This is how people are—when they cannot resolve the main conflict, they instinctively shift the blame elsewhere.
Even the leaders of the World Government are no exception.
Everyone present understood that as long as Cyrus was dealt with, not only would their lost deterrence be restored, but it would even be heightened.
Yet, the Five Elders instinctively blamed the Marines for failing to eliminate Cyrus earlier.
Hearing this, Kong, who had once served as Marine Fleet Admiral, looked highly displeased.
"Go and prepare the necessary evidence. It must be done as quickly as possible. Additionally, continue spreading the news about Cyrus's actions in Dressrosa. Also, send Cipher Pol agents to find Morgans—that fool seems to have lost his sense of judgment," Nusjuro ordered, staring at Kong as he spoke.
"I understand," Kong nodded in response, then turned and left.
After he departed, the Five Elders and Garling fell into silence. I
t was a while before anyone spoke again.
"The plan to control the New World has been increasing the Marines' expenses more and more."
"What do you mean?" Hearing Nusjuro bring this up, the other four were taken aback, clearly surprised.
"Exactly. Abandon the New World plan and withdraw our forces from there entirely. Besides, now that the Flame Demon has entered the New World, no one knows what chaos he might cause." Nusjuro placed his sword at his side and stood up.
"Moreover, given the personalities of those three in the New World, it's unlikely they'll coexist peacefully with the Flame Demon. A major conflict is bound to erupt."
"Whoever loses, it will be to our advantage." Everyone in the Chamber of Authority understood what the Financial God meant.
"Precisely. And since most of the powerful pirates on the seas eventually head to the New World, perhaps we can give them a push," Nusjuro added.
"Are you suggesting we ease our pursuit of pirates in the Four Seas and Paradise, actively driving them into the New World?" Garling pressed his hand against the hilt of his sword and spoke in a low voice.
"Exactly. Since we cannot control it, the more chaotic the New World becomes, the better. With enough pirates, peace will be impossible."
As it stands, the New World is already largely isolated from Paradise and the Four Seas.
However, if this plan is implemented, the New World will descend into even greater chaos
But what does that matter to them?
"Even if the Flame Demon is capable of handling these pirates, it will undoubtedly slow down whatever he plans to do in the New World. No matter his true intentions, he won't be able to proceed smoothly."
"Agreed." There was no harm in this for them.
"Don't forget the Hunter Guild," Saturn reminded the others.
"It does require attention, but now is not the time to act against it. At the very least, we need something to keep the Flame Demon occupied—that would be the best opportunity. Besides, the Hunter Guild has only just been established. Even if it intends to grow, it will require a significant amount of time."
"However, we can have someone infiltrate them and wait for the right moment to act."
"As for the Flame Demon himself..." Ju Peter spoke while looking at Garling.
After all, Garling had previously taken it upon himself to handle the matter of dealing with Cyrus, but the ambush plan in Dressrosa had not succeeded.
Of course, these people subconsciously ignored the fact that Imu had also intervened and failed.
"That Lord ordered us to halt our operations. Perhaps the Lord has some plan of their own."
In response, Garling directly used Imu as an untouchable shield.
The Five Elders collectively fell silent and did not pursue the matter further.
Subsequently, they each departed to handle the matters just discussed.
...
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters.
Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru had been waiting for the World Government's decision, and eventually, they received contact from Steel Bones Kong.
Kong informed Sengoku about the Marines' massive upcoming recruitment drive, instructing him to begin preparations immediately and specifically mentioning those powerful individuals who weren't particularly famous.
"People like Issho," Tsuru quietly said to Sengoku.
Sengoku looked at the Den Den Mushi before him—it had disconnected after Kong finished delivering his message.
"This won't be an easy task." Sengoku understood perfectly well that if the large-scale recruitment proved successful, it would be more advantageous for controlling the seas.
But if those hidden powerful figures across the seas wanted to join the Marines, they would have done so already.
The current silence indicated these people weren't particularly willing.
However, since they weren't famous, it at least meant they weren't pirates.
"Moreover, if such people join the Marines, they'll need corresponding positions and treatment," Tsuru reminded him.
They couldn't have these powerful individuals join the military only to become ordinary sailors.
"I'll apply to Fleet Admiral Kong about this," Sengoku understood her meaning and nodded in agreement.
Every high-ranking position in the Marines was already filled.
For others to get promoted, someone would need to step down or transfer to another position.
But with large-scale recruitment, the Marines would need to create numerous new positions, even establish additional task forces.
This would require substantial funding support, and the Marines' military budget was completely controlled by the World Government.
This was also one of the primary methods the World Government used to control the military branch.
"It seems they can't deal with Cyrus for the time being," Tsuru spoke softly, her expression calm.
"That should be the case!" Sengoku nodded.
The current situation indicated that the World Government had temporarily given up on confronting Cyrus directly.
Moreover, their ongoing worldwide campaign to smear Cyrus was clear evidence of this.
Although the World Economy News Paper kept clarifying matters and reporting the specific events in Dressrosa, the World Government paid no attention, continuing to smear Cyrus worldwide through their own channels.
Even when photos of Dressrosa's current situation were published, they simply turned a blind eye and kept smearing relentlessly.
Sengoku and Tsuru could both see the true purpose behind this.
With truth and falsehoods swirling across the seas, the objective truth had become muddled.
While the methods weren't particularly admirable, they were indeed achieving some effect.
However, these tactics had little impact on Cyrus himself.
But they would have considerable effect on the public perception of the Hunter Guild where Cyrus served as president.
"Go ahead, you should also make plans. The timeline for this large-scale recruitment is very tight." Sengoku waved his hand toward Vice Admiral Tsuru.
After nodding, Tsuru stood up and left.
Sengoku raised his hand and brought a document from the desk to the mouth of the small goat beside it.
The little goat, which had inherited its father's paper-shredding function, opened its mouth, bit the offered document, and slowly chewed.
"What will the future hold?" Sengoku's low voice echoed in the office, carrying a rare trace of profound confusion.
...
In the East Blue, at Shimotsuki Village.
Kuina looked at the complimentary newspaper in her hand, her small face very serious.
"Impossible. Cyrus would never do such a thing," she declared.
Her voice was firm, clearly showing great confidence in Cyrus.