A CP0 agent suddenly dropped to one knee, raising a document high above his head. "Gorosei, this is Fleet Admiral Sengoku's recommendation for the new Admiral. Please review it, sirs."
Saint Saturn stepped forward and took the document. As his eyes fell on the selected candidate, a faint smile appeared on his face. "It seems Sengoku understands the situation well."
The other Gorosei gathered closer and examined the name written on the paper. After Fujitora and Aramaki, the third Admiral chosen by Sengoku was clearly listed.
Saint Figarland Gorumbu.
Saint V. Nusjuro nodded in approval. "Sengoku has held the position of Fleet Admiral for over a decade, yet he still maintains this level of political awareness. With this, control over the Marines will be much tighter."
Saint Peter spoke in a firm tone. "That is correct. For years, Garp and others like him have openly criticized the Celestial Dragons and handled matters carelessly, thinking we would overlook it. They underestimated us. At a time like this, the Marines cannot afford any deviation. We do not concern ourselves with how they interpret justice in ordinary times, but at critical moments, they must act without hesitation. As the sharpest weapon of the World Government, the Marines must fulfill their role completely."
The World Government had always maintained a cautious stance toward the Marines. In truth, both the Four Emperors and the Revolutionary Army existed in part to limit Marine influence.
The strength of the Marines was undeniable, yet it was built upon the concept of justice. Justice itself was vague and flexible, capable of serving or opposing the World Government depending on interpretation. That made it dangerous.
If a day came when pirates and revolutionaries no longer existed, then the Marines, as the most powerful force under the World Government, could very well turn against it.
History had already shown signs of this.
Over the past eight hundred years, several Fleet Admirals had attempted to challenge the World Government. Three hundred years ago, one Fleet Admiral even tried to lead a full rebellion. That incident nearly destabilized everything. Fortunately, a Vice Admiral betrayed him, allowing the World Government to suppress the uprising before it spread.
Had Marineford truly gone to war against the World Government, even a victory would have come at a devastating cost.
The Marines were too widespread, their bases scattered across every sea. In many regions, civilians only recognized the Marines and had little awareness of the World Government itself.
To secure external control, internal stability was essential.
Within the Marines, there were many individuals who upheld their own sense of righteousness and quietly opposed the actions of the Celestial Dragons. The Gorosei were fully aware of this. Some Celestial Dragons behaved without restraint, but in their eyes, as the rulers of the world, their actions were beyond question.
Those so called righteous individuals could be tolerated in peaceful times. However, during critical moments, any deviation could lead to disaster.
That was precisely why the Gorosei wanted a member of the God's Knights to become an Admiral. Control over the Marines had to be absolute.
The threat posed by the Three Emperors Alliance was unlike anything before. Aside from the legend of Joy Boy, no force had ever presented such danger to the balance of the world.
Relying solely on Marineford's strength to eliminate this alliance was unrealistic.
Among the Three Emperors, Big Mom was slightly weaker, but Kaido and Marco were another matter entirely. Kaido could potentially be handled by two Admirals working together. Marco, however, was far more troublesome. His strength was high enough to require direct action from the Gorosei themselves.
Far away, high in the sky, Marco remained seated on his phoenix, holding a Den Den Mushi as he spoke with Kaido and Big Mom.
Kaido's voice came through, rough and impatient. "Marco, it's already been three days. Vegapunk said he would contact you after three days. Do you know where he is?"
Marco shook his head slightly. "Not exactly. He hasn't reached out yet."
He paused briefly before continuing, "Kuma's Paw Paw Fruit can send someone flying for three days and three nights. That was his reasoning. Once he contacts me, I will inform both of you immediately."
Kaido snorted. "That old man better not be playing games with us. Marco, didn't you make a Vivre Card for him?"
"There wasn't time for that," Marco replied calmly.
After a moment, he added, "Still, your concern is valid. If he doesn't contact me, we have no way of tracking him. Let's wait one more day. If there is still no word by then, we assume Vegapunk has betrayed us."
Kaido and Big Mom both agreed.
Big Mom let out a cold laugh. "He would be a fool to make the wrong choice. He has already turned against the World Government. If he wants protection, only our alliance can offer it."
Marco leaned back slightly, his expression steady. "Actually, your call came at the right time. I have a plan. If both of you agree, I intend to announce it under the name of the Three Emperors Alliance."
Kaido's interest was immediately piqued. "What kind of plan?"
A confident smile formed on Marco's face.
"A full scale bounty on the Marines."
◇ I'll drop one bonus chapter for every 10 reviews
(Leave a review/comment)
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100
Power Stones.
◇ Read 80 | 100 chapters ahead on [email protected]/_Zeph