The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

Listening to Libo start her habitual rambling again, even with a hint of self-deprecation...

Barrett's fierce face involuntarily and naturally revealed a smile that could be described as "gentle".

The smile on his face looked incredibly strange, yet strangely harmonious.

The way he looked at Lipo wasn't like he was looking at a companion; it was more like he was looking at a daughter who would never grow up.

“I’m here.” Barrett interrupted her, his voice not loud, but carrying an unquestionable certainty and a promise as heavy as a mountain.

"No one can touch you."

After saying that, he casually opened his huge left hand, covered in calluses and scars, as if by magic.

In the palm of his hand, he held a delicate, small carrot cake shaped like a cup, topped with a fresh mint leaf and exuding a sweet aroma.

Wow!! Carrot cake!

Lipo, who had just been a little frustrated, suddenly widened her eyes, which sparkled with countless little stars.

She cheered, immediately abandoning her treatment work, and jumped up like a real little rabbit, happily rushing over.

She grabbed Barrett's wrist, which was thicker than her waist, and shook it excitedly, shouting repeatedly:

"Little Ba-chan is the best! The best!"

Seeing Libo's mood instantly brighten and her overjoyed expression...

Barrett's "gentle" smile deepened, and he even raised his wrist so that Lipo could hang on it.

At this moment, this war machine, known as the "Devil's Heir," felt a peace and satisfaction that was completely different from destruction and conquest.

Chapter 348 The Warring States Period: A Lone Warrior

Naval Headquarters, Marineford, Admiral's Office.

Sengoku sat behind a large desk, with piles of documents in front of him that needed to be reviewed.

But he seemed distracted at the moment, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table, his brow furrowed, clearly deeply troubled by some problem.

Some time has passed since that world-shaking event at the Holy Land, and the initial excitement and "thrill" have gradually subsided.

Recalling the time when he teamed up with Gern, looking at the Five Elders' faces, as black as the bottom of a pot yet forced to compromise.

Even now, Zhan Guo still feels a secret sense of satisfaction; that feeling can truly be described as "incredibly exhilarating."

However, after the initial excitement, real-world problems soon followed.

In order to appease him (or rather, to counterbalance Gorn), the World Government did indeed relinquish a considerable amount of power and resources that it had previously held tightly to the Navy Headquarters.

This was something the Warring States period had always dreamed of, meaning that the navy would have greater autonomy and room for development.

But now, when it came to how to allocate and utilize these new "spoils of war," the Warring States period was finding it incredibly difficult.

He clearly foresaw that two months later, after the high-level headquarters meeting, the G-10 branch, where Gern was stationed, would...

With its formidable strength, independent geographical location, and the prestige of its own 'naval legend,' it will undoubtedly become the de facto core of the navy in the New World.

A true "New World Marineford".

The Navy's strategic focus will inevitably become clear: [Marineford Headquarters is responsible for maintaining stability in the first half of the Grand Line (Paradise) and the four seas.]

The heavy responsibility of conquering the terrifying pirates and "emperors" of the New World will primarily fall on the shoulders of Gern and his "Calamity."

This was originally an unspoken understanding during cooperation, and it is also the most reasonable choice under the current circumstances.

But the Warring States period was, after all, the Warring States period; it was the brain of the navy and the home of top strategists.

While there may be tacit understanding during the cooperation period, once it enters the stage of "dividing the cake" and establishing long-term rules...

He must consider the overall interests and future of the navy.

"We can't let the new world become Gern's personal fiefdom..." Sengoku muttered to himself, his eyes sharpening.

His concern wasn't that Gern would betray the Navy; at least for now, their interests were very closely intertwined.

What he fears is the loss of checks and balances and the necessary coordination.

If G-10 operates completely independently, with the Navy Headquarters having no influence over it, then in the long run, a series of problems may arise.

For example, when headquarters needs to focus on other strategic areas (such as dealing with the Revolutionary Army, eliminating the remnants of Paradise, or even certain special missions that require secrecy).

When mobilizing elite forces, can we ensure that G-10 will cooperate actively?

