When the latest issue of the World Economy News was distributed across the globe, it immediately caused a massive sensation.
The first thing that caught everyone's eye was the full-page recruitment ad for the Neo Navy.
"The Neo Navy is recruiting?"
A civilian named Wilson showed a look of surprise.
"It's the force led by the God Slayer who stormed Marine Headquarters alone!"
Another civilian, Dinas, instantly recalled the live broadcast of Caelan's assault on Marineford.
The God Slayer Spear that shook the world, and those earth-shattering declarations, had been the most discussed topics these past few days.
"The Neo Navy is completely different from any other force. They practice true justice."
"They maintain order and eliminate pirates. If the world were brought under Lord Caelan's command, peace and prosperity would truly follow."
Wilson's eyes were filled with longing.
What a wonderful day that would be.
No more threats from pirates. No more extortionate heavenly tribute. As long as you worked hard, you could live freely.
"If he's recruiting, then I'm going no matter what!"
"Let's move, now! I want to help overthrow the World Government!"
Dinas made up his mind on the spot.
The Neo Navy led by Caelan was destined to march toward victory and bring hope to the world.
Now that they were short on manpower, he would be the one to step up and help realize that future.
"I'm going too. I want to fight for real justice!"
Wilson said with determination.
What Caelan said at Marineford had been broadcast to the whole world. The Neo Navy's actions had been witnessed by all.
It stirred his blood and made him want to stand up and do something.
"This is a great cause to tear down the old world. This will be a great victory. This will be supreme glory!"
Wilson couldn't help but speak his thoughts aloud.
If he could be part of this movement and witness history, it would be something to tell his children and grandchildren with pride.
Just then, Dinas flipped the paper over and read out loud, "The Neo Navy will conquer the North Blue to raise new recruits' morale. The World Government is recruiting too, calling on people with lofty ideals to fight against the criminal Caelan?"
Dinas was stunned.
The first half of the page featured the Neo Navy's bold operation in the North Blue, a powerful morale booster.
The second half had the World Government's massive conscription announcement, and it looked utterly ridiculous in comparison.
"Can these even be printed on the same page?" Wilson flipped the paper over and read both announcements. "The World Government is weak and rotten. Who would seriously join them?"
"You going? I'm not going," Dinas laughed. "Let's enlist in the Neo Navy. Maybe I'll help you conquer the North Blue!"
"Me too!" Wilson nodded. "Come to think of it, the Neo Navy's planning to take over the North Blue just to boost morale. That's insane."
"Who else could pull that off but Mr. Caelan?" Dinas agreed.
Even though their town was in a remote area and it would take time for the Neo Navy to arrive, that didn't matter. They were willing to wait.
Wilson and Dinas were just a small reflection of what was happening all over the world. Countless others were inspired to join the Neo Navy.
There were passionate individuals eager to uphold justice, former Marines who wanted to step into the light, and people yearning to make a difference.
There were also those who had been bullied by the Celestial Dragons but survived, those who had been enslaved or oppressed by the World Government, and those who had lost loved ones to the hands of the nobles.
When the World Government had the upper hand, all of it was covered up and silenced.
But now, with an invincible Caelan leading the Neo Navy, the world had hope.
People couldn't wait to join the Neo Navy and become part of the movement to overthrow the World Government and purge the world.
Those closer to Dressrosa formed groups and enlisted on the spot.
Those farther away followed the directions in the paper and moved toward the recruitment points.
As for the World Government's conscription?
They looked at it, laughed, and turned the page. Only fools or the scum of society would bother.
So when the Neo Navy's warships arrived, they were instantly flooded with recruits.
However, not everyone was accepted. At first, only healthy young adults were allowed to enlist. As the number of applicants exploded, the requirements were raised. Those who weren't strong enough were turned away.
Ship after ship, carrying high-quality recruits, sailed toward Dressrosa and its surrounding regions.
…
Dressrosa.
As expected, recruitment under Sengoku and Zephyr went exceptionally well.
As the two in charge of the campaign, they were stationed in Dressrosa, the main hub for conscription.
At this moment, warships were bringing back wave after wave of young recruits.
There were even many who arrived in groups on their own, without needing warships.
"I'm truly amazed. I didn't expect recruitment to be this easy."
Sengoku stroked his beard and smiled.
He knew well that back when the old Navy held recruitment drives, the turnout was always poor.
Compared to this current turnout, it was a world of difference.
"As it should be. Look at the state of the Neo Navy," Zephyr said proudly. "We're popular with the people for standing against the World Government, and our strength is overwhelming."
"Exactly. We're walking a path of true justice, and the future is bright," Sengoku nodded. "If we couldn't attract recruits with a cause like this, we may as well give up."
"Akainu became Fleet Admiral and started conscription too."
Zephyr recalled something amusing and chuckled.
With the World Government's reputation in shambles, even finding one decent recruit was a stretch.
This large-scale conscription would go down as a joke.
"With the Navy's current state, I doubt they'll get anyone," Sengoku shook his head, feeling a bit of pity for Akainu. "He really picked up the worst job. I don't know what he was thinking."
Back then, he had wanted Kuzan to become Fleet Admiral and didn't support Akainu.
Now that Akainu had taken the post, Sengoku felt a bit sorry for him.
The Navy was such a mess that even a dog would shake its head.
Times had changed. The past was gone.
Now, most of the old Navy's senior leaders had joined Caelan. Could Akainu's version of the Navy even be called the Navy?
The real Navy was with Caelan now.
The Neo Navy had completely replaced the old one—and surpassed it. That was why this recruitment was so successful.
"I bet the two remaining Elders are furious. Our Supreme Commander really has a wicked sense of humor," Zephyr said with a grin. "He printed our recruitment on the front page, and theirs on the back. It's a direct slap to the face."
"It really is," Sengoku agreed. "To use Caelan's own words, this is murder."
The Neo Navy promoted itself while also promoting the World Government's campaign.
The result?
The Neo Navy was swamped with applicants, while the World Government was left in the dust.
The mockery couldn't have been more obvious.
(To be continued.)
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