One Piece meme: Starting with eight extraordinary skills

The lack of trust between people seems to have erected an invisible barrier, cutting them into individual atomic units, making it difficult for them to unite.

Some naval officers and soldiers, unaware of the situation, harbored resentment towards Marshal Shura, believing that the Five Elders were causing trouble within the Navy, yet Marshal Shura turned a blind eye and allowed them to do as they pleased, which was a sign of incompetence.

Of course, such people are ultimately a tiny minority.

After all, different people have different tastes, and you can't force everyone to be a rational and wise individual; there will always be some people with peculiar thought processes.

Not to mention, the spies planted by the World Government within the Navy have also begun to take effect. Taking advantage of the discontent within the Navy, they have been constantly smearing the image of Marshal Shura, attempting to damage Yang Ming's prestige within the Navy and shake his dominance.

Yang Ming witnessed the turmoil stirred up by the Five Elders within the Navy, but he did not take the initiative to stop it. Instead, he was able to use this opportunity to see clearly who his staunch followers were, who were opportunists, and who his enemies were.

After more than two weeks of collecting and organizing, Shepard X. Pittsmann believed he had found Yang Ming's "evidence" in the logistics department. He stormed to Yang Ming's office and kicked the door open.

"Bang!"

With a loud crash, the poor wooden door could not withstand Shepard X. Pitt Saint's torment. The entire door fell apart, turning into a pile of broken wood scattered on the ground.

The loud noise naturally drew the attention of the surrounding office staff. When they discovered that it was Shepard X. Pittor who made it, many people's expressions changed. And when they saw Shepard X. Pittor step into Marshal Shura's office, more than half of the naval officers and soldiers present immediately became restless and wanted to go over to "protect" him and stop Shepard X. Pittor's actions.

Lieutenant General Jonathan watched this scene with a smile, secretly noting the changes in the expressions of everyone present. He then waved his hand and said:

"Gentlemen, please calm down. Perhaps His Excellency the Five Elders has some misunderstanding with the Marshal."

After being reassured by Lieutenant General Jonathan, the group's expressions softened, and they returned to their seats.

But soon, the roar coming from Marshal Shura's office caused their expressions to change again.

"Shura, how dare you! You actually abuse your public power for your own personal gain!"

"Look at this logistical supply list. In a month, you could pocket tens of billions of Berries!"

"Shura, your actions have truly disheartened me and the World Government. If you can tell the truth, I might put in a good word for you at the World Government meeting. Otherwise, hmph, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Shepard X. Pitt's words were anything but polite. Clearly, after two weeks of investigation, he was confident of success and chose this moment to suddenly attack Yang Ming.

Even if they couldn't use economic issues to bring down Marshal Shura and remove Yang Ming from his position as Fleet Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, they could still smear Yang Ming's reputation and severely damage his prestige within the Navy.

If this continues, Yang Ming will find it increasingly difficult to command his subordinates. If the World Government provides covert support and Admiral Sakazuki Akainu achieves numerous successes, he could one day replace Yang Ming in the future!

It must be said that within the rigid organizational system, the Five Elders' actions were entirely feasible.

As long as Yang Ming doesn't want to oppose the World Government and become a homeless pirate, he can only act under the rules of the system, and therefore has no choice but to accept the unfounded accusations from the Five Elders.

Unfortunately, Yang Ming had already seen through this and made preparations long ago.

Faced with Shepard X. Pitt's questioning, Yang Ming remained calm and said indifferently:

"Lord Agricultural God, you should at least provide evidence before you speak. What exactly do you want by slandering me without any basis?"

"Even now that things are so close, you're still stubbornly refusing to admit it?"

Seeing that Marshal Shura seemed stubborn, Shepard X. Pitt Saint almost smirked, but the confident look on his face gave the impression that he had irrefutable evidence against Yang Ming. He carefully counted the supplies and huge sums on the logistics supply list and said coldly:

"Shura, if you can't read, would you like me to read it to you word by word?"

Chapter 434 Refutation

"Even now that things are so close, you're still stubbornly refusing to admit it?"

Seeing that Marshal Shura seemed stubborn, Shepard X. Pitt Saint almost smirked, but the confident look on his face gave the impression that he had irrefutable evidence against Yang Ming. He carefully counted the supplies and huge sums on the logistics supply list and said coldly:

"Shura, if you can't read, would you like me to read it to you word by word?"

"When did a mere navy uniform become so expensive that it costs 70000 Berries?"

