"West Blue Base 46 has fallen! All personnel reportedly surrendered to the Black Cat!"
"Confirmed rebellion at G-121 Base where communications were severed! Suppressed member nation Trine, declared founding of 'New Order Coalition Forces' and independence! Reports of advancing invasion to neighboring regions!"
"Large-scale military alliance concluded by multiple nations in North Blue announced! Seeing it as war precursor, local forces request troop dispatch to suppress impact!!"
"Emergency contact from forces handling Petty Kingdom reconstruction defense! Eight Navy ships of unknown affiliation with large X marks on Navy flags attacked! Riots simultaneously spreading throughout cities including the capital—urgently requesting reinforcements!!"
World Government order has collapsed.
Previously absolute government prestige crumbled, all nations began military preparations unable to trust the government or neighboring countries.
"...Never imagined such things would circulate at this timing... truly."
Fleet Admiral Sengoku—who aged rapidly like ten years passed in these dozen-some days—places his hand weakly atop a certain newspaper the government ordered recovered.
World Economic News. Commonly called Sekai Keizai.
Among numerous newspapers, the sole newspaper read worldwide—the largest-scale newspaper company.
Actually equivalent to World Government propaganda—that newspaper's latest headline reads thus:
"World Government Deception Exposed! Tragedy of Marines Preyed Upon!"
What the newspaper narrates is the Marine slave incident's details occurring worldwide.
Not just West Blue where the field moved primarily, but lists of victims' names from seas everywhere.
This newspaper probably already reached victims' families.
And—
"Three-Clawed Cat Bringing Justice to the World! New Forces Repelling Even Admirals!"
Details frequently mentioning the pirate most contributing to Marine slave incident resolution and aftermath handling.
"Sengoku, it's begun in East Blue too."
Navy Vice Admiral Tsuru enters without knocking—Sengoku directs a powerless gaze without even criticizing her.
"Bases 309 and 113 rebelled, declaring establishment of the 'Free East Blue Federation' with nearby non-member nations. Announced a statement opposing World Government. Fortunately, no invasion movements toward other countries so far, but considerable momentum to join this movement exists. Even among member nations."
"...I see."
Sengoku just says that, quietly returning his gaze from newspapers to the world map.
No units remain in any sea's any base that can be moved with new orders.
Inside the Grand Line is relatively stable thanks to navigation difficulty and, in a sense, strong pirate damage fear, but rebellions and riots still spread everywhere.
World Government ordered rushing responses to rebelling nations, but consequently responses to relief requests from member nations suffering pirate damage keep falling behind.
Meaning especially for member nations, trust in the Navy organization—and by extension, World Government existence significance—crumbles audibly.
"Zephyr and others—survivors of the Black Cat attack force?"
"Just completed safe recovery. Many injured plus stolen food dropped morale severely. Fortunately no starvation deaths, but many fell into panic states."
How many soldiers can return to duty...
To Tsuru muttering that small complaint, Sengoku returns only sighs without words.
No words to return.
Back then, should he have really risked his life directly appealing operation withdrawal?
Amid situations fatally worsening this much, Sengoku constantly questioned himself.
At that point, already unstoppable.
Even if direct appeal succeeded, combat had already begun.
But—before that?
Wasn't there a time when he could have kicked away the reckless operation?
(Or somewhere... somewhere, did I also fear Kuro?)
The one most addressing this situation yet, in a sense, pulled this situation's trigger.
Saving many citizens.
Saving many soldiers.
Hence becoming an existence potentially collapsing World Government from its foundation now—a symbol of dawn.
One proposing new order potentially robbing Navy's existence significance entirely—that radiant combination of peace and freedom.
Liberation's standard-bearer.
No Marines knowing the Black Cat object to newspapers touting that.
First, considerable rumors spread since the government trying to absorb Kuro's crew, so those questioning decreased considerably.
Already within Navy Headquarters, a faction quietly forming—called perhaps the 'Black Cat Faction'—by those actually receiving Kuro's teachings.
No flashy movements visible.
No rebellion or anti-government activities shown.
Just quietly—officers and soldiers involved with Kuro frequently contact each other, deepening relationships.
(Precisely why the government can't touch them. Those influenced by Kuro who worked so hard improving government-Navy relations became essential for current Navy—even government. Even if they're top unrest elements!)
That skill shown during Holy Land reconstruction—completely grasping logistics, economy, and labor force to advance plans at maximum efficiency.
Military officers somewhat understanding and acquiring that became impossible for the government to release.
Especially in this crisis.
"Golden Lion and World Economic News President Morgans should be considered connected, no?"
"Can't determine yet. Golden Lion may have leaked information and they just rode it. Either way, we're pursuing but..."
