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

Grand Line, Sabaody Archipelago Naval Branch Office.

Everywhere was crowded with naval soldiers, their faces filled with fanaticism, busily lining up in the base.

At this moment, Sengoku, the person in charge of the base, was eating snacks while his gaze drifted slightly out the window.

Personnel are being moved around here every moment.

Most naval soldiers, after being recruited, are sent to the Sabaody Archipelago to receive basic military knowledge and training, and then are dispatched to the West Sea to participate in the battle against the revolutionary army.

Meanwhile, a large number of naval soldiers returning from the battle in the Western Sea will be transported from here to the New World aboard warships.

The naval base is thriving.

"How do you feel about the environment here? —laughs"

Fujitora, who was sitting on the sofa, put down his teacup and sighed, "..."

Although I cannot see the scenery outside, judging from the emotions I sense, every single naval soldier possesses an unwavering belief in victory.

"Furthermore, I heard them chanting Marshal Raleigh's name. I think they probably regard Marshal Raleigh as a kind of spiritual idol."

Sengoku paused slightly in the hand holding the snacks, and after a long while, he spoke:

"Yes, you're right."

"Throughout the eight hundred years of naval history, the only admiral with the prestige of Raleigh is the founder who established the navy."

"Besides, no other marshal has ever enjoyed such high prestige during his tenure. I can't, and neither can the Air Marshal."

"Raleigh's appearance made me realize for the first time what it means for the new wave to keep coming back to the old one."

Fujitora smiled in surprise:

"I never expected someone who once served as a Marine Division Commander to give such high praise. I thought you would harbor resentment towards Raleigh after your defeat in the battle."

Sengoku shook his head and said:

"I stepped down as Fleet Admiral after that great war, and in that long time, I've come to understand a lot of things, including that I'm not as good as Raleigh."

"When I took over, Admiral Kong had already wiped out most of the famous pirates. The few remaining pirates were even weaker than those legendary pirates who had died. But I still couldn't stop the pirates' attacks and had to retreat from the New World."

"Regardless of the schemes involved, the Navy has ultimately lost control of the New World."

But Raleigh is different. When he took over, the four seas were controlled by the Revolutionary Army, and the New World was controlled by pirates. He got to where he is today step by step. His perseverance and persistence are much stronger than mine.

Fujitora smiled with some emotion.

Once upon a time, when Sengoku was the marshal, he was also full of ambition and thought about completely solving the problem of pirates.

However, due to the interference of the World Government, he is always in a position of compromise.

Furthermore, mixing personal feelings into official business is an indelible stain. In the current state of the Grand Line, Sengoku has sensed Raleigh's determination and the changes he has brought about.

In any case, at least in the first half of the Grand Line, pirates have almost disappeared.

Sengoku no longer intends to interfere with the Revolutionary Army, as the Five Elders of the World Government have repeatedly warned him.

Fujitora smiled and opened his pale pupils:

"It's such a pity that I blinded myself when I was young."

This has made it impossible for me to see the world clearly anymore; otherwise, I would really like to have the chance to witness the charisma of Marshal Raleigh.

Upon hearing this, Sengoku burst into laughter. "I've watched Raleigh grow up. He's ruthless and merciless when dealing with pirates, showing no regard for human rights whatsoever, but in private, he's always a lazy and lethargic person."

Sometimes I don't understand how he can have two faces.

Upon hearing this, Yi Xiao smiled and said:

It seems the same goes for the Chief of Staff of the Warring States period. Back when you were a general, you were ruthless and decisive, but now you're here leisurely eating senbei and chatting with me.

Sengoku shook the senbei he had finished eating and casually tossed it into the trash can:

"Alright, now it's time to talk about your situation."

"Since your abilities have met the requirements, headquarters has decided to promote you directly to the rank of Marine Admiral, codename Fujitora."

I believe you'll receive the promotion order soon, but I'm curious to know what you'll choose.

"The Four Seas, Headquarters, or the New World?"

Fujitora rubbed the cup in his hand, lost in thought:

"Sakazuki is already in charge of the Four Seas, so I don't need to get involved for now. I'd like to go to headquarters and meet with Marshal Raleigh."

