Chapter 259: The Third Faction
“Sengoku was defeated?”
In Mary Geoise, in a clean and spacious office, Science Defense Martial God Jayigolusia Saint Saturn, leaning on his cane, heard the news from Sora and was rarely surprised.
“Not only that, the fleet he brought was completely wiped out, and the survivors plus Sengoku number only four.”
Sora added with a grim expression. At this time, he still did not know that Alberich, whom Sengoku had sent earlier to deal with Skipgate, along with two warships, were still drifting in the New World.
But even if he knew, it wouldn’t make much difference. After all, compared to the overall losses, one Major General was really nothing.
One Admiral, two Vice Admirals, plus five Major Generals, and nearly thirty warships all gone without return… such a huge loss was unprecedented in Navy history.
This almost shook the Navy’s foundation!
The Navy’s strategy for the next nearly ten years would have to make compromises and adjustments he was unwilling to see.
“Hmm… this matter does need to be handled carefully.”
“So what did the Beasts Pirates say?”
Since they didn’t directly kill Sengoku and didn’t publicize it widely in the Newspaper, it meant the Beasts Pirates actually had the will to negotiate.
After all, if news of an Admiral being captured spread, under public opinion pressure, the World Government and Navy could never bow to pirates.
The result would just be both sides assembling forces to fight again, fighting to the death—something neither side wanted to see.
“This is the letter and terms sent by the Beasts Pirates.”
Sora took out the letter from his pocket that had clearly been crumpled and then smoothed out, and handed it over. Saint Saturn slightly furrowed his brow, then unfolded it and quickly read it from top to bottom.
“Indemnity of four billion Belly, ten warships, arms sales authorization, usage rights to Red Port, Navy Six Styles and Haki-related teaching materials, Punk Hazard laboratory-related research materials… Devil Fruit encyclopedia.”
The further down he read, the more furrowed Saint Saturn’s brows became.
After reading the long list, he found that the Beasts Pirates seemed to want a little of everything, but not much of each, and none touched the World Government’s bottom line…
There were even some like long-term authorizations, which they could completely renege on later after agreeing, conditions with no binding force beyond a piece of paper.
But the other side still proposed them… this made him completely unable to see what they really wanted.
“Hmm, let’s leave it at that for now.”
“We’ll arrange a dedicated person for the subsequent negotiations. You can go back first.”
“This…”
Sora wanted to say more, but Saint Saturn directly waved his hand.
“Rest assured, as the sole candidate for the next Fleet Admiral, we won’t give up on Sengoku.”
This was the tacit understanding and consensus between the World Government and the Navy. Currently, within the Navy, Sengoku was the only one suitable to succeed to the Admiral position… they couldn’t have Garp take Fleet Admiral, could they?
“Yes, sorry to disturb you.”
Having gotten the response he wanted, Sora called out and prepared to turn and leave.
“By the way, who exactly defeated Sengoku?”
“Kaido? Or someone else?”
As if remembering this was a fairly important question, the bald Gorosei who had been silently holding his sword suddenly spoke up.
“Unknown. According to the soldier captive sent back, the opponent was a blonde little girl, but he forgot her specific appearance.”
“Blonde? Little girl?”
“Is she an Ability User? What is her ability?”
The bald Gorosei asked further.
“As for the ability… it seems to be flames.”
“Flames, huh…”
Whether it was an illusion or not, upon hearing the opponent’s ability wasn’t something like stretching limbs, the several Gorosei present all seemed to secretly breathe a sigh of relief.
“Alright, you can go now.”
…
After Sora left, the several Gorosei continued their discussion.
“From the description, it shouldn’t be that fruit’s ability.”
Said the Gorosei with the two large mustaches.
“Blonde, flames… none of it matches. Probably not.”
The sword-holding Gorosei also nodded.
“In that case, treat it as an ordinary incident.”
“First is Sengoku. He must be preserved. If we lose him, the Navy internally would be hard to sustain with just Garp alone, and the balance would be broken.”
“Yes, exactly. Moreover, Sora will have to retire in a few years, and Sengoku needs to take his position.”
“Then these terms…”
The goatee Gorosei looked at Saturn.
“They’re harmless anyway. Agree to all of them first. After Sengoku returns, find a pretext to revoke the ones that can be revoked.”
“For research materials and such, just give them some of the most basic ones. Don’t give anything involving the latest research.”
“As for the other less important ones, just give them directly. No need to make it too ugly right from the start.”
For these demands not involving core interests, Saturn, or rather the World Government, didn’t really care much.
“But to actually rout Sengoku, what is the background of that little girl?”
“The opponent might not really be a little girl. It could be some fruit ability creating an illusory appearance… but the point of defeating Sengoku does need attention.”
“Then send CP to investigate first, and find an opportunity to eliminate her?”
“No, CP might not be able to handle her. Better not to act rashly.”
“Since they’re willing to talk to us now, it means they’re not absolute enemies. No need to push her completely to our opposing side.”
“Indeed.”
“But after this battle, has the Navy’s combat power been weakened too severely? This isn’t good for us.”
“Should we loosen the recruitment permissions for senior officers? Directly fill up the Major General and even Vice Admiral slots in one go?”
The World Government has strict restrictions on Navy promotions. Even Fleet Admiral Sora can at most directly appoint up to Commodore level. Above that requires World Government approval.
“No need to go to global recruitment. Have the Navy maintain the status quo for now.”
“As for the missing mid-to-high-level combat power… I have an idea.”
Saturn suddenly proposed:
“We can use pirates to fill this missing combat power, granting them legal status and raid rights, making them our third force under command.”
“…”
“…”
“Pirates affiliated with the World Government… indeed a good idea.”
“With only pirates and Navy, the power balance is too easily broken. We do need a force in between the two.”
“As for the slots… tentatively seven. Strength above Headquarters Vice Admirals. That should be just right.”
“Have Sengoku handle this when he returns.”
“Agreed.”
“Agreed.”
“Agreed.”
“Agreed.”
