New World, New Marineford.
The island was alive with constant construction and repair work.
It had already been a month since the announcement that the former G1 Branch would be rebuilt into the new Marineford.
The landmass had taken shape, and the main structure of the headquarters building was already completed.
Its scale and presence surpassed the old Marineford, carrying a far more oppressive sense of authority, as if strength itself had been carved into its foundations.
Inside the Marshal's office, several high-ranking Marine officers were gathered.
Sitting in the Marshal's seat was Fleet Admiral Kuzan. A seagull nested lazily in the bird's nest-like hair atop his head.
Around the desk sat four figures.
From left to right, former Fleet Admiral Sengoku, now serving as Marine Grand Inspector, casually ate noodles; Monkey D. Garp, Marine Instructor and former Vice Admiral, calmly chewed senbei from a paper bag; Marine Staff Officer Tsuru sat with a composed but serious expression; and Admiral Borsalino clipped his nails with slow, rhythmic clicks filling the room.
This was the highest command structure of the Marines.
Kuzan looked at the group, his expression relaxed but slightly tired.
"Today, I have a few matters to discuss. They are important and concern every branch of the Marines," he said.
For a moment, the room quieted.
Only Borsalino continued clipping his nails, the sound echoing faintly.
The others gradually stopped their casual movements and turned their attention toward Kuzan.
Garp and Sengoku watched him with mild curiosity.
They knew Kuzan well. Even as Fleet Admiral, he still carried the same lazy temperament he had as an Admiral.
They did not expect him to change much.
Tsuru, however, frowned slightly.
If it concerns every Marine, then it is not something small, she thought.
She already sensed where this might be heading.
The World Government's influence over the Marines was absolute, and Kuzan was someone who had never been fully aligned with them.
Whatever he was about to say could easily shake the foundation of the entire organization.
Kuzan continued.
"First, a World Conscription will be launched. At Marineford, we lost at least a quarter of our fighting force. Many branches are requesting reinforcements, but we do not have enough manpower to respond."
No one objected.
The situation was clear to all of them.
A global conscription was the only realistic way to replenish their forces.
Kuzan nodded once.
"Then it is decided. The World Conscription will begin tomorrow and last one month. Details regarding ranks, assignments, and recruitment numbers will be discussed afterward."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"There is another matter, even more important. It concerns the future direction of the entire Marine."
Borsalino stopped clipping his nails.
Even Garp and Sengoku straightened slightly.
Tsuru's expression grew sharper.
This was the real reason they were here.
A decision more important than a global conscription was not something small.
Kuzan exhaled slowly.
"Everyone here understands this already. The Marines are not truly independent. We are the force of the World Government and the World Nobles. Many times, we are forced to act against justice itself."
Silence settled over the room.
No one interrupted.
Kuzan's voice remained steady.
"So I have decided. The Marines must separate from the World Government and become an organization that serves the people directly."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Even Sengoku paused mid-motion.
Such a declaration could not be treated as a simple policy change.
Sengoku finished his noodles slowly, then looked at Kuzan.
"Are you serious?" he asked.
"You know better than anyone that the Marines were created by the World Government. There are countless agents and influences embedded within our structure. Separating from them will not be simple."
He did not disagree with the idea.
In fact, he had thought about it himself during his tenure as Fleet Admiral.
But reality had always been harsher than intention.
The World Government was not an opponent that could be easily broken away from.
Kuzan nodded.
"I know. But it still has to be done."
He leaned back slightly.
"After Marineford, the Marines have lost much of their reputation. There are internal parasites within the organization, and corruption continues to damage our image. The justice we claim to uphold is no longer pure."
Tsuru's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Even with a World Conscription, separating from the World Government is nearly impossible," she said. "What exactly is your plan?"
Her concern was practical.
To break free from the World Government, they would need overwhelming power.
At present, the only force capable of opposing the World Government on that level was Peach Garden, which had absorbed the Revolutionary Army.
Her thoughts paused.
A memory surfaced of recent rumors involving Kuzan.
Could it be…
Before she could finish that thought, Garp suddenly laughed loudly.
"Hahaha, Kuzan, whatever you decide, this old man is in. I've been sick of the World Government for a long time anyway."
Sengoku opened his mouth slightly, as if to scold him, then stopped.
He was no longer Fleet Admiral.
He closed his mouth again and said nothing.
Kuzan glanced around the room.
None of them were naive.
So he stopped hiding it.
"Yes, you have all guessed it already," Kuzan said. "I intend to use Peach Garden's power to help the Marines break free from the World Government."
The room went silent.
Tsuru's eyes widened slightly.
"So that is your plan," she said. "Do you understand what Peach Garden represents? Compared to the World Government, it is even more unpredictable. And currently, it is also stronger than us."
She shook her head slightly.
"Working with them is no different from walking into fire. How can you guarantee they will not become the next World Government?"
Sengoku's expression turned serious as well.
That was the core concern.
Kuzan nodded calmly.
"I have already spoken with Rolan in detail."
He paused.
"The current Marines are already at a breaking point. If we hesitate, we will exist in name only. Cooperation with Peach Garden is not ideal, but it is the only path available."
The meeting continued for hours.
No one outside the room knew what final decision was made.
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