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"The Warlords are here!" Hina took a deep drag from her cigarette, her expression grim.
Leading the pack was Donquixote Doflamingo, walking with a swaggering, 'six-kin-disowning' stride. Close behind was Bartholomew Kuma, solemn and emotionless, carrying a book. Following them were the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock and the World's Strongest Swordsman, Dracule Mihawk.
"Get lost! Marine! Don't block the way!" Doflamingo arrogantly barked at a Marine in front of him.
The Marine, a Lieutenant, could only swallow his frustration and reluctantly step aside. The Warlords brazenly strode across the Marine Headquarters, showing no regard for the 100,000 elite Marines gathered there.
Smoker, seeing this, wasn't as reserved as Hina, directly snapping, "The mighty Marines have to rely on pirates to fight! How ridiculous!"
Hina immediately countered, "Enough, Smoker! The Warlords are here at the request of the World Government to help; at least they'll reduce some of our losses!"
Smoker scoffed, "Reduce losses? I'd be thankful if they don't stab us in the back!"
"If these people were actually reliable, they wouldn't be pirates!"
Hina was left speechless. In truth, she didn't trust this group of so-called Warlords either. However, due to her position in the Marines, she couldn't openly question or oppose the World Government's decision.
Aizen Sousuke's eyes showed a thoughtful light. He lowered his voice, "I suspect that the World Government's true purpose, rather than getting help from the Warlords, is to proclaim its power!"
Meeting their confused glances, Aizen gently explained:
"To possess the vast military might of the Marines, yet also command a group of powerful pirates, and use this combined force to eliminate the so-called World's Strongest Pirate Crew, the Whitebeard Pirates."
"Undoubtedly, anyone witnessing this will be astounded by the supreme authority of the World Government!"
Aizen Sousuke pushed up his glasses, the lens reflecting a silver gleam, and his rich voice continued:
"More importantly! If the credit for this guaranteed victory fell entirely to the Marines, the Marines' prestige would become too immense!"
"At that point, even the World Government might not be able to fully control the Marines!"
"But with the Warlords involved, a portion of the credit is siphoned off. Furthermore, the notion that the Marines needed pirates to win the war will inevitably weaken Marine prestige."
"Thus, the Marines will remain firmly under the World Government's control!"
"To the World Government, this is far more important than the feelings or losses of the Marines!"
Smoker and Hina were stunned. Was there truly such a complex calculation at play? It seemed a bit unbelievable. But upon closer inspection, it made perfect, logical sense!
Clap, clap, clap!
A series of crisp claps broke the silence.
"I never expected such sharp talent among the younger generation!"
The three turned to see an elderly woman with gray hair smiling as she walked towards them: the Marine Head Strategist, Tsuru!
"Vice Admiral Tsuru!"
The three immediately saluted. Do not be misled by Tsuru's rank of Vice Admiral. Functionally, she could issue orders to Admirals in emergency situations!
Moreover, as a legendary figure of the same era as Sengoku and Garp, Tsuru's prestige within the Marines was no less than theirs!
Tsuru looked at the refined Aizen Sousuke, her eyes filled with approval.
"A talent like you being forced to stay next to that old coot Garp must be quite tough!"
Aizen Sousuke smiled and replied, "Vice Admiral Tsuru, you are too kind! Vice Admiral Garp has been very caring toward me; there is no hardship at all!"
Tsuru merely chuckled. She knew Garp's character well enough. She only let the subject drop to save his face!
"Vice Admiral Tsuru!"
At this moment, the hot-tempered Smoker couldn't hold back.
"The World Government is calculating against the Marines like this; are we just supposed to swallow our pride?"
Tsuru looked at his frustration and sighed helplessly. How could they want to be manipulated?
But 90% of the Marine budget relied on the World Government. What could they do if they didn't listen?
Tsuru said calmly, "Some things are not about willingness, but necessity!"
"The Marines cannot rebel against the World Government, or the seas will descend into total chaos!"
She looked intently at the three of them.
"What you must do is uphold justice and eradicate pirates!"
"As for those aggravating matters, leave them to us old bones to handle!"
Young people, just push forward with your vigor!
She patted Aizen Sousuke on the shoulder and told the three, "If you feel dissatisfied, then perform well in this war!"
"When you ascend to a high enough position, then you can find a way to make changes for the Marines!"
Smoker's expression immediately turned serious. He saluted forcefully.
"Yes! I understand!"
Tsuru nodded in satisfaction and went to inspect the preparations in the plaza. Sengoku was in his office monitoring Whitebeard's movements.
The Three Admirals were conserving their energy for the impending battle. Only she, the elderly strategist, was left to manage the inspection.
And Garp? That man was still looking completely preoccupied!
If they let him inspect things, heaven knew what kind of chaos would result!
Aizen Sousuke watched Tsuru's retreating figure, secretly acknowledging her brilliance!
She had skillfully downplayed the issue of the World Government suppressing the Marines in just a few sentences while boosting the morale of the younger generation. Her handling of the situation was perfect!
"Lord Spirit King was right! The seas truly hold hidden dragons and crouching tigers!" Aizen Sousuke adjusted his glasses, a slight smile playing on his lips.
This is how it should be! If there were no opponents worthy of facing, wouldn't that be too boring?
Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the back of the plaza.
The three looked up to see several Giant Vice Admirals slowly walking in, taking up positions in the empty space near the Warlords of the Sea. There weren't many Giants in the Marines, but those who were were all hand-picked elites.
Due to their physical endowments, the Giants possessed not only immense strength but also tenacious vitality. They were natural-born warriors!
"It's finally starting!"
Hina finished her lady's cigarette and casually flicked it into a trash can.
All the Vice Admirals who hadn't appeared earlier were now present.
And below the execution platform, on three majestic, imposing chairs, three figures sat down.
In the center was Akainu (Sakazuki).
To the right was Kizaru (Borsalino).
To the left was Aokiji (Kuzan)!
The Marine's Highest Combat Power!
The Three Admirals!
Their mere appearance sparked excited cheers from the 100,000 elite Marines below. The thunderous, deafening roar even caused the faces of the Warlords, who were used to grand spectacles, to slightly change.
"Fuffuffuff... Is this the strongest force in the world? It truly makes this pirate tremble!"
Despite his words, Doflamingo showed no fear on his face. He already anticipated that this war would affect the entire world! When that happened, he would have a chance to realize his goal!