XX-level Hokage

"What happened to my mother?" Perospero spoke first, his face still maintaining a forced calm, but his voice trembled uncontrollably. "What did you do to her?"

Mashiro smiled gently and said calmly, "I did not harm your mother. On the contrary, I gave her a completely new future—a future where she could..."

The opportunity to control more islands and gain greater power.

She looked around, her clear gaze carrying an irresistible sense of oppression. "From this day forward, the Big Mom Pirates will become part of the Pirate Alliance."

Your mother has made her decision, and I will lead you into a new era.

"A pirate alliance?" Katakuri, who had just been discovered and rescued, frowned and coldly sized up Mashiro. "Sorcerer, what makes you think we'll obey you?"

He was still resentful about the crushing defeat he had just suffered.

"I have already defeated Kaido and persuaded your mother," Mashiro replied calmly, her tone unwavering. "This alliance is for the overthrow of the World Government and the creation of a new era free from oppression. Will you follow me and enjoy future dominance of the seas, or will you resist and witness your mother plunged into chaos once more?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Mashiro waved her hand gently, signaling Stusi to come forward.

Stussy bowed gracefully to everyone and smiled, "This is your only chance. Stay by Lord Mashiro's side and you will enjoy future prosperity and freedom. If you refuse, the consequences are predictable."

The scene froze for a moment. BigMom's offspring looked at each other, their eyes filled with hesitation. They dared not rebel rashly, but they were also unwilling to accept reality.

However, no one present could question Mashiro's power; that aura pressed deeply into their hearts.

Just then, Mashiro spoke again, breaking the silence: "I only need one answer—yes or no." Finally, Perospero bowed slightly in silence and said, "We are willing to follow you... Lady Mashiro." The other heirs also gradually bowed their heads in submission. Mashiro watched this scene and nodded slightly.

“Very good,” she said calmly, her eyes gleaming with a cool and profound light. “Your mother will become one of the pillars of this sea, and I will lead you to overthrow the old world and usher in a new dawn.”

Under Stussy's arrangement, the shocking news was quickly relayed to Morgans, the president of the World Economic News Agency. The following morning, a newspaper that shook the world made its headline.

Headline: "Two Yonko Join Forces: Big Mom, Bartholomew Kuma, and Boa Hancock Officially Join the Pirate Alliance!" This news was like a depth charge, causing a huge stir throughout the world.

The Navy Headquarters, the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, and all the major powers across the seas were shocked. The entire world was discussing the alliance's intentions and its possible future moves.

While countless forces were closely watching the "Pirate Alliance," Mashiro quietly appeared at Marine Headquarters, with a purpose unknown to anyone. Night fell, and Marine Headquarters fell silent, with only patrolling soldiers cautiously guarding the area. However, they were unaware that...

A shadowy figure slowly crept in through the darkness.

Mashiro stood atop the high walls of headquarters, coldly surveying the entire base.

Her Rinnegan gleamed with an eerie light, like a predator surveying its prey.

“Lady Mashiro.” Stussy appeared silently behind her and said softly, “Everything has been arranged according to your instructions.”

"Okay, thank you for your help this time." With that, Mashiro disappeared from the spot. Naval Headquarters Chief of Staff Office.

Crane calmly looked at the report in his hand. They had saved Cocoyasi Village from the control of the evil fishmen.

They liberated the Alabasta kingdom, which had been shrouded in the Krokdar conspiracy.

He defeated Enel, who proclaimed himself a god on Skypiea. He revived Ohara, the destroyed land of scholars. He cleared away future threats to Fish-Man Island.

They defeated Kaido and restored peace to Wano Country.

Killing Doflamingo, liberating Dressrosa, and freeing the enslaved people—these were things the Navy should have done, but they were accomplished by a "crime."

But for some reason, He was not surprised. She had worked in the navy for many years and was the leader of all the naval clerks. Everything she had experienced and seen had already made her disappointed with this decaying "high-rise".

After all, in the eyes of the World Government, the Navy is just a watchdog, bearing the words "justice" but protecting the group of people in this world who most deserve to be wiped out.

Thinking about this, Tsuru's memory returned to many years ago, to the time when she first met Mashiro, when she was still called Izumiya and was a Celestial Dragon.

That was the first time Tsuru had ever seen a Celestial Dragon like that. She wasn't arrogant, nor did she display that disgusting aversion and behavior. Instead, she wanted to change the corrupt system, and later she even abandoned her Celestial Dragon identity to become a pirate.

Because of these things, Mashiro left a deep impression on Tsuru, and as a result, for decades when the world forgot about Mashiro, Tsuru kept silent about her.

Now it seems she made the right decision.

Just then, the sound of a door opening came. "Carbink."