Could we "borrow" manpower from Gern? If Gern decides whether to cooperate based entirely on his own interests, it will pose a huge challenge to the overall command of headquarters.

"Some framework must be set..." With this thought, our strategist Zhan Guo picked up a pen and began to sketch on the blank document.

He needs to devise a plan that fully acknowledges and protects the G-10's special status and autonomy in the new world.

To meet Gern's needs and maintain a cooperative relationship, while ensuring that the Navy Headquarters retains a minimum level of coordination authority over G-10 and the right to mobilize in emergencies.

For example, it stipulates that G-10 is obligated to cooperate with headquarters' operations to a certain extent in matters outside the New World, establish a regular exchange mechanism for senior generals, or reach agreements on key intelligence sharing in the New World...

Finding the right balance is crucial.

Imposing too many restrictions could provoke a backlash from Guern and damage the hard-won cooperative relationship.

Giving too little could sow the seeds of future problems and lead to things getting out of control.

"Ugh! Being a marshal is really a brain drain!" Sengoku sighed deeply and rubbed his temples.

Dealing with Gern is like riding a wild beast with destructive power; you can use its strength to clear obstacles, but you must also be careful not to be devoured by it.

"What a bastard that you can both love and hate..." Sengoku muttered under his breath, but his eyes became even more focused on the complex and crucial strategic plan in front of him.

Just as Sengoku was racking his brains over the blank document, there was a gentle knock on the office door.

"Come in," Zhan Guo replied without looking up.

The door was pushed open, and Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Chief of Staff of the Naval Headquarters, walked in with a calm and composed gait.

He was holding a document in his hand, his expression as calm and capable as ever.

"The handover procedures for the G-45 and G-22 branches of the New World have been completed, and the relevant authority and defense zone division documents have been officially transferred to the G-10 side."

Tsuru placed the document on Sengoku's desk and added calmly, "Furthermore, following your hint, I have already clearly informed the other party..."

All subsequent maintenance costs, equipment upgrades, and personnel salaries for these two branches will be the sole responsibility of G-10.

Upon hearing Tsuru's report, Sengoku's tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed, and a relieved yet slightly sly smile appeared on his face.

He put down his pen, leaned back in his chair, and exclaimed sincerely, "It has to be you, Xiao He! You're so reliable."

"If someone else had gone to negotiate with Gern, that kid would have devoured them whole, leaving them with nothing but money."

Faced with the praise from the Warring States period, Crane simply walked calmly to the sofa and sat down.

He picked up the teapot from the coffee table and poured himself a steaming cup of black tea.

He gently blew on it, took a sip, and then looked up at Sengoku. His gaze remained calm, but he said something that surprised Sengoku:

"Actually, this handover was not as easy as it seemed on the surface."

"Hmm?" Sengoku became interested and leaned forward slightly. "Something that makes you feel 'not easy'? Looks like something's gone wrong on Gern's side again?"

“That wasn’t Gern himself.” Crane put down his teacup and placed his hands on his knees. “It was his subordinate, Brigadier General Tesoro.”

He was basically responsible for coordinating and finalizing the specific details of this handover.

A hint of admiration flashed in He's eyes as he continued, "That young man is extremely intelligent, frighteningly so."

I feel that Gern has probably long since relinquished all responsibility for the daily military and political affairs of G-10 base, including zone patrols, fund allocation, and even foreign negotiations, leaving it all to Tezzolo.

Tezzolo handled these complex matters with remarkable ease and efficiency, demonstrating exceptional tact and discretion. He was uncompromising in fighting for what he deserved, yet also knew exactly when to yield.

At this point, He sighed softly, a hint of envy in his voice: "Ah, she's a rare talent, both in business acumen and political skills."

Honestly, I'm even a little envious of Gern. If someone like him were trained under my tutelage, I'd have a worthy successor.

However, the focus of attention during the Warring States period was clearly different from that of cranes.

After hearing Tsuru's words, instead of marveling at Tesoro's abilities, he suddenly widened his eyes in astonishment.

His face showed disbelief and extreme indignation, and he almost gritted his teeth as he said, "You mean... that bastard Gern?"

