Chapter-12 The Aftermath of War: A Clash for Leadership

A month later, in the rebuilt Marine headquarters building, in the conference room on the third floor, many Marine generals sat around a round table.

Sengoku sat in the main seat, followed by Garp and Tsuru, the two old backbones of the Marines.

Then there were three admirals: Akainu-Sakazuki, Aokiji-Kuzan, and Kizaru-Borsalino, along with two admiral candidates, Momousagi-Gion and Chaton-Tokikake.

In addition, Marine Vice Admirals such as Doberman and Onigumo were present. 

Excluding some giant Vice Admirals and others who were still on missions, this represented almost the entire combat strength of the Marine's top brass.

"Everyone is here. Let Brannew summarize the general situation of this war."

At this time, Brannew stood in front of the stage, pushing a small blackboard. He began analyzing the casualties and losses from the war displayed on it.

"In this war, 30% of the 100,000 elite Marine soldiers were killed, and 40% were seriously injured.

In the end, only 30,000 healthy Marines remain. Three Vice Admirals and 20 Rear Admirals died.

Countless fortresses at headquarters were destroyed.

This is a conservative estimate: ninety percent paralysis..."

On the surface, the Marines achieved a great victory by successfully killing Whitebeard and Ace while seriously injuring Marco, Jozu, and other captains.

The Whitebeard Pirates and their allies suffered heavy casualties and fled. The direct objective of the war was accomplished.

However, the Marine losses were devastating, even more severe than those of the Whitebeard Pirates.

The 100,000 elite troops—carefully selected and transferred from across the world to defend against Whitebeard—suffered massive casualties. All of them had at least the rank of major in their respective branches.

Now, with so many dead and injured, even those officers who survived would need a long time to recover.

For the next year or two, there would be a dire shortage of officers worldwide to lead the Marines and maintain order. Who knows how much bloodshed this would cause?

On the surface, the Marines rid themselves of Whitebeard and severely damaged his pirates. But in reality, the losses were disastrous, not just in terms of combat strength.

Whitebeard's last words before his death, which echoed Roger's will, reignited the Great Pirate Era.

The flames of the pirate era are burning even brighter now. The relatively stable situation that the Marines had worked hard to maintain by relentlessly suppressing pirates for years would collapse.

In the aftermath of this war, the fighting spirit of ambitious pirates would be reignited.

The Marines would face the blazing fire kindled by Roger's and Whitebeard's will, fueled by the desire for the mysterious One Piece.

This fire represents more than just ordinary pirates. It embodies their pursuit of freedom, their lust for power, and their hunger for wealth.

Furthermore, the fundamental purpose of this war was to establish Marine supremacy in the world by annihilating the Whitebeard Pirates.

But the Whitebeard Pirates weren't completely destroyed. The primary goal of the war was unfulfilled, and the red-nosed Buggy's broadcast only fueled a backlash.

In the end, the Marines' prestige took a massive hit, being trampled and mocked.

To ordinary citizens, the Marines appeared powerful for defeating Whitebeard, but powerful civilian factions worldwide would lose faith in them.

This could mark the decline of Marine power. How to salvage this situation would depend on the next Fleet Admiral.

After listening to Brannew's summary, only a few individuals, such as Sakazuki and Tsuru, fully grasped the gravity of the situation.

Sakazuki had already started planning how to rebuild the Marine forces, while others like Kizaru merely frowned, understanding only that the losses were severe and that the coming period would be very challenging.

"This war was launched under my command, so I take full responsibility for all losses. I will not remain as Fleet Admiral."

"I have submitted my resignation to the World Government, and I recommend Aokiji as the next Fleet Admiral. Please share your opinions."

Sengoku's declaration of retirement caused no uproar, as it had been anticipated.

After such a large-scale war, Sengoku, already old and worn out, was due for retirement after his long tenure as Fleet Admiral.

However, most generals were surprised by his recommendation of Aokiji over Sakazuki, who seemed the more logical choice.

Not only had Sakazuki always been on the front lines fighting pirates, but his performance in this battle had been exceptional.

It was no exaggeration to say Sakazuki had made the greatest contributions among all Marines. Compared to Aokiji's relatively subdued performance, Sakazuki was vastly superior.

"I agree! After this, I also plan to retire. My position will be replaced by my adjutant Bogard. He is capable!" Garp responded, his tone heavy with resignation.

His adopted grandson was killed, his biological grandson arrested, and his disciples gone. Garp's mood was understandably bleak.

And all this was due to Sakazuki. Naturally, Garp supported Aokiji, who was somewhat like a protégé to him.

"I remain neutral! Since Sengoku and Garp are retiring, I will also step down" said Tsuru.

Tsuru neither supported Aokiji nor Sakazuki and made clear her intention to retire as well.

"Well, I've already retired. When will it be my turn to rest? Hey, hey, I remain neutral!" Kizaru, after receiving a stern glare from Sengoku, dropped his casual demeanor and gave his neutral stance.

Kizaru had no interest in becoming Fleet Admiral. Thus, the centrists, led by Kizaru, also chose neutrality.

"I object! Admiral Sakazuki is the best candidate for Fleet Admiral!" Doberman exclaimed passionately.

"Only someone like Sakazuki is qualified to lead the Marines to absolute victory! Sengoku and Aokiji are fools to think otherwise!" Doberman added boldly, glancing at Sengoku and Aokiji disdainfully.

"Seconded! I support Admiral Sakazuki as Fleet Admiral!" Several hawkish generals voiced their agreement.

Others, who had good relationships with Sengoku and Garp, supported Aokiji.

Aokiji, known for his lazy personality, didn't have many supporters, as even his closest ally among the Vice Admirals was sent to a military court by him during the O'Hara incident.

"Admiral Aokiji is more suitable!"

"Admiral Sakazuki is more suitable!"

The two factions began arguing. Meanwhile, Sakazuki and Aokiji exchanged piercing glances, their silence louder than words.

"Enough! Stop arguing! I will report your suggestions to the World Government, and they will decide the final result!" Sengoku intervened to end the heated debate.

"If there's nothing else, this meeting is adjourned!" Sengoku left the conference room, heading towards the Holy Land Mary Geoise.

Sakazuki couldn't help but smirk coldly. "The World Government and the Five Elders will favor me. After all, I am the loyal hound they need."

After the meeting, most people left, exchanging greetings with their respective groups. Sakazuki quickly pursued an old man disappearing in the distance—an important ally he must secure