He didn't say much in his inaugural address, because the current situation didn't allow for any empty talk.
"Based on the latest instructions from the World Government, and with my consent,"
The Sengoku said in a deep voice,
"Former Admiral candidates Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan have been officially promoted to Marine Admiral, with their titles remaining unchanged."
"I hope that the three of you will be able to better fulfill your duties and uphold justice in your new positions."
Akainu's expression was cold and hard, Kizaru still looked nonchalant but his eyes narrowed slightly, and Aokiji frowned slightly, seemingly having mixed feelings about his promotion.
They all understood that this promotion came with heavy responsibilities and even greater challenges.
Then, the Sengoku dropped an even more explosive bombshell.
"Furthermore, in order to counter the increasingly rampant pirate forces and balance the power on the seas,"
The World Government's highest decision-making body has decided to formally establish the ' Shichibukai ' system!
"What?!"
" Shichibukai?!"
"Legalize piracy? What kind of nonsense is that?!"
The meeting room erupted in chaos.
The Akainu, reacted most strongly.
Akainu suddenly stood up and slammed his fist on the table.
" Fleet Admiral Sengoku! This is absolutely unacceptable! How can the Navy compromise with an enemy of the World Government?"
Granting pirates the right to legally plunder? That's a blasphemy against 'justice'!
Other generals also expressed shock and dissatisfaction.
Only a few people, such as Vice Admiral Tsuru and Kizaru, remained silent, seemingly having expected this.
Sengoku raised his hand to quell the commotion; his voice carried an undeniable authority.
This is a decision made by the World Government! We need to face reality!
The navy's manpower is limited, while the number of pirates exploded after Roger's death!
We must maintain stability Four Blues, the first half of the Grand Line, and even the headquarters.
At the same time, they also have to cope with the enormous pressure from the New World, and their military strength is already stretched thin!
His sharp gaze swept over the crowd.
The " Shichibukai " system is designed to use pirates to counterbalance other pirates!
Grant them legal status and certain privileges in exchange for their obedience to the World Government, their fight against other pirates, and their relief from our burden!
This is politics, and also a strategy born of necessity!
Akainu wanted to argue, but was stopped by Sengoku's stern gaze. Vice Admiral Tsuru then slowly spoke.
" Sakazuki, calm down. This system certainly has problems."
But right now, this might be the quickest way to alleviate the pressure on our troop strength.
We need time, we need to build up our strength.
Sengoku nodded and took over the conversation.
"That's right. So, the other resolution is: the Navy must immediately launch a massive global recruitment drive!"
Expand our forces, especially strengthen patrols and mopping-up operations in the Four Blues and the first half of the Grand Line!
He walked to the huge nautical chart and traced its outline with his finger.
I agree with Crane's plan.
We need to increase the density of the 'screen' in the first half to weed out the pirates surging towards the Grand Line.
Intercept them, eliminate them, or... drive them to the New World if possible!
A glint of wisdom and ruthlessness shone in the eyes of the Sengoku.
" The New World now has Whitebeard, Big Mom, Kaido, Golden Lion."
And then there are ambitious guys like Roy.
Let them stay there, fighting for territory, fighting for the so-called 'One Piece'.
Let them fight and wear each other down! Our navy needs to stabilize its base, accumulate strength, and wait for the right opportunity.
This strategy was endorsed by most of the generals.
Shifting the conflict to the New World and instigating infighting among pirates is indeed a strategy that aligns with the current interests of the Navy.
At the end of the meeting, Sengoku announced another order, which froze the atmosphere that had eased slightly once again.
"According to the highest direct orders issued by the World Government,"
The voice of the Sengoku was flat and emotionless, yet carried a chilling weight.
"A ' Buster Call ' has been issued against Ohara, the renowned archaeological site of the West Blue."
" Buster Call? Ohara?"
Some generals, especially those from the dove or neutral factions, looked incredulous.
In their minds, Ohara was merely an academic island teeming with scholars and detached from worldly strife. Why resort to such extreme measures?
The reason is,
Seeing the puzzled and even angry looks in everyone's eyes, Sengoku calmly explained,
" The World Government has obtained conclusive intelligence that scholars in Ohara are secretly studying the Poneglyph in an attempt to decipher the ' Void Century of history that has been explicitly forbidden by the government."
This is touching an absolute taboo and shaking the very foundation of the World Government's rule.
The Five Elders personally ordered that this threat must be completely eliminated as a warning to others.
The explanation was brief, yet it conveyed a chilling message.
Is studying history really a crime that can lead to destruction?
Rear Admiral felt a chill run down their spines, but no one dared to question it anymore.
This was a direct order from the highest levels of the World Government; the Navy was merely a tool to carry it out.
Akainu had no objection to this; in his view, any factor that might threaten the stability of the World Government (that is, the "just order" he defined) should be eliminated.
Aokiji frowned, but didn't voice his objection. Kizaru remained indifferent.
Vice Admiral Tsuru sighed inwardly.
She knew that behind this order was far more than just "studying forbidden history," but she was powerless to change it.
The meeting ended in a heavy and complex atmosphere.
The Navy welcomed a new Fleet Admiral, Three Admirals, and the controversial new system of " Shichibukai," as well as a devastating storm that was about to descend upon innocent scholars.
Their strategy has clearly shifted to conservatism and accumulation, temporarily withdrawing their attention from the chaotic New World.
The silence in the conference room was broken by Akainu's deep, suppressed voice.
" Fleet Admiral Sengoku, who is in charge of the Ohara affair?"
Sengoku looked at him and answered calmly.
" The Five Elders have designated you, Sakazuki, to be fully responsible for carrying out this Buster Call."
At the same time, Kuzan serves as support and oversight.
Five Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral are on standby and ready to depart at any time.
Aokiji's brows furrowed even more.
To have him oversee a destructive operation targeting scholars?
This clashed violently with some vague beliefs within him.
But he also understood that this was an order, and an order from the highest level, and as Marine Admiral, he had no room to refuse.
"I see."
Akainu's voice was flat, as if he were simply accepting a routine patrol assignment.
For him, eliminating the "toxins" that could disrupt order is part of justice, whether that toxin is a pirate's sword or a scholar's pen.
Kizaru tilted his head, his tone still retaining its distinctive manner.
"That's really scary~ But since it's an order from the Five Elders, there's nothing we can do about it~"
Sengoku ignored Kizaru's attitude and scanned everyone with his gaze.
" Ohara's operation must be kept absolutely secret, and it must be swift and thorough."
All other matters will proceed according to the established strategy. Meeting adjourned!
The generals, with varying expressions, rose and left.
Akainu strode out of the conference room, already planning the destruction of Ohara in his mind.
Aokiji followed silently behind, his back looking somewhat heavy.
Vice Admiral Tsuru walked at the back, exchanging a complicated glance with Sengoku.