If Li Yuan enjoyed smoking, he might have lit a cigarette, blowing out a puff in front of everyone's eyes, creating an iconic scene!
"What do you mean?" Rocks responded quickly to Li Yuan's suggestion, intrigued and eager to hear more.
"War is all about timing, geography, and unity."
"Timing and unity are set, beyond our control, but geography, with our power, can be easily manipulated."
"A naval fortress is essentially just a stronghold or an island."
"Our initial goal was to destroy all naval fortresses in the New World and drive the navy out completely."
"If we can't defeat the navy's powerhouses, then let's destroy the fortresses, or rather, the islands."
"Even with the navy's numerous admiral-level forces, destroying an island should be within our capabilities."
Li Yuan's insightful words brought a revelation to the officers of the Rocks Pirates. They had been so focused on fighting that they had forgotten their original goal.
"Wahahahaha, you've got it, Li Yuan. Let's do as he says. Next, destroy the islands and leave the navy stranded!" Rocks laughed heartily, slamming his hand on the table.
The war reignited:
Li Yuan plunged into the sea on the left side of the G4 fortress, his Sea Abyss Sword Intent swirling around him, harnessing the power of the ocean to bolster his blade.
"Sea Abyss: Sea Dragon Roar!!"
With a single swing, the sea roared, forming an 800-meter-long sea dragon. The dragon, surrounded by sword intent and sharp as if made of countless water swords, charged towards the underwater base of the G4 fortress island.
The sea dragon shattered submerged rocks, destroying one-fifth of the island.
"Boom!!!!"
The sudden earthquake terrified the navy at G4 fortress, causing many to stumble and fall.
"What happened?"
"The earthquake is from below?"
"Damn, the Rocks Pirates are attacking the island!"
The navy's admiral-level powerhouses quickly realized what was happening.
"Gurararara, Sea Quake!!"
"Jeeraharara, Lion's Threat: Sea Lion!!"
"Yohohoho, Devil's Slash!!"
"Giant Axe Island Split!!"
"Momo: Hundredfold Slash!"
Before the navy could react, the officers of the Rocks Pirates attacked the G4 naval fortress's island in unison. Unprepared for such a move, the navy couldn't intercept the pirates' attacks in time.
In one round, the officers completely destroyed the island, leaving no suspense.
"Boom!!!"
"Help, save me!!"
"The island is splitting, run!!"
"The island is sinking, help!"
"I don't want to die!"
As the island crumbled, the navy and army personnel on it couldn't escape and sank into the sea with the island.
"Damn Rocks Pirates, they destroyed the entire island!"
Steel Bone Kong used Moonwalk to view the sinking navy below, filled with rage. He hadn't expected the Rocks Pirates to go so far as to destroy the island to eliminate the naval fortress.
By doing so, the Rocks Pirates gained nothing, as the island's resources, wealth, and weapons sank with it.
"Everyone, rescue those in the water and retreat!!!"
Steel Bone Kong ordered, knowing those in the water could still be saved if they acted quickly.
"Gurararara, think you can rescue them? No way!"
"Sea Quake!!!"
Whitebeard unleashed a powerful punch into the air.
"Crash!!!"
The sea surged violently, sweeping the waters beneath the G4 island. Those in the water couldn't withstand the currents and perished.
Devil Fruit users feared the sea, and non-users couldn't survive such torrents. Steel Bone Kong and his allies could only watch as the sea claimed the fallen.
"Whitebeard!!!"
Steel Bone Kong fumed at the orchestrator of the disaster.
"Gurararara, Steel Bone Kong, let's fight!!" Whitebeard boldly invited.
"We retreat!!!"
With G4 fortress destroyed, Steel Bone Kong knew they couldn't stay. They needed to reach G3 fortress to prevent the Rocks Pirates from repeating their tactic.
"Wahahahaha, onward to G3 fortress! We'll destroy every naval fortress in the New World!"
After finally winning the war, Rocks was elated.
"Long live Rocks!!!"
"The Rocks Pirates are invincible!"
"Drive the navy out of the New World!"
Inspired by Rocks, the pirates regained their energy, eagerly following him to the next naval fortress.
G3 and G2 fortresses also fell without surprise. Despite the navy's preparations, they couldn't stop the Rocks Pirates, who eventually destroyed them.
Destruction is always easier than protection.
Now, only one fortress remained: G1, the navy and World Government's gateway in the New World.
"Wahahaha, we've won this war, my crew!!"
"The navy is driven from the New World; it's now a pirate's paradise!!"
"Let's go back and celebrate!!"
After destroying G2 fortress, Rocks decided not to attack G1. He realized that after prolonged warfare and destroying three islands, his pirates hadn't gained any rewards, fostering discontent.
Moreover, Rocks understood the World Government's deep reserves. They wouldn't allow the last naval fortress to fall. It was the navy's last dignity and the World Government's final line.
"The New World is our pirate paradise now!!!"
"Party, party!!!"
"Long live the Rocks Pirates!!!"
The pirates cheered, celebrating the war's end with a decisive pirate victory. A new chapter in the pirate era began.
"Shocking the world, Navy vs. Pirates: the pirates win?"
"The world's destructive power lies with Whitebeard?"
"Admirals slain, killer: Wuji Great Swordsman Li Yuan!"
"The world's strongest man, Rocks, killed the Navy Admiral!"
"The New World is a pirate's paradise, what has happened to the world?"
Following the victory, the World News Economy released reports on the war, blatantly siding with the pirates, ignoring the World Government's face.
"Damn World News Economy's Mensa, he's utterly out of control, beyond the World Government's grasp. Has CP found their headquarters yet?"
Scientific Defense God Saturn Saint fumed at the widespread reports.
They were openly mocking the World Government with no chance for retaliation.
"The World News Economy has hidden in the New World. CP can't compete with the Rocks Pirates' intelligence there."
Legal God Wochuli Saint shook his head.
"If this continues, the Heavenly Tribute might be reduced by member nations, especially in the New World, where dissatisfaction with the World Government is likely to grow."
Financial God Nasujuro Saint lamented.
"Be cautious with the Heavenly Tribute. I suspect Rocks Pirates might target it, so ensure the route's security."
Legal God Wochuli Saint advised.
"Rest assured, CP will ensure its safety."
Environmental God Mars Saint assured.
"What a pity it's over so soon!"
On the return voyage, Li Yuan lounged on a deck chair, lamenting. The war had been a trial, fully unleashing his potential. Such trials were beneficial, and he wished they lasted longer for greater growth.
Initially, he hadn't planned to reveal the strategy to Rocks, choosing to prioritize the bigger picture over personal gain.
A pirate victory was crucial. A stalemate would be a loss for the pirate faction, damaging their prestige and impacting Li Yuan's current and future interests.
A pirate victory meant gains for Li Yuan, as he was a pirate himself, a prominent one!
So, he chose to help the Rocks Pirates achieve a decisive victory.
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