Pirate: I was just slacking off, do you really think I'm bad?

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

The entire Marineford area has been thoroughly cleaned, and fresh flowers have been neatly arranged.

At the very center of the training ground, naval soldiers are setting up a platform for speeches.

After Sora and Sengoku joined forces to capture Lone Red and imprison her in Impel Down, Sengoku's promotion and Sora's resignation applications were submitted at the same time.

Although the Five Elders are currently busy dealing with the escape of slaves, the appointment letter for Sengoku to appoint a Marine Commander has still been signed and sent to the Navy.

The current Sengoku period has begun to follow the internal naval procedures, acquiring unknown powers before officially assuming the position of naval commander.

After a long day of hard work, Sengoku arrived at the marshal's office, his body weary.

At this moment, Kong was looking at the newspaper in his hand with his glasses. "Master Yuan, everything that needs to be prepared for the scene is basically ready. I have already gone over to check it."

Sengoku stood ramrod straight. Upon hearing Sengoku's voice, he looked up from his newspaper and at his disciple standing before him, saying:

In the Warring States period, you shouldn't do these things yourself anymore.

"As the Navy's Grand Admiral, you can get many people to give their lives with just a word. We must make good use of everyone's strengths."

There are those in the Navy's high command who share the same opinions and those who disagree, but there are no fools (except for Garp).

A naval admiral should make good use of the strengths of each of them.

For example, regarding the preparations for this, you can have Xiaohe take a look, or you can have Borsalino or Kakei oversee them. As a general, and soon to be taking over my position, you need to adapt to this change as soon as possible.

Sengoku nodded, but did not move his body.

He sighed, then waved his hand and said;

"Please sit down."

In the spacious office, a gray-haired admiral and a young, vigorous admiral were chatting face to face.

Sengoku seemed to suddenly remember something, and took out the intelligence he had in his hand, saying:

Master Kongyuan, I have intelligence reports from the naval forces of the four seas.

Intelligence indicates that the revolutionary forces in the South China Sea and the West China Sea are already quite powerful, capable of overthrowing a kingdom and placing their own people on the throne.

"Have the Five Elders given any response?"

"I worry that if the Revolutionary Army continues to grow, it could very well become a major threat to the World Government and the Navy."

Kong put down the newspaper in his hand and said earnestly;

Sengoku, I know that from the moment you joined the navy, you demonstrated a strategic vision and wisdom far surpassing others, but there's something I still need to tell you, something my old admiral taught me.

On this vast ocean, apart from the World Government, no power exists indefinitely. They may be powerful for a time, but that's only because the World Government doesn't take them seriously. Once the World Government gets serious, all powers on the ocean will crumble like sandcastles, swept away by the tide.

Therefore, you must remember that everything in the world is controlled by governments. They don't need an independent navy; they only need an obedient army.

After hearing Kong's words, Zhan Guo stood there stunned.

Honestly, it's entirely understandable that we can't comprehend the justice that the Warring States period upheld for so many years.

Because everyone in the Navy has a different sense of justice, all sorts of slogans and beliefs have emerged. These are commonplace in the eyes of Sengoku, but in Sora's eyes they are nothing. The World Government doesn't need any kind of justice; they don't even need justice.

What they really want are pawns who use the banner of justice to carry out their agendas.

Sengoku couldn't help but shiver.

He thought of the Rocks Pirates.

Sengoku joined the Navy very early, and shortly after he joined, the Rocks Pirates had already conquered the Grand Line without any rivals.

They then moved into the New World as a whole, officially becoming the overlords of the New World.

All the marines consider this a disgrace and are determined to wash away the shame of pirates becoming kings of the New World.

But even such a pirate crew was torn apart by the World Government.

None of the powerful captains under Rocks' command fought with all their might to resist the Navy alongside him.

In the end, aside from Rocks' death, Garp received the title of Marine Hero, the World Government eliminated a major threat, and the captains regained their freedom.

