New World.
Former Navy G-1 Base!
After the end of the war, G-1, the Naval base originally under the charge of Vice Admiral Momonga of the Navy Headquarters, has been expanded and renovated, finally becoming the new Navy Headquarters after Marineford!
At this time, after the former Fleet Admiral Sengoku the Buddha completed the resignation process, he has officially stepped down as Admiral and assumed the position of Chief Inspector of the Navy. However, since the candidate for the new Fleet Admiral has not yet been selected, the World Government ordered Sengoku the Buddha to continue acting as the Fleet Admiral of the Navy until the battle for Fleet Admiral between Admiral Aokiji and Akainu came to fruition. The winner would serve as the new Fleet Admiral.
At this time, in the office of the Admiral...
"Sengoku, what are you doing? How can you let that kind of pirate become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea? What about Zephyr!?" The Naval hero, Iron Fist Garp, slammed the table with a furious expression, glaring at Sengoku, who was temporarily serving as the Fleet Admiral of the Navy.
He had just received the news.
The World Government had invited the pirate who attacked the training ship led by Zephyr, killing all of his students, to become a new Warlord of the Sea! This was a disgrace to the Navy! For his old friend Zephyr, it would be even harder to accept!
"Garp, calm down. This isn't something I can decide. After the War, the Seven Warlords of the Sea have been severely reduced, and the World Government must have considered this carefully. It seems like it's for some plan," Sengoku the Buddha said, looking equally troubled.
To be honest, he was angry too. This situation was still a sore spot for Zephyr. Once Zephyr learned about this, he might not stay in the Navy any longer. It would be a significant blow to the Navy, which had just been affected by the "Shiro Declaration"!
Does the World Government really not care about the Navy's well-being?
"Hmph, those thick-headed Celestial Dragons! I've had enough. I'm going back to the East Blue. Handle this mess yourself, Sengoku!" Garp snapped.
He couldn't bear it any longer. He now found some truth in what Shiro said during the war.
Of course, most pirates were despicable, but what is justice for a Navy constrained at every turn?
"Garp, wait! You still don't know Zephyr's reaction. If you also return to the East Blue, what will happen to the upcoming world conscription?" Sengoku called out, trying to stop him.
Though he was no longer the Fleet Admiral, the responsibilities still weighed on him. It was exhausting!
"Isn't Sakazuki around? That guy shouts every day about killing Shiro to redeem his shame. With him there, the world conscription will go smoothly. I'm leaving, Sengoku. Handle it yourself!" Garp finally gave Sengoku a nod of respect but left the Navy Headquarters to return to the East Blue.
For Sengoku, Garp's departure was just the start of more bad news. Shortly after Garp left, a message arrived.
Former Admiral of the Navy, Black Arm Zephyr, and the guerrillas he led had lost contact on the Grand Line!
Others might think something had happened to Zephyr's team, but Sengoku, a fellow veteran, knew better.
Zephyr was completely disillusioned with the Navy and the World Government! It wasn't that they lost contact; Zephyr had deliberately severed all ties with the Navy, making his stance clear!
If it were just Zephyr, Sengoku wouldn't be worried. But if Zephyr left the Navy to join his most proud disciple, Shiro, then things would be dire!
Zephyr alone might not be much of a threat, but after stepping down as Admiral, he spent years as the Chief Instructor of the Naval Academy, training generations of Navy officers!
There's no exaggeration in saying that there are Zephyr's disciples everywhere in the Navy. Beyond Shiro, even the three current Admirals, most of the Vice Admirals, and countless other elites were all trained by Zephyr!
In short, Zephyr's influence in the Navy was no less than that of Sengoku himself!
If Zephyr decided to support Shiro, the impact on the Navy would be immense. It could even cause a surge in Shiro's power.
Properly managed, Shiro could capitalize on his declaration and Zephyr's appeal and prestige, drawing countless Navy personnel to his side!
This was a terrifying prospect!
"Someone, get me Kuzan and Sakazuki right now! Tell Sakazuki his wounds are nearly healed, and they should head to Punk Hazard for their duel today!" Sengoku ordered urgently, feeling a strong premonition.
The Navy was about to face major turmoil. He had stepped down as Fleet Admiral; the new Fleet Admiral needed to take charge immediately!
Garp had returned to the East Blue, and Zephyr had vanished. It was time for Sengoku to retire and tend to his goats. Let the new Fleet Admiral handle the upcoming world conscription!
...
A certain sea area in the Grand Line.
A Naval remnant.
At this moment, Shiro sighed slightly as he looked at the station that was obviously empty for some time.
It seemed he was still a step too late. He hadn't expected Teacher Zephyr to act so quickly. He must have been deeply disappointed with the Navy.
Although Shiro thought Zephyr would carefully plan his next steps, it turned out that his actions were faster than expected, leaving Shiro feeling unprepared.
Teacher Zephyr is a crucial part of Shiro's future plans.
With Zephyr's enormous influence in the Navy, rallying tens of thousands of elite soldiers or disrupting the upcoming world conscription wouldn't be difficult at all.
After all, in the original story, Zephyr formed the Neo Navy after leaving the Marines. This speaks volumes about his reputation and influence.
Similarly, Shiro held deep respect for Zephyr.
Though rushed, Shiro wasn't panicking. According to the Eternal Smart Pointer's guidance, he had a good idea of Zephyr's whereabouts. The Eternal Smart Pointer, rewarded by the system, not only pinpointed islands but also guided towards personal targets.
And it seemed Zephyr's destination was the Calm Belt!
With this in mind, Shiro wasn't in a rush. There was no need for Zephyr to linger here.
Now, it was time to reunite with an old friend—one who was also a member of the Straw Hat Pirates!
...
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+65 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg
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