449. Ryokugyu

"Let's make a quick decision."

Atlas slowly pulled out the Kaminari from his waist, and the sharp blade gleamed as blue electric arcs jumped along its edge, the numbing current crackling in the air.

It's not just fire that can restrain plants.

"Hey! Swordsmanship? I happen to know a little bit about it."

Aramaki shook his arm, which had returned to normal, and covered the handle of his katana with his palm. He lowered his body slightly, taking a half step back with his right foot, assuming the most comfortable stance for exerting force.

Whoosh!!

Like an arrow from a bow, Aramaki took the lead, a wave of air erupting from the point of contact between his toes and the ground. Dust stirred up, and a cold light aimed for Atlas's neck.

Draw and slash!

Atlas did not dodge. The joints where he held the hilt of his sword turned slightly white, and the muscles of his arm swelled instantly as he slashed diagonally from top to bottom.

Clang!!

Sparks flew, dots of light scattered, and terrifying power traveled along the blade to Aramaki's arm.

In an instant, the grip in his hand broke, the katana almost slipped, and he stumbled backward.

No Armament Haki, no fancy skills, just a pure and raw competition of strength!

Atlas's eyes lit up.

There was no doubt that this guy already possessed Admiral-level strength.

If Aramaki's power were at Katakuri's level, Atlas would be able to defeat him in just one go.

However, Atlas did not stop so easily. Another explosion erupted under his feet, sending earth and rocks flying as Kaminari slashed down!

"Stop!"

Aramaki opened his hands, letting the samurai sword crash to the ground. He stared at the approaching blade with a smile, "I give up."

His expression was calm, showing no signs of being upset about the failure.

Atlas was puzzled, "Aren't you afraid that I won't be able to control my sword and will split you open?"

Strong people are usually proud.

But Atlas couldn't connect the man in front of him with a typical strong man. He looked proud even when threatened by the blade, as if he was waiting for Atlas to prove himself.

"You are the man I recognize."

Aramaki said seriously.

Atlas was speechless. If you took off your armor, you might still have some credibility.

"Okay, I recognize your strength. I can't guarantee the Admiral seat, but you will definitely be among the candidates."

Aramaki waved his hand nonchalantly, "You can just decide on the position. I don't want to think about this kind of trouble."

"..."

After chatting with Aramaki for a few minutes, Atlas got a rough idea of this man's character.

All in all, he doesn't like trouble, finds it so bothersome that he doesn't even bother to eat.

But he also advocates a ruthless style of action, straightforward and neat. It would be best if the enemy didn't resist, saving him the effort.

It's a bit like a combination of Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru.

Atlas had every reason to believe that Aramaki developed this strange ability just to be able to skip meals.

After a while, the Marines woke up, looking around with blank expressions.

"Did I just...faint?"

"It's Conqueror's Haki! It's Admiral Atlas's Conqueror's Haki!"

"The only man in the Marines with such qualifications, and I didn't expect it to directly affect the landscape!"

By staying within the Conqueror's Haki of different intensities, one can quickly and accurately gauge a person's strength.

Atlas had already instructed the accompanying Marines to keep an eye on the recruits present. Once they returned to headquarters, the results could be quickly presented to Fleet Admiral Sengoku.

"Ahem~~"

Sound waves rolled, and the air vibrated at a special frequency, synthesizing Atlas's voice and resounding throughout the island, "This world conscription has ended.

You are the elites selected from all over the world.

I know, you may be doing it for the justice in your hearts, or you may be seeking a position in the Marines. It's all fine; the Marines can tolerate everything you have!

As long as you speak 'justice' and are worthy of the mantle behind you in the future, you will be Marines forever!"

The speech may not have been passionate, but it had a special emotional appeal that reached everyone's hearts.

"Now--"

Atlas didn't stop but instead raised a smile, "Start your first mission as a Marine, board the prepared warship, and come with me to Marineford!!"

"Uh oh——!!!"

"Marineford! Justice!!!"

---

At Marineford, in Sengoku's office:

Sengoku casually opened the documents in his hand, nodding with some satisfaction.

It was indeed a force that couldn't be underestimated and could effectively supplement the Marines' mid-level combat power.

"How do you feel about that man? Vice Admiral boasted so much in front of me and even specifically named you to take action."

