"Alright, today is the day for you to head to Sabaody to assume your post," Sengoku stated, observing Atlas as he prepared to depart. "Remember, don't allow any supernova to enter the New World. Whatever happens in Sabaody, if things go awry, let me take responsibility!"
"No problem, I guarantee those pirates won't even get close to the outskirts of the New World!" Atlas reassured, patting his chest.
"By the way, avoid provoking the Celestial Dragons. I understand you have grievances with them," Sengoku cautioned.
"No problem, can't I just avoid them if I can't confront them?"
Under Sengoku's skeptical gaze, Atlas replied somewhat displeased, "Fine, fine. Don't you know who I am?"
As these words left Atlas's mouth, Sengoku became even more apprehensive about Atlas's actions. If Atlas were to harm the Celestial Dragons, it would be a situation even he couldn't contain.
However, Atlas didn't deceive Sengoku. Despite his disdain for the Celestial Dragons, at this stage, he lacked the absolute strength to oppose the World Government. He wasn't the kind of fool who resisted without careful consideration.
"Alright, I'll be heading out now. The warships are waiting for me at the port," Atlas declared.
Observing that Sengoku still seemed inclined to engage in further discussion, Atlas swiftly excused himself and departed.
The warships arranged for him by the headquarters were already anchored in the port. With the establishment of the New World Marine Base, a significant number of Marines had been assigned to garrison in the New World.
As a result, the number of warships docked at the headquarters' port wasn't substantial, much less compared to when Atlas first arrived at Marineford.
"Vice Admiral Atlas! Over here!"
Just as Atlas hurried to the port, Kyros's voice echoed from one of the warships. It was a standard Marine giant warship. For the time being, Atlas hadn't contemplated constructing his own warship. This decision wasn't driven by a reluctance to spend money; Marine could cover such expenses, and Atlas had no need to economize on Marine's account.
The primary reason is that, for the time being, he doesn't require specialized warships. After all, he is stationed in the Sabaody Archipelago, not far from the headquarters. Atlas feels that even customized warships are too ordinary for his liking, so he may delay the consideration of acquiring a warship for now.
"Hey! Kyros, you're looking quite sharp today."
Kyros, who stood on the deck, donned a standard Marine uniform. His appearance had shifted from his time in Dressrosa. Currently holding the military rank of Seaman Recruit, he hadn't accrued any notable achievements. Promotions in the Marines weren't handed out easily. Nonetheless, with Kyros's strength, capturing some minor pirates would be a straightforward task.
A typical warship is equipped with around a thousand regular Marine soldiers and several hundred elite Marine soldiers. The role of the subordinate adjutant is fulfilled by a passing colonel sporting a beard. The troop configuration on the ship can be described as fairly balanced but not exceptional. Nevertheless, Atlas plans to make time to personally recruit a few trusted individuals to join his ship.
Smoker had been on Atlas's radar for quite some time. He graduated from the recruitment training camp the previous year with the rank of major. He was supposed to be a lieutenant colonel. However, during the graduation trial, this individual openly defied a military order, resulting in a subpar final evaluation that directly impacted his final accolades.
"Vice Admiral Atlas, are we ready to depart?"
"Have all personnel on the ship been checked and accounted for?"
"Reporting to Vice Admiral, personnel and supplies have been inventoried, awaiting further instructions!"
"Alright, let's set sail. Our destination: Sabaody Archipelago!" Atlas nodded slightly, then turned to address the bearded man, "By the way, your name is Majors, correct?"
Even before departure, Sengoku had already provided him with information about the main officers on the warship, so he had some recollection of this bearded man.
"Yes! Colonel Majors of Naval Headquarters reporting, sir!"
Majors saluted promptly, wearing a serious expression.
Majors didn't know much about Atlas, the young Vice Admiral. His most vivid memory was that a year ago, the recently appointed Shichibukai Crocodile was captured by Atlas and sent to Impel Down. After experiencing the challenges of the New World, this rising star of the Marine Corps became even more formidable, propelling him into the rank of Marine Vice Admiral based on numerous military accomplishments.
It could be said that he is a formidable Marine monster!
Upon discovering that he was assigned to be Atlas's subordinate, Majors felt a bit uneasy. After all, most powerful individuals tended to have some idiosyncrasies that differed from those of ordinary people.
Fortunately, after a brief period of interaction, Majors developed a positive understanding of Atlas.
...
The Sabaody Archipelago isn't very distant from the Naval Headquarters. It's essentially the largest mangrove tree in the world, known as the "Yarukiman Mangrove." The archipelago is formed by the roots of the tree, which are consistently exposed above the water.
The most distinctive feature of the Sabaody Archipelago is the natural resin secreted by the roots of the Argiman tree during respiration. This gives rise to the unique bubble culture of Sabaody and serves as the sole passage to the New World.
The Sabaody Archipelago is primarily composed of 79 numbered trees, with distinct regional divisions.
Atlas's current destination is in areas 60 to 69, which serve as the primary Marine base and the entrance to the World Government.
From the 1st to the 29th area, the focus is on human trafficking meetings and human auctions, collectively known as the lawless zone. This area attracts almost all criminals, including pirates.
Areas 30 to 39 encompass the essence of Sabaody's distinctive bubble culture and serve as a must-visit destination for tourists – Sabaody Park.
Areas 40 to 49 primarily consist of tourist zones and specialty shops. This region is relatively peaceful and is well-suited for tourists to explore.
Areas 50 to 59 are primarily dedicated to shipbuilders and coaters. While the shipbuilding technology might be slightly inferior compared to the Seven Waters City, the unique coating technology is crucial for pirates venturing into the New World. Therefore, this area is a favored destination for pirates.
Regarding areas 70 to 79, there isn't much to elaborate on. This region primarily offers accommodation services. As for the existence of other services, Atlas is uncertain.
It can be asserted that areas 1 to 29 are the regions that Atlas pays close attention to. Even when confronted with the menace of the slave fleet, most pirates in these areas are audacious masters.
Even though most pirates may appear rather unkempt, some Celestial Dragons have a penchant for collecting pirate captains. So, if there is a market, there will be demand.
"Sabaody looks quite peaceful..."
Atlas gazed at the colossal mangrove tree looming in the distance and expressed admiration. Initially, he had anticipated being welcomed by a barrage of cannonballs.
"Vice Admiral, don't be deceived by appearances. We are heading straight to Marine's station. It's a bit distant from the lawless zone, ensuring that news from there won't reach this point."
Majors, on the side, twitched the corner of his mouth and proceeded to provide a detailed explanation.
Majors is a seasoned Marine from the headquarters and possesses some knowledge of the situation in Sabaody. Therefore, he won't be deceived by the apparent tranquility.
"Is that so? I reckon it's better to enjoy some peace and quiet on such a beautiful island..." Atlas mused.
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Bonus chapter for reaching 700k views.
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