Calm Belt, North Blue Platform.
"There's even a fortress here!"
The Underworld Kings arrived at the North Blue aboard the Beasts' ship, marveling once again as they passed another fortress.
Such a setup is indeed as solid as a fortress.
It would not be easy for the World Government to conquer this place.
Soon, the wind picked up.
"We've arrived, North Blue!"
As they gazed at the distant azure sea and blue sky, everyone's heart began to race; it took only half a day to reach North Blue from the New World.
Incredible efficiency!
And it was remarkably safe!
"Hmm, hmm!"
Umit, the "King of Shipping," had a burning gaze: "With this new route, my shipping business will expand worldwide!"
Traveling from the New World to North Blue required crossing the Red Line twice, passing through Fish-Man Island, and then entering North Blue through the Upside Down Mountain at the entrance of the Grand Line.
This incredibly long journey, even for an experienced shipping team, would take at least three months, facing numerous dangers along the way.
Now, it only takes half a day!
Describing it as a golden route would not be an exaggeration.
And there's one more crucial point.
They could easily travel from North Blue to the Upside Down Mountain and then enter the Four Seas or the Grand Line.
This way, they could bypass Fish-Man Island and avoid the Navy Headquarters' pursuit, after all, most of their business was rather unsavory.
Safety would be greatly enhanced!
"Let's head back!"
"Back we go!"
Time was of the essence; they didn't want to waste a single second.
Three days passed in a flash.
The latest edition of the newspaper was published.
[Golden Route!]
The news of the connection between the New World and North Blue exploded across the globe, especially among the pirates in the New World, who roared with excitement.
Wealth awaited them!
"Brothers, let's go to North Blue!"
"Oh, oh, oh!!!"
Countless pirate ships converged towards the Hoenn Continent, even facing a hefty toll of fifty-fifty, the pirates flocked eagerly.
Those unwilling were killed.
North Blue was thrown into chaos, especially among the complacent affiliated nations, as countless calls flooded the World Government.
Navy Headquarters, Marineford.
"Bang!"
The office desk was once again severely damaged!
"Damn it!!!"
Sengoku's face was flushed with rage, veins bulging.
The worst thing he feared had happened!
In response to the pleas from various nations, the burden of suppressing the pirates fell squarely on the Navy.
Garp, holding rice crackers, no longer wore his usual carefree demeanor; his expression was as grave as if he were a different person.
"We're in big trouble, Sengoku!"
"Indeed!"
Sengoku looked at Garp, the most renowned marine in the Navy, not the three Admirals, but the veteran before him!
"Hero" Garp!
"Garp, I need you to go to North Blue!"
"Puhahaha, then I'll take a trip!"
Garp crushed the rice crackers, his smile wild.
He also needed to stretch his muscles!
Sengoku's face remained stern.
This time, the pirates from the New World would continuously flood into North Blue; relying solely on Garp would not be enough; they needed more manpower.
Especially Admirals!
Only with both "Hero" Garp and the Headquarters Admirals deployed could they hope to intimidate the frenzied pirates; they could not afford to retreat even a single step, and they must crush the pirates' morale with overwhelming force!
Otherwise, North Blue would be doomed!
"Have Sakazuki come to see me!"
"Understood!"
As the pirate army surged into North Blue, the Navy was also mobilizing on a large scale, with dozens of warships crossing the Calm Belt into North Blue.
It was akin to war!
Hoenn Fortress, North Blue Station.
Gurd, the one who triggered the North Blue crisis, was leisurely fishing at that moment.
This war had only just begun; it wasn't time for the Beasts to enter yet. By the time North Blue was in complete chaos, it would be best if all nations were mired in the quagmire of war.
That way, the Beasts' weapons would sell well!
Not just weapons, but all sorts of supplies.
The Four Seas had always been self-sufficient; only by breaking the balance could the vast output of the Nation of Labor find sufficient markets.
And then there was the issue of intermediaries.
