deep trust.
T-Bone's character was impeccable, with an outstanding reputation no matter where he went.
As for Shu, aside from being somewhat clever, he had developed the Rust-Rust Fruit to an exceptionally high level... even achieving a quasi-Logia-like effect.
With their expert skills in ship-cutting and sinking, guarding Enies Lobby was a perfect fit for them.
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