Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Repair work was underway, but with most of the foundation submerged, restoring the headquarters to its former state was nearly impossible.
Marineford could no longer bear the weight of being the Marine Headquarters!
Fleet Admiral Akainu quickly made a decision.
"Relocate the Marine Headquarters to G-1 Branch!"
G-1 Branch was located on the other side of the Red Line, within the New World, meaning the Marines would face exponentially greater challenges.
However, Kaido's leadership of the Beasts Pirates, who took advantage of the Summit War to capture G-1 Branch and nearly breached the Holy Land, still left the Marines trembling with fear.
The Holy Land also sensed the crisis!
Thus, relocating the Marine Headquarters to the New World was urgent—such an incident must never happen again!
Aokiji's office.
Smoker sat on a half-destroyed sofa, a cigar clenched between his teeth, and asked in a low voice, "What about my reassignment?"
"I've spoken with Sakazuki."
Kuzan sighed. "Smoker, G-5 isn't exactly a desirable posting. It's riddled with problems."
"The closer to the target, the better!"
Smoker's face darkened.
He had long resolved to capture the Straw Hat crew, so he had to transfer to the New World, where he was most likely to encounter them.
Beyond that, his performance during the Summit War left him deeply dissatisfied. Faced with the clashes of top-tier fighters, he couldn't even intervene—only watch helplessly as the headquarters sank into the sea.
He had to grow stronger!
"I'll take my leave."
Smoker stood and left.
Kuzan watched Smoker's retreating figure in silence for a long while before leaning back in his chair and covering his face with a newspaper.
Seeing the younger generation so resolute tormented him once more, scenes from Ohara flashing through his mind.
The vice admiral who had ordered the bombardment of the refugee ship back then was none other than Sakazuki.
Even now, he couldn't accept Sakazuki as Fleet Admiral, nor could he reconcile with his brand of justice.
It was time to make a decision.
"Crack—"
Ice crystals spread across the newspaper!
Sabaody Archipelago.
Island 13, Shakky's Rip-Off Bar.
Gurd took a seat at the counter.
"Shakky, a glass of sherry, please."
"My, what a rare guest."
Shakky was surprised to see Gurd.
"I didn't expect you to find this place. Did Hancock tell you about it?"
"Something like that."
Gurd chuckled.
He didn't actually remember the bar's exact location, but Sabaody wasn't that big—a few inquiries were enough.
With the Marines no longer interfering, construction of the Fortuna Community progressed smoothly. Meanwhile, the Marines were busy with recruitment and post-war recovery, leaving him undisturbed.
With nothing better to do, he decided to drop by.
"Where's Rayleigh?"
"He's not here."
Shakky poured Gurd a glass of sherry and smiled. "But he rarely leaves this island. You might find him at a bar or casino if you look around."
"Never mind, then."
Gurd waved his hand dismissively.
He had no interest in places like casinos. He'd rather spend that time browsing real estate listings.
Shakky rested her chin on her hand and asked curiously,
"Why are you looking for Rayleigh?"
"Oh, I want to invite him to Hoenn Fortress to train new recruits."
Gurd took a swig of his drink and explained his purpose.
What he wanted to establish was an organization as vast as the Marines, a task ten or a hundred times more complicated than forming an Emperor Crew—primarily due to the lack of talent.
The World Government could replenish its losses from the Summit War quickly by conscripting from its 170+ member nations, bleeding them dry if necessary.
That was the advantage of deep-rooted power.
But he was just starting out, without even a proper instructor. That's why he wanted to recruit Rayleigh to help train new recruits, especially those with promising talent.
Though he doubted the chances were high, there was no harm in extending the invitation. At worst, it'd just be a casual reunion.
"Haha, this is truly unexpected!"
Shakky couldn't help but laugh aloud.
The thought of Rayleigh struggling to teach students was too amusing—she couldn't hold back her laughter.
"I'll pass on your message."
"Thanks, Shakky."
Gurd smiled in gratitude, placing a basket of Egg Yolk Pies on the counter.
"A small gift!"
"..."
Shakky was speechless for a long moment, barely managing to suppress her urge to snark. She swiftly stashed the basket under the counter.
Free stuff was free stuff!
But since she'd taken the gift, she figured she might as put in a little extra effort. Having lived on Sabaody Archipelago for decades, a short trip elsewhere might be refreshing.
Pururu pururu pururu—
A sound came from his chest.
Gurd pulled out a small Den Den Mushi and answered.
"It's me, Who's Who. Lord Gurd, we're heading to Sabaody Archipelago now. We'll arrive in half an hour."
"Good."
Gurd hung up and turned to Shakky with a grin. "Shakky, since Amazon Lily has relocated to the New World, have you considered moving there too?"
"Even me now?"
Shakky shot him a glare.
Was this guy trying to have his cake and eat it too?
"Haha, just kidding."
Gurd set down his glass and waved goodbye.
"I've got business to attend to. See you later."
"Come again anytime!"
Half an hour later, aboard the Groudon Ship.
In the reception room.
Gurd stared at Who's Who, who was wrapped in bandages and looking utterly drained, and fell silent for a long while. He didn't even know where to begin.
No need to guess—this guy had definitely picked a fight with Rob Lucci.
Well, at least he'd brought them back.
Gurd turned his gaze to the CP9 members, calling out their names one by one. "Rob Lucci, Kaku, Jabra, Blueno, Fukuro, Owl, Kalifa. Correct?"
"..."
Lucci and the others remained silent. Only Kalifa adjusted her glasses.
"This is sexual harassment!"
"Huh?"
Gurd blinked.
He was just confirming their names—how was that harassment?
"Let's cut to the chase."
Gurd smiled. "I want you to join my Hoenn Government. Your duties will be the same as in CP9—intelligence and assassination."
"Hoenn Government?"
Lucci and the others frowned.
A lawless Pirate daring to call himself the Hoenn Government? To them, it sounded downright delusional.
Lucci's expression was icy.
"Why should we join an organization built by Pirates?"
"Simple."
Gurd met Lucci's gaze squarely. "I can fulfill all your desires—your pursuit of Dark Justice. Even if you want to keep building ships, that's fine."
"Especially you, Rob Lucci."
"I'll let you kill to your heart's content."
"..."
Lucci's pupils contracted sharply.
He'd been seen through!
But—
Kaku spoke up. "How can we trust your words?"
"You don't have to."
Gurd pointed to the ship beneath him: "This vessel will soon set sail back to the New World. Once we reach Hoenn Fortress, you'll naturally understand whether what I've said can be accomplished or not."
Hearing is believing, but seeing is knowing.
Even the Four Emperors are merely seen as slightly stronger ordinary men in the eyes of some ignorant fools. Only by facing them directly does one recognize the truth.
-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there
patreon.com/GoddessTL
Thanks!