"And the expenses for firearms and ammunition are even more staggering. The total number of personnel at Naval Headquarters and naval branches across the country is just over one million, yet this logistical supply list includes an order for three million flintlock muskets, and at such exorbitant prices. Your navy's ability to rake in money is truly astonishing and an eye-opener!"

Shepard X. Pitt Saint's roars continued, shaking the office door frame and sending dust flying.

Those who heard the roar outside the office looked at each other, somewhat at a loss.

If what Shepard X. Pitt Saint said is true, then Marshal Shura will be confirmed guilty, at the very least he will be accused of misjudging people, and then Yang Ming will be in great trouble!

Faced with Shepard X. Pitt Saint's repeated accusations, Yang Ming took out a handkerchief from the drawer and methodically wiped away the spittle that had splattered on his face. He then put down the handkerchief, interlaced his ten fingers, rested his chin on the back of his hand, and stared coldly at the agricultural god in front of him with his sharp eyes. His gaze seemed to have the ability to see through souls, which inexplicably made Shepard X. Pitt Saint feel a chill down his spine. He subconsciously shut his mouth, his whole body tensed, and he was on guard against the possibility that Yang Ming might suddenly attack him.

However, the expected violent attack did not occur. Yang Ming possessed a composure and calmness completely out of character for his age, and he remained unmoved even when faced with the Five Elders nitpicking.

In a daze, Shepard X. Pitt Saint had the illusion that the person in front of him seemed to overlap with the Warring States Marshal, possessing wisdom and strategy comparable to the Warring States Marshal.

But how is this possible?

In Shepard X. Pitt Saint's subconscious, he always regarded Yang Ming as a prodigy and rising star.

That is why, in the eyes of Shepard X. Pitt Saint and the other five elders, as long as they keep finding fault with Yang Ming, this overly young Asura Marshal will eventually reveal his true colors and be severely punished by them.

This is not because they are stupid, but simply because a habitual way of thinking is influencing their decisions.

Yang Ming smiled and said:

"Lord Agricultural Martial God, it's obvious you've never fought on the front lines against the enemy, has it?"

"I started as a junior naval officer. In the beginning, I wiped the decks on warships, washed clothes for other naval personnel, and even spent some time in the galley before becoming a private third class. I've worked my way up to where I am today."

"On the battlefield, soldiers are generally equipped with a standard naval longsword and a flintlock pistol. Often, the wear and tear on these weapons is extremely high after a single battle. Without daily maintenance and repair, they would likely be worn out after just two or three battles. Therefore, it's necessary to prepare an extra firearm for each soldier as a backup, so that if they are lost on the battlefield, they can be replenished immediately, rather than having to rush to buy them when needed."

On this vast ocean, although there are amazing Devil Fruits and training methods such as the Six Powers of the Navy, they are ultimately in the hands of a few.

Most people are just ordinary people, especially the lower and middle ranks in the navy.

This is why lower- and middle-ranking naval officers and soldiers often suffer the most brutal battles when fighting against pirates, mafia members, mountain bandits, and other thieves.

Many people may not understand this.

When a sword strikes a person, it is easily blocked by the skin and fat, making it easy to get stuck between the bones. Moreover, blood corrodes the sword itself, causing it to rust after prolonged contact with blood. If it is not cleaned and maintained with special tools, the sword will easily become brittle once it rusts, and it will shatter as soon as it hits a person.

The same principle applies to flintlock muskets and bullets.

Therefore, when Yang Ming slowly explained, he directly refuted Shepard X. Pitt Saint, leaving him speechless.

Yes.

Celestial Dragons like Shepard X. Pitt Saint have been pampered since childhood. Although they have experienced brutal training and battles, the intensity of the battles they fought was on a completely different level compared to those fought by lower-ranking naval officers and soldiers.

This is simply because most of the lower and middle-ranking naval officers and soldiers are ordinary people, and the means they can use are extremely limited.

"Shura, then tell me, what's the deal with a navy uniform costing 70000 Berries?"

Seeing that he couldn't win the argument with Yang Ming, Shepard X. Pitt once again resorted to his powerful weapon: the naval uniform.

Yang Ming snapped his fingers, and his personal secretary, Kalifa, walked in from outside the door.

"Marshal, what are your orders?"

"Go and fetch me a few navy uniforms."

clear."

Kalifa was very efficient. She had only been gone for a short while, and after about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, she came back carrying a stack of clothes.

Shepard X. Pitt's grand door-kicking maneuver had already attracted the attention of the upper and middle ranks of the navy.

Along the way, Kalifa met many acquaintances, such as Tina and Smoker, who were all very concerned about the development of the situation.

