The Marineford Era 1514 came to an end amid the Marines' massive, vigorous recruitment drive.
Too many world-shaking events had taken place over the course of that year.
The war between the World Government and the NEO Marines in particular had profoundly changed the state of the entire world.
In the New World, the NEO Marines had announced their rise. Several nations that had originally been non-member states of the World Government had joined their ranks.
Together with scattered regions and islands, the waters now under this organization's control were no smaller in area than those controlled by the Emperors of the Sea in the New World, while the number of soldiers under its command had already surpassed fifty thousand.
With the great fleet seized from the government added to that, this army was undoubtedly powerful and well-equipped. Some had even begun calling them the uncrowned new emperors.
As their opponents, however, the Marines seemed somewhat quiet.
Two Marine Admirals and several Vice Admirals were still imprisoned in NEO Marine cells, and aside from launching a massive recruitment drive, the Marines had made no further moves.
People across the seas said that the Marines and the World Government had become afraid of the NEO Marines.
And at the headquarters of the Marines who feared the NEO Marines—
Fleet Admiral Sengoku looked at the two men before him with suspicion in his eyes.
Both men had stood out during the massive recruitment drive of the past month or so. Once they passed the final assessment and received the Five Elders' approval, they would immediately take office as Admirals.
"Hahahaha! Please take care of me from now on, Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
The man wearing sunglasses, with thick lips, messy black hair, and a bare upper body, greeted Sengoku with a chuckle.
Four