On the other hand, inside the dilapidated Castle Keep.
After telling Rayleigh about the start of the plan, Gawain stood by the broken window, deep in thought as he watched the battle outside.
On one hand, he was observing the combat situation of his subordinates in order to avoid a similar unfortunate situation as Zoro's debut, where he encountered a Yonko's first mate.
On the other hand, he was waiting for a few special people.
Sure enough, not long after, while Grandpa Rayleigh was still helping to deal with Jack...
Shakky, carrying a gun in her left hand and a cigarette in her right, walked over protecting Nami and Robin.
Seeing them approach, Gawain nodded slightly and smiled.
"You've arrived quickly, everyone. How was it? Did you encounter any trouble on the way?"
"No trouble at all."
Robin frowned and shook his head, then pondered for a moment before asking in confusion.
"However, we have some questions."
We could have defeated them much more easily. Whether it was you, Miss Hancock, or anyone else, they could have just used Conqueror's Haki more often.
In that case, 99% of the resistance fighters in Wano Country would be rendered incapable of fighting, and we could reorganize the country much faster.
But why didn't we do that?
At this point, Robin pondered for a moment, then pulled out a pack of cigarettes, intending to take one out.
Shakky's expression froze upon seeing this.
"Hmm, it seems I really have set a bad example for the younger generation."
"No, no, this is for the captain."
Robin smiled and shook his head, then took out a cigarette and pretended to pass it towards Gawain.
Suddenly, a whole row of pure white hands appeared on the open space between her and Gawain. The hands passed cigarettes to each other, and finally the slender arm on Gawain's left shoulder took the cigarette, then went around Gawain's neck and lit it for Gawain.
Gawain took a light drag on his cigarette, remained silent for a moment, and then nodded.
"You're right, indeed, we have the capability to end this war much more easily."
However, what we need is not simply to defeat Kaido, but to improve ourselves through the process of defeating Kaido.
As you've probably seen, Rayleigh and I were both rather lazy in this battle, and Mihawk didn't even bother to get off the ship.
After all, it was a big deal for the three of us, especially for Rayleigh and Mihawk.
The current war can no longer bring them any improvement.
Meanwhile, the people I assigned to fight against the All-Stars are Moria, who needs to regain his confidence, Doflamingo, who seeks improvement, and Kuma, who needs to further experience belonging and a sense of accomplishment.
Because the enemy wasn't the Whitebeard Pirates, I didn't even send Crocodile to train him.
At this point, Gawain slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, pointed out the window, shook his head, and sighed.
"Compared to the officers of the various squads, it is clear that the soldiers are having a much harder time."
Although all the officers of the Beasts Pirates were accepted by the officers, the soldiers of the Beasts Pirates were, after all, guys who had trained for a long time in the most dangerous Paradise of the New World!
To put it bluntly, each of these Fire Pistol would have a bounty of at least three to five million across the Four Blues, and that number could be even higher!
Faced with them, our soldiers suffered heavy casualties.
But if they aren't truly allowed to experience the taste of war, they will face opponents far more dangerous than pirate crews, with discipline and overall combat strength, without any prior experience or knowledge!
At this point, Gawain smiled bitterly at Robin for a moment.
"So, you should understand now. Rather than an invasion, this is more like a large-scale military training exercise."
With our top-tier combat power still able to control the situation, the real purpose of launching this war is to hone our officers and soldiers through everything we see!
This war will continue for a long time, perhaps even for three to five days. I will not allow the Beasts Pirates to be defeated so easily, I will absolutely not allow it.
Next, Issho and Gion will give Kaido a chance to catch his breath, Kaido can also take that opportunity to rescue his All-Stars who are in trouble.
I will give them the opportunity to consolidate their defenses, and then advance the battle line from Wano Country to the heart of the Beasts Pirates, Onigashima!
At that time, we will have a different group of people to fight against the Beasts Pirates. All the people who are currently on the field will have a different opponent.
I will personally take on the battle against Kaido, and at the same time, I will replace the Shichibukai and other mid-generation officers as the opponents of the All-Stars and others.
Under such intense and dangerous warfare, the quality of soldiers, as well as logistics and medical departments, will be comprehensively improved.
Therefore, all the soldiers who survived this war and tasted victory with us, thus forging a strong sense of unity and competitiveness...
They would immediately be assigned to the Four Blues and the Grand Line, becoming outstanding officers who would at least command a squad, or even a platoon.
Only in this way can our military structure be continuously improved in a cyclical manner.
Only in this way can our business expand as quickly as possible..
At this point, Gawain flicked his cigarette ash and gave Robin a slight smile.
"My historian, you are free to record my words and my true purpose."