Now he manages the G-10 sphere of influence, which is even larger than our headquarters, yet he doesn't have to be stuck in the office dealing with mountains of documents like we do every day.

He can still wander around, pick fights, and happily be his 'Skyquake'?! And someone else takes care of all his troubles?!

Seeing the jealous look on Sengoku's face, as if asking "Why does he get to enjoy this so much?", Tsuru was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head helplessly.

She wisely decided not to provoke the overworked marshal and subtly changed the subject: "Ahem... speaking of which, where's Garp? Where has he gone to slack off again?"

Sure enough, the mention of Garp immediately diverted Sengoku's attention, but his anger also flared up. He snorted coldly and said irritably.

"That old bastard! He said he'd been promised a vacation, but he went back to Donghai to see his precious grandson!"

Before leaving, he even came over to brag to me about how cute his grandson was! It's absolutely outrageous!!

Seeing Sengoku's furious expression, Tsuru couldn't help but smile knowingly. He picked up his teacup and said in a teasing tone, "Sengoku, you're not getting any younger."

Even I have a granddaughter I can think about occasionally, what about you?

He's still all alone, spending his days either worrying about documents or getting infuriated by guys like Garp and Gern.

Shouldn't we also start thinking about our personal lives?

This statement struck a nerve with the Warring States period, leaving him speechless for a moment. He opened his mouth, but found himself unable to respond.

Reluctantly, he picked up his pen again, pretending to bury himself in the documents, and muttered, "I... still have a ton of work to do!"

"You! Sigh~" Crane shook his head helplessly.

Chapter 349 The Strongest? Whether he's the strongest or not, we'll only know after we fight him!!

The New World, Wano Country, Onigashima.

Inside the massive skull-shaped building, a strong smell of alcohol and a cheerful atmosphere filled the air.

Kaido of the Beasts sat slumped in the huge main seat, holding a giant gourd of wine in his hand, and was gulping down the wine.

Since completely eradicating the Kozuki family and consolidating his rule over Wano Country, an indescribable emptiness and restlessness have spread through his heart.

Especially now that Kaido clearly realizes that he is not the "Joy Boy" predicted, some of his past dreams seem ridiculous.

This plunged him into deeper confusion and alcoholism, even leading to the well-known suicidal tendencies...

(It's about constantly seeking out strong opponents for life-or-death challenges, seeking the ultimate thrill or destruction.)

However, he has consistently avoided including Edward Newgate, the white-bearded man known as "the world's strongest man," on his current challenge list.

Perhaps it was due to some complex sense of apprehension, perhaps it was because a lingering, subtle affection for the former Rocks crew remained deep within, or perhaps...

It was because he killed Kozuki Oden, who was a member of Whitebeard's family, that he couldn't face the truth.

Therefore, after excluding "BIG MOM," who is still rampaging through his gang, only that one remains among the few remaining powerful figures in the New World.

A man of great renown, and with whom he had few past grudges!

Yes, that was the naval admiral known as "Skyquake," Gern Reginald Sigmar!

"Hehehehe..." Kaido put down his gourd, his eyes glazed with drunkenness, and hiccuped as he said, "Boring...so boring!"

Looks like it's time to have some fun! That navy guy... 'Skyquake' Gern!

I heard he's doing really well in the new world? Hmm... I'll use him as a test subject!

Upon hearing Kaido's drunken words, Queen and Jack, two of the Three Disasters, immediately showed excited expressions.

Should the governor challenge such a powerful figure or a naval admiral?

This is undoubtedly a perfect opportunity to prove the strength of the Beasts Pirates!

"Oh! Boss Kaido is finally getting serious!"

"Let those marines taste the power of the Beasts Pirates!"

"The Navy's territory in the New World is getting a bit too big right now. The New World is the world of pirates!"

Quinn wriggled his fat body, and Jack let out a deep growl. The two of them started fanning the flames, and the atmosphere immediately became heated.

However, of the three, only 'Jin the Wildfire' remained sitting there silently, his handsome face, now masked, furrowed in deep frown.

Unlike the other two, he wasn't excited. Instead, after Kaido finished speaking...