Neo Marines!

The next morning.

As batches of News Coo flew out from branches of the World Economic News Agency across the globe, newspapers bearing the latest headlines were delivered worldwide.

The World Government and the Navy Headquarters launched a Buster Call on the archaeological holy land of Ohara in the West Blue. Despite deploying two Vice Admirals—Kuzan and Fujitora—along with several other Vice Admirals and thousands of elite Marines, they were intercepted by the notorious pirate Nicholas from the New World, leading to the Buster Call's defeat.

In addition, the evacuation ship carrying civilians from Ohara, which the World Government had agreed not to pursue, was secretly sunk by the World Government.

On the same day, in an effort to cover up the Ohara incident, the World Government sent a CP agent undercover in the World Economic News Agency to assassinate Morgans, the president of the agency, in a bid to take control of the organization.

This newspaper, covering these two major events, was rapidly distributed worldwide by the diligent News Coo, shocking everyone who read it.

"Impossible! This has to be a joke. How could the World Government attack a ship carrying civilians?"

"Exactly, this must be Morgans trying to smear the World Government. And having a notorious pirate like Nicholas show up in Ohara suggests those scholars were indeed researching forbidden history, possibly reviving a world-destroying weapon."

"Absolutely. It's despicable. Those ungrateful scholars—if not for the World Government and the Navy, they would have been killed by pirates long ago!"

Some people, who had never seen the darker side of the world or the ugliness of the World Government, were unwilling to believe such actions. After all, they lived quite comfortably under the World Government's protection and naturally sided with them.

"Hah, typical World Government behavior. But did the Ohara scholars really find something that could shake the foundations of their rule? Otherwise, why would the World Government launch a Buster Call on Ohara?"

Many people turned their gaze to the bolded name and photo of Nicholas in the newspaper.

It was hard to believe that Ohara didn't harbor secrets if a notorious New World pirate risked so much to help them against the Buster Call.

…

"First, Mary Geoise on the Red Line was attacked, then Pirate King Roger led his crew to sink Enies Lobby, the judicial island representing the World Government, into the whirlpools below. Now, only the ruins of Enies Lobby's gates remain.

Then, Admiral Zephyr defected to the New World with many elite Marines to form the Neo Marines. The North Blue is in chaos with the Germa, Kaido's Beasts Pirates, the Navy, and numerous rogue pirates fighting over the Float-Float Fruit, hoping to become the next Golden Lion.

Now, the supposedly invincible Buster Call has been shattered by Nicholas. The world is becoming increasingly chaotic. I fear many innocent lives will be lost in these upheavals."

Everywhere, people were discussing the news.

"If even heavily guarded places like Mary Geoise and Enies Lobby can be attacked by pirates, is anywhere safe in this world?"

One person worriedly said, "If the World Government and Navy can't protect us from pirate attacks, what's the point of paying all those 'Heavenly Tribute' taxes? Is it just for the Celestial Dragons' luxury?"

"Indeed..."

"It's clear that the Buster Call's failure might not drastically affect the Navy's strength, but it's a significant blow to their and the World Government's prestige. This might encourage many pirates to entertain dangerous ideas..."

"Maybe we should organize some local defense to protect our town. Although we have a Navy branch here, the Navy's diminishing authority might embolden pirates."

"Yes, I think that's a good idea."

Many in the tavern agreed. Better to be prepared than helpless against pirate attacks.

The thought of the apocalyptic scenes in the newspapers, where pirates broke through defenses to pillage towns, sent shivers down their spines.

In the vast ocean, a weakened Navy would have a significant impact on global security. Pirates who previously feared the Navy might start targeting towns they once avoided. After all, pirates are sea-bound brigands who survive through plunder and violence.

And in such a scenario, the ones to suffer first are always the defenseless ordinary people. Powerful pirates could easily wipe out entire towns, a grim reality that had occurred before.

...

New World, an unknown sea area.

A burly man with short purple hair, wearing sunglasses and a black cloak, was standing on the deck, holding a newspaper.

"The Buster Call failed, huh? Attacking defenseless civilians... how is that different from the scum of the sea? The World Government is truly rotten."

Zephyr suddenly clenched his hand, crumpling the newspaper in his grip.

"Zephyr-sensei, we've spotted a pirate ship at one o'clock! Based on the pirate flag, it's the successor of the Golden Lion!"

Not long after, a pirate ship appeared in the one o'clock direction, immediately drawing the attention of everyone on the warship.

The other side seemed to have noticed them too, steering directly toward them.

"Mr. Zephyr! Enemy spotted, they're heading our way!"

The signalman quickly reported the movements of the pirate ship. No one on the ship appeared nervous; after all, they were elite warriors who had faced the world's most notorious pirates alongside Zephyr. They had even clashed with the likes of the Golden Lion's Flying Pirates, Whitebeard Pirates, and Roger Pirates.

There were only a few pirate crews in the New World that could make them anxious, and the so-called successor of the Golden Lion was definitely not among them.

Hearing this, Zephyr extended his hand to the side, and Shuzo, standing next to him, immediately handed him the binoculars.

Raising the binoculars, Zephyr looked in the direction reported by the signalman. Soon, he could see everything on the pirate ship clearly.

"Only two people, but that one..."

Seeing the person standing at the bow of the ship, Zephyr was slightly taken aback.

At the bow stood a towering figure, displaying the characteristics of the giant race. But what puzzled Zephyr even more was the familiar image he saw in that person.

A crescent-shaped white beard, holding a giant naginata, golden hair, combined with the traits of the giant race—it was like a replica of Whitebeard.

Moreover, the aura emanating from the successor of the Golden Lion at the bow made Zephyr frown.

"This guy..."

Zephyr murmured, puzzled. This person resembled Whitebeard, so why call himself the successor of the Golden Lion?

Regardless of the name, the aura radiating from this individual made Zephyr take notice.

The sea is never short of monsters; a rookie with no reputation today might give you a big surprise tomorrow.