'If the new world needs me to go there, then I will probably go to the new world.'

Ultimately, it doesn't matter where I want to go; what matters is where Marshal Raleigh places me.

"Mr. Sengoku, since we're all free anyway, how about we take a gamble? Let's bet on where Marshal Raleigh will place me."

Sengoku's eyebrows twitched a few times, his face showing a helpless expression:

"No, I refuse."

After his duel with Issho, he gambled with Issho a few times, and unsurprisingly lost every time. From then on, Sengoku never gambled with Issho again.

In the office of Admiral Marineford at Naval Headquarters, Rowley held a document in his hand.

Ikkō, whose Devil Fruit power is the Gravity Fruit, has a calm personality and enjoys gambling.

Born on a remote island on the Grand Line, he later trained in swordsmanship under a master swordsman. After witnessing the crimes committed by pirates, he blinded himself, unable to bear seeing the evil in the world anymore.

Influenced by the global conscription, he voluntarily joined the navy. Due to his formidable strength, he was specially granted permission to fight against Sengoku, the chief of staff. After his battle with Sengoku, Sengoku confirmed that he possessed the strength of an admiral and specially applied for his promotion to admiral.

Raleigh put down the documents in his hand.

Fujitora smiled—a very strong man.

Possessing the Paramecia-type Gravity Fruit, he is undoubtedly a formidable opponent, but unfortunately, he is not a pure soldier.

Having too many of his own ideas would cause him to be constrained in the original work because of Doflamingo's identity.

blublublublublu.

The Den Den Mushi on the table rang, and Raleigh picked it up to answer it:

"Hey, what's up, bro?"

"Hey, Marshal Raleigh, where did you find this newcomer? His strength is terrifying, like a monster. If I hadn't run fast, I probably would have died at his hands."

Raleigh smiled slightly at Borsalino's comical tone.

In terms of attack power, Borsalino might not rank in the top five, but in terms of escape ability and survivability, he is definitely number one, and there are hardly any who can stop him.

"I've fought him before, and he already possesses the strength of a general. He's truly terrifying."

Borsalino glanced warily at the man beside him. In their brief exchange, he had realized that this was a formidable opponent.

He is very skilled in both physical combat and Devil Fruit abilities, and they also have a certain advantage over him.

"Well, since we've already crossed swords, let's come back together and tell him his codename has been decided: Green Bull."

At this moment, Green Bull had a faint smile on his face; he was not surprised by this outcome.

The only thing that excited him was that he would be able to go to Marineford to see the Admiral Christian Rowley, who had made such a boastful claim to the world.

"Come back with him, brother. The chief strategist of the Sengoku period in the Sabaody Archipelago also recommended a general-level powerhouse to me. We can organize a general promotion ceremony together."

The construction of the new Marine Fondo in the new world is now nearing completion.

A large number of houses and training grounds for soldiers have been completed and will be put into use soon.

However, Kuzan received another order from Raleigh, instructing him to set up a stage in the middle of the training ground and to do so according to the standards for a marshal's promotion.

Kuzan was puzzled, but he soon received a message from Marineford.

That is, Raleigh put the date of the relocation of the entire Navy Headquarters and the date of the general promotion of admirals on the same day.

Therefore, a higher-level ceremony is needed.

"The addition of two general-level combatants is truly terrifying."

Kuzan's mind raced.

He knew that Enel and Barrett were actually close to becoming generals, and even the likes of Rat and Cleveland had reached the rank of lieutenant general.

However, he did not have many elite soldiers under his command.

Those vice admirals from the giant race are fine against ordinary pirates, but they are no match for the elite members of the Twin Emperors Pirates.

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

Marineford appeared unusually solemn today, with rows of naval soldiers standing in neat formation, as well as their families and civilians standing outside the training grounds.

News agency reporters arrived early and began filming the naval soldiers' impressive bearing from the very beginning.

Just past eight o'clock, the majestic sound of military music filled the Marineford.