Then the door opened, and a beautiful girl with milky white eyes walked in.

"It seems I guessed right. You do know Stussy. Well, that makes sense, since you're from the same era." The girl said with a light laugh as she walked up to the crane.

"So, what brings you here specifically to see me, you sorcerer?" Tsuru put down the report in her hand, looked at Mashiro, and said calmly.

"As the Navy's top strategist, since you agreed to meet with me, you probably understand my purpose," Mashiro said softly without giving a direct answer.

Chapter 168: "The Future"

Mashiro's gaze was calm as she stared at Tsuru, as if trying to see into her heart. Tsuru, on the other hand, remained composed.

“You want my support, but I can’t be easily persuaded.” Tsuru’s voice was low and firm. “The justice the Navy has always upheld” is to maintain world order. Even if that order has flaws, it’s still better than chaos.

"Justice?" Mashiro smiled contemptuously, his tone filled with disdain. "The justice you speak of is nothing but a disguise concealed by the interests of the powerful. True justice should be serving the people, not serving those rulers who look down upon the masses from above."

The same applies to every world: the corruption of the aristocratic class is deeply entrenched.

Crane frowned slightly, clearly unwilling to back down. "Do you really think that the Navy Alliance and the Pirate Alliance you mentioned can replace the existing order?"

Without a world government, who will maintain peace on the oceans?

"You should understand that peace on the ocean has never been maintained by governments." Mashiro's voice rose, revealing an unwavering confidence. It was the pirates who dared to take risks and explore that truly remained. They would no longer be rampant villains, but like your navy, shoulder the responsibility of protection and exploration.

"Protection and expansion?" Crane countered, a hint of doubt in her voice. "Do you really believe pirates can do that? Their nature is to pursue..."

Driven by self-interest, they may harm innocent people in the process.

"That's why the existence of the Navy is necessary." Mashiro smiled slightly, a sinister smile curving his lips. "However, the Sea Car Alliance I propose will be a completely new Sea Car Alliance, where the Navy will no longer be watchdogs, but will fight alongside the pirates to jointly maintain order in the ocean."

The so-called "pirate alliance" and "ocean empire" are complete lies. She has no interest in such illusory things, but they are very useful to the marines who are familiar with this world.

Tsuru remained silent for a moment, seemingly pondering Mashiro's words. Seeing this, Mashiro continued to guide her thinking: "Imagine what the future ocean kingdom will be like. The kingdoms of the four seas will unite to form a new ruling system, and the navy, as part of this kingdom, will be responsible for protecting every corner and ensuring the safety of every person."

"Such an ideal sounds wonderful, but reality is often cruel." Crane shook his head. "Human nature is selfish, and the law of the strong ruling will always exist. Do you think pirates would willingly give up their own interests to protect the safety of others?"

"This is exactly what I want to change." A determined light shone in Mashiro's eyes. "I will give them a new belief, so that they will understand that true power lies in unity and cooperation, not in fighting alone. Pirates will no longer fight for their own selfish interests, but for a higher goal."

Tsuru sensed Mashiro's strong determination, and her heart wavered slightly. She recalled her days in the Navy, witnessing countless innocent people sacrificed for so-called "justice".

Mashiro's theory seemed to open a new window for her, allowing her to see a different future.

"If there is no World Government, how can we prevent the emergence of new tyranny?" Tsuru asked again, trying to find a loophole in Mashiro's theory.

"That's exactly why I need you." Mashiro's voice was deep and powerful. "You've served in the Navy for many years, and you know its workings and its loopholes intimately. I need you to help me build a truly people-centered navy, one that oversees and checks those in power."

A thoughtful look flashed in Tsuru's eyes as she weighed the opportunities and risks offered by Mashiro. Finally, she slowly said, "If I choose to support you, what will become of the Navy's future?"

"The Naval Alliance will become the new navy, and you will be at its core." Mashiro's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Together we will overthrow the existing corrupt rule and establish a true maritime kingdom that belongs to the people. You will become a witness to history, or even its creator."

"It sounds tempting, but I need time to think about it," Crane replied calmly, though her heart was already in turmoil.

“Of course, there’s no rush.” Mashiro smiled slightly, as if she had already anticipated Tsuru’s reaction. “However, if you’re willing, I can show you my plan so that you can have a clearer understanding of our goals.”

"A plan?" Crane's curiosity was piqued. "How do you intend to make all this happen?"

“I have already made a series of arrangements in secret.” Mashiro’s voice was low and mysterious. “Not only the Navy, but also the Four Emperors and the Revolutionary Army will be our strong backing. Our goal is to overthrow the World Government and return power to the people.”

