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In the stack of documents that Vice Admiral Tsuru submitted, there were several pressing issues.
First Point: The Berries Problem!
1. The World Government's exclusive bank was established, and taking advantage of being the direct authority over the Marines, they shamelessly opened it right across from all Marine branch banks.
Even their slogan showed no mercy, blatantly undermining the Marines:
"More trustworthy than the Marines!"
This statement alone was a heavy blow.
The truth is, there's little the Marines can do about it. After all, the claim isn't baseless.
Backing the World Government Bank are the Five Elders and over a hundred member nations.
The Marines are just one part of that.
With such a massive faction behind them, it's not a stretch to say they're more trustworthy than the Marines.
The Marines can only endure this, unable to express their frustration openly.
Of course, the impact of the World Government Bank's move was immediate.
Seeing this situation, many people withdrew their Berries and transferred them to the World Government's bank.
As a result, the amount of Berries available to the Marines has been significantly reduced.
2. There's also the issue of God's Generals operation. Whether it's hiring the world's strongest to replicate it or relying on the blessings of the gods, all of this requires substantial Berries as rewards.
Although they earn a bit extra by selling deformed leaves to kings and nobles, and they can also temporarily use people's deposits, so there's no immediate concern about running out of funds.
However, without long-term planning, short-term troubles are inevitable. If this continues, the Marines will eventually face bankruptcy again.
Second Point: Weapons and Bases!
Since the beginning of the Great Pirate Era, under Akira's directives, Marine recruitment has been ongoing without pause.
Not only do the soldiers' salaries need to be paid in full every month,
but the massive influx of soldiers also increases the demand for weapons.
There aren't enough supplies like warships, swords, guns, and ammunition.
In simple terms, they need to keep buying, producing, and upgrading!
Third Point: The Pirate Problem!
After initial confusion, the pirates figured out the weaknesses of the clones.
They developed techniques to sink warships.
The second half of the Grand Line is better off, with no shortage of knowledge and experience.
Most pirates are detected before they get close.
The real problem is in the waters between the Four Seas and the first half of the Grand Line.
The clones stationed there are clearly of lower grade, B and below.
These clones have strength but lack Observation Haki.
And as the saying goes, "You can fight a thief for a thousand days, but you can't guard against a thief for a thousand days."
If the clones are used to monitor the seafloor 24/7, it would not only exhaust their stamina but also give the pirates the opportunity to regain their strength.
Tap, tap, tap.
Akira drummed his fingers on the table, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"There are indeed many issues, but we can't solve them all at once."
"Let's address the immediate Berries problem first. Once the most critical issue is resolved, the rest will seem minor."
"Do the top officers know about our bank being targeted?"
Tsuru nodded. "I held a meeting with them earlier to see if anyone had a good solution to this situation."
"And? Did anyone come up with a solution?" Akira frowned.
"No."
For some reason, Akira found himself feeling completely unfazed by the situation. He had already mentally prepared for this outcome.
He knew that while he had talented fighters under his command, expecting them to come up with strategic solutions was asking too much. Tsuru's expression showed a hint of regret over the meeting she had organized—it was clear that her efforts had been in vain. If the others had been able to solve the problem, she wouldn't have needed to bring it to Akira in the first place.
"By the way, how did they react when they heard the news?" Akira asked.
"Very calm, no significant reaction," Tsuru replied after a moment of reflection. "Apart from a few who got a bit agitated, most were just slightly surprised. Some even thought it wouldn't be a big deal if the Marine Bank was taken over, as long as the World Government continues to pay their salaries."
Akira listened intently, puffing on his cigar. The more he listened, the more his expression darkened.
"I worked hard to establish the Marine Bank, not for it to be seen as a mere convenience," Akira thought to himself. "But, then again, it makes sense. There's no need for officers and soldiers to risk themselves over the Marine Bank."
He realized that for most of them, the existence or collapse of the Marine Bank made little difference. He had set it up so the Marines could be self-sufficient and not have to rely on the Five Elders. But it was clear not everyone shared his vision of defying the World Government.
When they heard that the World Government was also opening a bank and attracting the public's Berries, they didn't care much. After all, whether it was the Marine Bank or the World Government Bank, their wages would still be paid. To them, it was just money shifting from one hand to the other. They were willing to risk their lives fighting pirates for justice, but risking their lives for a bank that just paid their wages? That was a different story.
"If the Marine Bank earned 100 million Berries and these senior officers could draw hundreds of thousands or millions from it, or if the dividends could ensure a comfortable future for their families, would they still be so indifferent?" Akira wondered. "Would they then turn their ire towards the Five Elders trying to interfere?"
A glint of determination flickered in Akira's eyes as he straightened up, placing his hand on the stack of documents in front of him.
"Tsuru, let's set these aside for now. I'll think of some money-making plans over the next couple of days," Akira said. "But in the meantime, I have another task for you."
Tsuru nodded. "Please go ahead, sir."
"It's like this—Sengoku will be stepping down as Admiral in a month. I plan to fill the Admiral positions with Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan. Over the next month, we need to promote them."
"Since the whole world will be watching, select some notorious pirates who are known across the globe. Let each of them handle these pirates solo to showcase their capabilities to the public and to the troops."
"Choose the list of pirates and bring it to me," Akira instructed.
After carefully noting Akira's orders, Tsuru turned and left the room.
Akira leaned back in his chair, resting his hands behind his head, his eyes filled with resolve.
"They think they can just take it back after giving it away? It's not going to be that easy!"
He closed his eyes, muttering softly to himself, "Just wait and see!"