From a macroscopic perspective, Issho's philosophy is somewhat similar to Sakazuki's current one.
It is just that the two sides have some differences in their attitude towards pirates.
But thanks to the contrast provided by others, Sakazuki's NEO Marines is already the organization on the sea that best aligns with Issho's wishes.
There were no irreconcilable ideological conflicts between the two sides, so they agreed to seek common ground while reserving differences.
After the conversation concluded, the two men started discussing the topic of strength.
Sakazuki had seen the feat Issho performed just outside the base, so he naturally had a preliminary understanding of Issho's strength.
However, in terms of Haki and stamina, he planned to test him personally.
Issho did not refuse either.
Why did he want to meet Sakazuki face-to-face?
On the one hand, it was naturally to confirm the other party's philosophy.
On the other hand, he also wanted to demonstrate his uniqueness.
He did not mind starting as a low-ranking soldier, but his great strength should be used in a more valuable position.
The two quickly engaged in a fierce battle on a deserted island near the base, and the fighting lasted for an entire day.
Sakazuki was very satisfied with Issho's strength.
Although he was still slightly weaker than him, he was definitely among the top tier of fighting power on the sea, even stronger than Horn of the Iron Wall, who was besieged and killed at Red Port.
Among the Admirals who appeared in the original work, Fujitora, Aramaki, and the civilian Admiral were vying for the last place.
Before the civilian Admiral appeared, there were quite a few people who thought Fujitora was the weakest.
But for the current NEO Marines, having another Admiral-level powerhouse willing to join truly solved an urgent need.
The NEO Marines are looking up!
A rare smile appeared on Sakazuki's habitually serious face.
However, perhaps because he had not smiled in a long time, it looked slightly unsettling.
Issho "looked" at him with surprise.
Returning to the base, Sakazuki gathered all the high-ranking officers.
Onigumo, Doberman, and other high-ranking officers who had followed him from Marineford, as well as powerful individuals who had joined later, were all present.
Everyone's eyes were focused on Sakazuki in the main seat, and the tall, silent samurai standing beside him with his eyes closed.
Sakazuki's gaze slowly swept across the room, his voice steady and powerful, echoing indoors:
"Since the establishment of the NEO Marines, we have relied on independent will and absolute military force to sweep away the Great Pirate Era, vowing to eliminate all pirates!"
He turned sideways and gestured to Issho beside him:
"This is Issho, and effective immediately, he officially joins the NEO Marines!"
"I recognize his strength and philosophy."
His words were indisputable:
"His joining will be an important pillar for us to end the pirate chaos!"
"For this reason..."
Sakazuki's voice was decisive:
"I hereby officially appoint Issho as the first Admiral of the NEO Marines!"
"Codename—"
He paused slightly, then clearly announced:
"Fujitora!"
It could be seen from the codename that Sakazuki truly still considered himself a Marine.
The previous confrontation with the real Marines was more of a passive and reluctant choice.
For him and all the NEO Marines, eliminating pirates was the most important thing.
Issho had now returned to his previous gentle and composed expression.
He bowed slightly and replied in a deep voice:
"I am honored that the Fleet Admiral thinks highly of my humble skills."
"The name Fujitora..."
"I... will accept it!"
The others present had no objections and immediately applauded.
They all trusted, even revered, Sakazuki, believing in the judgment he made.
Since Sakazuki believed this blind swordsman was qualified to serve as an Admiral, then he certainly was.
This brief ceremony marked the fact that the NEO Marines, aside from Sakazuki himself, now possessed a true top-tier fighting force capable of contending with the major powers of the sea!
This completely distinguished them from the NEO Marines established by Zephyr in the original work.
Just as everyone was celebrating, a discordant voice arrived:
"Fleet Admiral! The Intelligence Department has detected unusual activity from the BIG MOM Pirates!"
A messenger rushed in hastily; his report interrupted the mood of the crowd.
Some officers showed dissatisfaction, but Sakazuki raised a hand:
"What is going on?"
Sakazuki always took news about pirates seriously, especially news concerning the three major Pirate Crews.
The messenger dared not delay and immediately reported Charlotte Linlin's movements in full.
It must be said that Charlotte Linlin was somewhat reckless.
Despite the Ope-Ope no Mi being such an important item, she made no attempt to conceal her movements, as if she was completely unaware of how much attention she drew from the world.
After listening, Sakazuki looked thoughtful.
He had not received news about the Ope-Ope no Mi, but he realized this was an excellent opportunity.
Normally, the major Pirate Crews were on their own territories and could quickly mobilize large numbers of troops.
Not only the newly established NEO Marines, but even Marineford's Marine Headquarters would need considerable effort to completely defeat these groups on their home turf, and they would also have to worry about the reactions of other Pirate Crews.
But now, Charlotte Linlin had only brought a few officers and appeared in the North Blue, which seemed like a good opportunity to execute a decapitation strike.
He turned his head to look at the newly joined Issho:
"What do you say? Is Admiral Fujitora willing to take a trip with me?"
"Of course!"
This was another advantage of the NEO Marines—a smaller ship is easier to turn around.
Marine Headquarters needed to police the entire sea, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku had countless duties to handle; he could not leave Marineford for long periods.
But the NEO Marines did not have such concerns; their territory was small, and they had fewer matters to deal with, allowing Sakazuki, the Fleet Admiral, to personally lead expeditions to suppress pirates.
After making up his mind, Sakazuki's voice was sharp and decisive, breaking the silence in the room:
"Onigumo! Doberman!"
"Immediately assemble the First and Third Special Forces Squads! Bring equipment! We depart!"
"We must resolve Charlotte Linlin in the North Blue while she is without her main forces!"
Hearing this, Onigumo and Doberman immediately straightened up and saluted sharply:
"Yes! Fleet Admiral Sakazuki!"
Following Sakazuki's orders, the NEO Marines base immediately became busy.
Soon, several warships departed the base, pursuing the course of the Queen Mama Chanter.
At this moment, Sakazuki, standing at the bow of the warship, was still unaware of the news regarding the Ope-Ope no Mi; he was merely preparing to use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to eliminate the BIG MOM Pirates.
No one knew what the addition of another faction would do to the already chaotic situation—this was a development unforeseen even by Blake, the instigator of the event.
At this moment, Blake seemed completely unaware of the turmoil on the sea, as the sanctuary was gradually approaching Mary Geoise.
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Rexlent
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"