Several days later, above Egghead Island, the massive floating fleet slowly descended.
Aside from a group of researchers in white coats disembarking one after another, only Enel stepped out of the hatch. He looked exhausted as he stretched his body.
Honestly, this was more tiring than fighting.
At first, he could handle it, but no matter how strong someone was, no one could endure this kind of drain for long. The electricity required to keep dozens of ships in the air was nothing like the explosive bursts he used in battle. It had to be controlled carefully and maintained without interruption.
Only because he had trained for years and had a strong body could he keep up.
Inside the control room.
Enel walked in and glanced at Vegapunk and his clones, who had rushed over excitedly to inspect everything in person.
He clicked his tongue and said bluntly, "I'm telling you… just melt these things down. They're useless. It's too early for this."
That was the truth.
Most of the Four Blues had only just begun entering an industrial age under the Revolutionary Army's influence. To push the world straight from industrialization into a spacefaring era would take a very long time.
At this stage, these ships were practically useless.
More importantly, Vegapunk's dream of infinite energy had not yet been realized. Without Enel acting as a walking power source, these ships were nothing but scrap metal.
And in real battle, who would have the time to keep charging them? If enemies saw him standing up there, they would just cut everything down in one strike.
Vegapunk just smiled. "These are all valuable materials and samples. They're preparations for the future."
Enel twitched his lips.
The same line again. Uncle Sakazuki said the same thing too.
The pirates, the World Government, and the Revolutionary Army had not even been dealt with yet, and they were already preparing for the future, as if victory were certain.
He muttered weakly, "I'm going to sleep. See you guys later."
Crackle!
Enel turned into lightning and vanished.
His tired voice did not match the speed at which he disappeared.
Vegapunk watched him leave with a smile, then returned to inspecting the ships as if they were treasures.
* * *
New World, New Marineford.
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office, Carlo pushed the door open and walked in.
"Enel has returned to Egghead Island, Fleet Admiral."
Sakazuki, who was adjusting pieces on a sand table, looked up. "Let him rest well. After that, have him prepare to intercept the Red Hair Pirates."
Carlo nodded. "Yes."
He then glanced at the constantly updated sand table and smiled. "The Red Hair Pirates are moving quite slowly."
On the table, most of the islands once occupied by the Marines had already been replaced by the flags of the Steam Pirates or the Red Hair Pirates.
But compared to the Marines' speed in advancing and withdrawing, their pace was far too slow. The people had already been evacuated. Enel went out, caused chaos, came back, and they still had not finished taking over.
Sakazuki let out a light scoff as he looked at the pirate flags. "That's why they're nothing more than garbage that will be eliminated by this era."
The Marines were already researching future airships, while pirates were still sailing wooden ships and recruiting navigators everywhere.
Thinking of something, he turned to Carlo. "How is the situation around Whole Cake Island?"
The front line in the New World stretched across the entire sea. The sand table only showed territorial changes. Detailed reports still had to be compiled by the intelligence department and sent over.
Carlo frowned slightly. "It hasn't been going very smoothly. The closer we get to Whole Cake Island, the more powerful enemies we run into. Without the Admirals stepping in, it's hard to achieve any real results. Most of our Vice Admirals still fall short compared to those pirate fighters who rose through constant battles."
Sakazuki gave a nod and fell into thought for a moment.
"What about Wano?"
Carlo replied, "The offensive there has also stalled. Kaido has likely recovered and has appeared on the Beasts Pirates' front line, but this time he hasn't taken action. It's probably just a show of force, so our side hasn't advanced recklessly. It's been a stalemate."
Sakazuki nodded again. "Nothing is going well…"
He placed both hands on the edge of the sand table, lightly tapping his fingers as he pondered.
Then he spoke. "Pass down the order. At Whole Cake Island, split half the fleet. Have Aramaki lead them and cut across into the Steam Pirates' territory. At Wano, split half the fleet. Have Borsalino lead them and cut across into the Red Hair Pirates' territory.
"Cut them off.
"Have Enel and Kuzan hold their assigned positions to prevent Red Hair and Knox from severing our supply lines."
After glancing over the layout on the sand table, he waved his hand.
"Go."
Carlo responded, "Yes."
Then he quietly withdrew.
* * *
New World, Volvo Island.
Once a military outpost under Kaido's command, it had been taken by the Marines after his disappearance some time ago.
King had struggled to hold the line but was forced into repeated retreats, and eventually the island fell. It was now the frontline base against the Beasts Pirates.
The war changed every day. What was unusual was that Kaido still had not made a move. That made things much easier for Issho and Borsalino.
However, this brief calm was broken by orders from headquarters.
Issho sat among the soldiers, holding a bowl of ramen as he ate.
In the distance, Borsalino walked over lazily. "Things are quite relaxed, aren't they~ Issho-san~"
Issho put down the bowl and turned toward him. "What is it, Admiral Borsalino? You don't seem very enthusiastic."
He shrugged helplessly. "Well~ it's nothing much. I just got assigned a troublesome task~"
* * *
New World, Biscuit Island.
Located northwest of Whole Cake Island, it was once managed by Cracker, one of the Sweet Commanders. After he was killed by Admiral Ryokugyu and the Marines launched a fierce assault, the island fell and became a Marine base.
On the island, under a massive biscuit house, Aramaki lay on a reclining chair, basking in the sun.
The recent stalled offensives left him with little to do. Unless Big Mom personally attacked, Admirals would not act easily. Everything followed Sakazuki's orders. He did not fully understand the reasoning, but it did not matter.
Relaxing in the sun was more important.
In the distance, a messenger ran over.
"Admiral Aramaki! Orders from headquarters! You are to split your forces and advance toward the Steam Pirates' territory!"
Aramaki immediately sat up, his tone turning excited. "Oh? Really?"
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