The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

His speed is best suited to dealing with such highly mobile attacks.

The key is not to repel them, but to figure out Shanks' true intentions, what he wants to test, and where his bottom line is.

If necessary, Kizaru can be allowed to launch a limited counterattack, but it shouldn't escalate into a full-blown conflict; we can't afford to divert too much of our energy right now.

Sengoku nodded slightly and added, "Red is not a reckless person; every action he takes has a deeper meaning."

It's indeed appropriate to let Kizaru handle this.

However, he should also be reminded to be wary of the power of Shanks' "Face Fruit," lest he be given "face" in insignificant situations.

After retiring, Zhan Guo's true nature was revealed, and he became completely irreverent.

Gern nodded to indicate that he had noted it down, and continued, "For now, we don't need to worry about Luffy, the Straw Hat Boy."

The title of 'Fifth Emperor' was given by Morgans, but he has indeed attracted most of Kaido and Big Mom's wrath in Wano Country.

Let them fight like dogs... no, let them wear each other down.

As long as the Straw Hat crew doesn't launch an attack on the Navy's base or infringe upon our core interests, we'll let them be for now.

"And what about your two newly promoted generals?"

"them......"

Gern's lips twitched almost imperceptibly as he recalled the farce in which Enel and Barrett nearly came to blows in the headquarters plaza over titles and rankings.

"Enel and Barrett, we can't let them be idle."

Arrange for them to begin patrol and deterrence missions in the new world, dividing them into zones and rotating them.

Use their combined power to suppress the other pirate crews that are getting restless due to the Navy's independence and the Four Emperors' unrest.

Consolidate our control in the first half of the new world.

“A good arrangement…” Sengoku took a sip of tea. “It’s enough to deter them. It’s better than letting them fight amongst themselves at headquarters.”

After saying that, Sengoku put down his teacup, his expression becoming more serious, and raised a thorny question: "Then, what about the Revolutionary Army in the first half of the Grand Line, Guern?"

Immediately after your declaration of independence, you sent friendly signals to them through covert channels.

It even proposed that revolutionary army cadres be reassigned to positions within the navy's jurisdiction, serving as political officers within naval units.

“You’re very sincere, but…” Sengoku paused, looking at Gern, “Drag (Monkey D. Dragon) has given almost no positive response.”

When faced with this question posed by Sengoku, Gern remained silent.

With his back to the window, his figure appeared somewhat blurry in the halo of light.

He understood the revolutionary army's ideals and their determination to overthrow all oppression and inequality.

Deep down, he even held a certain degree of respect for Dragon's pure and ardent idealism.

Therefore, he attempted to extend an olive branch at the very beginning of the navy's independence.

We hope to find a possibility of coexistence or even cooperation within the framework of confronting the world government, our common enemy.

He needed the revolutionary army's organizational capabilities to penetrate deep into the grassroots, the appeal of idealism, and cadres skilled in mass work.

This will help the new navy truly take root among the people, rather than just being a military takeover.

But Dragon's rejection was cold and utter.

He viewed Gurn's proposal as a trap, and the new navy as another variant of the old order that needed to be "liberated".

This distrust and antagonism caused a major setback for Guern's idea of ​​integrating anti-world government forces.

The silence lasted for a long time.

Zhan Guo did not urge him, but quietly waited for the young marshal's decision.

Finally, Gern slowly opened his eyes.

There was no anger, no disappointment, only clarity.

"I don't have time to play guessing games with him, nor do I have the energy for long and pointless ideological debates."

Gern's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable decisiveness, "World Government, Im, the Five Elders, the Knights of God..."

These are the 'major' issues that we must focus all our efforts on addressing.

Internal integration, expansion of influence, and enhancement of combat power—everything must serve this purpose.

He looked at the Warring States period and clearly gave the order:

"Former Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you should directly telegraph 'Akainu' Sakazuki in your own name."

"The Revolutionary Army's activities in the first half of the Grand Line shall be under its full responsibility and handled independently."

"The principle is to ensure stability and order on the islands under naval jurisdiction and to uphold the authority of the new navy."

The specific methods will be determined by him based on the actual situation.

Whether it's expulsion, repression, negotiation, or something else... I just want the result.

Gurn's wording left no room for ambiguity, but the underlying toughness was self-evident.

Entrusting the task to Sakazuki, who is known for his "absolute justice" and shows no mercy to pirates and "disruptors of order," is itself the clearest statement of his stance.

“Tell Sakazuki,” Gunn added, emphasizing, “that if the Revolutionary Army continues to ignore warnings and create unrest within naval territory, it will be considered a direct provocation against the Navy.”

“I understand,” Sengoku replied in a deep voice, then asked, “What if… Dragon personally intervenes, or the situation escalates?”

Gern turned and looked out the window at the vast sea in the distance, his voice indifferent yet carrying an invisible pressure:

"If I have time... I will go there myself."

This statement is both a promise and a final warning.

Looking at Gern's tall and resolute back, Sengoku suddenly smiled. The smile was filled with emotion and a hint of barely perceptible relief.

“Gern,” he began, “you…are getting more and more ‘flavorful’.”

"The taste?" Gern was taken aback, and subconsciously turned around. When he saw Sengoku's meaningful smile, his heart skipped a beat.

Then, almost instinctively, he took two small steps back.

"'Taste'? My former marshal of the Warring States period." Gern's tone became extremely cautious, even with a hint of pleading.

