Sea Circle Calendar 1507, Marine G-5 Base, Staff Office.
The entire office was bare, devoid of any additional decorations or the expected gathering of influential figures.
Behind the desk, Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Naval Headquarters staff officer, a legendary figure with a glint of wisdom in her eyes, carefully scrutinizes Atlas, who is seated in the reception chair.
Vice Admiral Tsuru is immensely pleased with Atlas. As an old hand in the Marine, she has dedicated her life to the just cause of the organization. From a slender girl to a white-haired woman, she has witnessed the rise of formidable figures in the Marine. Now, observing Atlas stepping into the shoes of the three monstrous Vice Admirals before him, she feels a sense of happiness and relief.
"Tsuru Vice Admiral, do you have any tasks for me now that you've sought me out?"
Atlas had accepted a mission and was on his way to the port when he was summoned by Gion. He remained puzzled about the purpose of this meeting to this moment.
"Don't worry, Atlas. What are your thoughts on the current situation in the New World?"
Vice Admiral Crane did not provide a direct response to Atlas's query. Instead, she posed a question about the current state of the world, leaving Atlas somewhat perplexed.
After contemplating for a moment, Atlas replied slowly but confidently,
"Now, in the New World, the pirates are divided into the so-called Sanko. Other pirate crews entering the New World must either align with these three powerful factions or face destruction at the hands of these factions or the Marines. Since the recent reshuffling of power in the New World, the Marines have expanded their influence, taking over territories that belonged to the Pirate Alliance. We've also confronted and weakened the Whitebeard Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates, establishing ourselves as the biggest beneficiaries."
"Nevertheless, there are significant drawbacks to this situation. First and foremost, the requirement for these pirates to align with the Sanko will substantially bolster their collective strength. Pirates who can't stand up to them have no choice but to join. There is nothing embarrassing for the pirates to join if they can't defeat them."
"Secondly, World government..."
Atlas broached a groundbreaking subject, yet Tsuru Vice Admiral's countenance remained unchanged, simply signaling for Atlas to proceed.
"Now, Marine's influence has reached an unprecedented level. With our headquarters situated in the first half of the Grand Line, we've always maintained the strongest control there. Only the New World has been predominantly held by pirates. Now that Marine has firmly established its presence in the New World, it's certain to instill fear in the world government."
In essence, Atlas's statement has created a division between Marine and the World Government. If the Five Elders were to hear this, it would undoubtedly raise suspicions about Atlas. Marine is an integral part of the World Government, wielding control over the world, and the idea of Marine breaking away from the World Government is inconceivable.
"So, currently, the Five Elders are searching for candidates to fill the Shichibukai positions. Since the inception of the Shichibukai system until now, the only Shichibukai has been incarcerated in Impel Down due to your actions. Hence, they are seeking a new equilibrium."
Vice Admiral Tsuru added slowly.
Any Marine with a sense of justice would resist the World Government's excessive influence, particularly the Celestial Dragons, whom Garp has openly criticized on multiple occasions, labeling them as worthless scoundrels.
Yet, Marine's fundamental financial support comes from the World Government. Without the World Government, Marine's existence would be precarious and short-lived.
"Alright, let Sengoku and the others handle the clashes with the World Government. I summoned you here primarily to discuss your transfer orders from the headquarters."
Vice Admiral Tsuru swiftly diverted the conversation, and the two of them shared a silent understanding.
"You're aware of the recent stabilization in New World. The three major pirate groups have experienced varying degrees of setbacks. There's no expectation for a large-scale war in the near future. Consequently, the headquarters intends to recall some forces back to Naval Headquarters."
"And," Tsuru Vice Admiral smiled at the composed Atlas, "Your accomplishments are quite noteworthy, nearly fulfilling the criteria for promotion to Vice Admiral. You can return and receive the Vice Admiral title along with Tokikake, Gion, and others."
"Vice Admiral?"
Atlas likely had a hunch in his heart. Considering he had already amassed sufficient credit and the fact that his age and qualifications were slightly different, he wasn't directly promoted from Commodore to Vice Admiral a year ago. Moreover, in the past year, he had been actively engaged in battling pirates, and the achievements he accumulated were ample enough to outweigh any deficiencies in his qualifications.
"The warship has been prepared for you. Go back, make your preparations, and then return directly to the headquarters."
...
"Hey! Isn't it just unfortunate to run into such dreadful weather?"
On the warship, Tokikake, who was presently wooing Gion, was left dumbfounded by the enormous storm ahead. Even though he had developed a psychological immunity to the peculiar weather in the New World, he had finally secured some alone time with the goddess of his dreams, only to have it disrupted by the cursed weather.
"Helmsman, prepare for evasive maneuvers! Navigator, change course to steer clear of the storm. If we get caught in it, the entire warship is as good as doomed!"
Observing the situation, Gion swiftly issued orders to evade the annoying harassment from Tokikake.
"Report to Rear Admiral Gion! The storm is rapidly approaching, and we don't have enough time to completely evade it. Our best option is to minimize damage to the warship and ensure a safe arrival at Marineford!"
As he finished speaking, a navigator hastily emerged from the cabin, urgently reporting the current situation.
"Leave it to me. The warship must not be damaged; otherwise, Admiral Sengoku will start scolding again..."
Atlas, leaning against the side of the ship with closed eyes and concentrating, observed the situation and felt compelled to speak up.
"Proceed with controlling the warship's direction. Do your best to handle the helm," he directed.
"Yes, Rear Admiral Atlas!" The navigator saluted and quickly headed towards the cabin to follow Atlas's instructions.
Seeing the navigator's back disappear from sight, Atlas turned his back to everyone and jumped off the warship!
"Hey! Brother Canos, what are you going to do?"
Gion was a little puzzled. She couldn't see any connection between the method Atlas mentioned and him jumping off the warship.
"Just watch, Rear Admiral Gion!"
Atlas didn't explain much. His muscles rapidly expanded, and he transformed into an eight-meter-tall giant. This was the height limit he could reach in his life-returning state, combined with the power of the Ox Talisman—a state of pure power output!
Shōgeki bakuhatsu (Impact Explosion)
Atlas placed his hands on the warship, and flames erupted under his feet. The powerful explosive force and terrifying strength were unleashed on the warship!
So, to the astonishment of everyone, this Marine-style warship was propelled by Atlas using his bare hands, sailing swiftly on the sea!
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