Chapter 25: Forward, Forward

Among the training materials from the Marines' Headquarters that Galen quietly passed on.

The Rokushiki techniques of the Marines are easier to control than the two-color Haki.

"Why..."

Zhuoran's face was filled with surprise. Before he could finish speaking, he lost all signs of life completely!

"Because you're no longer of use!"

Duke stared at Zhuoran silently, hinting at Kaido in the background,

"Not long ago, I promised someone they could visit me in seven days,"

"Then, I gave them a significant gift!"

"Now, it seems like someone wants to return that gift."

Duke had used the same tactic before when visiting the Ulton Rear Admiral.

Meanwhile, in the Alek Kingdom, situated in the first half of the Grand Line,

A pale man, dressed in elaborate palace attire but emitting a strong scent of blood, stood with King Alek's body under his feet!

Around him, countless Alek Kingdom soldiers had become mummified corpses strewn across the ground.

Blood Duke Dracula, a senior figure of the funeral home, with a bounty of 320 million, once battled the elite Vice Admiral Flying Squirrel from the Marines for three days and nights without losing.

He alone had the power to dismantle a small kingdom.

"The mission in Alek Kingdom is done,"

"But it seems the person who hired us for the next mission is dead?"

Blood Duke Dracula asked through a bug-like phone device.

"Hee hee hee,"

"Yes, unfortunately, Mr. Gambino was killed by a traitor before your action,"

"What a pity!"

The clown-like phone bug showed regret in front of Dracula.

"Is it truly a pity?"

"If it's such a shame, then I'll continue with this mission!"

"After all, the employer has already paid us a billion in bounty!"

Dracula laughed, glancing at Kaido.

"Hee hee hee,"

"Mr. Dracula, how can you say that?"

The phone bug's expression shifted from regret to surprise in front of Dracula.

"It's unfortunate, but business is business,"

"We don't serve the dead!"

"Our job is to turn the living into the deceased!"

"Hee hee hee!"

In a slaughterhouse in the New World,

Drug Peclo, a king of the underworld with a Shinigami scythe, grinned and spoke softly,

"But Mr. Dracula still needs to head to the West Blue next,"

"I've heard about a group called Shadow Stream emerging in West Blue recently. They've gained quite a reputation and even taken business from us!"

"It's quite bothersome!"

"Mr. Dracula, can you talk with the leader of Shadow Stream for me?"

"Perhaps they'll join our friendly family at the funeral home?"

Under the influence of Z and Dazbonis, Shadow Stream had grown rapidly, becoming the top assassin organization in West Blue.

Many idle killers, bounty hunters, and pirates had joined due to Shadow Stream's strength, supported secretly by Duke and the Valoran family.

"I understand,"

Dracula nodded,

"But what if they refuse to join?"

"Hee hee hee,"

"If they refuse,"

Drug Peclo's expression turned cold, and he said firmly,

"Then, Mr. Dracula, please eliminate them all!"

"The underworld only needs one funeral home!"

Each king of the underworld held a near monopoly on their respective businesses.

Any group trying to expand within their territory,

The dark world kings will either absorb or destroy these organizations.

The undertaker's group springs into action.

In West Blue, the Navy, led by Shang, started attacking Valoran Island, the Valoran family's headquarters.

The waters of West Blue are relatively calm compared to the Grand Line and New World.

Dozens of pirate ships bearing the Sambo Navy flag sailed on the sea.

On the highest deck of the White Owl Shang remained expressionless, scanning the sea with keen eyes.

A Marine warship was spotted ahead, reported respectfully to White Owl Shang.

"General Galen, a pirate fleet, the Three Treasures Navy of the Kingdom of Flowers, has been spotted ahead," the Marine lookout hurriedly informed Galen.

Galen, revered by Marine soldiers at the 86th branch base for defeating numerous pirates, faced a different challenge this time.

The Three Treasures Navy was an official naval force of the Kingdom of Flowers, and Marines typically ignored these forces, especially with the Seven Warlords of the Sea system in place.

The world government employed powerful pirates legally through the Warlords system, allowing the Flower Kingdom's naval forces to act freely in West Blue.

The plight of towns and ships raided by the Warlords or Flower Kingdom's navies went unheard in this harsh sea.

Many Marines, once driven by justice, turned indifferent after the Warlords system's establishment.

White Owl Shang, with a bounty of 410 million, was a legend in West Blue, feared by pirates and Marines alike.

Galen's adjutant, now a lieutenant colonel, cautioned against engaging the Navy, knowing it would yield no rewards or recognition.

But Galen's resolve was unwavering. He saw capturing the White Owl Pirates as a significant step towards justice for their victims.

"Forward, for justice!" Galen rallied his troops, emphasizing their duty to those oppressed by the White Owl Pirates.

His passionate speech stirred the Marines, reigniting their sense of justice.

Most Marines join with a righteous heart, ready to uphold justice.

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