Time flew by like a white steed flashing past a gap.
More than a year had passed since the world-shocking Fleet Admiral Inauguration Ceremony incident.
During this year, the structure of the New World had undergone subtle yet earth-shaking changes.
Although the Three Emperors still stood tall and the Marine Headquarters remained authoritative, in the front half of the New World, the G-5 base, once known as a "den of rogue marines" and a "madhouse", had now transformed into a colossal force that countless people longed for, and that countless pirates feared.
G-5 Base, Outer Expansion Zone, New Port No. 38
The morning sea breeze carried a hint of salt, yet it could not disperse the bustling noise here.
Looking around, the once solitary steel fortress had long disappeared. In its place stood a massive maritime megacity that left people speechless.
Relying on the original base, G-5 expanded outward like madness, annexing several nearby deserted islands. Using the Pangolin engineering corps to reclaim land from the sea, they forcibly created a "teel continent stretching hundreds of kilometers in the treacherous waters of the New World.
Countless skyscrapers rose from the ground, wide streets bustled with traffic, and advanced defense turrets stood along the coastline like a forest.
At the port entrance, a long queue stretched all the way to the horizon.
"Hey! The people in front! Can you move faster? My legs are going numb!"
A burly man carrying a giant axe shouted impatiently. The heavy scent of blood on him made it clear he was no ordinary person.
"What are you yelling for? Didn't you see they're doing physical exams up ahead?"
The one in front of him was actually a one-eyed swordsman. Judging by his aura, his bounty was at least over 50 million, yet now he stood obediently with his head lowered, clutching a crumpled application form.
"Hey… brother," the axe-wielding man leaned closer and whispered, "you're here to join the Marines too? Aren't you 'Guillotine' Jack? A pirate with a 68 million bounty, have you lost your mind?"
"Shh! Are you trying to get me killed?!"
The one-eyed swordsman almost jumped, quickly covering the man's mouth while glancing nervously at the patrolling G-5 military police.
"I was a pirate! Now I'm a law-abiding citizen! Got it?!"
He sighed, his eyes showing both longing and exhaustion.
"I've been drifting out there for years, either chased by admirals or bullied by the Emperors. No proper meals, no proper sleep. Last month I almost got captured by Kaido's crew and turned into a slave."
He pointed at the grand gates ahead, his tone turning fervent:
"But this place is different! G-5! This is heaven!"
"They say even the lowest soldier here earns enough to support a whole family. There's full benefits, medical coverage, pensions, compensation if you die in battle!"
"And most importantly…"
He swallowed.
"The cafeteria here is run by the legendary 'Black Leg' Sanji's team! Meat every meal! Top-grade Sea King meat with bones!"
"Seriously? Meat every meal?"
The axe man's eyes turned red.
"Damn it! I'm quitting bounty hunting! I'm joining G-5 right now!"
Conversations like this echoed throughout the line.
Renzo's "Slothful Justice" might sound unreliable, but his overwhelming financial backing, top-tier benefits, and absolute sense of security held deadly appeal to those struggling to survive in this brutal sea.
Whether you were a fallen pirate, a retired bounty hunter, or an unrecognized martial artist, so long as you hadn't committed unforgivable crimes (final say belonged to Chief Steward Rehn), G-5 was willing to give you a chance to start over.
G-5 Core Area, Administrative Building, Top Floor Meeting Room
Sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the large conference table.
Ain, recently promoted to Marine Vice Admiral, frowned as she reviewed the report in her hands.
"…As of yesterday, G-5's active combat personnel has exceeded 100,000."
She rubbed her temples, her voice weary.
"100,000… That's already one-third of the Marine Headquarters' regular forces. And the number is still increasing by several hundred every day."
Across from her sat Potts, now a Rear Admiral.
"Vice Admiral Ain, having more people is good, it shows G-5 is thriving. But… management is becoming a nightmare."
He sighed.
"Most of the newcomers are unruly troublemakers. Last week alone, there were over a dozen fights just over food."
"And more importantly," Ain added, "we lack high-level commanders."
"Our current officers are mostly from two years ago. They're loyal, but their strength… is falling behind."
"An army of 100,000 without capable leaders is just a scattered mob. Against a real enemy like an Emperor's fleet, the few of us won't be enough."
"Yeah…"
Potts nodded.
"Even with Mihawk here, he's just a guest. As for Lord Renzo…"
They exchanged glances and sighed.
Expect Renzo to handle this?
Might as well expect pigs to fly.
His daily routine: eat, sleep, listen to Uta sing, watch mermaids dance.
Unless someone attacked his bedroom, he wouldn't even bother turning over.
The door suddenly opened.
A round figure strode in confidently, Rehn.
"Ah, why so troubled, my dear officers?"
The true manager of G-5, Renzo's spokesperson, and user of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
Over the past year, he had become even more… rotund.
Wearing a custom oversized white suit, a thicker gold chain, and diamond-studded sunglasses, he looked like a nouveau riche, but no one dared underestimate him.
Every troublemaker in G-5 had been "educated" by his lightning.
The name "Thunder God" now terrified the New World.
"We're discussing the shortage of commanders," Ain explained.
"Simple."
Rehn bit into an apple.
"Let them fight."
"…Fight?"
"Exactly!"
Rehn grinned.
"We hold a tournament! A massive, base-wide, G-5 First 'World's Strongest Martial Arts…' no, 'Genius Efficiency Martial Arts Tournament!'"
Ain's eyes lit up.
"Participants must prove both strength and intelligence! Anyone in G-5, or wanting to join, can participate!"
"The winner gets huge prize money, immediate promotion to officer rank, and even a chance to meet Lord Renzo personally!"
Three days later, a shocking announcement swept the New World:
{G-5 Genius Martial Arts Tournament is coming!}
{No background required! Only strength matters!}
{Winner receives tens of billions of Beli and the rank of Rear Admiral!}
{Chance to become a direct subordinate of "God"!}
The New World erupted.
Hidden powerhouses, ambitious figures, even deserters from Emperor crews, all turned their eyes toward the steel city at sea.
Temple of Sloth, Rooftop Terrace
Renzo lay on a cloud-like bed, covered with a Sea Beast fur blanket.
Beside him, Uta softly hummed.
Below, mermaids played in the pool.
"Lord Renzo," Rehn reported with a list.
"Over 5,000 applicants so far."
Renzo yawned.
"Too noisy, reject them."
"Too ugly, reject them."
"Idiots who just shout, reject them."
"…Understood!"
Rehn quickly noted everything.
"Looks and temperament matter equally!"
"And…" Renzo murmured, "What's that flamingo guy been up to lately?"
"Donquixote Doflamingo has been quiet," Rehn replied. "He's been searching for some 'top-tier treasure' to offer you."
Renzo chuckled.
"That guy's full of schemes… whatever."
"As long as he doesn't cause trouble."
Meanwhile, on a ship bearing a flamingo flag, Trebol trembled with excitement, clutching a sealed chest.
"We found it, young master!"
"This fruit will definitely satisfy Renzo!"
From the Den Den Mushi came laughter.
"Fufufufu… Excellent."
"Deliver this 'gift' personally."
But neither of them knew, inside the chest, a faint trace of black oil emitted an ominous aura…
....
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu