Chapter 85 New Era

"You're talking about the North Blue's mercenary kingdom formed by the Vinsmoke family. Are you suggesting that our alliance will follow this path in the future?"

At this moment, Doflamingo began to consider his role within the alliance.

Gnar appreciated people like Doflamingo. Despite his crude methods for seizing Dressrosa, which were far inferior to Crocodile's, Doflamingo was among the smarter minds in the One Piece world.

"No..."

Gnar shook his head and expressed his true thoughts.

"In my opinion, the Vinsmoke family traded away something valuable for a mere trifle. While war is an important means of generating income, the real value of a country or island lies in its people and resources.

"Think about it. If we can secretly control a country through economic means, then all its wealth would belong to us. This approach would provide a steady stream of income, unlike the mercenary method of short-term gains.

"Crocodile, you should be familiar with this. Your casino in Alabasta works on this principle, providing continuous financial support."

Crocodile nodded in agreement.

"Of course, to avoid provoking a strong reaction from the Marines and the World Government in the early stages, we should use our status as mercenaries to protect non-World Government member countries. With the strength and reputation of the three of us, the Marines and the World Government will be wary of our power and, at least on the surface, won't dare to attack us directly.

"We can use this opportunity to control the economic lifeline of these countries through various means. By leveraging the Seven Warlords of the Sea alliance, we hope to attract ambitious individuals and non-World Government member countries involved in conflicts. As long as we control a significant number of countries, even if the Marines and the World Government attack us, we won't need to fear them.

"Eventually, we will have the financial resources and manpower to build Pluton. At that point, even the World Government will have no choice but to fear us. In fact, we could occupy a position at the pinnacle of the world."

Hearing Gnar's ambitious vision, Crocodile and Doflamingo felt a rare surge of excitement.

However, there was still a concern...

"Everyone's goals are different. How can you guarantee that we won't fall apart like the Rocks Pirates did?"

Gnar's response was straightforward.

"Hahaha, it doesn't matter whether we share a common dream or not. Like the three of us here, no matter what your true motives are for joining this alliance, one thing is certain: we all have a common enemy. And this enemy is terrifyingly powerful..."

The two understood that Gnar was referring to the World Government that rules the world.

"So, as long as this enemy remains, I believe our alliance can survive. Additionally, the third Shichibukai candidate I will select will make our alliance even more stable..."

Under the curious gazes of the two, Gnar mentioned the name, and they suddenly realized...

Naval Headquarters Building, Marineford

For reasons unknown, the news of the meeting between Blood Emperor Gnar, Sand Crocodile Crocodile, and Heavenly Yaksha Doflamingo in the Grand Line's Demon Valley Town quickly reached Marine Headquarters.

"Bang..."

Sengoku slammed his desk in frustration.

"Why am I only hearing about this now? Do you know what they discussed?"

"Sorry, Marshal Sengoku. Our agents couldn't get close to their meeting place!"

"This is troublesome!"

Vice Admiral Tsuru, who was also present, frowned and added,

"If these three join forces, it will be problematic. Is this the plan that Pirate Gnar proposed? Whether it's Doflamingo or Crocodile, any one of them is enough to give us a significant headache..."

Sengoku's expression darkened.

Honestly, he was tempted to launch a Buster Call to eliminate these three immediately, but he knew it wasn't feasible.

Aside from Doflamingo's status as a Celestial Dragon, Gnar and Crocodile were formidable opponents. A Buster Call might not be sufficient.

Sengoku glanced around the somewhat empty office. The recent Impel Down jailbreak incident caused by Gnar had caused significant turmoil.

The most immediate consequence was the resurgence of chaos in the seas, which Marine had previously suppressed. The number of reported pirates had surged to new highs.

Meanwhile, the New World's big pirates, previously calm, had become restless, prompting the new Admirals to be dispatched there to restore order.

"By the way, where is Garp?"

Vice Admiral Tsuru replied helplessly,

"Didn't he request leave to visit his grandson in East Blue?"

This infuriated Sengoku.

"When did I approve that?"

Tsuru rolled her eyes. Garp always acted independently, and Sengoku's approval was often a formality.

"The news from East Blue indicates that Shanks has appeared there and is stationed in the village where Garp's grandson lives. Garp went back due to his concerns."

"Hiss..."

Hearing Shanks's name, Sengoku felt a headache coming on. Shanks was as troublesome as Doflamingo, and his situation was even more complicated.

"Forget it, Garp. Don't worry about it for now."

Sengoku knew worrying wouldn't help. He shifted his focus.

"What's the situation with Zephyr? I heard he refused CP0's recruitment offer?"

Tsuru responded with a somewhat forlorn expression.

"Yes, Zephyr's character is very resistant to interference. If CP0 wants to exploit his disciples, he will definitely refuse. Now there's a stalemate, and the World Government is displeased with him."

"What's the reason?"

Sengoku was puzzled about why CP0 was targeting a minor Marine Captain.

Tsuru explained,

"I've seen the child in question; she's quite remarkable. I heard that while we were in Alabasta, she had some involvement with Pirate Gnar. After Gnar was defeated and imprisoned by Zephyr, she remained closely connected with him..."

Tsuru didn't elaborate further, but Sengoku understood.

A honey trap? It was a common tactic used by CP0.

However...

"Is this child really connected to Pirate Gnar?"

Tsuru responded with a slightly cold tone,

"You know Zephyr's teaching skills. They had no contact before this..."

Sengoku nodded awkwardly and apologized,

"Sorry, Tsuru. I was a bit hasty."

Tsuru sighed.

"I understand, but once trust is fractured, it's difficult to restore, Sengoku..."

Sengoku's expression hardened. After a moment of thought, he opened a drawer and handed Tsuru a document.

"Look, you're the only one who can help me with this... I've been suppressing this for a long time, but the current situation leaves me no choice. The World Government is pressing us hard..."

Tsuru took the document and saw the seven characters written on it: Seven Warlords of the Sea Plan!

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