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Garp might seem carefree, but in reality, his is a case of great wisdom appearing as foolishness. His heart is brighter than anyone's. With his personality and temper, there was no way he could ever become the Fleet Admiral.

Coupled with the fact that he didn't want the position in the first place, he refused directly, without a shred of hesitation.

"I recommend Zephyr..."

Sengoku said after a moment of silence. "Zephyr has trained far too many excellent soldiers for the Marines over the years. All the future rising stars are his students. This contribution is more than enough to qualify him for the position of Fleet Admiral."

"Alright, let's stop being modest. Does anyone have a different opinion? Speak up quickly. The World Government is already pressing us..." Kong rubbed his temples, a headache coming on.

"Zephyr's contributions are great, but the position of Fleet Admiral depends on one's leadership abilities. Sengoku's strategic mind is superior—" Vice Admiral Tsuru said, raising her hand after giving Zephyr an apologetic look.

"I also recommend Sengoku," Zephyr himself said with a relaxed smile, causing those around him to look at him with incredulous eyes.

"If I became the Fleet Admiral, I wouldn't be able to properly watch the birth of one excellent Marine after another, would I? HAHAHAHA!"

"My interest is in training more soldiers. If I can't clear out the pirates and bring justice to the seas myself, then I must place my dream on the next generation, don't you think?"

Zephyr grinned broadly.

His words commanded the solemn respect of all the high-ranking Marine officials present. Even Kizaru, who often disagreed with him, felt a sense of admiration in his heart.

This was a man who had dedicated his entire life to the Marines.

A man who, even after his family was completely slaughtered by pirates, had never killed a single pirate—the man known as Black Arm Zephyr.

A man to whom the Marines owed the most.

"Fleet Admiral Kong, in this latest round of conscription, several outstanding Marine prospects have appeared. Their talent is astonishing, and they do not lack for effort. I hope they can be given special training," Zephyr said, changing the heavy topic and handing a file to Kong.

On the photos in the file were the figures of several very young men and women.

Jessica was at the very top.

At the same time, the girl Arthur had saved in the West Blue when he first descended from Skypiea, the daughter of the mafia boss whose father had been killed by Capone Bege—Aurora—was also on the list.

"This is..." Kong recognized Jessica at a glance.

"The daughter of the head chef of the Marines. Her talent and effort are both of the highest caliber."

"What I mean is, she was once on the Thunder Emperor's ship, was she not?" Kong asked, crossing his arms and frowning.

"That... is true. However, the time Jessica spent with the Thunder Emperor was too short. Several years have passed—she should have forgotten him by now..." Zephyr quickly explained.

"Even a person whose heart is filled with sin can be reformed by time and comrades. We cannot negate a person's efforts just because she once associated with evil."

"Keep her under close observation. When we face the Thunder Emperor in the future, send her to the front lines. If she shows no divided loyalties, then it will prove that her heart is truly with the Marines," Kong said coldly.

"Alright, let's end this topic here. The Five Elders have sent an order. Redfield has fought his way from the other side of the Red Line to the Sabaody Archipelago and is now resting there. There is no time to lose. We must act immediately."

"This time, it will just be me, Garp, and Sengoku. The rest of you, await your orders... DISMISSED!"

"SIR!!"

Without a moment's delay, Kong, along with Garp and Sengoku, boarded a warship and headed for the Sabaody Archipelago to arrest Red the Aloof—

This was the Marines' largest operation since the beginning of the Great Age of Pirates.

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Ten thousand meters under the deep sea, Fish-Man Island.

A blue sky, white clouds, sunlight—a miraculous island.

Surrounded by hundreds of fish-man soldiers, Arthur tossed the Den Den Mushi back to Neptune and sneered, "It seems Whitebeard's name doesn't work on me."

'If I occupy the only way to the New World—and add a rule that trash is not allowed to enter, I should be able to stop a great many of these make-believe pirates.'

"YOU CAN'T DO THIS!!"

Neptune roared in anger, held back by a group of soldiers and his ministers.

Everyone in the world knew of the horrifyingly destructive power of Thunder Emperor Arthur and Whitebeard.

For Fish-Man Island, the last refuge of the fish-men, to be used as a battlefield by these two monsters, there could only be one consequence: destruction. There was no second path.

At that time, where would the fish-men and mermaids go? To the surface, to be captured as slaves?

"Your Majesty, do not worry."

Queen Otohime, who had been silent until now, opened her eyes and comforted Neptune, her face pale. "Thunder Emperor has no intention of destroying Fish-Man Island."

"Because, Fish-Man Island still has value. In the future, a crucial thing will be born here..."

"Your Observation Haki that can hear the hearts of others is becoming more and more proficient... Otohime," Arthur said with a faint smile, not refuting her.

Just as she had said, in a few years, something that interested him would be born on Fish-Man Island—the Ancient Weapon, Poseidon.

And Poseidon's vessel was Queen Otohime's daughter. It would be a pity to kill her directly.

Otohime's probing of his inner thoughts meant his own skills were inferior. His development of his electric waves was not yet deep enough.

Who could he blame?

The geographical location of Fish-Man Island was simply too perfect, and it was extremely valuable, so Arthur had set his sights on it and wanted to contend with Whitebeard for it.

"WAR IS NOT PERMITTED ON FISH-MAN ISLAND!" Neptune shouted, not understanding Otohime's words at that moment.

"The weak have no right to choose..." Arthur said with contempt, walking directly towards where his [Thor] was docked. He was leaving Fish-Man Island.

The weak have never had the right to choose. Their life and death are not in their own hands.

The pirates who go out to sea cannot even choose their own burial place. At any moment, their bones could be scattered. Perhaps the only choice they have is to be buried in the boundless ocean.

"When Whitebeard arrives, you tell him... the Sabaody Archipelago will be the place where he falls from his throne."

Arthur didn't turn his head, as if he were stating a fact.

No one can be invincible forever. As long as one is human, they will grow old and pass away.

Whitebeard had sat on the throne of the World's Strongest Man for several years. It was time for him to step down.

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The winds and clouds of the sea began to gather at the Sabaody Archipelago—

Red the Aloof was about to arrive...

The three highest powers of Marine Headquarters were on their way...

And the Thunder Emperor Arthur had issued his second challenge to Whitebeard...

The wind rises, the clouds surge.

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