Marine Base G-1 was the former Marine Headquarters, located in the first half of the Grand Line. A year ago, the Headquarters relocated, swapping places with the original G-1.
The current Vice Admiral at G-1 is Momonga. Even G-1 was under attack, it showed just how dire the situation at sea had become.
Mary Geoise's logistical supplies came either from G-1 or Marine Headquarters. Now, the fleets transporting food were being attacked by the Revolutionary Army.
They could only buy food from the black market on Sabaody and send it to Mary Geoise. G-1 was crucial for ensuring Mary Geoise's food supply. If it were attacked, even the last food supply line might be cut off.
They had already been reduced to buying food on the black market. If both key Marine bases were to fall, Mary Geoise would truly have no food left, and the Celestial Dragons would be forced to descend from the Red Line.
The Celestial Dragons lived high up in Mariejois, a glaring weakness, especially after the Revolutionary Army destroyed their food warehouses, instantly creating a food shortage crisis.
Although the Red Line was tall, it didn't produce food. The forest there was obtained through plunder.
Expecting Celestial Dragons to farm was almost impossible. Raising livestock in a place like Mary Geoise was also out of the question. Now, Mary Geoise was slaughtering various rare and exotic beasts for food.
"I heard your family killed a Sea King."
"No, we didn't!"
"What do you mean by 'no'? I remember you had a Sea King."
"I said no!"
"You just want to keep it all to yourself! Give me some! I haven't had meat in days! That bread isn't fit for gods like us!"
"I said no! Now get out!"
"I can smell the meat! You bastard!"
Two Celestial Dragons came to blows, quickly attracting others. Soon, a group of Celestial Dragons was fighting.
Ryokugyu happened to witness this scene. Seeing these Celestial Dragons show such ugly faces, what did they have to do with being gods?
Just trash. Ryokugyu watched, using his ability to grow some seeds and provide fruit for the Celestial Dragons.
Finally, the defeated Celestial Dragon was overwhelmed, and the group stormed into his home.
The defeated Celestial Dragon had once bought a baby Sea King and later brought it to Mary Geoise to raise.
Now, with Mary Geoise short on meat, they needed to consume large quantities. Everything that could be killed had been; what did it matter if it was a Sea King?
Sure enough, inside, they found the Sea King had been slaughtered. Chefs were butchering and cooking it.
The sight was too much for the Celestial Dragons. They rushed forward en masse. The chefs didn't dare oppose them and, under their orders, handed over the meat.
Ryokugyu sighed and turned to leave when his den den mushi rang.
"Fleet Admiral Sakazuki!"
"G-1 is under attack, Aramaki! Get there immediately!!" Akainu's voice came through the snail.
"Understood. I'm on my way." Ryokugyu was shocked that G-1 was under attack. He immediately ordered the Marines nearby: "You heard him! Prepare the bubble boats!"
"Yes, sir!"
The soldiers sprang into action. Looking at their condition, Ryokugyu sighed. They weren't eating well either; their combat effectiveness was affected.
G-1 was indeed under attack. They had previously procured food from Sabaody. As the food was being transported to Marine Headquarters, ready to be sent to the Red Port, the Revolutionary Army ambushed them mid-route. The battle was still ongoing.
Momonga personally led the supply ships. The Revolutionary Army's goal was clear: not to engage the Marines but to destroy the food. They were willing to destroy it to prevent it from reaching the Celestial Dragons.
"Why are you destroying the food?" Momonga asked Ivankov and the others.
"What else should we do with it? Let the Celestial Dragons eat it?" Ivankov retorted.
"Why not just steal it? This food could go to those in need," Momonga said.
"What?"
Ivankov and the others were stunned. They hadn't expected Momonga to say that.
"Do you really mean that?" Ivankov asked.
"So many people are starving around the world. If you can take the food from us by force, there's nothing we can do about it. There's no need to waste it," Momonga said.
"I rarely admire anyone. You're one of them," Ivankov said.
"This is conditional on you defeating us. If you win, take the food," Momonga said.
"Aren't you afraid of being punished by the Celestial Dragons?" Ivankov asked.
"If we're outmatched, so be it. If I win, but you destroy the food, I'll still be punished. Better that the winner takes the food," Momonga said.
"Then forget it. We'll still destroy the food," Ivankov said.
"Don't you want to give this food to those who are starving?" Momonga pressed.
"I..."
Ivankov gritted his teeth. More than just Celestial Dragons were hungry; many more needed food.
It was because they were hungry that they took up arms and rebelled.
The Revolutionary Army soldiers also needed food. How many people could this food save?
Ivankov's heart was torn. A gamble: win and take the food.
The Revolutionary Army's mission was to prevent the Celestial Dragons from getting food, force them down from the Red Line, and then kill them.
"Commander!!" Inazuma looked at Ivankov, knowing how difficult this decision was.
"I agree! Everyone, listen! Do not destroy the supply ships! Defeat the Marines and seize the ships!" Ivankov shouted.
Momonga breathed a sigh of relief. If the Revolutionary Army madly attacked the supply ships, the food would be destroyed. This way, the food could be saved. Wasn't that better?
He just worried about trouble from the Celestial Dragons later, but by then, it was uncertain if they would even still be around.
'Reinforcements should be here soon,' Momonga thought.
He had already sent word to Headquarters. Help should arrive soon. They just needed to hold out.
Hearing Ivankov's order, the Revolutionary Army turned its attacks on the Marines' vessels, no longer targeting the supply ships.
The two sides clashed on the warships, blood staining the sea. Sharks, smelling the blood, surged up to tear into those who fell into the water.
Momonga faced Ivankov, and the two fought fiercely.
"I know you're stalling for time," Ivankov said, pushing Momonga back with his Okama Kenpo, a smile on his face.
"Then why did you agree?" Momonga asked.
"Because we have comrades too. No doubt your Marine reinforcements are being held up at the Red Port."
.....
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