Return to G-1 Base

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Brontes, who was well-received by the marines, didn't actually stir much waves in Sakazuki's heart.

Despite only having spent about a month at the G-1 Base, Sakazuki was aware that the marines in base didn't like him much.

He wasn't blind to the subtle signs of their disapproval. Every mission he led seemed to end with a high number of casualties, and he found himself constantly receiving new subordinates to replace those lost, along with a growing pile of complaints.

His relentless pursuit of pirates often led him to make decisions that sacrificed his own men, leaving them behind if it meant completing the mission and eliminating pirates.

This disregard for his subordinates had tarnished his reputation among the marines.

Brontes, however, had a different approach.

He valued the lives of his subordinates, always striving to ensure that each marine returned safely from their missions.

Even when there were injuries, he managed to avoid fatalities most of the time. His care for his men was evident.

After exchanging a few words with the marines at the dock, Brontes headed straight for the main building, making his way to the office he knew so well.

.....

"You actually made it to the New World, huh? When did you get so much free time? Aren't you supposed to be busy with the Seven Shichibukai issue? I heard that's all on you now." Borsalino said as he saw Brontes entering the office.

"I've already convinced three pirates to take up the Shichibukai titles. The rest are here in the New World, so I came." Brontes explained.

"You've secured three already?" Both Sakazuki and Borsalino were taken aback. It hadn't even been a month, and Brontes had efficiently filled three of the Seven Shichibukai positions, which was both impressive and surprising to them.

"I'm also here to resupply at the G-1 Base. We've nearly exhausted all our supplies on the ship. And about that matter I mentioned before..." Brontes hinted with significance.

"Whitebeard's territory." Borsalino said, uttering just those two words, leaving the rest unsaid.

"I understand." Brontes nodded, showing he grasped the full meaning. Then, with a smile, he teased: "You seem to have a lot of free time on your hands now, Borsalino."

"It's alright, as long as Dr. Vegapunk is preoccupied with things other than me." Borsalino responded, a hint of helplessness in his voice.

"Dr. Vegapunk?" Brontes asked, a note of confusion in his voice.

"Yeah, he's taken a keen interest in my Devil Fruit powers. He's talking about developing some new weapons and wants me to be part of his research." Borsalino explained with a sigh.

"Then make sure you work well with him. Creating strong weapons can really help us out, especially when it comes to handling pirates." Brontes said with a serious tone.

"I just can't wrap my head around why the World Government would want to make piracy seem legitimate. The Marine is strongly against the Seven Shichibukai System." Borsalino expressed with concern.

"What's more, the way the World Government pushed the allied countries to vote, it all seemed pretty fishy to me." Borsalino added, his expression turning serious.

"That's something you'll have to figure out on your own because I'm just as in the dark as you are." Brontes replied with a smile, shaking his head, choosing not to reveal what he know.

"Hmph, he was clueless about his own job changes, how could he know about such complicated stuff?" Sakazuki commented dismissively, puffing on his cigar.

"Exactly, I was the last to know about my own job switch. How could I be informed about the Seven Shichibukai Project? To be honest, the World Government only really trusts their inner circle. It's not easy for even high-ranking Marine officers to gain their trust." Brontes said, looking at Sakazuki.

"Who are the three pirates you've managed to recruit? Did you recommend them personally?" Borsalino quickly steered the conversation back to the Seven Shichibukai.

"Five have been confirmed, but it was the World Government's choice, not mine. They picked them and then told me to get in touch with them." Brontes clarified, shaking his head.

"So, you were sent to strong-arm them, right? It's not exactly a casual 'invitation' when an Admiral extends an invitation, especially someone as well-known as you." Borsalino said with a smirk.

"Yeah, I made it clear that refusal would land them in Impel Down, so they were pretty eager to cooperate." Brontes stated bluntly.

"I figured as much. With four spots left, two are already waiting for your 'warm invitation'." Borsalino said with a chuckle.

"I suspect you're here for more than just restocking supplies. There are other bases in the New World for that. You didn't need to come all the way to the G-1 Base." Sakazuki pointed out, implying there was more to Brontes's visit.

"You're thinking too much into it. I was just in the near sea and thought I'd stop by, that's all. Anyway, it's time for me to go; the supplies are ready. See you around." Brontes said, getting up to leave.

"Who are the five pirates chosen by the World Government?" Sakazuki pressed once more.

"It's best you don't know who they are until it's made official. If anything were to happen to them, it would make my job a lot harder. Finding replacements is no easy task." Brontes answered, not looking back.

"Hmph"

With a cold snort, Sakazuki watched Brontes walk away. The message was clear: don't dig too deep, it's not your concern.

...

As Brontes prepared to leave the G-1 Marine Base, a crowd of his fellow marines gathered to bid him farewell.

They were unaware that this departure for the World Conference would be the last time they'd see him, having missed the opportunity for a proper goodbye.

The dock was bustling with activity as Brontes made his exit. Almost everyone from the base was there to see him off, with the exception of Sakazuki and Borsalino with his personal.

The crowd was massive, with over a thousand personnel present, including several high-ranking Vice-Admirals. Their faces were etched with reluctance and concern as they watched one of their own set out on his journey.

Brontes had been a commander who, despite his tendency to avoid direct confrontation, had led the base through a period of minimal losses and notable accomplishments. His leadership had been a time of relative safety and success for the G-1 Base.

Sakazuki, who had been at the base for a month, hadn't made much of an impression. He hadn't taken any significant action, and he wasn't particularly liked by the marines, especially the long-serving ones.

Some had served under him before and knew his character all too well, which didn't endear him to them. The only aspect of Sakazuki that was universally respected was his formidable strength.

"Sir, where are we heading?" Brontes's assistant approached him with a question, a hint of anxiety in his voice.

"We're heading straight into Whitebeard's territory. The person we're looking for is likely with the Whitebeard Pirates now." Brontes replied calmly.

At the mention of Whitebeard, the assistant's face paled, and he began to sweat.

In the world that followed the era of the legendary Roger, Whitebeard was known as the strongest, a Pirate Overlord from the same time as Roger and the Golden Lion.

Whitebeard's reputation was so intimidating that even the most formidable pirates of the new era would fall silent at his name.

The World Government's propaganda had painted Whitebeard as a monstrous criminal, a threat to global peace. This image was widespread, and almost everyone believed it.

The marines surrounding Brontes had spent a considerable amount of time at Mariejois, serving the World Nobles.

Their duties had kept them from combat for so long that they had almost forgotten what it meant to be marines. Though they were considered elite, in reality, they were seen as nothing compared to the seasoned marine soldiers of the New World.

The mention of Whitebeard stirred a sense of dread among them. They had only heard the rumors, the tales of his might and terror.

And now, with Brontes's sudden order to venture into Whitebeard's domain, a wave of fear washed over them.