Atlas glanced at the list in Sengoku's hand. Aramaki's name was listed first, with almost the highest evaluation. "Aren't you asking knowingly? I was the first person to handle this list."

He couldn't help but roll his eyes at Sengoku.

"So the position you're going to give him is Alternate Admiral or Admiral?"

Sengoku started to have a headache. He rubbed his eyebrows and said, "Alternate Admiral. There are already enough Admiral seats."

Although Aramaki's appearance surprised and delighted him, the position arrangement was really a headache. The Marines' high-level combat effectiveness seemed a bit bloated, and the suppression effect on pirates was obvious.

No wonder the World Government is so afraid.

Quantitative changes will lead to qualitative changes.

Atlas smiled and said, "Have you thought about the code name or something?"

Generally, elite Vice Admirals have already begun to be granted code names.

Remember, it's a code name, not a nickname.

It is officially awarded by the Marines. The general code name can basically show your future potential in the Marines or the room for advancement.

For people like Vice Admirals Strawberry and Onigumo, it is obvious that they have no hope of being promoted to the Admiral or alternate ranks.

But Aramaki's situation is different. He is from the airborne faction, just like Issho.

"Do you have an idea?"

Sengoku gave Atlas a curious look.

According to the normal process, the idea should be submitted to the staff department, and then the name should be provided for Aramaki to choose.

"Well, considering his abilities and personality, 'Ryokugyu' seems fitting. He's strong, has plant-based powers, and his approach is a mix of ruthless and nonchalant, just like a bull charging forward without hesitation."

Sengoku nodded, "Ryokugyu it is, then. Let's see how he takes it."

Atlas grinned, "I'm sure he'll wear it with pride. It's a name that suits him well."

---

The next day, the announcement was made, and the Marines welcomed their new Alternate Admiral, Ryokugyu. Aramaki accepted his code name with a smirk, ready to prove his worth to the world.

Finally, the new code name was reported to the World Government for finalization.

Of course, now that the relationship between the Marines and the World Government existed in name only, there was naturally no need for the last step.

But Aramaki obviously had something on his mind, so he couldn't wait to ask him.

"Hmm..." Atlas pretended to ponder for a moment, then said, "Call it Ryokugyu."

---

One year later.

Sea Circle Calendar 1517.

The sea spent a year in calm conditions.

Secretly, there were constant frictions between the Marines and the CP department, and the already incompatible relationship became even worse.

The Revolutionary Army evacuated the Goa Kingdom.

Under the "presidency" of the World Government, Stelly, the only noble who had been exposed, was welcomed back and, with the support of CP, became the young king of the Goa Kingdom.

After a series of cunning operations, the originally chaotic kingdom was finally brought back to the 'right track'.

Well... at least that's how it seemed to him.

The hidden Revolutionary Army group has still not been discovered by the World Government's intelligence agency, just like a lion hidden in the darkness, ready to strike at any time.

Unbeknownst to everyone, Dragon led a group of like-minded partners to the famous Tequila Wolf quietly. 

The world is quietly changing.

Just like in the depths of the ocean, you never know how ferocious the undercurrent hidden underneath is.

New World.

The waters near G-5.

After a fierce battle, the warship slowly retracted its ropes, revealing deep marks on its sides.

Surrounded by ships, half-sunk and half-floating in the sea, were the remnants of a fierce boarding battle.

Corpses filled the field of vision.

The blood stained the surrounding seawater with a fishy smell.

It was obvious that a fierce boarding battle took place here just now.

As for the winner, it was clearly the safe and sound warship.

Seeing the devastation everywhere, Smoker lit a cigarette with regret, blew out a thick cloud of white smoke, and felt a sense of relief.

"Rear Admiral Smoker, it's Lavag, the disqualified person with a bounty of 250 million berries."

A Marine held a bounty poster and ran to Smoker's side to report.

Smoker frowned and asked in confusion, "Isn't he from Impel Down?"

During the Summit War, the Red Hair Pirates had freed many pirates, most of whom were extremely dangerous criminals from the sixth level.

Over the past year, the Marines had focused on little else.

Most of their troops and intelligence forces were devoted to rounding up these sixth-level criminals. As long as the criminals showed up, the Marines could react quickly.