Gurd disinterestedly reeled in his line, ending the day for the air force.
On the Levee Continent, railway tracks were being laid.
Not only maritime transport, but land transport projects were also under construction; not everyone wanted to run both ways; many wanted to unload in the Calm Belt.
The giants working saw Gurd and greeted him.
"Mr. Gurd, good afternoon!"
"Hmm!"
Gurd smiled in response.
Since returning from Zou, the giants' attitude towards him had changed dramatically, even more warmly than towards Hajrudin.
Gurd watched for a while before returning to the Groudon Ship.
Compared to a few days ago, the Groudon Ship was much quieter, mainly because a troublesome woman had left.
Hancock was returning to Amazon Lily, planning to relocate her people to the New World, though it was uncertain how many she could bring back.
Rayleigh had also left with her.
Gurd called for Speed.
"Have you made contact?"
"Not yet."
Speed shook her head.
"No rush, keep looking."
Gurd nodded slightly.
The people he wanted to contact were Germa 66!
If he remembered correctly, Germa 66 had always harbored ambitions to dominate North Blue and was one of the affiliated nations, operating in both the black and white markets.
A very suitable intermediary!
Moreover, their Seraphim Project also needed scientists.
Queen, Judge, Caesar.
Three cobblers can rival Zhuge Liang!
However, Germa 66 was a moving nation, and finding them wouldn't be easy; it would take some time.
"How's the Navy's movement?"
"Hero Garp and Admiral Akainu have already appeared in North Blue!"
"They're quite quick to respond this time."
Gurd chuckled.
In the face of such a situation, deploying the hardline Akainu was indeed more suitable, especially with Hero Garp.
Yes, very intimidating.
Speed flipped through the intelligence reports.
"Lord Gurd, there's news from Hachinosu Island."
"What is it?"
"The captain of the Whitebeard Pirates' Fourth Division, Sachi, was assassinated, and the killer is a member of the Whitebeard Pirates named Marshall D. Teach."
"…"
Gurd raised an eyebrow.
Blackbeard!
It finally happened.
Strange, he had tied the captains to the Fortuna Community; how could that Sachi still obtain the Dark-Dark Fruit?
Gurd casually asked, "Where did Sachi die?"
"At his home within the Fortuna Community!"
"You bastard!"
Gurd exploded with rage!
Daring to kill in his community!
This tarnished his reputation!
Damn it, seeking death!
"Immediately issue a bounty, 1 billion Berries for that guy's head!"
"Yes!"
Speed was taken aback.
Gurd reined in his anger, but his expression was still not pleasant.
"How's the business with Totto Land going?"
"It's already settled."
A deal for a road monument text exchanged for Big Mom's immense goodwill, paving the way for smooth business between them.
The ministers of Totto Land also wanted to sell food, hoping to make a hefty profit, after all, Totto Land had enough food to build an entire island of candy.
The main business was quickly concluded.
Gurd stretched lazily, noticing Speed's somewhat conflicted expression, and proactively asked, "Is there anything else?"
"Lord Gurd."
Speed closed the intelligence report.
"Ulti and Page One have been in Elbaf for quite a long time; shouldn't we send a ship to bring them back?"
"…"
Gurd took three seconds to react.
"Little Page and Ulti? Send a ship to pick them up!"
"Understood!"
On the other side, in the Calm Belt.
Perfume Traveling Snake.
The two sisters anxiously found Shakky and Rayleigh.
"Mr. Rayleigh, Lady Shakky!"
"Something's wrong!"
"Big Sister suddenly fell ill for unknown reasons, and the ship's doctor has no way to help; please save her!"
Hmm???!
Shakky and Rayleigh exchanged glances.
This situation felt oddly familiar!
As if they had experienced it themselves!
Three chapters today; I'll organize my thoughts and aim for five chapters tomorrow. By the way, I'm asking for monthly votes; this month I've updated 240,000 words.
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