He pulled out a small, exquisite key, opened the safe behind him, and said:

I have some information here, a transcript of the conversation between the Five Elders.

Sengoku received the intelligence and quickly began reading it.

It doesn't contain much content, but the amount of information is astonishing.

The World Government had long been aware of the Revolutionary Army's existence, but they hadn't yet ascertained the identities and appearances of its leaders and officers. Even the name "Dragon" was something that members of the CP organization had painstakingly extracted from them.

Just like what Sora just said, the Five Elders had no feelings about the Revolutionary Army mobilizing the people to overthrow the corrupt king.

There was even a member of the Five Elders who said it would be good for the Revolutionary Army to overthrow them.

They are looking at it from the perspective of the overall development of world governments.

Not long ago, a kidnapping incident occurred.

There was a small country called the Kingdom of Tahama. Their capital was attacked by a passing pirate crew, who successfully breached the capital and captured 500 soldiers.

If it weren't for a CP9 kid suddenly appearing and killing the tied-up soldiers and pirates all at once...

Perhaps, the Kingdom of Tahama will become the first pirate kingdom.

In theory, every country should be very strong to join the World Government, but judging from the intelligence that has been sent back, a considerable number of kingdoms have fallen behind the pace of development.

If the first instance of pirates occupying a king's palace occurs on this high seas, then the pirates, incited by Roger, will collectively rush towards the various weaker royal palaces.

Whether the One Piece, which Roger spoke of before his execution, actually exists remains unknown to everyone.

But the benefits of becoming king are indeed obvious.

If they succeed, pirates from other parts of the world will immediately launch attacks on the kingdom, greatly increasing the navy's workload.

Therefore, regardless of the reason, the threat posed by pirates to overthrow the World Government member states is far greater than that of the Revolutionary Army.

I also know something about the revolutionary army.

They were just ordinary citizens within the kingdom who, under the leadership of the revolutionary army, had reached a preliminary consensus.

The Five Elders meant that if the member states of the World Government were to become less powerful, it would be a good thing for the Revolutionary Army to take action and resolve the situation.

After all, even after the revolutionary army overthrew them, they still had to pay the Heavenly Gold on time.

Countries that cannot afford to pay can be legally removed from the World Government's membership.

Then Kong earnestly instructed:

"Kong, I had the same thoughts when I was young, but I came to understand them later."

Maintaining global stability step by step is the best contribution the Navy's commander-in-chief can make. As for other revolutionary forces or powerful pirate groups, the Navy has no need to get involved in these messes before the government issues orders, understand?

Sengoku's expression became extremely complicated, but he also knew in his heart that the reason why Sora said this was so that he could adapt to his new identity as a Yuan Master as soon as possible.

Therefore, he was very grateful for Kong's guidance:

"Teacher, I understand—."

Kong nodded in satisfaction, then said;

Garp has always been a headache for me. Don't be too biased towards Garp after you take office.

Since discord has already emerged within the navy, we should reduce their opportunities to meet.

Furthermore, once all the other naval commanders have returned, we will officially begin the ceremony for the general promotion of military commanders.

Then, Sora looked at Sengoku with hopeful eyes and said, "The era of us old guys is over, and you are the new future."

"I hope that the navy will become stronger and stronger under your leadership, and that in the future, the only hegemon on the seas will be our navy."

They held great hope for the air force during the Warring States period.

He believed that his successor, Sengoku, not only possessed formidable fighting prowess but also an exceptional intellect. He thought that with proper management, the navy would undoubtedly grow stronger under his leadership. "By the way, any progress on the selection of the new three admirals? Tell me, and I can give you my opinion."

At this point, Sengoku's brows furrowed slightly.

This was something that was giving him a headache!

Speaking of this matter, the Navy's personnel selection has been largely finalized, with many qualified candidates. However, balancing the internal factions within the Navy has become a major issue.

