"With the previous video broadcast, over 95% of the residents wish to join the protection of the Endgame."
"However, a small minority is unwilling to join the Endgame, fearing retaliation from the World Government, and plans to leave as soon as possible."
"Very well."
Shano nodded slightly:
"Then follow the usual procedure, arrange for the government team to take over this ruined and desolate country, assist in reconstruction, and establish a military base to station the necessary defense forces."
"As for those who wish to leave, don't make it difficult for them, just let them go."
"Yes, sir!"
Facing the World Government head-on, with three major items to ensure the safety of his domain, how could his territory be confined to the New World!
Fighting and then fleeing, abandoning the populace, is not his style.
The vast and resource-rich kingdom of Lubunier, with a population of 360,000, is the first foothold of the Endgame in the Four Seas!
"Captain, it's easy to handle the civilians, but how should we deal with the Navy?"
At this time, Fujitora spoke, "Before I came over, I specifically went to check the statistics. This massive Navy Fleet consists of over 8,000 people, with nearly a hundred high-ranking officers at the Vice Admiral level."
"There's nothing to hesitate over; interrogate first and handle them separately."
A cold glint flashed in Shano's eyes, "As for those high-ranking officers who are well aware of the Heavenly Celestial Dragon's deeds yet continue to serve loyally as bodyguards without any thought of resistance —"
"Execute them directly, leave no survivors!"
The killing intent was strong!
The leaders present felt a chill in their hearts.
Especially the crew members at the Endgame Headquarters, who have followed Shano all the way and know their captain is often lenient with the pursuing Navy, generally not going to extremes.
But this time.
He is genuinely angry at those who abetted the evil!
"As for the others who were kept in the dark, regardless of whether they are high-ranking or ordinary Marines, first reveal the truth to them; whether they stay or leave is up to them."
"If they wish to abandon darkness for light and join us in the Endgame, they are welcome; those who insist on leaving won't be stopped, but they bear all consequences."
"Understood!"
Fujitora agreed with this, nodding solemnly, "I'll arrange the interrogation and identification work now."
"Let me join!"
Shiryu's voice suddenly rang out, and everyone turned to see him clutching his stomach, limping over.
Clearly exhausted from his earlier efforts...
Seeing everyone's attention, he grinned:
"Sir, Mr. Issho, I'm the best at interrogation and identification. During those years at Impel Down, I made countless stubborn individuals willingly open up, not to mention I now have that ability."
The Nue Fruit, granting him means to discern good from evil, complemented by Fujitora's powerful Observation.
No Navy Officer could lie before them.
"Indeed, you're quite experienced in this area."
Fujitora nodded, "Then I'll trouble you to assist me, though your body... do you need a hand?"
"No worries, I can fly."
Shiryu didn't care and directly used his ability to transform into his beast form on the spot.
Pop!
His body twisted and swelled abruptly, instantly morphing into a giant, hideous monster bird.
A terrifying and fearsome head, a muscular body covered in bizarre patterns, and a snake-like tail restlessly swaying behind.
Many people were startled.
"Yikes! Ugly as expected!"
"But it can fly! Flying ability is rare on these seas, it's enviable!"
"Did you even hear what I said? I really don't collect so many!"
"It's settled then." Shano found it indeed uglier than he could bear to watch, but since Shiryu didn't mind, he wouldn't comment further, "Off you go."
"Yes, sir!"
After seeing Shiryu and Fujitora hastily leave, Shano turned around.
"Alright, disperse."
Shano waved his hand, "Those who need to heal, heal; those who need rest, rest. Tomorrow is going to be busy; handle everything properly to return to the New World sooner. Then, we'll have a grand celebration banquet."
"Understood!"
The leaders responded in unison and quickly left, leaving the deck quiet.
Shano stood alone at the bow, gazing at the distant horizon, the sunset completely submerged beneath the sea, night had fallen, stars dotted the sky.
This battle, undoubtedly, was a great victory for the Endgame!
The initial combat goals - annihilate the Navy Fleet, eradicate the Heavenly Celestial Dragon, and protect the lives of 360,000 civilians - were all achieved, and two additional monumental victories surpassed expectations!
Severely wounding Navy Grand Admiral Akainu and killing two of the Five Elders!
As the morning sun rises again, should this report spread, it will shock the entire world!
Of course, the World Government would never allow this to happen.
They would undoubtedly use all their power to seal off every aspect of this war and erase any information related to the truth!
They've done so countless times over the past eight hundred years, rarely failing.
But this time is different.
With Shano, with the Endgame, entities capable of facing the World Government head-on!
Everything is different now... the truth is not so easily hidden!
Shano brewed himself a cup of coffee and took a secured Radio Snail from the bedroom, dialing a number.
"Blu blu~~"
After a brief wait, the Radio Snail's eyes widened suddenly, mimicking an excited bird face with a cigar:
"Hello! This is the World Economic News Agency! Oh! This special line number... could it be, that esteemed person?!"
"It's me."
Shano smiled mildly in the sea breeze, "Morgans, come meet with me, there's something we need to discuss face-to-face."
Meet?
The white-headed eagle on the other end was immediately bewildered, the last meeting with this person was during last year's tea party, wasn't it?
The significant collaboration during the Shampodi broadcast was all done over the phone, why the need for a meeting this time?
Morgans cautiously responded with a nervous laugh:
"Could you give me a hint, sir, you know, in our line of work, we don't easily show..."
"Don't worry, you'll understand when we meet, it's nothing extraordinary."
Shano took a sip of coffee, smiling slightly.
"Just want you to help me publish a small news piece, that's all."
......
Holy Land Mary Geoise.
In Pangu City, within the halls of power, all was silent.
Saint Nusjuro sat on the sofa, darkly wiping the First Generation Kitetsu, though the blade was clean and showed no traces of blood.
Yet he continuously wiped, over and over, repeating the action.
"The auras of Saturn and Mars have completely vanished."
Opposite him, Mercury Warcury Saint spoke, breaking the silence, "Ultimately, they failed to return. In hundreds of years, this is the first time a 'star' has fallen in the Lower Realm, and not just one... but two."
What an appalling loss!
Even now, the three are still utterly unable to accept it!
"The power of that Shano, the power of the Endgame... is far greater than anticipated."
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter hoarsely remarked, "More concerning is the sudden appearance of that angelic entity, possessing divine power that counteracts ours. The Undying Body granted by the master is useless against her."
"We must report to the master."
Mercury Warcury Saint stood up, "At this hour, the master should have finished his nap. I'll go immediately; you all should come as well!"
"No, I won't go."
Saint Nusjuro finally stopped wiping the Demon Sword, grimly lifting his head:
"Besides, I advise there's no need to report now. Losing two stars at once, going now will only anger Him. It will be better to wait until tomorrow to discuss a concrete plan before reporting together."