Holding Position

Lin Yan looked at everyone present with a speechless expression.

At this very moment, in the emergency meeting regarding Sengoku's resignation, all the high-ranking Whitebeard Pirates who could be present were already there.

The captains of each squad, as well as the strong members of the Seventeenth Division recruited by Lin Yan.

It's no exaggeration to say...

If anyone were to attack this place now, the Whitebeard Pirates would probably be wiped out in one fell swoop.

Of course, probably no one has that ability.

It's worth mentioning that Whitebeard is not present at the moment.

Because of the heavy losses suffered in the previous Marineford War and his advanced age, Whitebeard has been recuperating recently, so he has entrusted Lin Yan with the entire responsibility for handling this matter.

And now.

Everyone sat around the table, staring at each other in bewilderment.

Of course, he was glaring at Lin Yan...

Seeing everyone in the room staring at her, even Lin Yan couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"I called you here to discuss countermeasures, not to listen to my lectures. Marco, aren't you usually the most talkative? Now, what's your take?"

"Ahem... Lin, you're putting me in a difficult position. How could I possibly have as many ideas as you?"

When his name was suddenly called, Marco chuckled dryly and quickly waved his hand to indicate that he had no objection. He had only spoken so eloquently in front of Lin Yan because he was jealous.

After all, everyone knows that.

The man sitting in front of me is someone who can bring miracles.

"If you ask me, Lin, you should just make the decision yourself. We're all willing to listen to you."

Jozu spoke in a deep, muffled voice.

He didn't respect many people in his life, only the Whitebeard and Lin Yan in front of him. He had no objection whatsoever to following Lin Yan's arrangements.

Upon hearing what Jozu said, the others nodded in agreement.

Lin Yan at this moment.

He has clearly become the soul of the Whitebeard Pirates.

But to be honest, I wasn't initially after the five social insurances and one housing fund...

Lin Yan glared at everyone speechlessly, but seeing their trusting eyes, Lin Yan couldn't refuse and could only shake her head.

"Now is not the crucial moment, I still suggest holding back for the time being."

"Holding back and doing nothing? Hmm, I think that's a good idea too."

Marco nodded.

"Our current situation isn't good either. Besides, the new Admiral hasn't been decided yet. We'll discuss it again once he's decided. I agree with Lin Yan's opinion."

"..."

Are you my lackey?

Seeing Marco being the first to jump out and express his opinion, Lin Yan's gaze towards him immediately turned somewhat regretful.

Wake up!

You're a Phoenix Fruit user, the First Division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates! Can't you have some self-respect?

However, even so, there's nothing wrong with Lin Yan suggesting that they hold back.

After all, as Marco said, the situation of the Whitebeard Pirates is really not optimistic.

Rest and recuperation are the right path; there's no energy left to meddle in the navy's trivial matters.

It was a very prudent decision.

In view of this, the others had no objections. They exchanged information about the Whitebeard Pirates' recent acquisitions and then went about their business.

What no one knew was that Lin Yan's so-called inaction only applied to the present moment.

Compared to others, Lin Yan has an advantage that no one can match.

He knows the plot!

While one shouldn't be too superstitious, because many things have changed since my arrival, there's still a general direction to follow.

For example, this recent naval leadership reshuffle.

Although it's much earlier than the original storyline, if Lin Yan's estimation is correct, the next Fleet Admiral will be chosen from among the Three Admirals.

That lazy old man, Kizaru, can be ignored.

The next Fleet Admiral can only be chosen from Aokiji and Akainu.

In other words...

The battle for Punk Hazard is about to begin!

There's an opportunity for us!

For Lin Yan, this was like a pillow being delivered to her when she was sleepy.

Just when the Whitebeard Pirates were worried about being short-handed, the Navy delivered a huge gift.

If it weren't for her decent self-cultivation... Meow Meow said

Lin Yan almost burst out laughing.

Following the original storyline, Aokiji lost to Akainu in the battle for Punk Hazard and soon after, he was removed from his post in the Navy.

This was also the time when Aokiji was most confused.

As the saying goes, strike while the iron is hot; there's no better time to recruit Aokiji.

Moreover, he still had an ace up his sleeve against Aokiji.

So all you need to do is wait.

When the time is right, I will strike swiftly and decisively, and I will have at least an 80% chance of bringing Aokiji under my command.

Walking aboard the Moby Dick, Lin Yan wore a meaningful smile, her mind racing with calculations...

However, what Lin Yan didn't know was...

Just as he was making his plans perfectly, the situation in Marineford was slightly different from what he had imagined.

Meanwhile, the World Government.

"Was Sengoku recommending Aokiji to succeed Marine Admiral?"

This is the core area of the entire World Government. Five elderly men with solemn expressions sit in front of a large, round conference table.

They are at the pinnacle of power in the entire world.

A being feared by the world as the Five Elders.

On the conference table at this moment, the recommendation letter that Sengoku had submitted a few days ago was neatly placed.

The letter of recommendation clearly stated the pros and cons.

After analyzing the personalities and abilities of the Three Admirals, Aokiji was ultimately recommended to succeed as the Marine Admiral.

Unfortunately, in the eyes of the Five Elders, this well-reasoned letter of recommendation was nothing more than a piece of waste paper.

"Who does he think he is? Daring to interfere in the selection of the next Fleet Admiral after leaving office?"

One of the Five Elders snorted coldly.

This clearly indicates extreme dissatisfaction with the actions of the Sengoku.

For the World Government, the navy is nothing more than a tool to help them rule the world, and one that can be discarded at any time.

Just like how you don't necessarily need chopsticks to eat; you can also use a knife and fork.

From beginning to end, the Five Elders never took the Sengoku seriously.

Even if he is Fleet Admiral.

"That's not the case. The Navy's high command is pretty much aware of this letter of recommendation. In order to better control them, we can't pretend we didn't see it."

Another of the Five Elders spoke up with a smile.

"Furthermore, this letter of recommendation seems to have caused dissatisfaction among some people. What do you think?"

"..."

Upon hearing the words of the Five Elders, the others chuckled sinisterly.

"Since that's the case, there's no harm in making a scene."

"Choosing an obedient dog also requires some observation."

"I second that..."