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Marineford, Marine Headquarters.
Several warships were docked at Moon Lake Port, and a dozen watchtowers were built on the rugged ridges, with seagull flags flying in the wind.
Edo period architecture was visible everywhere.
Marine Headquarters building.
Fleet Admiral Kong, who had just received a new mission from the World Government, frowned, pondering the information he had obtained from the World Government.
Kaido, a former member of the Rocks Pirates, attacked the Oren Kingdom, and the Oren Kingdom requested the World Government to subjugate Kaido.
The Marine and pirates were irreconcilable, and moreover, the Marine was the face of the World Government.
So naturally, this mission quickly landed on Kong's desk.
Kong sighed, originally thinking that with the dissolution of the Rocks Pirates, the whole world would return to peace and tranquility, and everyone could live a happy and fulfilling life.
But who would have thought that the pirates, without Rocks to suppress them, would run rampant on the seas, killing, plundering, and acting recklessly everywhere.
Several countries had already become history.
"Rocks really left us a mess," Kong cursed, pinching his brow.
The Flying Pirates, the Whitebeard Pirates, the Silver Ax Pirates, the John Pirates, the Kaido Pirates, the Big Mom Pirates... and numerous smaller pirate groups that broke off to venture out.
Kong felt his temples throbbing, and he took a sip of water to calm himself down.
Now countless pirate groups were emerging on the seas, such as the Roger Pirates, and there were also many lone wolves, like Redfield, the Red, and Kaido.
This sea was even more turbulent than a year ago.
Kong was extremely worried about the future of the world and even the Marine.
"Fleet Admiral Kong!"
A purple-haired young man in a Marine coat and a light purple shirt stood at the door, standing tall and saluting perfectly.
Seeing the newcomer, Kong rarely showed a smile: "You're here, Zephyr, sit down."
Zephyr walked with firm steps to the leather sofa and sat upright.
He had striking short purple hair, and his custom-made Marine coat was very tight, making him look very energetic and capable.
Kong leaned forward slightly and said warmly: "You've worked hard on the matters at Decrosa Island. How have you been resting lately?"
"Thank you for your concern, Fleet Admiral Kong, I feel better than ever now," Zephyr said with a warm smile, giving off a refreshing feeling. He gripped his wrist, clenching his iron fist: "Capturing pirates is my duty as a Marine."
"I always believe in your resolve."
Kong nodded slightly, his fingers caressing a pen, and said: "Speaking of which, according to your resume, you're almost due for a promotion to Admiral."
Zephyr's expression became solemn. Since Rocks killed an Admiral in the Holy Land, the Admiral position had been in a state of shortage, seriously affecting the Marine's credibility and prestige.
Moreover, the only Admiral had retired to the second line due to an old illness.
In these years, although the Marine had been fighting pirates everywhere, eradicating evil, and restoring the Marine's honor.
But it still couldn't change the situation where the Marine was struggling alone.
Fortunately, after years of careful training, outstanding core forces like Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Tsuru had emerged.
Sengoku was promoted to Admiral not long ago, and Garp had been nominated many times but refused due to his unconventional personality.
Zephyr's military achievements accumulated over the years and his prestige within the Marine also gave him the capital to be promoted to Admiral.
Kong estimated that Zephyr would be promoted to Admiral within one or two years.
It should be known that Zephyr was only thirty-seven years old now.
An Admiral in his thirties was extremely rare even in Marine history!
"Fleet Admiral Kong, do you have a mission for me?"
Zephyr was quick-witted and immediately understood the meaning behind Kong's words.
Kong nodded: "Kaido attacked the Oren Kingdom. The kingdom's soldiers suffered heavy casualties, and more than half of the city was reduced to ruins, causing immeasurable losses."
The sunlight streamed through the window onto Zephyr, who radiated a faint golden glow. He frowned slightly: "So, this mission is to subjugate Kaido?"
"That's right," Kong looked at him solemnly: "It is said that Kaido is now based on Winter Island, controlling the shipping routes in the nearby sea area."
"If my guess is correct, the World Pirates' shelling incident half a year ago was related to Kaido, and they have probably reached some kind of cooperation agreement."
The World Pirates were a newly emerging and not to be underestimated pirate group. The power of the Boost-Boost Fruit was much simpler and cruder than other abilities.
If not fully prepared, it was easy to suffer an unexpected defeat.
Now there was also Kaido... Zephyr's eyes narrowed. As a former member of the Rocks Pirates, Zephyr had naturally dealt with Kaido many times.
Hard physique, terrifying brute force, tenacious will.
A born devil.
Kong took out two cigars from his jacket pocket, handed one to Zephyr, and reminded him: "Don't underestimate him, Zephyr. Since the Rocks Pirates disbanded, no one knows how much he has grown now."
"I understand, Fleet Admiral Kong."
Zephyr nodded with a solemn expression, but his eyes were incredibly firm: "Leave this mission to me, I will bring Kaido to justice!"
...The news of Kaido's invasion of the Oren Kingdom spread like wildfire, causing an uproar on the seas.
Linlin, who had just taken Cake Island, was both surprised and enraged when she heard the news.
"I knew you wouldn't be content to remain silent! But Kaido, why did you leave without saying goodbye?! Are you dissatisfied with me as your elder sister?!"
Linlin was furious, her hair turned into raging flames, and the newspaper in her hand turned to ashes.
A suppressive and tense atmosphere filled the castle.
Streusen, the head chef, sighed and said: "Kaido is ambitious and will never be content to be subservient. The reason he left without saying goodbye might be to save face for both sides."
At this time, only Streusen could talk to Linlin.
Linlin's expression softened slightly, and she turned her beautiful eyes: "Streusen, do you think we should cooperate with Kaido?"
"The Golden Lion's power is growing larger and larger. He gained immense power from the God Valley Incident, and the Flying Pirates' notorious reputation has spread far and wide, making them the most powerful pirate group."
Even when they were on Rocks' ship, Linlin and Golden Lion didn't get along well.
Linlin believed that Golden Lion was cruel, arrogant, and looked down on everyone except Rocks and Newgate.
Streusen pondered for a moment and said: "I don't think Kaido will agree to cooperate with us. No matter who takes the lead in the cooperation, it won't be a good thing for the other... Linlin, are you willing to obey Kaido's orders?"
"Of course not..."
Linlin answered almost instinctively, then understood Streusen's meaning, and her expression couldn't help but darken: "Sure enough, when we meet again, we can only be enemies?"