The moment Akainu finished speaking, all the officers around Gawain were completely dumbfounded!
They all snapped back to their senses and immediately fixed their gazes on Gawain and Akainu!
Honestly, at this moment, all the cadres knew that they were about to do something big!
After all, the plan was already in place, and the situation had been discussed long ago. After the Reverie, we would start planning the dragon-slaying operation!
The cadres are all eager to accomplish something big!
And then, right at this crucial juncture, you, Sakazuki, suddenly step forward and say that Gawain and our Dark Bird Ship have other important matters to attend to?!
Has Gawain- jin decided to become Five Elders from this moment on?!
Does becoming one of the Five Elders really lead to some kind of bloody tragedy with heavy casualties?!
Most importantly, the captain didn't tell us about something this big!
We're right next to the captain every day and we didn't know? How did your navy's top talents find out?!
That doesn't make sense!!!
For a moment, the cadres looked at Sakazuki with increasingly strange eyes.
And Gawain...
Even he couldn't help but take a slow, deep breath.
"Ahem, Sakazuki!"
Gawain couldn't help but say.
"First of all, the succession among the Five Elders should not result in the kind of bloody tragedy you're imagining."
After all, the Five Elders not an imperial power; they are ultimately an organization with a lineage, and since there is a lineage, there are traditions to follow.
Moreover, the change of the Five Elders is not only a problem for the World Government, but also a problem for Mary Geoise and the Celestial Dragon themselves.
Therefore, I admire your determination, but regarding your thoughts and concerns...
It seems a bit unnecessary!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain looked up and sized up Sakazuki.
I never expected that you, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, would be the one the Navy approves of the most. Even Kuzan only sent one of his underlings to express his determination to me.
But when it came to your faction, it turned out that you, the eldest brother, were the one with your arms bare...
Thinking of this, Gawain gave Sakazuki a gentle smile.
How could he not be gentle? He'd never seen anyone with such thick eyebrows and big eyes!
If he were to make someone like this feel shy and stop following him, wouldn't that make Prince Gawain seem incompetent?
Upon hearing Gawain's words, Sakazuki suddenly fell silent.
After a long silence, Sakazuki pursed his lips, frowned, and asked Gawain.
"My lord, is it... inconvenient to discuss this now, or is it truly not the right time?"
You toured the entire East Blue, planting the Dark Bird Flag in many key locations, and also swept away the East Blue Navy's decline, eliminating all the deep-seated problems within the East Blue Navy.
This is clearly a sign of reform! I thought that after you returned to Mary Geoise, you would intend to carry this new wind of reform through to the end..."
At this point, Sakazuki himself seemed somewhat helpless, realizing he had indeed been overthinking things.
Previously, Kuzan had argued with himself, saying that such a thing was simply impossible. Kuzan believed that Prince Gawain would never challenge the position of the Five Elders until he unified the entire Gawain Grand Line.
Compared to Kuzan, I actually feel this moment is just right. Although it's a bit rushed, isn't reform all about striking while the iron is hot...?
In short, damn it, when it comes to understanding Gawain, I'm slightly inferior to that soft-hearted Kuzan!!!
In an instant, Sakazuki understood Gawain's meaning, and he nodded slightly.
"I understand what you mean, sir!"
Next, I will fulfill my duties as Admiral and do my job as a guard.
As for the future, I await your orders, sir. If necessary, my men and I will be ready at any time!
In short, my lord, rest assured, as long as you are willing to sound the clarion call for naval reform, I, Sakazuki, will surely risk my life for you!
After speaking, Sakazuki gave Gawain a deep bow, then strode away from Gawain's group.
Sakazuki didn't look back at Gawain once more until he left.
Watching Sakazuki's retreating figure, Gion remained silent for a long while before letting out a long sigh.
"Call!"
She looked at Gawain, forced a smile, and said.
"Although I was still in the Navy, I never got along with Admiral Sakazuki. Even when I asked for advice, I would only ask Sister Tsuru, Garp, and Kuzan."
Although Admiral Sakazuki was loyal to the Navy, his loyalty seemed too heavy and too absolute, which always put me under a lot of pressure.
But for some reason, now that I know what Admiral Sakazuki is thinking, I actually feel a sense of relief...
I can't quite explain the feeling, but it's just that I feel like with this guy's help, you're all set for great things..."
After saying that, Gion took a deep breath, then couldn't help but squeeze Shirahoshi's tail.
For a brief moment, after hearing Sakazuki's decision without understanding the situation, Gion actually felt a surge of excitement.
As Gion felt relieved, Rayleigh, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but nod in agreement.
"Gion, you're right, Sakazuki is surprisingly decisive and efficient."
When he was still an enemy, I truly found him incredibly troublesome. At least Kuzan and Borsalino knew to turn a blind eye.
But if Sakazuki gets involved, as long as he's not distracted by external matters, he'll definitely get at least a skin peeled off.
This kind of guy is absolutely disgusting as an enemy, but as a teammate, you have to admit he's incredibly reliable!
Haha, this way, once we wipe out that guy and stop the other Three Emperors' attacks, we can open up the situation in the New World and gain enough political leverage.
Little Gawain really has the qualifications to compete for a place among the Five Elders!
By then, hahaha, I'm afraid I'll have to personally serve as the co-chairman of the World Government, won't I?
It's terrifying to even think about. Could I ever become a high-ranking official?
Back when I was following Roger, my ambitions were never this big!
In other words, if we could truly seize supreme power in the World Government...
Even I, an old man, must admit that top-down reforms are far easier than bottom-up reforms, and the resulting ripples and the pain they cause to the sea are incomparable.
Well... hehe.
Even I, Roger, and Shanks never imagined or could take this path...!
At this point, Rayleigh's eyes lit up with barely suppressed laughter. He continued speaking, his expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation.
"Damn it, even I, an old man, have a chance to become a world official. This just doesn't feel right!"
Why do I keep feeling like something's not quite right?
The moment Rayleigh finished speaking, a large group of people nearby couldn't help but swallow hard.
Even Doflamingo couldn't help but slap his forehead.
Is that flavor right???
One Piece Legend has been recruited!!!
As for Reiju, her chest started heaving at this point.
Could this princess of the North Blue truly hope to step out of the North Blue and become a key official in the World Government, one day able to give orders to her Pops?!
As for Sabo, he was suddenly a little confused.
I'm Revolutionary Army! I'm going to overthrow Mary Geoise!
But as I listened, I suddenly felt like I was a government official in Mary Geoise!?
At that time, how will Uncle Long view me? How will Uncle Xiong view me...?
Well, Uncle Bear is probably looking at it with a face full of satisfaction. He can't even contain his smile anymore!!!
With a look of horror on his face, Sabo glanced at the Kuma.
After chuckling softly, the Kuma addressed everyone, especially Rayleigh.
"Isn't this exactly what Mr. Rayleigh and we have been hoping for all along!"
Let us replace the current key officials of the World Government and occupy a series of important positions that determine people's livelihoods!
Once we have enough influence within the World Government, wouldn't we, who are capable of responding to Gawain's political goals, naturally be able to change the current state of the ocean that displeases us?
Although my relationship with you can be described as one of initial conflict, I have imagined similar scenarios countless times since I started following you.
Grandpa Rayleigh, it's too late for you to be surprised now.
After all, once we embark on this path, there are only three possible outcomes.
Let's not even talk about failure; the master has divine and supernatural schemes, so failure is impossible for him.
Therefore, there are only two possible outcomes.
One is that we successfully rose to a high position, changing this vast ocean.
As for the other one, it's that we successfully rose to a high position, but ultimately entered the current rules of the sea, colluding with the other Five Elders' subordinates.
In short, what we need to avoid is ensuring and supervising each other so that we are not corrupted by power...
"Of course that's not all, Kuma!"
Upon hearing Kuma's words, Yi Xiao suddenly gripped his knife tightly.
He held his handy Staff Sword, smiled leisurely, and said...
"How could the road ahead possibly be as smooth as you describe!"
Didn't you see that even Sakazuki and other factions within the Navy made a rather pessimistic and dangerous assessment of Captain Gawain's promotion to the Five Elders?
Compared to the future you envision, our most important task is to smoothly continue on our current path!
Compared to whether we will become corrupt in the future, what we must do now is first and foremost take up our swords and carve out a bright and clear world for the ideals of our superiors and ourselves!
As soon as he finished speaking, Yi Xiao suddenly extended his hand and solemnly gestured for Gawain to enter.
After Gawain nodded and stepped out of the Bubble Gondola, Yi Xiao led the others, who followed Gawain expectantly.
Everyone present, even Zoro Sanji, and even the carefree Ace, became serious at this moment.
As they walked toward the distant gates of Mary Geoise, they had no trace of the mindset of sightseeing.
They've even begun to see the land beneath their feet as territory that the Dark Bird Ship must one day occupy!
Aside from Luffy, this kid is completely unresponsive; he doesn't even realize he's set sail yet.
Compared to the extremely serious crowd, Luffy looked absolutely stunning at that moment!
"Wow!!!
Lots of burly men dressed like they're wearing metal cans!
They must be very strong!
Wow, and what's more, this is a truly enormous door!!!
And, hahaha, New World! I'm actually standing on the edge of the legendary New World?!
"Hahaha, does that mean if I jump out, I'll reach New World that only great pirates can reach?!"
As soon as he finished speaking, an excited Luffy pounced on the back of a tin can guard and excitedly started banging on his armor.
This was a real problem for the guard. He really wanted to pull out his pistol and show Luffy what it meant to be fast and accurate from seven paces away!