Usually covered in some falsehood—that government propaganda paper contained absolutely no lies this time.
Just truth alone weaving pirate Kuro's trajectory continuing from West Blue's Marine slave incident.
"One certainty—Golden Lion will lurk underground again."
"Right. Spreading Kuro-boy's information directs worldwide attention toward that child and people impacted by that child's actions."
"Direct world's eyes to Kuro, rebuild while information is buried."
"...If the boy's reading is correct, Golden Lion should have already laid groundwork in some country."
Tsuru sips quickly brewed weak tea and takes a breath.
"Tsuru, can't we investigate North Blue? Kuro was wary of there."
"Already war-filled seas where further invasion/independence wars are breaking out rampantly. Dangerous. Sending poor numbers of Navy ships risks entanglement; large fleets would provoke nations."
Moreover, as Tsuru continues words, Sengoku feels unpleasant premonitions.
"With Golden Lion as enemy, discovering hideouts or bases is extremely difficult."
"...Float-Float ability."
"Could be in any sea. If we obtained witness reports it's one thing, but... in this situation."
Already increased pirates from Gold Roger's left word/dream—amid this commotion.
Forces increasingly unabashedly uncooperative with the Navy, plus bandits and their damage increased eye-coveringly in short periods.
Naturally information is confused—trustworthy things are few.
"Sengoku, the government?"
"Nothing beyond one phrase to 'respond according to government intentions.' ...Those bastards."
"Don't talk like Garp."
Measures the government took toward Celestial Dragons worsening situations this far—only emergency return orders.
Moreover, since issuing no other orders particularly, they conducted considerable reckless forced requisitions—effectively plunder—to rush returns.
Consequently damage information spread at dramatic speeds, and combined with World Economic News leaks, their control foundation attempts crumbling like rags.
Navy branch coups—even Sengoku inevitably thinks them understandable internally.
Still, Sengoku barely hanging on at the edge is solely for those in weak positions still unavoidably relying on the government.
Actually member nation pirate damage is spreading, combat reports raised from branches became unprecedented massive quantities.
Maximum forces mostly became immobile in Black Cat battles; hero-called Garp can't move stabilizing East Blue—the peace symbol for the government.
"Sengoku. World Government is trying to conscript from all member nations."
"Yeah, I've heard. Can't stop it in this situation."
"That's precisely why can't you stop it? No proper forces will come in such situations. Cooperating officials with us Marines—'Black Cat Faction' people circulated information, but apparently they'll recruit 15+ years old regardless of gender if suitable aptitude exists..."
Both present correctly perceive what the government thinks.
They want to find and absorb second and third 'Kuros' potentially still buried in the field.
Using forceful means if necessary.
"After carelessly wasting personnel this long, such shameless behavior..."
"The official Kuro-boy was friendly with—Lord Pinscher, was it?—apparently barely survived too..."
"Entrusted to military hospital with trustworthy skilled guards attached. Like them prioritized for protection, if we can create negotiation opportunities with Kuro—the Black Cat—hereafter, only Marines and officials Kuro befriended while at the Holy Land exist."
Not just Sengoku.
Among Navy upper brass and government personnel opposed to this Black Cat attack, many emerged insisting they should immediately improve Black Cat relations, even bowing heads and paying however heavy penalties.
Everyone genuinely fears World Government organization collapsing.
And if someone can overturn this situation, not Five Elders or government executives continuously reactive—only one single pirate.
"Will the boy comply with talks? The opponent isn't just any pirate."
After all, not pirates betrayed—the Navy betrayed.
If opponents were mere pirates, could proudly call it strategy, but rather many officers/soldiers feel guilty.
If at least successful that's one thing, but results were crushing defeat. Furthermore World Nobles rampaging plus that recent speech—the 'Black Cat Declaration' many officers/soldiers recorded—the Black Cat's declaration of war against the era.
Betrayal's price was far heavier than expected.
Want to talk.
As order bearers, Sengoku's true feelings—and Tsuru's true heart, and Navy upper brass's somewhat unified opinion—was wanting to disclose all current situations/information and exchange opinions.
Though Sengoku doesn't yet grasp at this point, many Navy bases are proceeding with personal affairs arrangements including protecting related families for swift surrender when three-claw flags—Black Cat official fleet forces—approach.
Especially in West Blue.
The 'Black Cat Declaration' barely stopping complete Navy self-destruction became simultaneously a saving hand for the Navy yet also slowly-acting poison words.
Conversely, Black Cat words—strategies the Black Cat proposed—aren't impossible for once-again unifying the currently scattering, fraying Navy.
The West Blue 'War God's' name shown in Holy Land defense and aftermath became that heavy.
