Sengoku's roar drowned out all other voices in the office.
He stared at Jake, exhaustion flickering in his gaze.
Jake understood Sengoku's predicament.
Unlike the other Marine officers present, who often represented only themselves, Sengoku stood for the entire Marine force.
Everyone else had the luxury of acting recklessly—except him.
Of course, Jake wouldn't propose anything Sengoku couldn't accept.
Meeting the Fleet Admiral's gaze, he spoke softly.
"Sengoku-san, rest assured. I don't share the urgency of Sakazuki-san or Garp-san. Any change should be gradual, just like gaining weight—you can't become fat in one bite.
To be precise, what I mean by stopping the Celestial Dragons' Hunting Season is more accurately described as obstructing it. They want to turn an entire island's population into live targets for hunting, don't they?
Then let's play along. This world lacks many things, but criminals aren't one of them. Before the Celestial Dragons designate their hunting grounds, we'll evacuate all civilians from the island and replace them with prisoners from Impel Down, letting them serve as pest control.
I know there are challenges—the Celestial Dragons choose targets randomly, and Pirates are obviously different from civilians. But if we're committed to this, we shouldn't worry about being discovered.
And so what if they find out? We're not stopping their hunt or deliberately sabotaging it by moving their prey. We're just providing different targets. If the Celestial Dragons can't accept that, then we should oppose them outright.
Given our current reserves, we could sustain not just three years of military expenses, but ten.
We can survive without the World Government now—but they can't survive without us.
In this Great Pirate Era, without the Marines' dominant presence, the Celestial Dragons would face immediate threats.
During our confrontation with the World Government, we'll cease protecting their ships, cargo, trade routes, member nations, and Celestial Tribute.
Meanwhile, through Tesoro's Underground Black Market, we'll spread news of the Marines' rift with the World Government, attracting more Pirates to target their vessels.
If even one Pirate succeeds, those desperate outlaws will stop at nothing to continue their actions.
All we need to do is hold our ground—we can even redirect the forces originally meant to protect the Celestial Dragons to safeguard civilian ships instead.
If affiliated nations require assistance, they can directly contact the Marines and request our help. As for fees, we can start by just covering costs and gradually increase them later.
Over time, the World Government will become nothing more than a hollow name.
Throughout this entire process, I don't believe the Five Elders will sit idly by.
If they resort to force, I'm confident we can rally major Pirates like Whitebeard, Red Hair, and Dark King Rayleigh to our side.
Combined with the Marines's own combat strength, even if the World Government controls the Ancient Weapons, I don't think their chances of victory are high.
If they choose a softer approach, they'll have to agree to our demands—the targets and islands for Hunting Season will be entirely decided by the Marines!
There's no room for negotiation beyond that.
Sengoku-san, since we've already prepared to sever ties with the World Government, we can no longer view many issues through the same lens as before.
The Marines today possesses unrivaled technological advancements thanks to Dr. Vegapunk and Judge of the Germa Kingdom.
Economically, we control thirty percent of the underground market through Tesoro and vast gold reserves from Sky Island.
In terms of combat power, we boast the strongest forces in the world.
And when it comes to healing—I alone am more than enough!
Our stance toward the World Government must change. The era of weakness is over. In the course of future developments, the Marines will gradually replace the World Government as the new governing body. We will reshape this world!"
As Jake spoke these words, his eyes burned with intensity, his overwhelming confidence infectious to everyone present.
The radicals, Sakazuki and Garp, were already grinning from ear to ear.
The neutrals—Kizaru, Zephyr, and Kuzan—were visibly swayed by Jake's words.
Even the conservatives, Sengoku and Tsuru, though still deliberating, found merit in Jake's plan.
"Sengoku you old fool, Jake has already laid out the entire plan right in front of you. What more is there to hesitate about? Those damned Celestial Dragon scum—what exactly are you afraid of? The Ancient Weapons?
I could smash those things with a single punch! Jake is right—the new era is here. If we continue like this, the Celestial Dragons will only slaughter more civilians. Have you forgotten what happened at God Valley?
The cries of those innocent people—I still haven't forgotten them to this day! This so-called title of Marines Hero… just how much innocent blood is stained on it? I remember it all!"
Garp, in a rare moment, voiced his opinion.
As a military man, he seldom expressed his emotions so openly, but the memories of the past left him with an indescribable knot in his chest.
Even Zephyr, uncharacteristically, chimed in to persuade Sengoku.
"Sengoku, just as Jake said, the current Marines are completely different from a few years ago. Now, in every aspect, we no longer fear the World Government."
"Earlier, you worried that if we clashed with the World Government, the Pirates might take advantage. But now, Whitebeard and Red Hair—two of the Emperors of the Sea—have become our allies. There's nothing left to worry about. If even under these circumstances, you still don't dare to save those civilians, then the justice of our Marines truly ceases to be justice."
Hearing this, Tsuru sighed and looked at Sengoku, speaking softly.
"Let's proceed as they suggest. I think the plan is highly feasible. This time, even those two troublemakers, Kizaru and Kuzan, probably won't slack off, right?"
Upon hearing this, the two scratched their heads and laughed.