But try not to make it public while I'm alive, or even let me see it.
The soldiers couldn't see the summit, so they didn't understand our way of thinking. But in any case, they couldn't know, while they were fighting, that they were being raised by this cruel guy like me.
Of course, a few years later, when more and more soldiers emerge from wars similar to the one before us, and when such battlefields produce more officers and successful individuals, you can freely reveal what I've said.
Because by then, even if they know I'm raising poisonous insects, they'll still proudly say that they are the elite, even stronger than the dead.
They will even instill this spirit in their next generation, just like snatching chestnuts from the fire or panning for gold in the sand.
Even if this way of thinking is dangerous, a nascent, burgeoning organization waiting to expand is indispensable, isn't it?
After saying that, Gawain exhaled the last puff of smoke expressionlessly, then rubbed his palm together with lightning, forcefully extinguishing the cigarette butt in the air.
As the cigarette smoke dissipated, Gawain turned to look at Nami and continued softly.
"Most of our intelligence on Wano Country is superficial, and even most of the important intelligence was provided by me using my special Observation Haki."
So, Sister Shakky...
I'm not entirely satisfied with your and Lucci's work!
Admittedly, Wano Country has its own national policies, and it is extremely xenophobic, making it difficult to conduct investigations.
Even CP0-level special intelligence agents might not be able to infiltrate this place smoothly and investigate the relevant intelligence.
But I think the purpose of our existence is not to compete with the CCP and the World Government in being worse. What they do is irrelevant to us; we should strive to be better.
Therefore, Shakky, in the next phase, I will further raise the work requirements for intelligence personnel, and I also hope that you will encourage your subordinates, especially to allow animal intelligence officers to make better use of their strengths!
At this point, Gawain lowered his eyes and looked at Shakky.
Faced with Gawain's lukewarm gaze, Shakky felt a tightness in her shoulders and a shiver run down her spine. She quickly nodded.
"I understand, sir. I will make the most of my time to improve the average quality of intelligence personnel, and at the same time strive to cultivate more and better top-notch intelligence agents."
In this regard, I... perhaps I can seek complementarity with Stussy and, through her, cultivate a group of more combat-ready female agents!
Upon hearing this, Robin's expression suddenly tightened.
Female disc, ha...
What a chilling term that sends shivers down a woman's spine.
Having served as an intelligence agent for multiple organizations, I understand all too well the meaning of "female spy." From its very inception, this term has contained immense malice towards women and a considerable amount of brainwashing involved...
Only...
Looking at Gawain's expressionless face, Robin couldn't bring himself to say anything to stop them. They were a new generation of political forces that were eager to grow rapidly!
They are not a simple pirate crew, nor are they purely a combat unit!
Whether it's "female porn" or something darker or more provocative, it doesn't matter.
As long as everyone's bottom line is not crossed, sacrifices are inevitable for the ultimate political victory.
However, Robin ultimately couldn't hide her compassion as a woman...
On the other hand, Nami, after briefly biting her lip, managed to open her mouth and speak.
"This... um."
It's truly tough on those who are destined to make sacrifices in the future.
I think that if more intelligence agents were to be trained, they would be destined to operate on a silent battlefield, and they might not even be able to leave their names on the memorial tablet aboard the Dark Bird Ship.
So... um... Sister Shakky!
Nami, who was feeling a bit listless, paused for a moment before continuing with difficulty.
"Regarding the allocation of funds to the intelligence department, I still have a considerable amount... cough cough, I also have a little bit of spare reserve funds."
In short, I will increase your funding by 30% to 50%.
In any case, if we cannot give honor to nameless heroes, then we should at least give them more gold.
Although gold can't compare to honor, it's still a form of compensation, right...?
At this point, Nami clutched her chest in anguish.
It hurts so much, but the bear seems to have gotten bigger, and it seems to be hurting less now...
Meanwhile, Gawain narrowed his eyes upon hearing Nami's words.
There's no other way; intelligence largely determines the outcome of a battle. In any case, we must have a stronger intelligence department.
Although I have gained some understanding of important information about the Pirate World through the manga.
But this is the real Pirate World. How much of its essence can a mere manga featuring Luffy as the protagonist capture?
Just like the location of Zunesha, haha, even though he knew that guy was swimming in the sea near Wano Country, Gawain couldn't find it no matter what when he piloted the Flying Dark Bird Ship towards Wano Country!
And Laugh Tale, haha.
That's a secret place that even the World Economic Journal, which controls the entire ocean, and the World Government, which controls the entire world, couldn't find!
In short, intelligence is of paramount importance, but the Dark Bird Ship, which had only been established for a little over a year, simply could not produce elite-level intelligence agents.
