The news of the Big Mom Pirates' demise spread like wildfire around the world. However, by now, everyone was used to such shifts.
After all...
Even though they were once one of the Four Emperors, their current lineup was far from what it was during the "Battle of Sabaody Archipelago."
Moreover, some speculated that the mysterious man who fought fiercely with the Rairyu in Dressrosa was none other than Rocks D. Xebec, a nearly invincible legend.
Although ordinary people and the younger generation didn't know much about him, the recent discussions had them more and more amazed by the power of Rairyu. Alongside this, speculation about Mariejois grew.
What kind of power do they hold to remain indifferent at this moment?
Marineford.
When Dylan appeared at the fortress gates, everyone looked at him with reverent and fiery eyes. A true Marine hero, a true Marine hero.
With a righteous heart and no fear of power, he almost single-handedly changed the sea's pattern. Many even longed for this man to lead them. It's not that Fleet Admiral Sakazuki was bad, but the man in front of them was too dazzling and outstanding. He wasn't just a fearless soldier but also a wise leader, judging by the development of G5 and his kingdom.
"That's amazing, little Dylan."
As if waiting for him, Gion greeted Dylan the moment he stepped through the door, then walked side by side with him.
Dylan turned his head slightly and glanced at her. Gion and Tokikake rarely appeared at headquarters. As Admiral candidates, they were mostly on missions. Especially this year, under the dual leadership of Sakazuki and Dylan, a significant part of the New World had been included in Marine territory. The first half of the New World was now hardly different from Paradise. It was rare to see anyone flying the pirate flag openly.
"Are you waiting here specifically for me, Sister Gion?"
"Yes, yes!" Gion rolled her eyes at him playfully. "Granny Crane said you would come back soon, so I've been watching for you."
"As soon as she finishes the meeting with Sakazuki, She'll come over and have tea with you."
Dylan could probably guess what Granny Crane was thinking. The Marines from the previous generation...
Dylan actually didn't have much ill will towards them, including Garp. If Garp had wised up and quit the Marines early, Dylan wouldn't have ruined his reputation. Pity...
Though he was known as a hero, Garp frequently added negative influences to the Marines, affecting the next generation as well. As for Sengoku, Crane, Zephyr, and others, Dylan could understand. Whether they were conservative or balanced, it was commendable to work hard to maintain peace when strength was insufficient.
Marines...
During the Peace Roundtable, he had explained that the Marines might not be enemies, but they couldn't be treated entirely as allies either. Fortunately, through his hard work over the years, he had achieved a reputation that far exceeded Garp's.
And Sakazuki...
Standing on the lifting platform, Dylan nodded slightly to himself. Sakazuki was a pure soldier, and justice in his heart was above everything else. Otherwise, anyone could be the Fleet Admiral, be it Koby or Smoker. Not to mention being kicked out of the Marines, they should at least have been sent worldwide to go fishing. But Sakazuki not only didn't embarrass them in the original story, but even the rank of the Koby soared.
A guy who has been in the Marines for only two years and has no clean record at all gets promoted from a soldier to a colonel? And he even mastered the SWORD troops. If the Sun God hadn't become an "Emperor of the Sea" at lightning speed, Dylan would have suspected that the Koby was the protagonist.
After all, the Sun God stayed in East Blue for over ten years before venturing out. Meanwhile, the Koby has climbed halfway to the top ranks from being a slave on a pirate ship in just two years. It's hard not to wonder if there's some shady business behind this.
Gion noticed Dylan deep in thought and didn't interrupt him. After completing a mission a few days ago and returning to Marineford, Granny Crane specifically asked her to stay put for a while.
"He is very busy and doesn't have much time. We'll check on him when he comes over."
Dylan's busyness was evident to everyone, otherwise Sengoku wouldn't have said, "I didn't achieve much during my tenure as fleet admial" when meeting him.
But everyone knew that despite his immense power, every time Dylan returned to Marineford, he wouldn't fly directly to the fleet admiral's office. Though no appointment was needed, he still went through the normal process to see the marshal. This small detail made everyone's view of him more profound—strong but not arrogant.
"I'll make tea and wait for you."
After reaching the top floor, Gion nodded to Dylan and turned to go to the other end.
When Dylan arrived at Sakazuki's office, the others had already left.
"How long will it take?"
Sakazuki got straight to the point.
Dylan sat down opposite him and pondered for a moment. "About two months... Sakazuki... Marine..."
"Don't worry," Sakazuki said seriously. "Kong... he's not as incompetent and stupid as you think. Others..."
"No..."
Dylan shook his head. "Sakazuki, I think... you and the rest of the Marines should continue to maintain order."
"Reason?"
"The war in Mariejois won't be decided by numbers. Even the Vice Admirals here won't be much help. Besides..."
Dylan looked at the giant world map behind him.
"I can't yet control the duration of that battle, so someone must maintain order in the sea. Because once the war starts, if the people from G5 and Marineford gather together, countless evil people will definitely take advantage of the chaos. There is no doubt about this!"
"Let Zephyr come back and take my place."
Dylan was silent for a moment, looking at the scar on Sakazuki's face.
Zephyr is indeed a good choice. Although the vampire fruit will restore Zephyr's youth, his actual lifespan won't increase much. In other words, as long as there is blood to suck, Zephyr can maintain his peak lifespan for decades. This ensures a balanced battle and prevents Zephyr from having endless power.
But...
Dylan was confused. Why is Sakazuki so obsessed with joining the war? He should know that with his current strength, he can't change the situation much.
As if sensing Dylan's confusion, Sakazuki puffed out a smoke.
"I've recently... felt something very different..."
"I can feel it..." Sakazuki raised his head and stared at Dylan. "I'm going back to nature! Dylan, if I die so worthlessly—"
"Then my life will be such a pity!"
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