"Do you really think the Four Emperors would be willing to cooperate with the Navy?" Tsuru asked, full of doubt.

"They will, they have no choice but to agree." Mashiro was incredibly confident. "The pirates aren't stupid either, they'll understand that only by uniting can..."

To gain more benefits.

"If I decide to support you, how am I supposed to explain this to the other high-ranking officers in the Navy?" Tsuru asked, already planning how to infiltrate Mashiro's scheme.

"It will be carried out under the guise of 'naval reform,' gradually guiding other high-ranking officers to accept this concept." Mashiro's eyes were resolute. "And Akainu will stand shoulder to shoulder with you."

"Operation, ensuring the plan is not thwarted by anyone."

"Akainu? Even him..." Tsuru showed a look of surprise for the first time.

“In a sense, his sense of justice is more profound than yours,” Mashiro simply said.

Tsuru's heart was gradually touched by Mashiro's ideals. Although she was still somewhat hesitant, the impulse in her heart made her nod involuntarily: "Okay, I'm willing to give it a try."

"This will be a brand new beginning." Mashiro smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling. "From now on, you will no longer be a naval staff officer, but someone who can change history."

Just then, the office door was gently pushed open again, and Stussy walked in with a faint smile on his face: "Lord Mashiro, all the safety arrangements are in order."

The arrangements are complete, and we can begin the next step at any time.

Shinji gave Tsuru an encouraging look, then turned to Stussy: "Very good, the next plan will be the first step in establishing our naval alliance."

"Please give your instructions." Stussy bowed respectfully, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“We need to first reach out to other senior naval officers to ensure they understand our plans,” Mashiro’s voice was deep and powerful. “We need more supporters to spread our ideas to more people.”

Seeing this, Tsuru made up her mind: "I will help you communicate with the other higher-ups as soon as possible." "Thank you, Tsuru." Mashiro smiled slightly and said, "Your support will be the key to our success."

As night fell, Mashiro and Tsuru continued their conversation in the quiet office, their plans for the future gradually taking shape in their minds. Morning.

Mashiro left the Marine Headquarters quietly.

Sitting on the senbon, Mashiro yawned slightly.

"The navy is taken care of too. Ha, much easier than I expected."

Chapter 169: The Reform of the Sea Chariot

In the early morning at Marine Headquarters, sunlight streamed through the windows into the spacious conference room, where high-ranking naval officers gathered to discuss recent developments. The return of Akainu, Green Bull, and Fujitora, in particular, filled these veterans with anticipation.

Two days ago, Vice Admiral Tsuru announced that Akainu would be returning to Marine Headquarters in two days. Soon after, Akainu arrived at the conference room to be welcomed by many Marines.

"Admiral Akainu, you're finally back!" a vice admiral exclaimed excitedly, his face filled with reverence for Akainu. "It's incredible that you escaped from the sorcerer," another vice admiral interjected, his tone full of astonishment.

Akainu sat down slowly, expressionless, a hint of determination in his eyes, and said: I didn't escape from her; she let me come back on her own initiative.

The entire conference room fell silent instantly, all eyes fixed on Akainu, a mixture of shock and confusion on everyone's faces. "What do you mean?" Sengoku frowned slightly.

“She seems to be trying to win me over, and I think there’s some truth to what she’s saying,” Akainu said calmly.

"Are you kidding me? The sorcerer is the Navy's biggest enemy right now, and her goal is to overthrow the World Government!" Sengoku said angrily, clearly uneasy about Akainu's decision.

"I'm not joking, Fleet Admiral Sengoku." Akainu's voice was powerful. "The sorcerer's ideals and goals are worth rethinking. She wants to build a new navy that truly serves the people, instead of obeying the corrupt world government as it is now."

“But that means we’ve given up justice!” A high-ranking official hurriedly stood up to retort, his face filled with anger.

"Justice?" Akainu sneered. "The justice you've imprisoned is nothing but the selfishness of the strong. What we need is change, not to continue sinking into this endless cycle."

“I don’t believe she’ll really be good for us.” Another veteran shook his head, looking quite disdainful.

“You may choose not to believe, but please listen to me,” Akainu’s voice rose a few decibels, “I have seen a new possibility. The reforms she proposed will allow the Navy to return to its essence of serving the people, rather than becoming a tool of the rulers.”

“What you’re saying sounds like pure fantasy,” Sengoku sighed. “If you really believe a pirate’s promise, you’re being incredibly naive.”

Just then, Crane walked in, and her appearance broke the deadlock.

As a supporter of Mashiro's theory, Tsuru firmly told the higher-ups, "I have met the sorcerer and heard her talk about her theories. Her goal is not as simple as we imagine. She hopes to build a new navy through cooperation, rather than replacing the existing order."