......
Three days later.
New World, Dressrosa.
Dusk.
On the small path through the sunflower fields outside the Royal Capital, Shano, having just finished a meal with his mother, was strolling with the group of officers.
The sunset's afterglow washed over the golden sea of flowers, casting a warm brilliance.
Quite a beautiful sight.
With hands in pockets, Shano walked at the forefront, his black cloak gently fluttering in the wind. Hearing the report at his ear, a faint smile curved on his lips.
"So, you're saying the commotion over at the Navy is even larger than we expected?"
"Yes."
The head of the intelligence department, Victor, remarked with emotion, "Our strategy is undoubtedly correct; there are still many in the Navy who hold onto justice and are dissatisfied with this world."
"Just in the past few days, over sixty thousand have left the Navy, with the largest rebellion occurring in the first half of the Grand Line at the G-6 Branch, leaving less than a thousand from the original five thousand Marines there."
"Even the base commander and deputy base commander, both Headquarter Vice Admirals, furiously resigned."
"G-6 Branch."
Fujitora expressed surprise, "If memory serves, wasn't Aokiji the base commander before he was promoted to Grand Admiral?"
"That's correct."
Victor confirmed with a nod, "The veterans at this branch were Aokiji's close-knit loyal followers. This time, even Aokiji himself has announced his departure from the Navy, no wonder the reaction is so intense."
"With Aokiji and Zephyr both leaving, that's two Admiral Level forces gone at once."
Jack scratched his head, couldn't help but ask, "What about Garp? How come that old... that old man hasn't made a sound?"
He initially meant to say 'old fool.'
But he suddenly remembered their Navy Legend hero was on amicable terms with the boss, having helped out multiple times.
So he changed his wording in time.
"No news."
Victor shook his head, "Perhaps he has something he can't divulge, but Garp has refused promotion to Grand Admiral for decades, participated in fewer Navy actions; he hasn't been active on the frontline for quite some time now."
"But stepping back to the second line isn't enough. Next time I meet the old man, I'll use this thing to properly question him on what he's thinking."
Shano grinned, clenching his fist tightly.
That stubborn old man.
Is he unwilling to leave friends he's fought alongside for years?
Or secretly acting as a spy for Dragon?
It doesn't matter; the fists will ask for answers when the time comes!
Ever since his combat strength officially reached the Emperor General level, he hasn't crossed paths with the old man yet, and he's itching for a fight!
"Have you contacted Aokiji and Zephyr?"
Shano asked again.
"Not yet."
Victor shook his head regretfully, "According to your instructions, although we began deployment to reach out to the two former Grand Admirals following the Navy's division three days ago."
"But both seem to have their own plans."
"According to reports, after leaving Marinfanto, Kuzan rode a bicycle, disappearing from sight, not answering any calls, declined all meeting invitations, seemingly wanting to stay away from disputes, seeking peace alone."
"As for that old gentleman Zephyr."
Victor paused, "Unexpectedly, after leaving Marinfanto, he did not remain silent but immediately gathered a group of like-minded former Navy officers, announcing the formation of a new Navy named 'NEO MARINE.'"
"Currently, more than two thousand former Navy personnel have joined, including two Navy Headquarters Vice Admirals, and they've even taken multiple Peacekeepers from the Navy's research facility. Their strength is substantial."
Indeed.
NEO MARINE...
Similar to the original timeline, as soon as Zephyr left the Navy, he immediately established the so-called Neo Navy.
Shano wasn't surprised by this.
Those who reach the world's pinnacle have their own beliefs.
Even if he weren't a traveler who had read the manga, he wouldn't be naïve enough to think that Zephyr and Aokiji would immediately turn to join the Endgame once leaving the Navy.
"Fujitora spoke up at this point:
"Captain, since I have some acquaintance with Mr. Zephyr, should we let the intelligence department pinpoint the NEO Marine's location, then have me engage and persuade him? Given Zephyr's reputation and strength, adding him to us would undoubtedly benefit Endgame's growth greatly."
