Two days later.
The World Economic News Agency released its newspaper at the fastest possible speed, while other news agencies published similar content with minor variations.
[Hoenn & Marine Headquarters Joint Military Exercises Concluded with Great Success!]
[Win-Win Cooperation: Three-Day Holiday!]
[All Blue Strait!]
[God of Earth—Gurd!]
[Comprehensive Review of Hoenn Navy Officers!]
As usual, reports of the war were altered into "joint military exercises" to minimize the impact of the defeat.
Under the pretense of reaching a consensus with the Hoenn Government and promoting peaceful coexistence, the World Government even declared a three-day holiday across its jurisdictions for celebration.
Beyond that, the newspapers were filled with information about the Hoenn Navy, particularly a detailed breakdown of its officers.
Gurd also received a new title.
[God of Earth!]
This battle was, without a doubt, the best propaganda the Hoenn Government could have asked for.
Hoenn Fortress, Fleet Admiral's Office.
"They've completely lost all shame!"
Gurd tossed the newspaper aside.
Though it might seem like self-deception, the truth was that only a minority of people worldwide had watched the live broadcast and understood what really happened. Even those who had seen it could still be misled by the newspapers.
Most ordinary civilians weren't particularly sensitive to the realities of war. Whatever the newspapers said, they believed—blindly trusting the World Government and the Marines.
After all, their understanding was limited.
But there were still plenty of people who saw through the lies, especially the Marine officers who had participated in the battle and those living within the Hoenn Government's sphere of influence.
Kuzan lifted his head, looking at Gurd with mild exasperation. "Ara ara, how much longer are you planning to stay in my office?"
"I'll leave in a bit."
Gurd crossed his legs.
"We just won a major battle. Now's the perfect time to poach talent. As the Fleet Admiral, you should be more proactive. I heard Vice Admiral Dore used to be Saul's adjutant, and Smoker was once your direct subordinate. They're both worth recruiting."
"Alright, alright, I get it."
Kuzan grimaced.
He was the Fleet Admiral now—engaging in poaching was undignified. If word got out, it would damage his reputation.
But still…
Kuzan picked up a stack of letters from his desk.
"I've already written the letters. I'll have them secretly delivered over the next few days."
"Now that's more like it."
Gurd grinned.
There was nothing to be ashamed of when it came to poaching. If he could do it himself, he would've already tried recruiting every last Marine, not even sparing the Three Admirals.
Kizaru!
Triple the salary, five-day workweek with two days off!
Too bad they weren't close.
Fujitora could also be swayed, but the man had joined the Marines with a strong personal agenda. Until the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea system was abolished, he probably wouldn't switch sides.
As for Ryokugyu—hardcore Celestial Dragons fanboy. To recruit him, they'd first have to find a way to break his obsession with them.
Speed entered the office to report to Aokiji. "Fleet Admiral Aokiji, all Marine branches in the North Blue have been successfully absorbed!"
"Good."
Kuzan nodded slightly.
The North Blue Marines had been abandoned, left without even pay. Thanks to the aftermath of the war, the absorption process had gone smoothly.
Most branch Marines were locals with little desire to leave the North Blue. With no support from the World Government, they had no choice but to join Hoenn.
"What about the Member Nations?"
"Only seven countries haven't given a definitive response yet. All seven are currently embroiled in civil wars and won't hold out much longer."
Speed replied.
The North Sea originally had over thirty member nations of the World Government, but now only seven remain. Aside from those that betrayed their countries, some nations could no longer afford the Celestial Tribute, forcing their royal families to flee, while others were destroyed in the chaos of war.
The remaining seven nations had all expressed willingness to join the Hoenn Government, but negotiations collapsed every time. The kings refused to relinquish their rule, wanting to maintain their independent sovereignty as before.
But Hoenn was not the World Government—it would never allow such a thing. Even if those nations offered to pay the Celestial Tribute to Hoenn, it wouldn't change anything.
The foundation could not be compromised.
After finishing her report, Speed turned her gaze to Gurd.
"Captain Gurd, all preparations are complete. We can set sail tomorrow morning."
"Good."
Gurd nodded in approval.
Kuzan, hearing this, asked in surprise, "You're leaving?"
"Yes, I need to return to Wano Country for a while. I probably won't be back soon, but with you holding the fort here, it's more than enough."
Gurd stretched lazily.
Once he returned to the New World, he would no longer be the Supreme Commander of Hoenn but a wicked Pirate, free from troublesome responsibilities.
Aokiji could handle things in Hoenn.
He was going home to relax.
The New World had grown increasingly chaotic lately—it was in dire need of order!
Kuzan gave him a strange look.
When Gurd returned to Wano Country, it would naturally be as a Pirate—or at most, with the added title of Chairman of the Groudon Company.
To shift so seamlessly from the righteous Supreme Commander of Hoenn to a villainous Pirate… How did this man switch roles so effortlessly?
It had taken Kuzan years of internal struggle just to leave the Marines.
Unable to hold back, Kuzan asked, "Gurd, how do you adjust your mindset like that?"
"Adjust my mindset? I don't."
Gurd chuckled at Kuzan's bewildered expression. "What you see is merely what I allow you to see. My true nature isn't as noble as you imagine."
"Is that so? Then I'll keep a close eye on you!"
Kuzan's expression turned solemn.
Gurd was the pillar of the Hoenn Government. He couldn't allow him to stray onto a dark path. From now on, he would do everything in his power to correct Gurd's way of life!
Gurd: "..."
Night fell over the Groudon Ship.
The bar inside the ship was bustling with activity. Upon hearing that Gurd was returning to the New World, all his friends from the Fortress had come to see him off.
They drank late into the night.
Hancock shyly sidled up to Gurd, too embarrassed to look at him directly, though no one knew exactly why she was so flustered.
"Th-this one wishes to accompany you."
"Sorry, Hancock."
Gurd met her gaze steadily. "I'd love to take you back to Oni Island with me, but there's something I need your help with here."
"What is it?"
Hancock's eyes lit up with excitement.
Gurd needed her!
A gentle smile spread across Gurd's face.
"Could you help me bring Rayleigh here to live?"
"Rayleigh?"
A question mark seemed to pop up above Hancock's head.
Gurd chuckled.
Old man Rayleigh was a master swordsman, and swordsmanship was a mandatory skill for Marines. No matter what, he had to recruit Rayleigh as an instructor. Last time, he hadn't been able to find him—likely because Rayleigh was avoiding him.
If he couldn't persuade him, then he'd try a different approach.
Gurd deployed his charm, his voice growing even softer.
"Hancock, you'll help me, won't you?"
"Of course!"
Hancock nodded, her cheeks flushing pink.
In her eyes, Gurd's entire demeanor had transformed—like a prince with a pointed crown, radiating irresistible allure.
But there was one problem.
"What if Rayleigh refuses—"
"You can do it!"
Gurd said with a grin, "If Rayleigh isn't willing, just get him drunk and tie him up. If that doesn't work, drug him and knock him out. Or you could turn him into stone—you can definitely do it!"
"Mhmm! Mhmm!"
The woman nodded vigorously!
Behind Hancock, her two younger sisters exchanged glances and sighed in unison—their elder sister had been completely fooled!
(End of Chapter)