Chapter 282: Resolve To Choose
“Science Unit?”
Hearing Sengoku suddenly mention this name, Kong raised an eyebrow.
In fact, the World Government’s investment in scientific research was not insignificant, and during a certain special period, it was almost on par with the Navy’s military budget.
These research bases directly managed by the government were almost scattered all over the world, from the center of the New World to the most remote corners of the Four Seas, with countless unknown research projects secretly underway every moment.
However, since their security forces mostly relied on the Navy, Sengoku and Kong also had a rough idea in their minds of the number and locations of these research bases.
But while they knew, the World Government had no intention of letting the Navy interfere with these research institutes.
Even though some research bases had already produced quite powerful weapons that could even turn the tide in low-intensity campaigns, the Navy was still equipped with old flintlock guns and cold weapons.
Thinking this far, Kong sighed.
“I’ve had this idea before, but the Gorosei’s attitude toward it was quite ambiguous, always brushing it off with various excuses.”
“I guess the higher-ups probably aren’t too willing to let us interfere in matters outside of the military…”
To be honest, Kong sometimes really felt that the higher-ups’ wariness of the Navy was even greater than that of the pirates.
If the entire government were willing to fully support the Navy, Kong was confident that he could clear all the pirates from the entire sea in just a few years, giving everyone a quiet and peaceful world.
Hearing this answer, Sengoku thought for a moment before switching to a new line of thinking.
“Fleet Admiral, since the World Government isn’t willing to let us interfere in specific research, how about we try a different approach?”
“A different approach?”
“Yeah.”
Sengoku nodded, then explained:
“We still apply to draw out part of the establishment to form a ‘Science Unit,’ but not for a weapon research and development team, rather as a testing team.”
“Testing?”
“Yeah.”
“We won’t directly contact those scientific personnel, but under the Navy’s name, submit our specific needs to the higher-ups, and then let them arrange for those research institutions to develop the corresponding weapons.”
This was actually similar to the modern Western military sales model, where the military places orders with private companies in its name, and the private companies produce and deliver them to the armed forces.
By separating personnel and weapons into two lines like this, the armed forces would be unable to operate as a complete entity for extended periods without the government.
“And this special ‘Science Unit’ would be responsible for testing the received weapons, and if they meet the requirements, they would be prioritized for equipping.”
This was already the most compromising method Sengoku could think of.
It both avoided watching the pirates’ weapons and equipment continue to surpass the Navy, causing greater casualties in future operations, and considered the higher-ups’ concerns, minimizing the World Government’s suspicions of the Navy.
“If they still don’t agree to this, then we’ll also transfer our existing arms factory out of the Navy to become an independent institution, making the Navy a fully controlled armed force of the World Government as they wish.”
Sengoku had already figured it out: the Navy was originally an institution under the World Government, and its military budget almost entirely depended on government funding.
So rather than this constant mutual suspicion and obstruction leading to pointless internal friction, it was better to proactively hand over the hilt of the knife, which would instead allow the full exertion of power.
After all, the Navy’s main purpose was to eliminate pirates, not to confront the World Government.
“…”
“Sigh~”
“This way, the Navy would almost completely lose its independence… and we won’t be able to negotiate future orders from above anymore.”
Kong reminded.
“I know, but there’s no other way.”
“The Navy is currently weak; if we continue to stubbornly stick to the old ways without progress, that would be treating the lives of those soldiers who joined us with a passion as nothing.”
“…”
After a moment of silence, Kong opened the drawer, took out two cigars, lit one and put it in his mouth, then handed the other to Sengoku.
“Want to try one?”
“…”
“No, I don’t smoke.”
Sengoku refused.
His good and traditional family education made him one of the few in the Navy who neither smoked nor indulged in alcohol.
“Well~ forget it then, not smoking is good too.”
Putting the expensive cigars produced by the West Sea Tobacco Kingdom back into the drawer, Kong took a deep puff of the smoke in his mouth, seemingly pondering Sengoku’s earlier suggestion.
“Inhale~ exhale~~”
“…”
“Hmm…”
Tap, tap, tap…
His fingers lightly tapped the desk; the usually decisive Kong was uncharacteristically hesitant this time.
This was, after all, a major decision concerning the Navy’s future, and as Fleet Admiral, he had the responsibility and obligation to be accountable for his upcoming decision.
“…”
“Exhale~”
When the cigar in his mouth was down to a third, Kong finally made his decision.
“Well… this position will be yours sooner or later anyway. Since you’ve made up your mind, Sengoku, I’ll go see the Gorosei once more.”
After deciding, Kong didn’t delay; after first notifying by phone that he wanted to meet the Gorosei, he immediately set off for Mary Geoise.
“Oh, right.”
As he brushed past Sengoku, Kong seemed to remember something and suddenly stopped.
“One more thing.”
“What?”
“Remember to have them erase the Beasts Pirates’ mark next time they purchase weapons from them.”
“…Yeah.”
“Got it.”
Watching the other’s departing back, Sengoku nodded, while reciting that name in his mind again.
『Beasts Pirates, huh…』
Memories from a few months ago resurfaced; as the direct catalyst prompting his bold decision this time, Sengoku maintained maximum vigilance toward this rapidly rising pirate crew.
He always felt that they seemed to be weaving a massive web of conspiracy, intending to envelop everyone on this sea.
『Beasts Heavy Industry, Seven Warlords, Lunarian, Kaido, Underworld Princess and War Princess, and… the monster of gold.』
『Whatever you plan to do, I will stop you… Justice will eventually reign over this sea.』
The Justice Coat behind him fluttered up, and with his body fully recovered, Sengoku strode out of the Fleet Admiral’s office.
…
As Sengoku expected, after Kong stated that the Navy’s weapon supply would be completely handed over to the World Government for allocation, the Gorosei gladly agreed to his suggestion to form a “Science Unit” and even said they would arrange dedicated research rooms to develop weapons according to the Navy’s operational needs.
To be honest, Kong had never seen these five old men so agreeable.
After declining their invitation to stay for a banquet, Kong took his leave and quickly departed; he disliked this place called the “Holy Land” from the bottom of his heart.
Not only was it lifeless, but it was also easy to encounter those nauseating Celestial Dragons.
Returning to Marineford, Kong immediately summoned all the high-level personnel of Headquarters and publicly announced the matter, then threw himself with everyone into the related affairs of forming this “Navy Science Unit.”