"There's no need to force it."
Shano shook his head, "Once that old man gets stubborn, even ten Sea King Species can't drag him back; let him follow his own path first."
If Zephyr can still maintain his sanity, and the Neo Navy can truly establish itself in this ocean, then without a doubt, they will be reliable allies for the Endgame.
Shano is pleased with this outcome.
But if it follows the original timeline and goes to extremes, then eventually they will come to the New World to attempt to seize Explosive Rock.
By that time, it won't be too late for him to step in and reason with this stubborn old man.
Speaking of.
This time, the choice of the Navy officers to leave the Navy can be divided into three categories:
The majority, disillusioned, chose to retire to their hometowns, far from strife;
The fewest chose to follow Zephyr, join the Neo Navy, and continue upholding the justice in their hearts;
Among those in the middle are those who specifically came to join the Endgame.
According to statistics compiled from various territories.
Currently, four Navy Headquarters Vice Admirals, led by Vice Admiral Yamakaji, and over ten Navy Rear Admirals and Vice Admirals have proactively reached out, expressing their desire to join.
These Navy officers defecting to the Endgame are undoubtedly not only disgusted with the Navy but also deeply repulsed by the World Government and the Heavenly Celestial Dragon's atrocities, wanting to change this situation.
Their long journey here is also an acknowledgment of the Endgame's principles, and from now on, they are kindred spirits.
Shano welcomes this very much.
...
As they talked and walked, the group arrived at the shore and boarded the Endgame.
Shano turned back and took one last look at Dressrosa.
With the compensation funds previously provided by the Five Elders as a start, after more than half a year of development, Dressrosa has already become one of the most prosperous nations in the New World.
Night has fallen, and the lights of the Royal Capital are dazzling like stars, the port bustling with ships coming and going, the streets and alleys echoing with laughter.
This Toy Country, once shrouded in the shadow of the Donquixote Family, now radiates unprecedented vitality.
Time truly changes.
This was his first proper large territory, when the Endgame had just entered the New World and hadn't fully stabilized.
And now.
Besides the Seven Islands of the Galaxy Sea Region and the Thirty-Four Islands of the World, he also owns more than thirty additional territories.
More than half of them are densely populated non-member nations that came to join the Endgame after the North Sea operation!
Expansion, consolidation, then further expansion!
Today's Endgame, whether in population or territory, is unmistakably the first among the Four Emperors, even leaving the Whitebeard Pirates far behind!
Meanwhile, over at the World Government, because of the public revelation of the truth from the North Sea action, they have been preoccupied with handling regional uprisings and managing public opinion, having no time to suppress.
This has earned the Endgame a great deal of development time.
"Time's about right, let's go."
Shano withdrew his gaze and turned to Victor to ask: "Where's the next destination?"
"There are two new representatives from our joining territories who want to discuss some matters in person with you."
Victor flipped open his notebook, "Additionally, Morgans also wants to see you. That guy seems to have a lot of complaints to pour out…"
"I see."
Shano chuckled, "Then let's see them all, go to Morgans first."
"Yes, sir!"
The Endgame set sail, gradually leaving Dressrosa's port, heading toward the next destination.
And shortly after sailing, Victor received a call from a subordinate.
After listening to the report, he showed a look of astonishment, then quickly walked to Shano's side and whispered:
"Sir, latest news, the World Government has unanimously passed the resolution to dismiss Sengoku from his position as Marshal, and this evening, have appointed a new Admiral."
"Oh?"
Shano was also a bit surprised.
Such a significant personnel change was directly finalized within just two or three days.
Seems like under intense pressure from public opinion, even the World Government can demonstrate remarkable efficiency.
"It's Akainu, right?"
Shano spoke casually.
He didn't think there would be another answer.
After all, in the original timeline, Kizaru never showed any desire to compete for Marshal, and Aokiji, who battled Akainu for ten days and nights, had already left the Navy.
"Actually, no, sir."
Victor's face turned somewhat peculiar, "The new Admiral is… Kong."