With Jinbe joining the Navy under Admiral Wright as a special advisor in a personal capacity, the former "Sun Pirates" of Fish-Man Island officially disbanded. The former crew members took up roles as the new Fish-Man Island Guardians, tasked with the critical mission of protecting the navigation routes between the old and new Fish-Man Islands.
Jinbe continued to serve as a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, representing not only the friendship between races but also becoming the first Warlord officially affiliated with the Navy, a development welcomed by the World Government.
After all, the Seven Warlords were notorious for their defiance, refusing to follow orders and rarely cooperating with the Navy. Their lack of enthusiasm in combating pirates had long frustrated both the Navy and the allied nations.
Even Bartholomew Kuma, the most obedient of the Warlords, had once explicitly refused to assist the Navy. Enel, the "Thunder God," while maintaining amicable relations with the Navy, showed open disdain for the Cipher Pol.
As for the despicable Donquixote Doflamingo… he had even threatened the Cipher Pol face-to-face and would gladly clash with the Navy directly if given the chance.
With more Fish-Men joining the Navy after preliminary training, Fleet Admiral Sengoku was visibly pleased.
However… without exception, all of these Fish-Men chose to serve under Admiral Wright. Especially with Wright's promise that Fish-Men would not be forced to engage Whitebeard, they even showed willingness to join the G-5 and G-10 branches in the New World, facing the Whitebeard Pirates without psychological burden.
"So, for now, the Fish-Man Navy won't be an effective force against Whitebeard."
In Sengoku's office, Wright sipped tea leisurely. As the most independent of the four Admirals, Wright still found himself frequently confined to the office, as Admiral-level strength was more valuable as a deterrent.
If Admirals were to act without restraint, the Four Emperors of the pirate world would undoubtedly retaliate in person, plunging the world into all-out war—a scenario that the world could not yet afford.
"It doesn't matter. The Fish-Men's enlistment is a pleasant surprise—even though I invited them years ago, I never expected such a swift response."
Wright chuckled. "I've authorized Jinbe to gather them into an independent corps—'Fang of the Sea Beasts'—with him as the corps commander."
"This force consists mainly of the younger generation of Fish-Men, with many merfolk joining as well. Establishing them as an independent corps allows them to follow their own rules rather than conforming to human Navy regulations."
"If things go well, this force will pose a significant threat to pirates. After all, there's only one Whitebeard—and his era is nearing its end."
"An independent corps is indeed a wise move," Sengoku nodded. "It will quickly form combat capabilities while maximizing their racial strengths."
"How is Kuina's aerial corps, 'Song of the Azure Sky,' coming along? The strength of Shiki the Golden Lion's 'Flying Pirates' is still fresh in my memory…"
"I never expected the Navy to possess such a powerful force."
Wright shook his head with a wry smile. "I didn't expect you to approve large-scale construction of this corps… I originally planned for it to be my personal unit, not on such a grand scale."
Both of Dawn's Watch's newly established corps were drawn from the Navy, but that was acceptable—Dawn's Watch needed to unite all forces, and the Navy was indispensable.
"Kuina is preparing, but forming such a unique corps from scratch takes time. No one in the Navy has experience with aerial warfare. Developing an airborne combat doctrine will take more than a couple of years."
"So, it won't be ready for the first wave of battles against the Four Emperors?"
"No, but if the first target is Whitebeard, Kuina alone will suffice as auxiliary support."
"For now, she can only handle island transportation. Using them in combat like Shiki is still a distant goal. I even suspect Shiki's ability had reached the 'Awakening' stage…"
"If we rush the 'Song of the Azure Sky,' they'll only be dropping soldiers onto islands—a crude method."
"To harness its full power, they must master flexible maneuvering, coordinated aerial strikes, and airborne fortress tactics. Simply hurling islands would devastate battlefields and leave no room for negotiation after victory."
"Such methods should serve only as deterrents. We are the Navy—we protect the world, not destroy it like Shiki."
Sengoku laughed heartily.
"That's why you're you, Wright… If it were Sakazuki… heh!"
Sengoku sighed, unwilling to imagine the carnage that would ensue.
"Kuina still needs time to hone her swordsmanship and the Float-Float Fruit. If only she had a rival to grow alongside… it would accelerate her progress."
Wright's expression turned strange. Perhaps… green-haired swordsman, you're on your own.
"No matter—Kuina's growth takes priority."
Sengoku nodded. The Navy's combat doctrine had remained unchanged for centuries—fighting on ships or land.
With the Float-Float Fruit and Fish-Men's aid, the Navy could revolutionize warfare—on the sea, underwater, and in the skies.
"Although the higher-ups haven't explicitly supported the Navy's development, they no longer seem as wary as before—as if your promotion to Admiral lifted the Navy's power ceiling."
Sengoku paced, deep in thought. Whitebeard's recovery was reported to the World Government—was that the reason?
The Revolutionary Army likely played a part too…
Sengoku clutched his forehead, feeling a sharp headache.
"Damn you, Garp… your son's organization has sparked how many coups already!"
"You're suggesting the World Government senses external threats? Whitebeard… and the Revolutionary Army?"
Wright smirked at Sengoku's grumbling about Garp.
"I believe they're more confident—convinced the Navy will always be their blade."
"And a blade… cuts where its master commands."
Wright grinned. "The real show is just beginning!"
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