Sea Era 1483.
Another year had passed, and the Navy had been kept down for another full year.
Beneath the sea's apparent "calm," hidden currents surged.
A faint killing intent hung in the air.
In a conference room at Marine Headquarters, excitement flashed in Kong's eyes. He was itching to act and could barely wait.
As though she had seen through his thoughts, Tsuru quietly reminded him, "This mission is extremely important. You're too conspicuous, and you could easily draw their attention."
"As Fleet Admiral, you should stay here and oversee Headquarters. Leave this to the others."
Over the past few years, Kong had often left Headquarters to personally respond to attacks by the Rocks Pirates.
This time, however, their enemy was not quite the Rocks Pirates themselves.
"I did get a little excited."
Kong smiled and shook his head, but his expression soon turned grave.
He looked around at all the Navy Officers in the conference room.
"Based on intelligence from the World Government and the Navy, we've confirmed the locations of three key intelligence bases belonging to the Rocks Pirates."
"This time, we must wipe out the Rocks Pirates' intelligence network completely."
Everyone present grew excited at his words.
As members of the Navy High Command, they understood the importance of intelligence networks. The Rocks Pirates' network, in particular, had caused them no end of suffering over the years.
Every so often, some of the World Government's and the Navy's Intelligence Agents would mysteriously "disappear."
Destroying the Rocks Pirates' intelligence network would be a tremendous victory, every bit as significant as eliminating one of their core officers.
"This operation must succeed. Failure is not an option."
"The Navy and the World Government will give this operation their full support."
Kong spoke sternly. Back when he had been an