In the conference room, everyone was shocked by Caelan's bold declaration.
The first objective was to take over the entire North Blue, nearly a quarter of the world's territory.
However, considering Caelan's strength and the current power of the Neo Navy, it wasn't surprising that they were aiming to claim the North Blue outright.
Gion spoke first. "If we're going to attack the North Blue, aside from the defeated World Government navy, the only force worth noting is the Vinsmoke family."
"The Vinsmoke family was once a royal dynasty that dominated the North Blue. Their clone army is formidable, equipped with advanced weapons and technology. Even the World Government and Navy once feared them. Although they lack fixed territory, they were still qualified to attend the Reverie."
Gion briefly summarized the Vinsmoke family's strength but didn't take them too seriously.
Were the Vinsmokes powerful? Maybe, but how many generals did they have?
Compared to the Neo Navy's current strength, they were nothing.
"What Gion said is correct." Caelan nodded. "Compared to the other seas, the North Blue is the closest to us and the strongest. It's ideal for our first battle to establish prestige."
"However, I won't personally get involved in something as small as the North Blue. I'll leave this one to all of you to showcase your abilities."
"Come to think of it, the Neo Navy has been formed for quite a while but hasn't fought any real battles yet. This time, I want to see what you can do."
As he said this, Caelan laughed.
Sitting before him were six admirals and fifty vice admirals, not to mention the powerful pirates who had been awakened as Heroic Spirits.
It was worth mentioning that after the Battle of Marineford, he didn't forget to collect the souls of Whitebeard, Ace, and the commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates, transforming them into Heroic Spirits.
There was even a surprise gain—Roger's Heroic Spirit, summoned using Ace as a catalyst.
Even without including all of them, he had enough power to attack the World Government directly.
"Commander Caelan, don't worry. We'll make sure there are no issues with the North Blue!"
Whether it was Gion, Zephyr, or the newly joined Sengoku and Kuzan, everyone was eager to act and prove themselves.
Gion and Zephyr were desperate to achieve a decisive victory to validate themselves in front of Caelan.
Sengoku, Kuzan, and the others wanted to offer Caelan a sign of their loyalty and help the Neo Navy gain stability.
"Very good, such enthusiasm!" Caelan said with satisfaction. "Then, the operation to take over the North Blue will be launched simultaneously with the World Conscription. Discuss the specifics among yourselves."
With that, Caelan turned and left.
Before exiting, he paused and added, "Of the 256 Devil Fruits I brought back, some will be used as rewards for outstanding performance. Of course, Devil Fruits are not free. The cost will be deducted from your monthly salary at 70 percent of market value."
Naturally, this offer was directed at the general officers who performed well.
Now that there were so many Devil Fruits, they had to be used. Otherwise, it was the same as not having them.
Of course, the dozen or so highest-tier fruits were being kept in reserve until the right users were found.
"What? Devil Fruits as rewards?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the generals in the room erupted in excitement.
They already knew Caelan had brought back a large batch of Devil Fruits and had no intention of hiding it.
Now that he was offering them as battle rewards, everyone was fully on board.
These were Devil Fruits, the most sought-after treasures on the sea. Getting one could change a person's fate.
Even if it meant paying in installments through salary deductions, it was worth it.
Trying to buy a Devil Fruit elsewhere was nearly impossible.
Once obtained, a Devil Fruit could instantly turn the weak into the strong, or the strong into monsters.
By now, Caelan had already exited the room, and the conference room became even more animated.
"Gion, let me lead the mission in the North Blue!" Zephyr said seriously. "I haven't taken action in years. This is a perfect opportunity to bring my disciples for training!"
Naturally, he had personal motives. Aside from showing his value, he wanted his disciples to have a shot at acquiring Devil Fruits.
As someone who had hunted many Devil Fruit users, he deeply understood their power.
They could strengthen the weak and further empower the strong.
"Let me go too, Gion, to the North Blue!" Sengoku also stepped forward. "We've just joined the Neo Navy. We have to lead by example."
"Yes, we need to step up."
Kuzan crossed his arms and nodded firmly.
They had to be proactive in this mission.
They didn't need Devil Fruits themselves, but the vice admirals who came with them certainly did.
After Caelan's upheaval in Marineford, many moderate vice admirals had joined them.
If the North Blue mission was handled solely by Zephyr's group, those who had just joined wouldn't have a chance to prove themselves.
"Gion, count me in too! I can't waste Supreme Commander Caelan's salary. I need to contribute."
Borsalino adjusted his glasses, uncharacteristically motivated.
Slacking off immediately after joining wasn't a good look.
As a professional slacker, he knew that only after securing a solid position could he truly enjoy it.
"Add me in too."
Garp's voice sounded.
He didn't have any specific reasons. He just needed an outlet after losing both his grandson and his disciple.
For a while, everyone scrambled to be included in the North Blue operation.
"What do I do now?"
Gion held her forehead in frustration.
She had planned to go herself, especially since she hadn't fully tested the Rumble-Rumble Fruit Caelan had given her.
Truthfully, sending admirals to the North Blue felt like overkill.
With so many top officers, it was like using a cannon to kill a mosquito.
But Caelan had said this was also about showcasing the Neo Navy's strength. In that case, maybe bringing a few more wasn't a problem.
"Ahem!" Gion made a quick decision. "Here's how we'll do it. I, Admiral Kuzan, Vice Admiral Garp, and Admiral Borsalino will lead the mission. We'll bring five elite vice admirals in need of Devil Fruits, thirty regular vice admirals, and thirty thousand soldiers."
"Oh my god!"
"Is that even allowed?"
Gasps of shock filled the room.
Such a formation was equivalent to the main force of the old Navy Headquarters.
With a lineup like that heading to the North Blue, they were bound to annihilate everything in their path.
(To be continued.)