One Piece: The user of the Nen-Nen Fruit, who overturned the sea.

He didn't say much inaugural address because the current situation didn't allow for any empty talk.

"Based on the latest instructions from the World Government, and with my consent,"

The Warring States period said in a deep voice,

"Former Admiral candidates Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan have been officially promoted to Admirals, with their titles remaining unchanged."

I hope that the three of you will be able to better fulfill your duties and uphold justice in your new positions.

Akainu's expression was cold and hard, Kizaru still looked nonchalant but his eyes were slightly narrowed, and Aokiji frowned slightly, seemingly having mixed feelings about his promotion.

They all understood that this promotion came with heavy responsibilities and even greater challenges.

Then, the Warring States period dropped an even more explosive bombshell.

"Furthermore, in order to counter the increasingly rampant pirate forces and balance the power on the seas,"

The World Government's highest decision-making body has decided to formally establish the "Seven Warlords of the Sea" system!

"What?!"

"Shichibukai?!"

"Legalize piracy? What kind of nonsense is that?!"

The conference room suddenly exploded.

The hawkish generals, especially Akainu, reacted the most strongly.

Akainu suddenly stood up and slammed his fist on the table.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku! This is absolutely unacceptable! How can the Navy compromise with the enemy of the World Government?"

Granting pirates the right to legally plunder? That's a blasphemy against 'justice'!

Other generals also expressed shock and dissatisfaction.

Only a few people, such as Vice Admiral Tsuru and Kizaru, remained silent, seemingly having expected this.

Sengoku raised his hand to quell the commotion; his voice carried an undeniable authority.

This is a decision made by the world government! We need to face reality!

The navy's manpower is limited, while the number of pirates has exploded since Roger's death!

We must maintain stability across the four seas, the first half of the Grand Line, and even the headquarters.

At the same time, they also have to cope with the immense pressure from the new world; their military strength is already stretched thin!

His sharp gaze swept over the crowd.

The "Seven Warlords of the Sea" system is designed to use pirates to counterbalance other pirates!

Give them legal status and certain privileges in exchange for their obedience to the World Government, their fight against other pirates, and their relief from our burden!

This is politics, and also a strategy born of necessity!

Akainu wanted to argue, but was stopped by Sengoku's stern gaze. Vice Admiral Tsuru then slowly spoke.

"Sakazuki, calm down. This system certainly has problems."

But right now, this may be the fastest way to relieve the pressure on our troop strength.

We need time, we need to build up our strength.

Zhan Guo nodded and continued the conversation.

"That's right. So, the other resolution is: the Navy must immediately launch a massive global recruitment drive!"

Expand our forces, especially strengthening patrols and mopping-up operations in the four seas and the first half of the Grand Line!

He walked to the huge nautical chart and traced its surface with his finger.

I agree with Crane's plan.

We need to increase the density of the "sieve" in the first half to weed out the pirates surging towards the Grand Line.

Intercept them, eliminate them, or... drive them to the new world if possible!

A glint of wisdom and ruthlessness shone in the eyes of the Warring States period.

"The New World now has Whitebeard, Big Mom, Kaido, and Shiki."

And then there are ambitious guys like Roy.

Let them stay there, fighting for territory, fighting for the so-called "One Piece".

Let them fight and wear each other down! Our navy needs to stabilize its base, accumulate strength, and wait for the right opportunity.

This strategy was endorsed by most of the generals.

Shifting the trouble to the New World and causing pirates to fight amongst themselves is indeed a strategy that aligns with the current interests of the Navy.

At the end of the meeting, Sengoku announced another order, which froze the slightly relaxed atmosphere once again.

"Based on the highest direct orders issued by the World Government,"

The voice of the Warring States period was flat, yet carried a chilling weight.

"Issue a Buster Call against Ohara, the famous archaeological site in the West Blue."

"The Buster Call? Ohara?"

Some generals, especially those from the dove or neutral factions, looked incredulous.

In their minds, O'Hara was just an academic island where scholars gathered and there was no worldly strife. Why would they resort to such extreme measures?

The reason is,

Seeing the puzzled and even angry looks in everyone's eyes, Sengoku calmly explained,

"The World Government has received conclusive intelligence that scholars in Ohara are secretly studying the Poneglyphs in an attempt to decipher the 'Void Century,' a period of history that has been explicitly forbidden by the government."

This is touching an absolute taboo and shaking the very foundation of the world government's rule.

The Five Elders personally ordered that this threat be completely eliminated as a warning to others.

The explanation was brief, yet it revealed a chilling message.

Is studying history really a crime that can lead to destruction?

Many generals felt a chill run down their spines, but no one dared to question it anymore.

This was a direct order from the highest levels of the World Government; the Navy was merely a tool to carry it out.

Akainu had no objection to this; in his view, any factor that might threaten the stability of the World Government (that is, the "just order" he defined) should be eliminated.

Aokiji frowned, but didn't voice his objection. Kizaru remained indifferent.

Lieutenant General Tsuru sighed inwardly.

She knew that behind this order was far more than just "studying forbidden history," but she was powerless to change it.

The meeting ended in a heavy and complicated atmosphere.

The Navy has welcomed a new Fleet Admiral, three new Admirals, and the controversial new system of "Seven Warlords of the Sea," as well as a devastating storm that is about to descend upon innocent scholars.

Their strategy has clearly shifted to conservatism and accumulation, temporarily withdrawing their attention from the chaotic new world.

The silence in the conference room was broken by Akainu's deep, suppressed voice.

"Marshal Sengoku, who is in charge of the Ohara affair?"

Sengoku looked at him and answered calmly.

"The Five Elders have designated you, Sakazuki, to be fully responsible for carrying out this Buster Call."

At the same time, Kuzan serves as support and oversight.

Five Vice Admiral-class warships from the Navy Headquarters are on standby and ready to depart at any time.

Aokiji's brows furrowed even more.

To have him oversee a destructive operation targeting scholars?

This clashed violently with some vague beliefs within him.

But he also understood that this was an order, and an order from the highest level. As a naval admiral, he had no choice but to accept it.

"I see."

Akainu's voice was flat, as if he were simply accepting a routine patrol mission.

For him, eliminating the "toxins" that could disrupt the order is part of justice, whether that toxin is a pirate's sword or a scholar's pen.

Kizaru tilted his head, his tone still retaining its distinctive manner.

"That's really scary~ But since it's an order from the Five Elders, there's nothing we can do about it~"

Sengoku ignored Kizaru's attitude and scanned everyone with his gaze.

"O'Hara's operation must be kept absolutely secret, and the operation must be swift and thorough."

In all other aspects, proceed according to the established strategy. Meeting adjourned!

The generals, with varying expressions, got up and left.

Akainu strode out of the conference room, already planning the destruction of Ohara in his mind.

Aokiji followed silently behind, his back looking somewhat heavy.

Lieutenant General Tsuru walked at the back, exchanging a complex look with Sengoku.