The New Marines' recruitment drive was in full swing. While it drew the world's attention, a secret selection process was underway in Whole Cake Island.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi planned to form several fleets primarily made up of young people and send them to the Four Blues first, where they would help expand the New Marines' influence.
The Four Blues were territory controlled by the World Government and Marine Headquarters. Sending powerful members of the New Marines there would inevitably attract attention.
Zoro and Kuina were both still in the prime of their youth. Children their age had the drive to venture forth and limitless potential ahead of them. All they lacked was experience and proper tempering.
This mission was also an excellent opportunity for them.
If they could leave the New Marines' protection and still make a name for themselves at sea, it would prove their worth from another angle. After that, the New Marines could devote more resources to these young people with greater confidence.
Moreover, since those being sent out were young enough, the World Government and Marine Headquarters would likely turn a blind eye rather than rashly making a move against them.
The Holy Land had only just suffered a catastrophe. The World Government, led by the Celestial Dragons, was too busy looking after itself. All its strength was being used to investigate the identity of the mysterious person who had attacked the Holy Land.
Marine Headquarters also needed a long period to recuperate. The enormous losses it had suffered on Starting Island had yet to be fully recovered from, even now.
Furthermore, Dragon's Revolutionary Army had been stirring up plenty of trouble in the Four Blues over the years. Marine Headquarters and the New Marines in the New World had formed an unspoken understanding: neither side interfered