Empty fingers tapped on the desk, making a "tap tap tap" sound.

Tell me about it.

Kong did not interfere with the selection of the three new admirals for the navy, which was also a test for Sengoku.

Currently, there are four people qualified to serve as generals, but there are only three positions available.

Christian Rory, with his strength, achievements, and prestige, is one of my three new top generals.

Sakazuki, with his strength, achievements, and prestige, is a representative figure of the current young and radical faction in the Navy.

"Borsalino, who has sufficient strength and merit but lacks prestige, has a relatively good relationship with the World Government, and his reputation within the Navy has always been excellent, with no negative comments."

Kuzan, who is strong enough but lacks merit and prestige, is someone Garp and Tsuru watched grow up; he's been on our side from the very beginning.

Of these four, Raleigh and Sakazuki have basically secured their spots as admirals, but Borsalino and Kuzan are truly difficult choices to make.

The Warring States period has presented its current problems, hoping for a bearish response!

After listening to Sengoku's words, Sora was also constantly weighing some things in his mind.

Borsalino and Kuzan are both good candidates for promotion, as they are both very strong. The lack of seniority and prestige can be overcome with time.

However, Sora also understood the dilemma that Sengoku was facing.

Borsalino is essentially a centrist representative within the Navy, while maintaining good relations with the World Government, and Kuzan is a representative of the moderate faction within the Navy and an ally of Iron Man, making the choice indeed difficult.

After thinking for a while, he slowly began to speak;

If I had to choose, I would recommend Borsalino in the Warring States period.

First, Borsalino is Raleigh's brother, and Raleigh has his backing. He's also a classmate of Sakazuki at military academy, and they have a good relationship.

Sometimes, saying things directly isn't effective. In such cases, you often need a reliable messenger, and Borsalino, having served as your adjutant, will likely not refuse your request.

Although Kuzan is strong enough, he doesn't communicate much with Raleigh and Sakazuki, so he can't act as a middleman most of the time.

"Secondly, you naturally know what kind of person Kuzan is. He admires Garp's free and unrestrained personality, so whether he becomes an admiral or not makes no difference to him."

Moreover, Kuzan is your confidant, so you can grant him authority no less than that of a general. This would also serve as a check on the generals, and if they disobey you, you can promote Kuzan and replace them at any time.

"Of course, these are just my own thoughts, teacher. You are the next Fleet Admiral, and your considerations are the most important."

After uttering his thoughts in one breath, he picked up his cup and began to drink his tea.

He had already told Sengoku all his considerations, so there was no need for him to worry about the rest.

An old man who is about to retire can offer suggestions, but he cannot continue to direct the work of the Warring States period.

Sengoku looked gratefully at Sora, who was drinking tea.

He had considered some of these points, but there were also many that he hadn't. In any case, Kong had already respected his opinion.

The people within the Warring States period had already made up their minds.

That is to do as Kong suggested and give Borsalino a nominal title of general.

This identity will bind Borsalino, allowing him to maintain contact with the World Government.

At the same time, he will create a new position, granting it real power no less than that of a general, and appoint Kuzan as the person in charge of this new position.

This way, you can ensure that you don't lack a voice.

Although he knew that Raleigh, Sakazuki, and Borsalino had a good relationship, it wasn't enough for them to form a power clique and thus undermine the Marine Division Commander. "Teacher, I have some ideas to discuss with Garp and Tsuru."

Once a decision was made during the Warring States period, others would be needed to consult on specific arrangements.

It's no longer appropriate to ask Kong for answers to these questions.

Even a naval admiral has his own staff.

In the future, it will be impossible to need to consult with Kong about everything. Kong readily nodded and then said:

"It's best if you discuss naval matters with Tsuru, but remember, you'll ultimately be the one to make the final decision on everything discussed."

As for that idiot Garp, you don't have to call him; calling him will only cause trouble anyway.