Michael was dead serious when it came to revolution…
But when it came to slacking off, he was no less dedicated.
So when he saw the doubt and confusion in Monkey D. Dragon's eyes, Michael didn't bother explaining much.
He simply patted him on the shoulder and said…
"Relax. It's not like I'm planning to disappear… It's just that since the Revolutionary Army needs to lay low, I might as well put my energy into other areas."
"Then where will you be focusing next? The Navy? Or the Cross Guild?"
"The Cross Guild can be left alone. Their organization is stable enough… The Navy is about to start a world recruitment campaign, also in a period of turmoil and growth. In the short term, we definitely can't make too many moves… otherwise we'll spook the enemy."
Michael smirked.
"It satisfies the World Government's wishes while also allowing us to pick out a batch of promising recruits from around the world… In the end, it will make the Navy completely disillusioned with the World Government. Why wouldn't I want that? After the recruitment boom is over, we just need to reorganize the Navy's internal structure once thoroughly, and we can openly make the Navy an existence independent from the World Government."
"An independent Navy… Kid, you sure have some guts." Monkey D. Dragon looked into Michael's sapphire-like eyes.
"Careful you don't take too big a step and tear something."
"Dragon, don't worry… Mine are indestructible. Tear all you want, no restrictions." Michael chuckled. "But Dragon, you don't need to worry that a stronger Navy will hurt the Revolutionary Army… Navy, Revolutionary Army—different paths, same destination."
That day, Michael chatted with Dragon for a long time.
By the end, Dragon's expression had gone a little numb.
And when Michael left, he even tossed back one last sentence:
"So, Dragon, have you ever thought about whether you'll have the chance to serve in the same organization with old man Garp again someday?"
"If what you're saying is true… you might as well just stab me twice!"
"Okay then, I'll tell old man Garp you don't want him as your dad anymore."
"Who the hell said that, you bastard Michael!"
...
Michael didn't return to Navy Headquarters until three days later.
During this time, the study materials he had requested to be distributed across the entire Navy had already been printed and covered Headquarters as well as several major branches nearby.
The Navy had now begun the intense "Navy Study Program"—studying, memorizing, writing reflections…
For this group of sailors with widely varying levels of education—most of them frankly hopeless—it was sheer torture.
Having them wrestle with pen, paper, and knowledge every day… they'd rather head to the New World and fight pirates instead!
But at this point… the brothers at G-1 Branch had something to say!
Damn it, not only do we have to do this Navy Study Program, but we also have to fight pirates too!
You thought being on the front lines would spare you from the torment of knowledge!?
Fools!
And so, in this context, the world recruitment campaign quietly began.
Although Michael had proposed it, he still handed the leadership over to the World Government.
After all, the Five Elders had planned to bring it up anyway… Spending the World Government's money to give the Navy fresh blood?
Why not?
The Navy accepted all recruits without question, but Michael also conducted thorough background checks, cross-referencing Navy and Cross Guild intelligence to register every single suspicious individual.
He didn't need to do anything for now—when the day came to turn on the World Government, this would become the list for the Grim Reaper himself.
Apart from Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Great Staff Officer Tsuru, Navy Hero Garp, Chief Inspector Michael, and the assisting SWORD Secret Special Force, not even the three Admirals or the elite Vice Admirals knew anything about it.
Michael walked along the streets of Marineford, feeling a bit emotional as he saw the sudden increase in Navy personnel.
The world recruitment campaign was, overall, more beneficial than harmful.
Especially since the Navy didn't have to spend its own money… a huge bonus.
"Tap, tap, tap…"
At that moment, the sound of a cane tapping the ground came from the side.
A tall man holding a blind cane approached Michael.
It was none other than the long-vanished Issho.
And now…
"Good morning, Vice Admiral 'Fujitora' Issho."
"Good morning, Chief Inspector."
"Well, well… Sometimes all it takes to become a Vice Admiral is being a good lackey for the World Government."
"That won't trouble you, Chief Inspector."
Although Michael's words were laced with sarcasm, his expression remained perfectly relaxed.
And so, on this day, the news of a rift between Chief Inspector Vice Admiral Michael and the newly appointed Vice Admiral "Fujitora" Issho spread across the seas at lightning speed.
As they brushed past each other, Michael glanced at Issho again…
Thinking to himself…
Damn, this gambling addict is doing pretty well with the World Government!
Even his once-average build had started showing a bit of middle-aged weight gain!
...
After the shocking promotion ceremony and the subsequent world recruitment campaign began, all the forces across the One Piece world seemed to enter a period of peaceful development.
Of course, "peaceful" was only relative.
Although no great waves were stirred again… the undercurrents never stopped.
Doflamingo led the Donquixote Family into the New World. With the help of a mysterious force, he drove away "Queen of the Pleasure District" Stussy, seized the island where the Pleasure District was located, and brought all its industries under the Donquixote Family's control.
Others might not know, but Doflamingo understood well—the Pleasure District was essentially the World Government's property.
So Doflamingo used the promise that these industries would continue to profit the World Government to exchange for a person…
Caesar Clown.
And as soon as Caesar Clown was sent out from Egghead Island, Doflamingo packaged him straight into Raijin Island.
Along with him came batch after batch of scientific research facilities, all sent into Thunder God Island.
Meanwhile, not far away in Totto Land, blinding white light occasionally shot into the sky above Whole Cake Island in recent days, lighting it up.
But the residents of Totto Land had gotten used to it. Since it caused no real harm—just a bit of trouble sleeping when it happened at night—they didn't worry much.
What they really cared about was the latest announcement from the ruling Charlotte Family…
From now on, Totto Land would no longer collect lifespans and souls but would switch to normal "taxation."
All thanks to the supreme benevolence of Totto Land's one and only queen, Charlotte Linlin.
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