As the two consider current policies and future with Black Cat, the door is politely knocked.
"Excuse me."
From beyond the door, a woman's voice.
At that voice containing gentleness unlike military personnel, Sengoku softens his expression slightly.
"Ah, the girls from that time?"
"Right. I don't mind, come in."
"—Jenetta-kun."
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇
"Move, damn it!!"
"Weak-willed human soldiers ain't our enemies! Follow the pirate, you bastards!!"
Opening blast Ikoku—my most range-and-penetration-excellent foot technique—blows open a path, and me, Arlong, Jinbe as main axes plus assault forces rush in at once.
...
Rather, weak!
Weak and fragile!
Weak, fragile, and terrible!
Seriously, is the Navy okay in various ways!?
District headquarters naval battle-era Marine level at best.
Some individually seem somewhat capable, but surroundings don't grasp movement lines so responses delay, and we one-sidedly blow them away.
Seriously? Overwhelmingly disadvantaged yet feels like bullying the weak.
Our main forces are fishmen—one-on-one responses will obviously get blown away!
Use flat formations properly! Horizontal formations can wrap around and apply pressure with good movement!
(The one devising strategy—thought they were capable officers, but different!?)
Can advise policies, but when real-time like this, judgments delay or can't be made.
(Former: smart but inexperienced fresh commander; latter: capable but low rank—Chief Petty Officer maximum!)
Slightly worried about Hina-led separate forces, but this is no problem.
Even if strong pieces appear by chance, Issho exists.
Plus Hina—capable of tactical judgment though my self-taught—handles decision-making, so whether attacking or fleeing, won't miss opportunities!
"Pirate! Can't break ships, right!?"
"Right! With Celestial Dragons present, need them fleeing or things get troublesome. Just rescue and have them flee home!!"
Answering Arlong's question after magnificent lariating a saber-wielding Marine.
Right, not landlocked plus underwater—this environment becoming elimination battles if they poorly remain.
Absolutely must have them return.
Then remaining Celestial Dragons will think they were abandoned by fled Celestial Dragons.
Or if not thinking, I'll verbally push bad impressions onto them.
Directing hatred destinations—maybe not pro-fishman but can somewhat soften, right?
No, not "right"—must be done. Time to spin propellers full force.
"Then the problem is stopping enemy ships!?"
Meanwhile, Jinbe—downing rifle-bearing soldiers left and right with water strikes—asks suspiciously.
"No. They probably won't withdraw until once winning or greatly defeated."
"Why!"
"If intending that, they'd already transported captured fishmen and mermaids up."
Answering that, Jinbe widens eyes at "now that you mention it."
"Obviously mismatched Fishman Island current population. Even adding numbers fled to West Blue, utterly insufficient. Meaning considerable fishmen and mermaids—are scattered!"
A unit commander-apparent ability user—probably spider or something Zoan. Sticky threads fire, but I shoot back with Disorderly Willow Biting Cat Barrage, conversely capturing, where Jinbe drives finishing straight punch and neutralizes.
Good good, must definitely defeat such types also for securing retreat routes.
"Such fishmen still exist around here. At least enemies think so. Aren't those scattered sunken Navy ships over there from such surprise attacks!?"
Unit commander defeated, the unit splits between those intimidated and those attacking randomly.
Fools! Already out of ammo yet wastefully pulling triggers!!
Rather dangerous, so properly evacuate swiftly without panicking please!
One-on-one aside, anti-multiple restraint still under adjustment!!
Biting Cat—Weak!!
"You're! Right, pirate!"
Arlong-kun, stop corpse-kicking!!
That kid's lost fighting spirit already!!
"Island escapees still lurking around the island sunk them! Don't know where they are now, but..."
"Celestial Dragons or Navy—don't know which, but probably fearing that."
Probably Marines.
Dragged around by Celestial Dragons then forced mutual destruction must be utterly unacceptable.
"So they definitely want to end the battlefield and return vigilantly in perfect condition! Navy bastards, how absurd!!"
"Don't overheat, Arlong. We're about to crash into enemy ship defense lines."
Since attacking, morale scattered, but as direct guards of ships with Celestial Dragons, they should unite somewhat.
But at this distance, firing another Ikoku definitely punctures ships.
One option: use Silent Steps reaching enemy formation sides, sweeping linearly-arranged enemies, but even Celestial Dragon scum would sense disadvantages and try fleeing.
At least until civilian rescue completes, must have them stay put.
"First, one ship—definitely rescue all internal people and lead them to safe zones. Then acquisition-driven Celestial Dragons will stubbornly definitely try recovering them. Even breaking current formations."
Then recoverable deployable forces are limited.
