Targeted

Its existence did much to maintain world order.

The Marines, in particular, worked tirelessly to capture pirates and protect the trade routes of Affiliated Nations.

By comparison, opposing the Rocks Pirates was a goal they shared.

No one wanted to see the world descend into chaos.

They could support the World Government while using this opportunity to weaken it.

The vision behind the World Government's founding had been a good one. It had played an important role in maintaining peace and order.

But the World Government had grown increasingly brazen, and some of its actions had left the Affiliated Nations deeply dissatisfied.

They needed to use this chance to push back, without going too far.

The discussion that would determine their own interests was about to begin.

Quite a few Affiliated Nations had close ties to the World Government.

Yet each nation and the World Government had its own agenda.

With Admiral "Steel Bone" Kong's arrival, the Marines in the New World finally had someone they could rally behind.

Aside from training their troops, however, they made no other moves.

The Marines needed to wait for the right moment and avoid a clash with Rocks while his forces were gathered.

Kong was a hawk, but he understood where the Marines stood against the Rocks Pirates.

Back at headquarters, Fleet Admiral Black bore the pressure from every side, leaving Kong free to act as he saw fit.

He trained his troops, using the New World's lesser pirates to give young Marines combat experience.

With the merits they earned, he steadily promoted his own people.

He strengthened the Marines this way for a full two weeks.

After two weeks, the patience of the World Government and the many Affiliated Nations had reached its limit.

At last, the Marines made their move.

"Kong,