"What an incredible battle."
Momousagi stroked her hair that was blown away by the sea breeze beside her ears and couldn't help but let out a sigh.
"If nothing else happens, this operation can wipe out all the pirates in the first half of the Grand Line in one fell swoop."
"We also have firm control over the entrances to Four Seas and Grand Line."
"After resolving our concerns, we can channel all our energy towards the New World."
Carlos nodded in agreement.
"You are correct, but the situation in the New World is much more complex and perilous. Utilize this time to promptly organize individuals for intelligence gathering."
"As commanded."
Ai Yin gazed at the disappointed and bewildered sailors below and couldn't resist asking:
"Marshal Carlos, what about the remaining 120,000 sailors..."
Carlos pondered for a moment before stating:
"Establish a combat power ranking based on the outcomes of this selection and designate a number of ranks."
"Each individual has the opportunity to challenge once a month and can challenge the person in the preceding rank."
"Additionally, following the completion of this operation, a ranking list will be created based on combat merit levels."
"These two rankings will be openly displayed to all. The combined ranking of these two criteria will serve as the standard for future promotions."
Being a strictly military institution, sentiments and relationships have no place here.
To receive better treatment, let your strength and merits speak on your behalf.
Carlos further remarked:
"By the way, Hawkeye should not remain idle. Let him be the swordsmanship instructor responsible for imparting swordsmanship skills to the sailors."
Momousagi was momentarily speechless, hesitating and not sure of what to say.
He is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and was once renowned as the world's greatest swordsman. He is quite arrogant. Just contemplating the idea makes it apparent that he may not easily agree to it!
Carlos smiled:
"Convey to him that in return, he will have the opportunity to spar with me once a month.
"Given my understanding of him, I am certain he will accept."
This time, not only Momousagi, but also Ain, wore expressions of speechlessness.
Rather than terming it as a competition, it seemed more like a one-sided defeat.
One couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Hawkeye.
"This alone is insufficient; I am prepared to reveal the training techniques of the Marine Six Styles and Haki."
The female warriors at the Amazon Lily Kingdom can essentially master Armament Haki, and so can the Marines.
Momousagi and Ai Yin's expressions shifted, realizing the gravity of the situation, and began to dissuade them.
"Isn't this inappropriate? What if Marine Six Styles and Haki are widely disseminated?"
Carlos waved his hand, cutting off the protest.
"You understand your concerns; you're anxious about potential exposure."
"This is advantageous to us. Don't forget, the Marines stand for justice, and the people support us."
Although Carlos' rationale appeared to be enhancing the Marine's strength, a deeper motive lay beneath it.
In doing so, when confronting pirates or even the world government, the people would have the means to defend themselves.
Perhaps one day in the future,
As representatives of justice, the Marines might utilize this momentum to reshape the world entirely...
Time elapsed, and the Marine fleet had set sail for five days already.
On an island not far from Enies Lobby.
Smoke enveloped the island, with flames engulfing the town.
The streets lay in disarray, with scattered limbs and collapsed buildings in view.
It was evident that a major battle had transpired here not long ago.
Numerous shocked civilians cautiously peered out from their residences.
Nearly a thousand pirate bodies were neatly laid out in the open space on both sides of the pier.
Merely an hour before.
A pirate group named "Bloody Rose" had led thousands of pirates to this location, wreaking havoc through burning, killing, and looting in the town.
Upon receiving distress calls from the locals, Akainu, who was nearby, swiftly led a fleet to respond.
Upon the clash between the two sides, a fierce battle erupted.
The pirate captain with a bounty of 210 million beli was swiftly dispatched by Akainu in a single move.
Marine's spirits soared.
A mere few minutes into the battle, the high-spirited Marine troops vanquished nearly a thousand pirates in one fell swoop.
Witnessing this, the remaining thousands of pirates surrendered without resistance.
After all, the leader was a Marine Admiral; no one stood a chance against him.
Furthermore, these sailors were exceptionally valiant.
Upon spotting these pirates, their eyes gleamed as if they had found treasure troves.
They preferred surrendering over battling these lunatics.
Under the scrutiny of numerous onlookers, the Marines began to clear the battlefield.
Shortly after, an adjutant approached Akainu.
"Sir, following the tally, 981 pirates perished in this encounter. The estimated value of gold and silver treasures acquired is approximately 150 million beli. Additionally, we chanced upon a Devil Fruit."
"Hmm? Another Devil Fruit after the Paramecia Barrier Fruit?"
"Yes, after cross-referencing with the illustrated guide, this one is identified as the Logia Snow-snow Fruit!"
Akainu, too, was taken aback. After contemplation, he issued a directive with a solemn tone:
"Instruct individuals to transport it to headquarters. As for the gold, silver treasures, distribute them to the soldiers on-site...
Devil Fruits hold strategic significance, not to mention the scarce Logia variant.
Handled correctly, they can introduce formidable new contenders to the Marines.
As for pocketing the spoils?
This notion didn't even cross Akainu's mind.
Initially, he paid it no heed.
Moreover, each ship had a designated individual responsible for record-keeping, so any attempts at concealment would be futile.
Observing the bound pirates nearby, the adjutant appeared conflicted.
"What shall we do with these captives? All vessels are at full capacity, and there is no available space to accommodate them..."
During the five-day expedition, they inadvertently accrued a substantial number of captives.
Akainu's gaze turned chilling, as he uttered in a cold tone.
"Dispatch them instantaneously alongside the pirates aboard, and display their bodies in the port to demonstrate the consequences of turning to piracy.
"Understood!"
Upon Akainu's decree, the pirates were executed one by one and left hanging from the dock's mast.
The pirates' expressions oscillated from rage to despondency.
An array of pleas for mercy and curses echoed one after another.
What was once a desolate, dilapidated port was now abuzz with commotion.
Akainu observed all unperturbed.
Pirates did not merit sympathy. Electing such a path warranted mental preparation for such an outcome.
Only via swift, decisive actions could these lawless individuals be deterred.
Treasures worth 150 million beli were distributed.
Amidst jubilant cheers, Marine's morale soared as they continued their voyage towards the water capital.
Conversely, the fleet led by Green Bull encountered several pirate groups in 1.9.
With the prowess of the Sensen Fruit, the opposition was swiftly obliterated in a single encounter.
However, unlike Akainu, Green Bull did not execute the pirates on the spot.
Instead, he summoned myriad plant life, draining the pirates individually and detaining them collectively.
As a recently promoted Marine Admiral, he required these captives to substantiate his worth.
Contrary to these two scenarios, Fujitora had a different approach.
In a smoke-shrouded, dilapidated town.
Groups of sailors transporting logs were intermittently seen strolling by.
Accompanied by the resounding clang of hammers.
Innumerable civilians and soldiers could be seen mending buildings with great enthusiasm.
Fujitora sat atop a large boulder, holding a cane knife, his expression tinged with resignation.
Despite being a Marine Admiral, he bore none of the haughtiness or airs of a superior.
This was all due to the numerous civilians around him who eagerly volunteered to enlist in the Marines, almost overwhelming him...