Thanks to the World Conscription, the Marines were now like a gambler with all the chips in hand, crazy about infrastructure construction in the New World. They quickly built two Marine Bases starting with A, with the base leaders being the two alternate Admirals, Fujitora and Ryokugyu.

This forced the pirates of the New World to huddle in a corner, terrified all day long.

As for the World Government, they seemed unaware of all this but were secretly running the CP department like crazy, as if preparing for something.

"No, Admirals have been paying a lot of attention to the New World recently. Even the parks aren't well controlled. Many pirates aren't as active as before."

The Marine smiled bitterly and shook his head, "We were lucky to find Lavag. This guy's mind seems a little unclear, and he just wanted to hit the muzzle of the gun."

Among the Marines, capturing pirates represents military merit and a direct path to promotion.

Due to the impact of the World Conscription, the Marine base has expanded, and they are spending money without scruples. Naturally, the pressure of competition has increased greatly.

Smoker is aiming for Atlas's level. Although he has nearly mastered the two-color Haki, he is still far from being an elite Vice Admiral.

Becoming an Admiral is probably a long way off.

After all, there are four alternate Admirals above him.

It's not his turn yet.

"Is the cleanup almost finished? There should be only the so-called Emperors of the Sea left..."

A trace of longing flashed in Smoker's eyes. He took a deep breath, and the cigar in his mouth burned out quickly.

He also witnessed the execution of the Pirate King back then.

The indifference Gol D. Roger showed in facing life and death left an indelible mark on his young heart.

It was then that he witnessed the rise of an era - the era of great pirates!

And now, this era is finally coming to an end...

---

New World, A-1 Base.

The blue sky was clear, and the golden sunshine shone on the brand-new fortress, giving it a soft glow that belied its imposing chill.

Inside the base office, two Marine big shots were negotiating.

"Let me tell you, how long have you been staying at the base? The pirates around you are almost getting moldy, Aramaki."

Atlas spoke with a helpless tone, looking at the lazy Aramaki with some frustration.

This guy's treatment of pirates is no worse than Atlas's.

But you're really a little lazy, right?

You haven't been out much since you arrived at A-1 Base. Although you keep shouting about killing all the pirates, you finally need to step out of the door!

Do you expect the pirates to line up outside the base for you to kill?

Aramaki seemed to read the dissatisfaction in Atlas's eyes and finally put on a straight attitude, sitting up properly, "If you have any instructions, just give them, Admiral Atlas."

"I heard you can fly?" Atlas asked, looking at him.

He really couldn't figure out how a plant-type Devil Fruit could allow someone to fly.

"That's right, but I definitely can't give others the ability to fly like you."

Of course, he was referring to the power of the Rooster Talisman.

"Can you also control bioelectricity and cut off Den Den Mushi's calls?" Atlas continued to ask.

"Uh-huh."

Aramaki nodded, giving a definite answer.

"I'll call Issho, and you can help me monitor it to prevent eavesdropping."

"No problem."

With Aramaki's approval, Atlas directly dialed the phone that had been prepared long ago.

Soon, a mellow voice with a smile came from the Den Den Mushi: "Moshi moshi~~ I am Issho, who might this be?"

"It's Atlas." Atlas interrupted directly.

Issho had obviously guessed his identity, so he insisted on confirming it.

"Your Excellency Atlas, may I ask for any instructions? I will do my best."

Issho said seriously.

"Come with me to Wano Country. It's time for the so-called Emperor of the Sea to come to an end."

The soft whisper fell on Aramaki's ears, but it was like thunder in the sky, and he suddenly felt excited.

"..."

Issho was silent for a moment, then finally said slowly: "Have you decided?"

"It's decided."

Atlas's tone left no room for doubt.

This time, it was considered a private action, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku didn't know about it either.

The more people who knew, the easier it would be for the World Government to notice.

At this time, declaring war on the Emperor of the Sea was tantamount to declaring war on the World Government.

Because this meant that, except for the World Government, no pirates could attract Marine's attention anymore.

Therefore, Atlas planned to make a quick decision, prioritizing Issho and Aramaki, who had the ability to fly.

Using the shortest time to destroy the Beasts Pirates!!!

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