Letting Kaido escape from his hands smoothly was something that Yoshikazu Tsugakuin had not expected at the beginning.

He stayed quietly in the airspace for a long time, until Kaido and the strange breath completely disappeared, then Tsugikuni Yoriichi decided to leave.

There are too many devil fruits with strange powers in this world. Judging solely from the form of the black hole that appeared before, Tsugikuni Yoshiichi has no way of telling what ability it is.

His knowledge of devil fruits came from the devil fruit encyclopedia. The only fruit with similar power was probably the Door-Door Fruit.

But what kind of devil fruit the other party used to escape is obviously not the most important thing. The most important thing is who is helping Kaido and BIG MOM.

The force hidden behind Kaido and BIG MOM is the one that deserves the most attention from Yoshikazu Tsugakuin.

"Could it be the Five Elders?"

"Or is it some other pirate force?"

"Even if Whitebeard is gone and the Whitebeard Pirates' power is dismantled, it will not be easy to bring peace to this sea."

Tsugikoku Yoshiichi's figure disappeared above the clouds, and a soft sigh echoed in the sky.

"We won, we won!"

Marlene Fodor.

The navy headquarters who successfully expelled the Whitebeard Pirates cheered. Although the navy headquarters, which had turned into a battlefield, was now full of ruins, the navy who survived the war could not contain their excitement and cheered loudly.

The soldiers who were chasing the Whitebeard Pirates gathered back to the Navy Headquarters under Sengoku's orders and began to participate in the rescue of the wounded. At the same time, the pirates who gave up resistance also needed the Navy to send people to resettle them and take them into custody in Impel Down.

After the war, Marinford quickly became busy.

As post-war work unfolded, the spirits of the sailors, who had just been excited about their victory, became visibly depressed.

Although this all-out war with the Whitebeard Pirates did not last long, and the navy's high-end combat forces intervened in the battlefield in a timely manner to support the navy in fighting the enemy, the number of casualties among the middle and lower-level soldiers was still quite heavy.

In such a world, the gap in strength between people is sometimes greater than that between people and dogs.

The grassroots navy officers were like straws in a hurricane in front of those long-established pirates, falling one after another.

Seeing their former companions and comrades lying in a pool of blood, even the victorious navy could not help but become demoralized.

The atmosphere in Marinford became extremely depressing.

The "public execution" held for people all over the world cannot be considered a success.

Although the Navy's camera Den Den Mushi recorded the entire process of Whitebeard's body falling into the abyss, people were excited when they heard Whitebeard say "One Piece is real".

Roger's words back then opened the so-called "Great Pirate Era", and now Whitebeard's words before his death have added new fuel to this "Great Pirate Era" that is on the verge of ending.

The Navy did show its extremely powerful strength in this war, but Kaido and Big Mom who invaded Marineford also dealt a heavy blow to the Navy's prestige.

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that if it weren't for the sudden appearance of Yoriichi Tsugakuni, the Whitebeard Pirates would undoubtedly be the final winner in this war between the Navy and the Whitebeard Pirates.

The navy originally wanted to demonstrate its strength through public executions, but unfortunately, the people and those ambitious people saw decline in the navy.

The naval hero Garp, the naval marshal Sengoku and the three admirals of the navy are indeed the strongest men of the time, but the entire navy seems to be in a situation of a lack of successors.

Apart from these senior officers who are capable of taking charge, the combat effectiveness of the navy's middle and lower-level officers seems to be far inferior to those of the White Group's cadres.

The decline of the navy has instead fueled the ambitions of the pirates.

Although the Navy won the war, their plan to boost their prestige by publicly executing Whitebeard failed.

Instead, it was Yoriichi Tsugikuni who suddenly appeared on the battlefield and became the focus of attention from all parties.

Not only did he fight against ten thousand people alone and come to Marineford to stop the Whitebeard Pirates, but he was also able to survive the terrifying combined attack of Kaido and Big Mom.

Kaido, the Beasts, who was able to fight with Sengoku for more than ten minutes and escape unscathed, was seriously injured after just one encounter with Yoriichi Tsugakuni.

Tsugakuni Yoshiichi's terrifying strength also left a deep impression on the people and pirates.

With the death of Whitebeard, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who was once known as the "world's number one swordsman", also changed his name.

The title of "the strongest man in the world" that belonged exclusively to Whitebeard was given to Yoriichi Tsugikuni.

As the details of the battle spread, even those who had missed the live broadcast heard about Tsugikuni Yoriichi from others. Tsugikuni Yoriichi's name, along with his nickname, became widely known.

A few days later, the Navy Headquarters announced to the world through newspapers that "Whitebeard is dead and the Whitebeard Pirates are destroyed", declaring their victory and also announcing their own battle results.

However, at this point, only a handful of people cared about the Navy's efforts and contributions to the war. The focus of discussion was on "One Piece"; on Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the Emperor of the Sea and the world's strongest; on the White Guard captains and Kaido who had successfully escaped from Marinford.