Even if you come back to help me with the paperwork? I... I can't do it!

Seriously! You should go find Vice Admiral Garp for that 'taste'!

He's physically strong and can handle it!

No wonder you used to keep a goat... so that's why..."

His words came to an abrupt halt as Sengoku's face darkened visibly, and veins on his forehead seemed to throb.

"You son of a bitch..." Sengoku squeezed out the words through gritted teeth, "I mean..."

As marshal, you're becoming more and more decisive, more and more responsible, and more and more competent!

It's a compliment! You understand what a compliment is?!

He almost roared, "And what does this have to do with my previous goat-raising experience?!"

That's just a pet! A pet to relieve work stress! What are you thinking?! Huh?!

Gern blinked, and an awkward silence spread through the office.

“Ahem…” Gern coughed tactically, trying to ease the tension and make his expression serious again. “I see… it’s a compliment.”

"Thank you for your recognition, former Marshal of the Warring States period. I will continue to work hard." After saying this, he quickly steered the conversation back on track.

"So, regarding the upcoming visit of Topman Worchul, the World Government's Legal Martial God..."

Just then, there was a knock on the office door, and Tezzolo's voice came from outside.

"Marshal Gern, Grand Inspector of the Warring States Period."

The port observation post reports that the World Government's ship has arrived off the coast of New Marineford and is applying for port entry.

"Topman Vocuri Saint has arrived."

Chapter 592 Cold reception

New Marine Fendo Naval Base

In the past, when world governments visited, it was always a grand scene with flags waving, ceremonial guards in full order, generals and officers gathered, and cheers like a tsunami.

But today, when that official ship, flying the flag of the World Government and with a solemn and aloof design, slowly docks, there is an unusual "calmness" on the pier.

There were no cannon salutes, no military band, no naval officers and soldiers lining up to welcome them, only port guides going through the motions.

The sea breeze whipped the brand-new naval ensign and marshal's flag into the wind, but no one paused for even a second longer for the flag of the World Government.

This contrasts sharply with the past when the Navy was still under the World Government's control, and whenever an "envoy" arrived, the entire navy would rush out to show their loyalty.

The official ship lowered its gangway.

The first to set foot on the port grounds was Rob Lucci, wearing a white CP0 officer's coat, his face still bearing the marks of battle, with some bandages peeking out from his collar.

As soon as he stepped off the ship, Lucci's eyes swept around, taking in the cold reception he received, but he did not show any emotion.

He then turned to the side, bowed slightly, and made a guiding gesture.

Immediately afterwards, one of the highest authorities in the World Government, the God of Law and War—Topman Worchuri—disembarked.

He was dressed in a well-tailored black suit, with a crisp white shirt underneath and a dark tie, looking impeccably dressed.

His distinctive bald head gleamed slightly in the sunlight, and the small birthmark on his forehead was clearly visible.

His meticulously trimmed mustache trembled slightly with his serious expression.

Lucci stepped forward and, as usual, raised his voice clearly.

"Five Elders, Lord Topman Worchli has arrived!"

The sound echoed, but vanished without a trace, receiving no polite response.

The naval soldiers who were working, or those who stopped what they were doing, watched from a distance.

Or they simply turned their backs and continued with their work, and no one came forward to greet them, let alone swarm around them as attentively as they used to.

Although their eyes still retained a deep-seated fear of the World Government, the Celestial Dragons, and the Five Elders.

However, under the banner of Marshal Gern's "Declaration of Independence," and amidst the repeated interceptions by the Celestials and the arrests by the Celestial Dragons, a sense of resistance is quietly growing.

The Celestial Dragons seem to be like this too; they can die, beg for mercy, and experience fear.

Therefore, the moment the identity of 'descendants of gods' was torn apart by mortals, no one was willing to play the role of a servile "lapdog".

Seeing this, Topman Vochuli Saint's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, then relaxed.

He tightened his tie, suppressing the slight displeasure he felt at being deliberately slighted.

"That's really indecent."

Topman Vochuli took a deep breath, cleared his mind, and began to walk.

Accompanied by Lucci, they headed towards the Navy Headquarters building.

We walked toward the marshal's office, which represented the core of the new naval power (now temporarily converted into a high-level conference room).

He carries a heavy responsibility on this trip.

Lord Im's fear stemming from "that matter" and his order to "temporarily observe" became a Damocles' sword hanging over their heads.

This prevents the Five Elders from taking direct action against the Gern Navy.

But those Celestial Dragon families, who have lived in luxury for hundreds of years, are on the verge of going crazy!

From frugality to luxury is easy, from luxury to frugality.

Accustomed to the protection of naval fleets and the entourage of the Communist Party, the people of the lower realm were (forced) to offer sacrifices to "heavenly gold."

The Celestial Dragons, who had the power to take whatever they wanted and control life and death, suffered a series of heavy blows in just a few months.

The navy has stopped escorting or even intercepting these "sky-high gold" shipments, cutting off their most important source of luxury.

The Celestial Dragons and their guards, who were enjoying themselves in the lower realms, were openly arrested and even killed by the Navy, losing face and their safety was in jeopardy.

In the areas now under the control of the new navy, they can no longer act with impunity as they did in the past.

Panic, anger, confusion, and most fundamentally, the fear of losing privilege spread like a plague through the Holy Land of Mary Geoise.