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Most of Marineford sank, with only the main fortress structure remaining above the sea, densely packed with Marines, some of whom occasionally fell into the sea. At the center of the battlefield, Daichi, transformed into his Groudon Form, stood submerged in the sea from the waist down, laughing maniacally as he faced the encirclement of many powerful figures.
He knew very well how much the World Government and the Marines wanted to capture him; with Whitebeard dead, he would naturally be their next target. Therefore, he had long prepared a fallback plan.
"Cowardly Marine, choose!"
"Do you want to end this war, or continue to fight me to the death?!"
"Jiehahaha!!!"
Sengoku's face was ashen.
"Kaido!" The Beast Pirates' main force had already boarded the large bubble elevators and were heading towards Mary Geoise. Even if the Holy Land cut the cables, Kaido could use his flame clouds to lift the bubble elevators to the Holy Land.
He knew very well that Kaido's side was just a feint attack, but even so, the safety of the Holy Land was still the top priority, more important than anything else. A feint attack could also turn into a real war. If Kaido were to invade the Holy Land, the consequences would be unimaginable!
The Marines had no choice!
Sengoku clenched his fists and roared in anger.
"Cease fire!"
"The war is over!!!"
With Sengoku's announcement, the war officially ended. The war between Marineford and the Whitebeard Pirates was declared a victory, but the conflict with the Groudon Company ended disastrously. More than half of Marineford sank into the sea.
All over the seas, people celebrated the Marines' victory, but also harbored deep concerns. The Groudon Company! This mysterious organization, which suddenly joined the war midway, displayed terrifying power, especially its chairman, Daichi!
Facing the encirclement of many powerful figures, he did not fall into a disadvantage in a short time and caused irreparable damage to Marineford.
Several days later, in the New World
Whitebeard's hometown, Sphinx Island.
After several days of treatment, Ace ultimately couldn't hold on. Surrounded by the Commanders, he died with a smile and was buried on the cliff alongside Whitebeard. Daichi placed flowers in front of the tombstone.
Marco was dispirited.
"Daichi, if it weren't for you, we would probably all have died at Marineford, and Whitebeard's body wouldn't have been retrieved. And regarding Blackbeard, I truly don't know how to thank you."
"There's no need for thanks." Daichi turned and looked down. The pirates were all wounded, their eyes dull and lifeless. With such low morale, they clearly wouldn't go far.
"Marco, you should consider the future of the Whitebeard Pirates."
Marco remained silent. He knew better than anyone that without Whitebeard, it wouldn't be long before their territory descended into a bloodbath. Even if they were still alive, they wouldn't be able to deter the hungry pirates. The Whitebeard Pirates existed in name only.
Looking at his dispirited comrades, Marco didn't know what to do. Captains like Whitey Bay were fine; they had their own lives. But what about them? Should he inherit the Captain's position?
Marco sighed. He had no such intention, nor did he believe he could lead the Whitebeard Pirates well. Also, he felt exhausted. At this moment, he only wanted to return home to be with his wife and children.
"Marco." Daichi looked at the village below the mountain and calmly asked, "I plan to raise the Beast Pirates' flag on this island. Is that alright?"
"Daichi, you…" Marco was moved. Sphinx Island was just a poor island, and occupying it offered no benefits. Now that Whitebeard's flag had lost its power, Daichi clearly intended to lend his own flag to protect Whitebeard's hometown.
Marco was incredibly grateful.
"Thank you, Daichi!"
"I'll accept this thanks." Daichi nodded with a smile. "Without Whitebeard, the New World will soon descend into chaos. Whether it's you or the other Captains, your situations are extremely dangerous."
"To be honest, I can see the future of the Whitebeard Pirates, and I think you're probably very clear about it too."
"Mm." Marco sighed inwardly. Of course, he knew. They gathered together because of Whitebeard, and they would disperse because of Whitebeard's passing; it was only a matter of time.
Daichi said with a smile.
"Marco, I have a suggestion!"
"Daichi." Marco gave a wry smile. "If you're asking me to join your crew, forget it. I'm already very tired."
"Haha, it's not that at all." Daichi shook his head with a smile. "I want you to be the regional manager for our Groudon Company's Hachinosu area, to manage the Hoenn Community for me."
"Ah?" Marco was stunned. He never imagined Daichi's suggestion would be this.
Daichi spoke sincerely: "Not just you; if other Commanders are willing, they can also take positions in my company, as a retreat."
"If you stop being pirates in the future, you'll eventually have to return to a normal life. Currently, among the places in the New World where one can live peacefully, my Hoenn Community is the most suitable."
"That's true." Marco was tempted. He wasn't alone now; he had a wife and children at home. When he stopped being a pirate, he would eventually need a job to support his family.
After much thought, there seemed to be no better choice than staying in the Hoenn Community. Sasha would definitely support him wholeheartedly. The other Commanders were the same.
Everyone had drifted at sea for decades and were long tired of wandering, which was evident when they moved into the Hoenn Community on Hachinosu. Now that Whitebeard had passed away, it was their most difficult period, and Daichi's suggestion was undoubtedly a timely help.
At least from his perspective, nothing could be better than such an arrangement, and he also hoped to live a stable life with his family for the rest of his days.
Marco quickly made up his mind. "Daichi, I'll talk to them."
"Okay, but no need to force it. Just contact me when you've thought it over." Daichi's smile blossomed.
"I have other matters, so I'll take my leave first."
"Mm, goodbye!"
Soon, the Groudon fleet left the Port. Inside the operations meeting room, the executives were all gathered. Daichi looked around.
"Is everything arranged?"
"Mm!" Everyone nodded in unison.
Next, Whitebeard's territory would face a major reshuffle, and the Beast Pirates would naturally want a piece of the pie, especially some important islands. Such as Hachinosu and Fish-Man Island!
Occupy the main resource islands; the remaining poor islands could be left to other forces to pick at. Also, the construction of the Hoenn Community could not stop. Once all of Whitebeard's territory had a Hoenn Community built, his concession layout would be complete.
By then, except for a few special islands like Egghead, no matter where in the New World, there would be strongholds of the Beasts and the Groudon Company, and all movements would be unable to escape his eyes.
Hehehehe~~
"Then let's act!"
"Yes, Daichi-sama!" The fleet dispersed. The Groudon changed course and headed towards Fish-Man Island; there were many things he needed to handle in Paradise.
The impact of the war had only just begun!