The Navy Headquarters has been neglected and forgotten

"Damn it, why hasn't the number of new wanted warrants decreased during this period, but has increased instead?!"

"If this continues, when will the world finally be at peace?!"

"Kill! Kill all the criminals once they are caught!"

Inside a makeshift tent in Marinford, the navy's top brass gathered for a small meeting. Sakaski listened to Brannew's recent investigation report. Hearing the significant increase in the number of newly wanted pirates, his face darkened and he cursed angrily.

As a representative of the Navy's hawks, Sakaski was very dissatisfied with the result of the "public execution" and had a mentality of killing all pirates.

Zhan Guo, who was sitting to the side, said nothing with a dark face after hearing the data reported by Branny. What was there to say? There really was nothing to say.

Their headquarters had not anticipated such consequences at the beginning.

"Marshal, due to the high casualties, the morale of our naval headquarters is currently somewhat low."

"We can't go on like this. The morale of the army will collapse."

"We must find a way to boost the morale of the soldiers."

"Only in this way can we recover our strength as quickly as possible."

After Brannew reported some various data collected from around the world, Tianzheng, the head of the Naval Criminal Investigation Department, slowly stood up and reminded Zhan Guo.

Tianzheng's work content is more internal, and no one understands the current situation within the navy better than him.

After hearing Tian Zheng's speech, the senior naval officers in the tent all cast serious glances at Tian Zheng.

Low morale is a big deal.

If the navy, whose foundations have already been shaken, cannot boost the morale of the soldiers, a significant reduction in combat effectiveness is a minor concern; the most feared problem is a mutiny.

The soldiers in the extraordinary world are also human.

When the negative emotions in the group accumulate to a certain level, the consequences of the explosion will be unbearable for the Navy Headquarters.

"What do you think?"

Tenma was one of the headquarters' best intelligence officers. His department was only at the department level, but with the rank of Lieutenant General, he held a position of considerable power. He was the most knowledgeable person within the navy, and his opinion on matters like this was crucial to Sengoku.

When the navy recruits, it basically attracts ordinary people through "treatment".

After the people of the member states of the World Government become navy, they transcend the system of the member states themselves.

Simply put, if you are a member of a member country, you need to abide by local laws and regulations; labor, heavenly gold, etc. will be assigned to you "at regular intervals and in fixed quantities". If you encounter a brutal ruler and fail to pay the heavenly gold, you will probably be imprisoned and demoted to a slave immediately.

But once you become a navy, only the navy's rules can constrain you, and the rules and regulations of the original kingdom will not apply to you.

It is precisely because of such treatment that the navy can continuously attract new recruits.

Relying on "justice" to recruit new soldiers? It's not impossible, but the number is very limited. If you think that you can successfully recruit soldiers simply by relying on faith, it would be too naive.

Ultimately, it's all about interests.

And now, when the threat of death is really forcing every member of the Navy, these soldiers will think about which is more important, "life" or "interests".

Death, one of the greatest fears of mankind, is not easy to overcome.

If the navy can maintain its strength, the soldiers will not have morale problems, but under the current situation, it is inevitable that the navy will panic.

After all, even the symbol of the Marine Headquarters, Marinford, was mostly destroyed.

"We must find a way to reassure the soldiers."

"And the ways and means of ensuring stability are not limited to the resettlement of the families of the fallen soldiers."

"Those who are still alive need to continue living. We must find a way to reassure them and maintain their confidence in our Navy Headquarters."

Tianzheng straightened his body and spoke loudly.

His words actually did not include any specific measures, but only suggested a direction. However, they still attracted the approval of most senior executives.

Those grassroots navy officers will also be afraid after experiencing this great war. No matter how good the treatment is, they still have to survive, right?

The pirates are so ferocious that even the Marine Headquarters can't stop them. Do they still believe that "justice will prevail"?

"Tell me the specific ways and methods."

"Since you've raised the problem, you should have thought of a solution, right?"

Zhan Guo's expression remained unchanged. He glanced at Tian Zheng and asked.

"My suggestion is... well... a bit radical."

"But it should be able to quickly stabilize the morale of the troops."

Having said that, Tian Zheng paused and his eyes became somewhat deep.

"Stop talking nonsense and speak!"

"As long as it can truly help the headquarters, what does it matter if the method is radical?"

Zhan Guo urged with a somewhat impatient tone.

Tian Zheng looked around at the many high-ranking naval officers in the tent, pondered for a long time, and suddenly a smile appeared on his face. He said in a serious tone:

“It’s very simple!”

"All we need to do is revoke the wanted orders for Tsugikoku Yoshikazu and the others, and declare to the public that the New Navy and the Naval Headquarters are one and the same!"

Tianzheng's tone was deep, and what he said made many high-ranking navy officials' faces freeze, and they looked at Tianzheng in disbelief.

