"At Marineford, due to the conflict between the Roger Pirates and the Golden Lion Flying Pirates, the Marines have also become more vigilant.
After all, a clash between such powerful pirate crews could easily escalate into a large-scale battle that affects the entire New World. In such a scenario, island factions allied with either the Roger or the Golden Lion crew might clash. Even individuals like Whitebeard Edward Newgate, Charlotte Linlin, Kaido, who recently escaped from a Marine research facility, the elusive Thunder God Nicholas, and ambitious pirates might all get involved, so the Marines must be prepared to prevent the most dangerous outcomes.
"Isn't this good? Let them kill each other."
Admiral Zephyr, draped in a Marine cloak, sat on the sofa and said coldly, showing disgust toward pirates after the events a few years ago.
"Indeed, pirates killing each other could benefit us, but we must prevent the emergence of a single dominant force in the chaos. The reason why pirates cannot confront the Marines directly is because of their disarray and mutual hostility. Even the former Pirate King, Rocks, couldn't gather all the pirates. If a figure capable of commanding the New World pirates were to emerge, it would be a disaster for the entire world."
Admiral Sengoku spoke solemnly.
"Sengoku is right. What we want is a stable sea. After years of consolidation, the Marines have almost completely controlled the Four Blues and the first half of the Grand Line. Now we just need an opportunity. When the pirates in the New World exhaust each other and are vulnerable, we'll sweep them all away!"
As the Chief of Staff of the Marines and the person in charge of clearing the North Blue, Tsuru, was quite satisfied with the suggestion made by Dragon. With the Marines' large-scale actions, the number of pirates has significantly decreased, and there has been a noticeable improvement in security throughout the Four Blues.
"By the way, Garp, where's Dragon?"
Sengoku looked at Garp and asked.
"Huh? I don't know where that kid is. I haven't contacted him in almost half a year."
Garp, who was sleeping, was awakened and responded dazedly.
"You fool, don't you even know where your son is!?"
Upon hearing this, Sengoku's forehead bulged with veins. Obviously, he was worried about Dragon, as it's not common for a Marine Vice Admiral to disappear for extended periods, even though he reports to headquarters regularly. Moreover, with a code name, he was practically the guaranteed next candidate for Admiral. Being so inactive didn't seem right.
"Never mind, that kid has his own mind. Anyway, I can't control him anymore. Oh, I heard that those kids from the training camp are about to graduate. Send some of them to me. I'll take them to the New World to liven things up a bit."
Garp said with a smile to Sengoku.
"Get lost. The guy you brought back last time is already assigned to your ship. Also, Tsuru, I'll have Issho report to your side soon."
Compared to his attitude towards Garp, Sengoku's tone towards Tsuru was much milder.
"Oh, is that the blind swordsman Issho who already has a reputation at Marine Headquarters?"
Tsuru asked with interest.
Sengoku nodded: "That's the result of discussions between Zephyr and me. Issho is a man filled with justice and compassion for the weak, even though he's blind. His unwavering commitment to justice is undeniable. However, precisely because of this, I hope you can take him under your wing and nurture him."
"I see, I understand."
Tsuru nodded, showing that she understood. Although Sengoku and Zephyr didn't explicitly say it, it was evident from their expressions that they wanted to protect the young man named Issho. After all, individuals full of passion for justice often tend to question it after witnessing certain things.
"Alright, let's discuss the most important matter today, which is how we should deal with the Roger Pirates. I believe you've all seen the intelligence."
As they mentioned the intelligence, the expressions of everyone present became serious, even Garp's demeanor became solemn.
"We've seen it. It's hard to imagine that such a powerful man will soon meet his end."
Zephyr tapped the table lightly with his fingers, feeling nostalgic. They, including Garp, Sengoku, and Zephyr, had all dealt with Roger multiple times. Even Dragon had formulated several plans against the Roger Pirates. Now, suddenly receiving news that their old adversary would soon meet his end felt surreal.
"What's your opinion, Tsuru?"
Sengoku looked at Tsuru and asked.
"The dissolution of the Roger Pirates is foreseeable, so the threat they pose to the Marines in the future is almost negligible. We don't need to go all out against them. After all, adversaries pushed to the brink are capable of unimaginable acts.
Knowing Roger's character, he wouldn't directly attack a nation, but not long ago, he did. And that nation, which lost all its military forces, was annexed by another country a week later.
My suggestion is, we continue the pursuit of Roger, but don't push him too hard. Our focus should mainly be on the Whitebeard Pirates and the Golden Lion Pirates!"
After finishing, Tsuru paused, pondered for a moment, and then frowned: "And, expedite the collection of intelligence on the Beast Pirates by the Marine Intelligence Department and the Cipher Pol Department. I have a feeling that someone like Nicholas, who suddenly went silent, is definitely plotting something."
While the high-ranking Marines were discussing, on a hill behind the Marine training camp not far from Marine Headquarters, Issho sat cross-legged on a rock, overlooking the bustling port with numerous warships.
"Dragon-san, you're here."
Without turning his head, Issho spoke, and behind him, in the empty space, Dragon's figure appeared.
"You have sharp perception, Issho-sama."
Dragon, looking at Issho's back, showed his trademark smile.
"It seems that what Nicholas said is true. Dragon-san has already made a decision."
Issho sighed.
Dragon also stepped forward and stood beside Issho, looking at the imposing Marine Headquarters in the distance.
"The Marine's ideology conflicts with mine, and I cannot change the Marines or this world within it.
This world shouldn't be like this, so Issho-sama, would you be willing to help me? Let's change this world together!"
Dragon extended an invitation to Issho.
"Dragon-san, when Nicholas recommended me to join the Marines, he told me that I could see the essence of this world more clearly. Now, I have indeed seen many unpleasant things, but I have also seen many shining aspects within the Marines. So, I will continue to stay in the Marines and try to change it from inside."
Issho spoke in a solemn tone. In the Marines, he saw individuals oppressing ordinary people and colluding with pirates, but he also saw Marines fighting to protect ordinary people against pirates, even though they were weaker. Seeing someone so weak but still daring to stand up to the powerful was admirable.
"Then, let's hope for a better future for both of us, Issho-sama."
As he finished speaking, Dragon's figure had disappeared.
"Hopefully, we will see the dawn of a new world, because the time before dawn is the darkest and most chaotic."
After speaking softly, Issho got up, picked up his sword cane, tapped the ground, and walked down the mountain towards the base.