Chapter 355: Tesoro
The situation in the New World was far from stable. In fact, it could change in an instant.
Not much time had passed since the Summit War, but the growth of Marshall D. Teach and his Blackbeard crew was plain to see.
With powerful fighters under his command and pirate numbers swelling rapidly, he had entrenched himself on Hachinosu while spreading his influence into the surrounding waters.
He already looked poised to become the fourth Emperor of the seas.
Meanwhile, Portgas D. Ace, the current leader of the Whitebeard Pirates, had also distinguished himself. His battle in the Edd War Waters had drawn close attention from the World Government.
New stars were rising, each shining with a light of their own.
Edward Newgate had fallen, but more rookies were beginning to emerge onto the world stage.
In an era of constant upheaval, Xia Le naturally refused to let the Marines continue unchanged. He, too, had reached toward those waters.
And the Emperors standing in his path were his greatest enemies.
Crocodile soon arrived, dressed in a white Marine Uniform. A little sand seemed to cling to the Justice Cloak on his back.
"I'll be heading out for a while. Marine Headquarters will be in your hands while I'm gone."
Xia Le spoke.
"Hm?"
Crocodile paused, looking puzzled. "As far as I know, the Fleet Admiral can't just leave this place whenever he pleases."
"If there's fighting to be done somewhere, leave it to us!"
Xia Le shook his head. "I need to go to the New World."
"But my objective is different from Aokiji's."
After a pause, his eyes narrowed slightly.
"This matter is crucial to the Marines' future development. I have to go personally."
Crocodile was still curious. "Can you tell me what it is?"
"Have