If Shepard X. Pitt goes too far, these old followers of Marshal Shura might roll up their sleeves and be willing to give up their secure jobs in the navy to teach the Five Elders a lesson.

Sensing the concern in the eyes of these familiar faces, Kalifa sighed inwardly.

"The cohesion under the Marshal's command is truly extraordinary!"

This inevitably reminded Kalifa of her days working at CP9. CP9 commander Spandam didn't have this ability, which is why Yang Ming was able to poach talent so easily back then, and not just because he was forced to use force.

If the Five Elders, represented by Shepard X. Pitt, believe that they can damage Marshal Shura's image and prestige with such petty tricks, thereby undermining his dominance in the Navy, then one can imagine what the outcome will be.

A hundred thoughts flashed through her mind. Over the years, Kalifa had already transformed into the shape Yang Ming wanted her to be. She always considered things from Yang Ming's perspective and point of view. Before she knew it, she had returned to her office and placed a stack of naval uniforms on her desk, allowing Shepard X. Pitt Saint to examine them carefully.

Chapter 435: Retort

A hundred thoughts flashed through her mind. Over the years, Kalifa had already transformed into the shape Yang Ming wanted her to be. She always considered things from Yang Ming's perspective and point of view. Before she knew it, she had returned to her office and placed a stack of naval uniforms on her desk, allowing Shepard X. Pitt Saint to examine them carefully.

No matter how Shepard X. Pitt looked at them, they were just ordinary naval uniforms, nothing special.

Sensing Shepard X. Pitt's inner doubts, Yang Ming gave a light, seemingly mocking laugh and said:

"Lord Farmer, you may see these as ordinary naval uniforms, but to lower-ranking naval officers and soldiers, they could be lifesavers."

"Naval uniforms are divided into winter and summer uniforms."

"Summer short-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats are all made of special raw materials that are waterproof, sun-proof, and breathable. Even if you accidentally fall into the sea, you don't have to worry about your clothes becoming heavy after absorbing seawater, which would hinder your self-rescue."

"In winter, long sleeves, trousers, and hats, along with military jackets, not only provide waterproof, sun-protective, and breathable functions, but also add warmth, helping soldiers withstand the harsh cold weather while on duty on the winter island."

"With so many benefits, a navy uniform costing 70,000 Berries isn't unreasonable, is it?"

"Or perhaps, the Agricultural God of War is so arrogant that he doesn't care about the lives of the naval officers and soldiers at all?"

Although Yang Ming was extremely strict in managing his subordinates, he was also a commander who loved his soldiers like his own children.

Since he became the Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, he has reformed the supplies of the Navy Logistics Department. These naval uniforms may seem inconspicuous, but they can save lives in critical moments!

In fact, during battles with pirates, many of the Navy's losses did not come from direct death, but rather from infected wounds or falling into the sea.

Swords are merciless. If wounds are not treated for infection in time after a battle, they can lead to diseases such as tetanus, which can easily take the life of a naval soldier.

Once you fall into the sea, the blood from your injuries will spread in the water, attracting large groups of sharks or even sea monsters. Even if you don't encounter these creatures, you will often die because of the loss of a lot of blood and your clothes becoming as heavy as lead after absorbing a lot of seawater.

In Yang Ming's view, even if it only increases the chances by 10%, as long as it can guarantee the survival of his soldiers, it is worth spending any amount of money.

Hearing Yang Ming's explanation, the naval officers and soldiers outside the office felt both moved and ashamed. Some of them had been misled by Shepard X. Pitt Saint and almost thought that Marshal Shura was the kind of person who embezzled public funds. It turned out that they had all misunderstood Marshal Shura.

Shepard X. Pitt stared intently at Yang Ming, his chest heaving violently.

Faced with Yang Ming's explanation, could it be that Shepard X. Pitt Saint was going to say that the deaths of low-ranking soldiers were not worth the cost, and that it would be better to save the World Government some money?

Although that was indeed what Shepard X. Pitt Saint thought, he couldn't say it like that.

Otherwise, if his words were to get out, he would definitely be rejected and resisted by everyone in the Navy Headquarters, and his goal of taking the opportunity to bring down Marshal Shura would fail.

"Good! You're doing very well!"

Shepard X. Pitt Saint looked grim, turned around, and stormed off.

He was truly afraid that if he stayed here any longer, Yang Ming would drive him to his death with anger.

Only after Shepard X. Pittsmann had gone far away did the group of naval officers and men let out a cheer, as if celebrating a resounding victory.