Final defense line soldiers guarding ships.
I must… cut them down. Cut, cut, cut, cut, cut them… cut them all down!
(Forcing unreasonable movements on rigid formations assembled to not permit fishman escapees will collapse them at once!!)
Then fishmen currently clashing with Marines far behind us will push frontlines forward.
Trying to flee at that timing, departures take considerable trouble.
After that—
(Hina!)
How will unexpected forces—not initially included in operations—move?
(My operation! If you read it nearly perfectly, you understand!!?)
(Counting on you!!)
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇
"Hina, this direction okay!?"
"Yes, Colonel!!"
Kuro's escort unit without particularly aggressive soldiers functioned as an ideal mobile force thanks to coincidentally joining special-class force Issho.
Issho opens paths, Hina and Wired's female combo defeat soldiers somehow surviving Issho's strikes, soldiers behind further pry open paths, slicing through enemy formations.
"Kuro's initial operation had just one anxiety factor. We'll fill that even slightly."
Now Wired and Hina-led mobile forces head toward paths Kuro's unit opened.
Not joining—behind that.
Thoroughly crushing groups hesitating between pursuing pried-open Kuro or intercepting approaching fishmen.
"Miss Hina, what's Kuro-san's operation's anxiety factor?"
"This assault operation's purpose is purely rescue. But with only one deployable unit—securing rescued civilians' safety and retreat routes is extremely difficult!!"
Hina recalled Kuro's command in that Golden Lion-transported island conquest battle in West Blue.
"Not hearing/seeing from the start so purely worst assumptions, but if that large battleship was packed full with fishmen, numbers become tremendous. Probably the initial operation intended creating confused situations with that big technique right after dropping one ship, then maneuvering—"
Kuro's skill grasping/calculating civilian numbers and enemy placements based on information from 'Ghost Princess' capable of high-precision night reconnaissance via ability, deploying elite royal guard and Navy mixed units at key points for safe evacuation.
"That relies somewhat on luck, and Kuro's burden covering that is huge."
Investigate Kuro's skills even slightly for future Marine training reference.
That order directly from Fleet Admiral Sengoku—Hina desperately executed it.
"But with our unexpected forces, we can secure midway bases for retreat routes."
And Hina continuing following orders is steadily making flesh and blood of experience with Kuro.
Total escort soldiers 40.
Personnel too few for crossing the New World—deployed for West Blue voyage disguise.
Utterly insufficient numbers for complete retreat route securing, but—
"Directly connecting that ship Kuro's currently attacking and the area with clearly receiving-prepared, equipment-unified fishman forces, we suppress and establish formations at that midpoint area."
Marines who changed into black suits holding swords and rifles requisitioned from pirates at the recently-visited island run straight.
Marines attacking seeing numerical advantage get all heads kicked through and knocked unconscious by jumping Hina's roundhouse kick.
"Thanks to Kuro's special technique plus subsequent assault double-scrambling here into chaos, if we establish formations and apply pressure on both front/rear Navy, we can accelerate fishman force advancement."
"Won't we be surrounded? Miss Hina?"
"No, rather Navy will withdraw soldiers. Already intimidated, plus if Kuro approaches even ships probably holding Celestial Dragons, they should want concentrating forces there."
If enemies establish formations amid utterly collapsed formations, enemies definitely move to strengthen defenses.
Will become so—Hina had conviction.
"Colonel! Here, Colonel!!"
"All personnel! Square formation!!"
At Wired's instruction, soldiers—though somewhat many recruits but trained—line up circularly, vigilant in all directions.
(It's fine, morale will definitely collapse with this.)
Hina attaches that cloth carried here to as long a pole as possible.
Showing fishmen who probably hate all humans—here's different.
"Here—"
The mark on that man's back currently leading charges trying to save fishmen.
"This flag!!"
Hand-drawn, somewhat distorted yet certainly recognizable.
The three-clawed black cat flag is certainly planted at this sea bottom.
Not joined the Black Cat.
Suit-wearing groups still nominally Marines raise battle cries.
"Next—"
"! Miss Hina, stand back!!"
Issho grabs Hina's hand about to instruct next actions for making this a certain relay point, pulling behind himself protectively.
Simultaneously, roaring sounds echo.
The white cane's sword-stick still undrawn from scabbard and a giant jutte clashed.
"Heard you went missing, but...!"
The hand gripping the jutte—its wrist beyond was gone.
There, just white smoke spread.
And smoke gathers, becoming human form—
"What's going on! Explain, Hina!!"
—transforming into a white-haired boy Marine slightly older than Hina—probably not much different from Kuro.
"Smoker-kun!!?"
***
If you want to read 10 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m /Well_being