In the brightly lit conference room, a massive world map hung on the front wall.
Bang!
Sengoku slammed both hands on the large wooden table and looked at everyone present with a solemn expression. "The meeting begins now!"
He pressed a button on the transponder snail in front of him, and a projection was emitted from its eyes.
"All of you are elite officers of the Navy. The books distributed to you earlier should have been thoroughly read by now," Sengoku said. "So, have you all made up your minds to act against the corruption of the World Government for the sake of true justice?"
The naval officers exchanged glances and then burst into laughter.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, since we're all gathered here today, isn't the answer obvious?"
"Our previous justice was undoubtedly justice, but it was not true justice."
"As long as the Celestial Dragons and the World Government continue to oppress the world, our justice will never be genuine!"
"Haha, indeed, I've spoken too much," Sengoku admitted. He raised his head and looked at each person present, his eyes widening with determination.
"Then let the meeting officially begin!"
Riku and Shuvi exchanged a glance and stood up.
"Granny Tsuru, we'll take over from here to explain the plan," Riku said respectfully.
"Haha, young Riku is always so polite," Tsuru chuckled. Standing beside Riku and Shuvi, her serious expression returned as she addressed the room. "This plan has been developed by me and these two esteemed guests. Their intellect has earned my trust. Let them explain the next steps."
Smiling slightly, Tsuru added, "After all, the coming era belongs to the young. Let them take the stage."
She gently patted Riku and Shuvi on the shoulder before returning to her seat.
After a brief moment of silence, Riku's eyes sharpened as he stepped into the center of the room. Shuvi activated a floating device, projecting a map of the world for everyone to see.
"My name is Riku," he began, leaning on the table with both hands. "From now on, I will be your commander. While you may not know or trust me yet, as soldiers, your duty is to obey orders!"
"I will explain the plan and lead you to victory," he declared with a faint smirk. "Of course, this will be a victory without any sacrifices. To me, any sacrifice would mean failure."
The room remained silent as every pair of eyes focused on Riku. His commanding presence, honed during the divine war, exuded confidence, leaving no room for dissent.
Meanwhile, Shuvi's device projected the current state of the world map, highlighting the Grand Line and the Red Line that divided the world into four seas.
"Our plan is straightforward and direct," Riku continued. "First, we leave the Grand Line and the Red Line untouched for now. Within half a day, we will completely suppress the Four Seas, dismantling the World Government's foothold there."
"Next, we will spend the remaining half-day clearing the Grand Line and the Red Line."
"Finally," Riku raised the device in his hand, "we will leisurely reshape the planet's environment and topography to facilitate unification."
Gasps of shock echoed through the room as the naval officers stared at Riku and Shuvi in disbelief.
A vice admiral with a fierce expression slammed the table and stood up. "What nonsense are you spouting?!"
"I thought you had the makings of a competent leader, but now you're spouting ridiculous fantasies!"
As Sengoku, Tsuru, and the others looked on in astonishment, Riku smiled calmly.
"This is no fantasy, nor was it part of the original plan," he explained, turning to the wall where a man was imprisoned. "I've just discovered a new opportunity that will allow us to reshape the world more quickly."
"For this revised plan, we need three things," Riku declared confidently, raising his hand.
"First, absolute power."
"Second, a catalyst that will draw the world's attention."
"Third, a credible and powerful force to take control in the aftermath."
Holding up three fingers, he concluded, "These conditions have already been met with the capture of Portgas D. Ace, second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates and the son of the Pirate King."
"Hahaha! Well said, young man!" Garp laughed, swallowing the last of his donut. Resting his chin on his hand, he glanced at Hiroshi and his group before focusing on Riku.
"The last two conditions can be handled by the Navy," Garp said. "But!"
He fixed Riku with a piercing gaze, his overwhelming aura filling the room. Clenching his fist, black Haki enveloped his hand.
"Can you guarantee the power to suppress all resistance across the Four Seas in one day without causing massive casualties? If you can, I will give my all to this plan—even if it means my grandson's execution!"
The room erupted in murmurs, with some officers staring at Garp in shock while others remained silent.
"Garp," Sengoku said softly, sighing as he looked at his longtime comrade.
Standing tall beside Garp, Sengoku addressed Hiroshi and his group. "Kizaru has spoken of your strength, but even that may not be enough to suppress the entire world in one day."
"Even if your power is sufficient, executing this plan would inevitably alert the Four Emperors and the World Government, igniting endless warfare."
"You would be scattered and vulnerable to being picked off one by one. And let us not forget the World Government's supreme leader, Im, who is said to possess godlike powers."
"For the sake of caution, we should stick to the original plan."
Riku smiled faintly and slowly lowered his hand.