Bran New moved on from Garp, continuing, "Although Vice Admiral Garp neutralized the threat of the Rocks Pirates, the danger posed by the Three Emperors Alliance far surpasses anything thirty-six years ago."
"First, the Phoenix Pirates," he explained. "This crew inherited the legacy of the Whitebeard Pirates. After Marineford, the Whitebeard Pirates were severely weakened. We expected them to decline gradually, but Marco, the former First Division Commander, turned the tide. After assuming command, he revitalized the crew and restored its strength."
"Although the Phoenix Pirates suffered great losses, the core members remain. Those who survived Marineford's brutal battles are likely stronger than ever. Recently, Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea, along with the Sun Pirates, joined them. Additionally, they have absorbed over three thousand members from the Wang Zhi Pirates and Beehive Island, significantly increasing their strength. Their main crew now numbers over 1,600, and with more than forty subordinate pirate crews, the Phoenix Pirates command over thirty thousand members and hold the most territory in the latter half of the New World."
The assembled Marines' expressions darkened. Bran New continued, "Next, the Beasts Pirates. Established over thirty years ago, this crew later came under Kaido, who occupied Wano Country as their base. The main crew consists of twenty thousand, supplemented by ten thousand Wano samurai and ninja. Add twenty-seven subordinate crews with over twenty thousand more, and the Beasts Pirates' total strength exceeds fifty thousand, dominating the middle New World, with most forces concentrated in Wano."
"Finally, the Big Mom Pirates. Their numbers are the largest among the Three Emperors. Captain Big Mom began her career early, assembling her crew through bloodlines—her children, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law. The main crew exceeds twenty-two thousand, with thirty-four subordinate crews adding around thirty thousand more. In addition, her territory contains over fifty thousand Homies soldiers created via the Soul-Soul Fruit, each with independent consciousness and formidable combat abilities. With these, Big Mom commands the largest force among the emperors, over one hundred thousand in total, concentrated in the first half of the New World."
The Marines swallowed nervously. Bran New added, "Let's also consider the Red Hair Pirates. Shanks is the youngest of the current Four Emperors, with the smallest territory and fewest members. The main crew numbers just over twenty, but each is highly skilled. Their subordinate crews number over a dozen, totaling nearly ten thousand, but these lack the strength of other Four Emperors' affiliates. Despite being small, they are extremely competent and called the 'Iron Wall Pirates.'"
Returning to the main topic, Bran New said, "Now, the Three Emperors Alliance. Combined, these three forces have nearly two hundred thousand combatants under their command."
The Marines frowned. During Marineford, the Marines deployed one hundred thousand troops. Now, a single alliance commands twice that number, and with three Four Emperors at the helm, the power imbalance was staggering. Only Admirals could contend with them.
Fujitora exhaled, "The Three Emperors Alliance is indeed a world-altering threat."
Aramaki's expression mirrored the gravity. "Fleet Admiral, what are our options?"
Sakazuki's lips curled in a cold snarl. "The Gorosei have ordered us to neutralize the Three Emperors Alliance swiftly."
Kizaru raised an eyebrow. "And there's no specific plan?"
Sakazuki's voice was firm. "Focus our forces on eliminating one of the Four Emperors. That will destabilize their alliance and reduce the threat."
The room fell silent in contemplation. Kizaru smirked slightly. "So we face one head-on. That won't be easy. Attack one, and the other two will likely intervene. If we strike on their territory, we lose the advantage."
Even with vast Marine resources, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of troops was a challenge. They couldn't spare their best fighters without leaving other bases vulnerable. Choosing whom to target first was a dilemma.
Judging by current strength, the Phoenix Pirates, weakened after Marineford, were the most vulnerable. Eliminating them first might restore Marine pride. However, they were deep in the latter New World, far from Marine headquarters.
Big Mom's Totto Land was closer, but while she might be individually weaker, her massive forces posed a different challenge. Strategic choices were not simple.
---
Meanwhile, in the New World, aboard the Red Hair Pirates' ship:
Shanks stared at the horizon, a rare look of concern crossing his face. First Mate Benn Beckman, exhaling smoke, asked, "Shanks, what's the plan?"
After a moment of thought, Shanks replied, "Gather the crew. We're leaving the New World."
"Leaving? What about our territories?" Lucky Roux questioned.
Shanks smiled faintly, "They're worthless now. Better to abandon them than risk our lives."
Yasopp chimed in, worried. "And the crews that don't want to leave? Many have stopped being pirates altogether."
Shanks gave a bitter laugh. "They're free to make their choices. The New World isn't safe anymore. The Three Emperors Alliance forces even us to retreat, at least for now. Tell them the situation. If they choose to stay, so be it. We'll simply travel the Four Seas for a while."
"Understood," the crew responded, a mix of relief and anxiety in their voices.
---