But he dared not; after all, this guy with the ability to stretch his body was so foolish!
Mary Geoise's guards had seen far too many stupid and brainless people like Luffy, so he strongly suspected that Luffy was a distant relative of Gawain, or even a cousin of Gawain.
Those who believe him, aside from being kind enough, Luffy is basically no different from the Celestial Dragon in terms of intelligence and personality.
Celestial Dragon are usually like, "I want this, I want that, I don't care, I just want this and that!"
As for Luffy, his motto is: I want to set sail, I want to go on adventures, I don't care what I do, I just want to go on an adventure!
Celestial Dragon are generally just trash, nobility, nothing but garbage. Just kill them!
Luffy, on the Luffy, usually says, "I'm going to knock you flying!!!"
I don't care, I'm going to beat you to a pulp!!!
Now that you mention it, Luffy really does seem like a kinder version of Celestial Dragon. They're both just as stubborn and fearless, aren't they?
Just as Luffy was excitedly stripping the guard naked and trying on the guard's armor himself...
Gawain and his group had already arrived at the gates of Mary Geoise.
Needless to say, the gates of Mary Geoise were already open. Standing at the bottom of the steps, Gawain immediately saw the large group of people waiting to greet him at the entrance!
Looking down at Gawain's approaching figure, Saint Rosward pouted disdainfully.
"Hmph, as expected of Gawain, he's just as hopelessly stupid."
With so many stairs, he didn't even ride a slave. Could it be that, like me, he had no extra funds after buying the big ship?
Of course, these words were Rosward's true feelings; he would never reveal that he was so poor he was willing to sell his underwear.
Aside from his inner thoughts, Rosward coughed lightly, just about to say something.
Beside him, Charlia had already dashed down the steps in one breath.
"Aaaaaaah!!!"
Gawain ~!!!
"After seeing your Vivre Card rapidly approaching its limit, I no longer want to stay in this cold place, Mary Geoise!!!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Shalria galloped off ahead, leaving her heartbroken father far behind.
While Shalria's sprint left everyone else stunned, Charlos couldn't help but take a step forward as well.
Needless to say, the swelling on his face proved that his dear sister had already given him more than one lesson about today's welcoming arrangements!
Enthusiasm!
Be enthusiastic!
At this moment, Charlos's heart was filled with nothing but passion!
But what do I have to offer to match Gawain's enthusiasm?
Charlos was a little confused!
Gawain hit himself twice, twice, you know that?!
Even his father never beat him like that!!!
Charlos was both angry and afraid at the mention of Gawain, and after a brief silence, Charlos made up his mind.
I have to reciprocate the enthusiasm my sister demands, but I absolutely won't give Gawain a warm welcome!!!
So Charlos ran wildly toward Gawain and his group, shouting behind Gawain as he did so!
"Mei Lanxi!!!"
Damn it!!!
I've already won the Ballon d'Or!!!
I want to play soccer!!!
Hearing Charlos's words from afar, Gawain and his group remained bewildered for quite some time.
Who is Mei Lanxi that Charlos is referring to?
After a long period of stunned silence, Franky couldn't help but take a step forward.
"Holy crap!!!"
This Celestial Dragon, who's gotten much thinner than before, is he calling me "Grandpa"?!
"I'm Franky, not Mei Lanxi!!!"
After saying that, Franky couldn't help but laugh. Although it was indeed unbelievable, it seemed that he was the only one on the Dark Bird Ship who had ever played football with Charlos, right?
Could it be that this short experience was so deeply ingrained in that idiot's mind that he still misses me so much now???
Thinking about this, Franky suddenly felt a lot of guilt. The other person remembered him, but he called them an idiot!
No, absolutely not! I am not an ungrateful person!!!
So Franky took two more steps forward, wanting to make sure that Charlos was calling him.
Sure enough, at the same moment Shalria threw herself into Gawain's arms.
Charlos stopped in front of Franky with a proud look on his face.
With his head held high, Charlos looked at Franky with arrogance and said disdainfully.
"Hey, Mei Lanxi, it's me, Charlo. You haven't forgotten, have you?"
I have already received it..
"Hey buddy, it's me, Franky, Grandpa Franky!!"
"Who cares? Franky, right? This Celestial Dragon must tell you, Celestial Dragon ball skills have improved by a huge margin!"
This Celestial Dragon has already mastered the art of dribbling past people!
My seventh and eighth wives recently gave birth, and I drank their breast milk to supplement my nutrition!
So, Franky, you lowly bastard, I'm giving you a chance to keep playing football with me!
"Why???"
On the other side, Franky was genuinely bewildered upon hearing Charlos's words.
"You already have eight wives? You deserve to die!"
And then there's the issue of them competing with your child for breast milk... things like imitating your child eating your juice!
How could you say something so shameless!
You bastard, you're actually a pervert who can be compared to me!
Hahahaha!!!