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"Sakazuki is dead!"
After ten days and ten nights of fierce battle, the Fleet Admiral's duel finally concluded, and the news of Sakazuki's death quickly spread.
As top-tier Marine combatants of the same era, their strengths were extremely close, and either could have won or lost.
But when this moment arrived, it still left people with immense regret.
"The Marines are finished!"
Many factions made this judgment.
The Marines were already in a difficult position, being repeatedly defeated by Hoenn. Now, losing the strong-willed Fleet Admiral Sakazuki was like pirates losing their captain and flag—how could they not be lost?
An army that has lost its faith is vulnerable!
Even if the Marines would not withdraw from the stage immediately, they would be reduced to a third-rate army, unable to contend with Hoenn.
And the World Government.
Losing the Marines, its trump card, would significantly diminish the World Government's deterrent power. Its days of sitting in Mary Geoise and reigning over the world were numbered.
All factions were anticipating.
Next, the war between the World Government and Hoenn would enter its final confrontation until one side was annihilated.
From their perspective, they naturally hoped both sides would fight to the death. One side dominating was not a good thing.
But no one could predict the final outcome. The World Government had ruled the world for 800 years and had deep foundations. Perhaps it still had a trump card.
"Let's go back."
The pirate ships left one after one.
On the island.
Kizaru wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes and pleaded, "Kuzan, can Sakazuki's body be handled by me?"
"..."
Kuzan said nothing, nodding silently.
As comrades for decades, he did not want to make an issue of Sakazuki's body. This was his respect for Sakazuki.
"Thank you."
Kizaru thanked him, picked up the ice coffin, and left.
A moment later, the returning warship connected with Mary Geoise.
Mary Geoise, Chamber of Authority.
"Sakazuki is dead?"
The Five Elders' faces instantly lost all color.
They knew better than anyone what Sakazuki's defeat meant!
"Why did this happen?!"
"Could it be..."
"Did Sakazuki go easy?!"
Shodai Kitetsu was plunged into the ground!
Nusjuro's face was veined with anger.
They had made foolproof preparations. With Sakazuki's strength, as long as he used the power of his immortal body, he couldn't possibly lose to Kuzan.
There was only one possibility: Sakazuki had held back!
The five looked at the Den Den Mushi.
Sakazuki was dead, and no one could turn back time. The most important thing now was to stabilize the Marines' morale, otherwise, Marine forces in various regions might mutiny.
"Borsalino, you will take over the position of Fleet Admiral!"
"Sorry, I'm tired."
Kizaru's exhausted voice came from the Den Den Mushi: "When I return to Marine Headquarters, I will submit my resignation."
"No!"
The Five Elders immediately rejected it.
The Marines had just lost Sakazuki. If they also lost Borsalino, plus Kuzan who had already left, it would mean that all three Admirals of the strongest generation had resigned.
This would be a devastating blow to the Marines.
"Borsalino, we will not allow you to resign from your Admiral position. The Marines still need you to lead them."
"..."
Silence for a few seconds.
The Den Den Mushi roared in anger.
"I'm not asking you! I'm telling you!"
"Listen up, you bastards!"
"I'm quitting!!!"
The man who was usually the most laid-back now spoke with extreme roughness, not hiding his emotions even when facing the Five Elders.
It was anger suppressed to the limit.
"Click!"
The Den Den Mushi hung up!
The Chamber of Authority fell silent.
Kizaru's harsh rebuke made them feel utterly humiliated, but anger was useless. The safety of Mary Geoise was paramount.
Without Sakazuki and Kizaru, the top-tier combat power in the Marines was only Aramaki. However, Aramaki had joined the Marines less than two years ago. His seniority was too shallow, and he would not be able to command respect if he led the Marines.
Sengoku had also retired several months ago with Vice Admiral Tsuru. As for Garp, although he hadn't retired, he was still in East Blue and ignored calls from headquarters.
No one available.
"Let Kong go!"
Supreme Commander "Steel Bone" Kong!
Aside from Kong, they had no other choice to lead, but even so, it was only a temporary measure.
Several days passed, and the news of Fleet Admiral Sakazuki's defeat and death quickly spread throughout the world, causing a huge impact on the citizens of various nations.
At the same time, Kizaru's resignation from his Admiral position at Marine Headquarters also shook the world, especially the lower-ranking Marines.
Kizaru, Sakazuki, Kuzan.
The young Marine soldiers of today had practically grown up hearing the legends of the three Admirals. A large portion of them joined the Marines precisely because of their admiration for the three.
Now, with Kizaru's resignation, Sakazuki's death, Kuzan's departure to Hoenn, and the successive retirements of the older generation of Marine heroes, the current Marines had completely lost their spiritual backbone.
The news of Kong's return as Fleet Admiral did not make a ripple. For the young Marine soldiers, the era of Fleet Admiral Kong was too distant, so distant that it felt unfamiliar to them.
Marine G-1 Branch, Marine Headquarters.
Vice Admiral Momonga, carrying his satchel, arrived at the port and looked back deeply at the fortress emblazoned with the word "Justice."
That gaze was a farewell.
"Let's go."
"Yes!"
Vice Admiral Momonga boarded the warship, followed by dozens of officers. The current Marines were no longer worth their lingering affection.
To Hoenn!
They sought a new justice!
Grand Line, Alabasta.
Royal Palace.
"Father, why have you been so worried these past few days?"
"Vivi, come here quickly."
Cobra sat in a wheelchair. Compared to two years ago, his head was full of white hair, and his physical condition was very poor.
He felt his end was near.
What he worried about most now was his daughter Vivi, but after two years, Vivi had matured a lot and was capable of standing on her own.
Vivi knelt beside the wheelchair.
"Vivi, cough, cough."
Cobra stroked Vivi's head, coughed a few times, and then said, "You must have heard about Sakazuki's death, right?"
"Mm."
Vivi nodded.
"Alas, I didn't expect this."
Cobra sighed, saying wistfully, "Vivi, I plan to have Alabasta withdraw from the World Government and join the Hoenn Government."
"Huh?"
Vivi was a little surprised.
"Father, if you do that..."
"Don't worry. Even if the Hoenn Government's policies are different from the World Government's, I believe you can lead Alabasta well."
Cobra's eyes were full of trust.
In this country, no one was more outstanding than his daughter!
He knew Vivi's concerns. The biggest difference between the Hoenn Government and the World Government was the abolition of the noble system, which was also the source of hostility from various member nations toward the Hoenn Government.
The nations did not care whether the World Government or the Hoenn Government ruled the world. As ruling kings and nobles, they only cared whether their own interests would be harmed.
The Hoenn Government's approach clearly violated their bottom line.
But based on his understanding of Daichi, he didn't care who led the country. As long as Vivi showed enough talent, she would definitely be able to continue leading Alabasta.
He trusted Vivi.
As for the nobles' interests, he no longer had the energy to consider them.
"Cough, cough, cough~~~"
Cobra covered his mouth and coughed repeatedly, his palm stained with a lot of blood. He clenched his fist to prevent Vivi from seeing it and spoke in a gentler voice.
"Vivi, listen to me."
"Next, I want to tell you about the history of our Alabasta, and some old matters from eight hundred years ago."
"You must remember it well!"
Eight hundred years ago, the vanished Queen Lily.
Cobra's face was pale. His days were numbered. The reason for joining Hoenn, besides Hoenn's unstoppable momentum, was also to protect Vivi's safety.
Now that the World Government was in turmoil, and Alabasta was a superpower, he worried that the World Government might have intentions toward his daughter.
Hoenn could protect Vivi!