Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: p@treon.com/CosmicKaminari
----------
"As a Fleet Admiral, if you're certain, the staff will strictly follow all orders.
"But Fleet Admiral Akira, you should know we can't completely secure that sea area in a short period."
After thinking it over, she spoke seriously.
She didn't see any problem with the Marine extending its influence to the second half of the Grand Line.
In fact, if conditions hadn't been favorable before, the Marine would never have allowed that place to become a safe haven for pirates.
Now, thanks to Akira's various money-making schemes over the past year, the Marine, no longer short on funds, has expanded many bases.
With the support of powerful clones, it's safe to say the first half of the Grand Line no longer drains too much of Marine's resources.
However, she was most concerned that Akira might be rushing things and underestimating the challenges of that area.
After all, Akira had never completed a mission in the latter half of the Grand Line since joining the Marine.
The only time he ventured in, he was chased back by pirates the very same day.
"It's fine. We have time to take it slow. We can make a five- or ten-year plan first."
Akira was well aware of how dangerous that sea area was.
It could be said that the criminals and pirates in the first half of the Grand Line combined weren't nearly as ferocious as those in the latter half.
Even multiplying their numbers wouldn't compare.
It's impossible to bring it under Marine control quickly, even with a large number of clones.
Not to mention, Rehabilitation had already been halted by the Five Elders at this point.
Therefore, Akira didn't expect to bring order to the area in just one or two years.
Besides, what Spandine said earlier was true.
Setting aside whether the Five Elders and the Celestial Dragons agree or not, if more than half of the world's pirates were to vanish in a short time, Marine's importance and status would also be significantly reduced.
Akira, the current Fleet Admiral of the Marines, is uncertain whether his status with the Five Elders and others will remain the same in the future.
Regardless, Akira, who has embarrassed the Celestial Dragons and seen his status reduced, would never be able to get off as easily as he did today.
Therefore, as long as Akira doesn't plan on openly breaking with the Five Elders, he has to keep a delicate balance between the Marines and the pirates for his own survival.
"Alright, what result do you want to achieve in the early stages?" Tsuru asked, exhaling in relief and quickly seeking clarification.
Akira adjusted his glasses with his left hand and laid out the plan he'd devised on his way.
"There's only one G-5 base in the second half of the Grand Line, and that's far too few."
"We need to build more bases, positioning them near major allied nations and key sea areas."
"My goal is to ensure not only the smooth operation of the allied nations' trade routes but also to make it easier for us to resupply. Later, once we've built up enough strength, we can use these bases as a springboard to fully take control of the second half of the Grand Line."
Vice Admiral Tsuru had already pulled out a notebook without Akira noticing.
She meticulously wrote down every word of his plan.
"Understood, Fleet Admiral Akira. I'll have the staff start drafting a plan immediately."
Once Akira finished and added nothing more, Tsuru finally spoke up.
"Good. I expect it on my desk within two days."
Akira said with a calm smile.
He had already decided to speed up the Marine's expansion into the area. For him, there were only benefits and no downsides.
This meant the staff would need to work overtime.
"Of course, that's our duty. If there's nothing else, I'll be heading back."
"Mm!"
Hearing this, Tsuru turned and walked outside.
Akira picked up the intelligence reports on his desk, using them to pass the time.
Minutes ticked by slowly.
Suddenly!
"Reporting to Fleet Admiral, I need to go to the restroom," Vergo stood up from his seat, saluting with the precision of a model Marine.
Akira glanced over, the corner of his mouth curling into a slight smile. "Go if you need to. You don't have to ask for permission for such trivial things in the future."
Vergo, who had previously been sent to integrate Rosinante's work with news agencies and mafia operations across the globe, had done an outstanding job. Both he and the Donquixote Family had flawlessly executed the tasks Akira assigned.
As a "reward," Akira fulfilled his promise and had Vergo, who returned with Rosinante, stay by his side for training.
'This kid… looks like he's going to pass on the news,' Akira thought with a smile.
The Marines' entry into the second half of the Grand Line was significant news for pirates. If Doflamingo wasn't aware and led his crew into that territory, only to run into an Admiral, they'd likely find themselves in Impel Down for a long time.
Even if they were lucky enough to avoid an Admiral, a battle with other high-ranking Marines wouldn't go well for them.
In the near future, the second half of the Grand Line was bound to erupt into chaos—a bloodbath that would only grow more intense. Those who were merely "silver medalists" in the pirate world, barely passable in strength, would be wiped out.
Although the Marines hadn't officially entered yet, Doflamingo was still operating in the first half of the Grand Line. In a few days, he might enter the second half just as the Marines made their move. If that happened, it would be a disaster for him.
Vergo wasn't foolish—he was one of the more cunning players in the world of pirates. Naturally, he understood the urgency of informing Doflamingo, whom he considered family.
"Understood, Fleet Admiral. I'll be on my way," Vergo said, scratching his head with a shy smile, like an awkward young man.
After responding, Vergo covered the area below his waist with both hands, bent over, and dashed off in a hurry.
"Doflamingo~ That guy's got real talent and is still useful," Akira muttered as he lounged in his chair, watching Vergo's retreating figure, his eyes glinting slightly.
---
Grand Line, a certain kingdom.
In the central district reserved for nobles, a construction crew was hard at work. Amidst the dust and noise, the frames of villas were gradually taking shape.
In the midst of this bustling scene stood Lu Feld, a bit heftier than before. With his hands behind his back, two expensive cigars hanging from his mouth, he strolled leisurely through the site like a big shot overseeing the project.
Beside him was Doflamingo, striding confidently forward, wearing his signature sunglasses, his aura radiating flamboyance.
"Fufufufu..."
Doflamingo surveyed the surroundings, then turned his gaze to the powerful clones standing guard not far away. His fingers twitched slightly as he suppressed a mix of emotions, forcing a few laughs before speaking in a meaningful tone.
"Seems like ever since you partnered up with the Marines, your life's been getting more and more refined."
"Those folks in the underworld still miss you."
Lu Feld puffed out a cloud of thick smoke and shot a sidelong glance at Doflamingo.
"Miss me, huh?"
"Sounds nice, are they expecting me to make them rich again," Lu Feld snorted, clearly unimpressed.