Wearing the uniform of a Marine Admiral, Raleigh ascended step by step to the highest podium in the center, under the gaze of the crowd.

He looked around and smiled with satisfaction. "Very good, I am very pleased with everyone's spirits."

After clearing his throat, Raleigh spoke again under everyone's gaze:

"Today, we will lead all personnel of the Naval Headquarters into the New World. This is a brand new day, a day that will be remembered in history."

"In the past, the Navy had very little control over the New World, and a large number of pirates caused chaos and committed all sorts of evil deeds. But we can tell them that everything has changed."

"The valiant navy will ultimately make those pirates who have committed crimes pay the price, and the best price will be death."

Under everyone's gaze, Raleigh waved.

Mouse, Cleveland, and the others raised the flag, a symbol of the navy, and slowly raised it under everyone's watchful eyes.

"Long live the Navy!"

Justice will prevail!!!

It's unclear who uttered those two lines first, but without a doubt, they ignited a flame in everyone's hearts.

All the naval soldiers and onlookers shouted slogans such as "Long live the Navy" and "Justice will prevail!" The atmosphere at the scene reached its peak.

Both Yixiao and Huangmu, standing on the edge, felt somewhat uncomfortable. Yixiao was filled with shock, because the fervent emotions of the naval soldiers present could not be faked.

"Marshal Raleigh's prestige is truly terrifying!"

Meanwhile, Huang Mu's face was filled with fanaticism as he excitedly shouted slogans along with the others.

Then he muttered to himself there.

"I thought General Sakazuki was already admirable, but I never imagined that Field Marshal Raleigh was the real idol."

"Even if he doesn't do anything, he can mobilize hundreds of thousands of naval soldiers to fight for his orders with just a word."

This is what a real man should do.

Before meeting Raleigh's imposing presence, Aramaki actually admired Sakazuki more.

But after experiencing a scene like today, he suddenly realized that it's not scary for someone to have great strength!

What's frightening is that this person not only possesses great power but also has a large number of loyal subordinates.

In the New World, on Whole Cake Island, where the Charlotte family resides, a large red ship is quietly moored at the shore. The entire Red-Haired Pirates have arrived at the Charlotte family's territory.

They were received by Katakuri, the strongest member of the Charlotte Family.

In the hall filled with all sorts of delicious food and desserts, Shanks sat at one end of the banquet, opposite Charlotte Linlin, a member of the Charlotte family. Shanks put down his wine and spoke to Charlotte Linlin, who was still eating:

"BIGMOM, the Navy's actions are becoming increasingly obvious. What are your thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, Charlotte Linlin put down the snacks in her hand and became a little more serious;

"Well, the Navy is clearly targeting us. They've sealed off the entrance to the New World and stationed troops there."

"This is an extremely difficult battle. The navy has a steady stream of supplies, while we don't have that many."

Shanks was also very troubled.

He had a vast intelligence network, and as far as he knew, the navy's current technological level had reached an unbelievable level. The pirates, armed only with a few broken guns and outdated cannons, simply couldn't fight the navy at sea. Given the current situation, the best course of action was to engage the navy in land battles to reduce the navy's advantage in naval warfare.

"Right now, one or two pirate crews are no match for the Navy, so we must unite."

Shanks said it with absolute certainty.

"Well, while I don't know as much about the Navy as you do, are you sure that pirates from the New World can defeat the Navy by teaming up?"

Charlotte Linlin had a mocking smile on her lips.

She didn't believe that the Charlotte Family and the Red-Haired Pirates could defeat the Navy's attack by joining forces.

Shanks grinned triumphantly. "I know that even if we join forces, we can't defeat them, but what if the Navy's enemies aren't just pirates?"

Charlotte Linlin seemed to have grasped something and asked curiously:

"Are you referring to the revolutionary army across the four seas?"

Shanks clapped his hands and laughed loudly:

"That's right, it's the Revolutionary Army, and not just the Revolutionary Army."

After learning about the Navy's strength, Shanks contacted Dragon of the Revolutionary Army without hesitation. The two hit it off immediately and temporarily established a secret cooperative relationship.