A week later
Galan was in his office with Olvia. He frowned as he looked at the war table, touching a figurine of a marine ship to his chin as his eyes sparkled with a thoughtful light.
Just a few days ago, the Gangsters finally collapsed and went on a full blown war with the Marines. The result was to be expected, they were completely slaughtered. Every gangster down to the very last one was killed.
The Marines had strict orders to investigate deeply before making a move, otherwise it wouldn't've taken so long. To catch rats you have to make sure they're not mice first.
If it wasn't like this, then what's the difference between what they did here vs on Baterilla all those years ago?
All that was left now was establishing Marine Bases on these Gangster owned islands and bringing them peace.
In the end, Galan made a shocking decision.
He established an Underground Marine force for the Underworld composed of old Delta Squad Marines. If the rookies succumbed to the dangers of the Underworld then they would just have more headaches to deal with.
The Underworld Marines were to monitor the Underworld channels and crack down on drugs, slavery, and murder.
You were an assassin, good at killing? No problem, join the Marines.
If they didn't and decided to test their luck at killing innocent people… They were erased.
Galan quite literally had eyes and ears everywhere. He came into contact with the arms dealers in the Blues, the people who just sold their weapons on the Black Market because they had no choice and gave them all a job.
They would make all types of weapons and sell them to the Marines instead of the black market. In addition to this, Galan started adding branches to the Marine Bases on all the islands.
These excess Weapons would be sold at these Marine Shops, however! In order to not collapse the economy of these islands, they only sold very basic weaponry. Pistols and Swords.
The Marines stationed there would kindly point someone in the direction of a superior weapons shop after a brief psychological examination. In order for the Marines to be more accessible to regular citizens, give the impression that 'Marines are people too' not gods of justice.
Galan didn't want the people to worship Marines like they were gods, not at all. Otherwise they would simply forget what danger was and think that the Marines would protect them all the time.
This wasn't true.
If an Emperor came to an Island in the East Blue, Galan would tell the Marines stationed there to retreat immediately and take every civilian they could… The Marines weren't gods!
Even in normal disasters, they couldn't save everyone.
At any rate, the image of the Marines was growing into something more relatable rather than something out of reach. The Weapon shops on various islands were relieved, otherwise maybe they would have to rebel. If the Marines started selling Weapons seriously, how could little shops like theirs compare?
However, this was only the case for islands that had these weapon shops… For the ones that didn't, the Marines broke out in full force, selling weapons and even offering tutoring programs.
Rifles, Swords, Sabers, Spears, Pistols, etc.
They had everything, there was even a shooting range where you could practice or have some fun.
The amount of money these places brought in was truly ridiculous. There were even incredible sales on Marine merchandise, shirts, toys, etc.
Galan completely planned everything out, the Marines were expanding, more people meant that they needed more money. However, why stop at more money? The effect these things had on the Marine force was too much, they not only brought in money but; Improved the view of the Marines, strengthened connections with civilians, boosted economies of these smaller islands, strengthened civilians, created jobs…
This was simply a master stroke, a flock of birds with one stone.
Not everyone was happy with such things, naturally. However for these people, Galan could only say 'Sorry'. There was no way he was going to stop his plans because one second-rate weapons shop was getting less customers.
For the Civilians, Galan had a slightly indifferent sentiment. They were easily controlled and if you could make them like you, good. If you couldn't… who cares, really. These people believe everything they read, it was so easy to sway public opinion that they might as well not even have one.
After Galan pushed the blame for this incredible achievement to Sengoku, he divided a portion of the profits to the World Government before they even knew what was happening.
After the first payment, Galan received a call from the 5 Elders asking what this payment was from.
Galan told them very honestly, "Sengoku and Tsuru believed that we were receiving more Marines therefore we should strengthen our money making ability during these times. After all, it's impossible to continue asking for money from the World Government, sir! I agreed with them however I made it very clear that although we were doing this, a portion of the profits must go to you. Sir, this is what you deserve for all these years funding our Marine force! Please don't refuse, it's an honor to serve you!"
He was so emotional, he even started crying.
The Elders heard the sobs and choked words, awed in an instant before looking at each other, a bit of appreciation in their eyes, they replied "Galan… This has exceeded our expectations of you! Well done. As you said, we will not refuse! Amazing work, Fleet Admiral, truly! You've made us very proud!"
Galan wiped his eyes and smiled, laughing and sobbing "Sir! This… Thank you! I'll never forget these words!" The Elders comforted him a bit before hanging up.
Galan wiped his eyes in an instant, turning back to expressionless as he continued his plans.
What they didn't know was that most of the population was arming themselves.
This was the first mistake of the World Government.
They claimed to be the World Government, but could they truly fight against the World?
Galan didn't think so.
These clowns, blinded by greed, couldn't even look past the surface of Galan's machinations. A little bit of money made them lose their minds. He was disgusted a bit. To think all this time he had been acting wholeheartedly to fool them…
He forgot about this, why worry about a deadman? Before continuing on his plan.
Now that most of the Blues were finished, they could start working their way into the Grand Line.
This would be too many times simpler.
With Fish-Men leading the way, Marine ships sailed out like a scythe cutting wheat. They started at the first islands on the Grandline, continuing on one after the other very slowly.
Galan gave each of the ships one of his old special unit leaders. These guys were proficient in diplomatic relations as well as infiltration, espionage, deception, etc. With regards to the human mind, each of them could topple a kingdom by themselves.
If Galan really wanted to, even an empire was a simple feat. However for these guys, maybe they had to team up for something like that.
Galan was excellent in psychology and war tactics, although it made Gallan seem omnipotent, he wasn't actually. He had many things he couldn't do, he couldn't cook, he had an extremely hard time with anything relating to technology and science, and his emotional range was comparable to a stone.
However! In terms of Psychology and Tactics, there was nobody better than him!
In terms of strength… Galan wasn't sure. This was the biggest reason he didn't just storm Mariejois, who knows what weapons they had, how strong they were? There wasn't enough information, if he went in and died for nothing, everyone would be doomed!
So he was taking it slow, looking for an opportunity.