After a while, Lieutenant General Ghost Spider jumped up from his seat in anger, pointing at Tian Zheng and cursing, "Asshole, do you know what you are talking about?!"

"Tsugikuni Yoriichi and his new navy, bah, bullshit new navy! He's a traitor to the navy!"

"He is a traitor to our Marine Headquarters. He killed the Celestial Dragons, the noble Celestial Dragons of the world!"

"Cancel the wanted order? How is that possible?"

"And canceling the wanted warrants for those people will help restore the morale of the soldiers? What are you thinking? What nonsense is this!!!"

Vice Admiral Spider was injured in the previous battle with the Whitebeard Pirates and was still wrapped in bandages. In his anger, the wound burst open and a red mark appeared on the bandage.

Led by Ghost Spider, many high-ranking naval officers in the tent looked at Tian Zheng with strange expressions, as if they were looking at a fool.

Borsalino glanced at Tianzheng, raised his eyebrows, and showed a hint of interest in his eyes; Kuzan looked at Tianzheng deeply, thinking about something in his heart; and Sakaski, who always had a very hot temper, did not get angry after hearing this, but quickly calmed down and said nothing.

Everyone's eyes were focused on Tianzheng, and Zhan Guo also looked at Tianzheng with a sullen face.

"Marshal, Vice Admiral Ghost Spider, and everyone else."

“I know exactly what I’m thinking and I know exactly what I’m saying.”

"Think about it carefully, is my method really not feasible?"

"After Whitebeard's death, Yoriichi Tsugakuin was known as the 'strongest in the world'. His reputation is louder than yours, Tensei, and everyone else present combined."

"Furthermore, his strength is obvious to all. With the headquarters and the new navy united under one roof, Tsugikuni Yoriichi will become a 'totem' figure for our navy."

"Think about it, when Whitebeard was alive, did anyone dare to provoke the Whitebeard Pirates? Whitebeard's name is much more useful than the Marine Headquarters."

"Now, the situation has changed dramatically. Tsugikuni Yoriichi's name is the most intimidating existence in the world."

"The benefits to us of joining forces with the new navy are self-evident."

"And is Yoriichi Tsugikuni a traitor? He killed the Celestial Dragons, yes, but is he a traitor to us, the Navy?"

"Our Criminal Investigation Division has never stopped investigating Tsugikuni Yoriichi. Since leaving the Navy, he hasn't done anything against 'justice'."

"Besides, the entire four seas are under the control of our navy. Are the world's nobles indispensable to our navy?"

At this point, the faces of the sailors in the tent changed. Zhan Guo was also stunned and interrupted with an angry roar: "Shut up! Tian Zheng!"

Everyone looked at Tianzheng in astonishment. No one could have imagined that they would hear such outrageous words from Tianzheng's mouth.

Is this a blatant act of opposition to the Celestial Dragons?! Against the world's nobles?

However, the senior naval officers gathered here pondered Tian Zheng's words carefully, and suddenly discovered a path that they had never imagined before.

World Government

Is it necessary for their navy to exist?

Suddenly, after hearing Tian Zheng's words, some people actually thought about this matter. The navy controls the four seas, and they are the ones who send people to escort the celestial gold of various countries.

Although the member states are major financial backers, the existence of the Celestial Dragons themselves is independent of this system.

So what role do the supreme Celestial Dragons play in the navy?

Ever since Yoshikazu Tsugumi killed the Celestial Dragons and has never suffered any thunder strike from the World Government, the "divinity" surrounding the Celestial Dragons has long been completely exposed by Yoshikazu Tsugumi.

It seems that the Celestial Dragons are not some "unspeakable" gods.

Tian Zheng's words ignited the ambitions of some high-ranking officials in the department. If possible, who would be willing to have a "god" riding on their head?

Tian Zheng felt the atmosphere in the tent. After being scolded by Zhan Guo, he bowed and said, "I'm sorry, Marshal. I said my suggestion was a bit radical."

"Just ignore what I said. Don't take it to heart."

After Tianzheng sat down, Zhan Guo said with a grim expression: "Tianzheng, from today on, your rank will be demoted to Brigadier General, and you will be transferred from this headquarters to serve in the 77th branch of the West Sea."

When Tianzheng heard this, he nodded silently without any rebuttal.

The meeting continued, but the atmosphere in the meeting room seemed a little weird.

Some senior executives who had good relationships with each other were exchanging glances and their minds were not focused on the meeting at all.

All of this fell into the eyes of Zhan Guo, Garp and others. In response, Garp smiled silently and looked at Tian Zheng deeply:

"So it turns out that you, the guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes, are acting as Yunyi's spy."

"That's good. Zhan Guo is in big trouble now."

Human beings are creatures that once the ambitions in their hearts are ignited, it is difficult to suppress them.

Tenma's words might directly lead to the division of the Marine Headquarters.

In Garp's opinion, the influence of the banner of Yoriichi Tsugakuni now even exceeds that of Rocks and Whitebeard before him.

(End of this chapter)