Therefore, even though Gawain is usually kind and lenient, today he has to use the blood of countless soldiers to put pressure on Shakky and the others.
Seeing that Shakky understood, Gawain skipped over this chapter and continued speaking to Nami after some thought.
"What you say makes a lot of sense. Let's do as you say. Just as I believe you are an excellent navigator, I also believe in your ability to manage money."
As for now, let me see. The center of power in Wano Country is right here. I even cut the Castle Keep and the mountain in half.
Next, Nami, take your soldiers and collect and organize all the wealth in the Flower Capital Castle Keep.
Not only the Castle Keep, but also all the merchants and families within the Flower Capital who have lost control due to damage; you should allocate resources to clean them up as needed.
Besides that, you're facing a tight schedule and a heavy workload.
Before long, we will also take action against daimyo and nobles in other regions.
Therefore, prepare more people. If that's not enough, borrow some people from the various squads who handle their finances.
The key is to seize all the wealth available in Wano Country as quickly as possible, and then establish a Sea Train manufacturing workshop there as soon as possible.
Make as much money as possible, then spend it as much as possible, but everything must be reasonable and cautious—that's your job!
"Yes, sir!!!"
Nami immediately gave Gawain salute, then hurriedly led her men into the dilapidated Castle Keep.
Just as Nami began her operation, Gawain looked at Robin and nodded.
"You're not in a hurry, Robin. After all, many precious things in Wano Country are kept hidden away by the important figures in this country."
So, take a walk around the various museums and libraries in the Flower Capital and make some simple notes.
Once we've found enough important figures, you can further excavate and organize the historical records left behind in Wano Country, and prepare to use those records as spoils of war to announce our martial prowess and civilization to the world... Oh?"
At this point, Gawain paused slightly, then smiled and looked towards the door.
As Gawain and the others gazed at him, Rayleigh swaggered in, Tenguyama Hitetsu, dressed in a crow-tengu outfit, for Gawain to see.
Upon seeing Tenguyama Hitetsu, Gawain nodded knowingly, then chuckled and said.
"Grandpa Rayleigh, how's it going with the All-Stars?"
"Haha, just as we predicted, Doflamingo is seeking to improve while being suppressed, while Moria has secured victory with my help."
As for Queen, he's already been hung up by the Kuma and used as a tool to boost the soldiers' morale!
"Very good."
Upon hearing this, Gawain nodded in satisfaction.
"Although we intend to use this battle to train our troops, we must at least let them know that we have a considerable advantage."
The Kuma's swift victory can ignite the soldiers' confidence, while the defeat of All-Stars opponent is a heavy blow.
However, aside from that, I still feel a little worried, after all, Kaido just met with Linlin twice not long ago.
Although only Linlin, Kaido, and Linlin's Sweet Commanders participated in their negotiations, we are unable to obtain accurate information.
But I think that given the increasingly dire situation in the pirate world, regardless of whether the two of them reach an agreement, Linlin won't sit idly by and watch Kaido be easily defeated by us!
"Ha ha."
Hearing Gawain's words, Rayleigh smiled with satisfaction and responded.
"Wouldn't that be perfect, Captain? We're here for training!"
If the soldiers were truly allowed to experience the immense pressure of being surrounded by two Four Emperors- level pirate crews, wouldn't the training effect be even better?
Moreover, we've already calculated that our top-tier combat power is fully capable of suppressing two Four Emperors simultaneously!
Although our mid-level combat strength is slightly insufficient, as long as the top-level combat strength determines the winner, the outcome of the mid- and lower-level combat strength will not matter!
Since that's the case, I'm actually hoping that Linlin will join the battle soon. I don't want Linlin to belatedly show up only after the Beasts Pirates have completely collapsed!
In short, now that we have a contingency plan, let's wait quietly and let the real war begin when Linlin's pirate crew fully joins the battle!
At this point, Rayleigh placed Tenguyama Hitetsu on the ground, completely ignoring the fact that Tenguyama Hitetsu was stunned by his and Gawain's words.
Upon landing, Tenguyama Hitetsu his footing, then looked at Gawain in disbelief.
I've only been out of the newspapers for about two years, and yet someone has become the captain of a legendary veteran like Rayleigh, and this force is even capable of fighting two Four Emperors pirate crews simultaneously!!!
Although the attack on Wano Country was so sudden that the Beasts Pirates Beasts Grand Fleet Pirates, had not yet arrived at the battlefield.
But regardless, if the upper echelons of this faction can truly defeat both the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom simultaneously...
Even if they suffer heavy losses, victory will ultimately be theirs!
What kind of force is this?!