"Tell me loudly, are you willing?"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's expressions subtly shifted.
Normally, such a statement might be dismissed, but after Carlos's provocation, who could ignore it?
Many clenched their fists, their breathing heavy with anger in their eyes.
"That's the second thing I wanted to say."
"I believe everyone heard what former Admiral Sengoku mentioned. The World Government has recruited 100,000 new recruits from across the globe."
"When they arrive, I will organize a military competition."
"From them, thirty thousand will be selected to form three fleets, which will sweep through the first half of the Grand Line along three different routes."
"Fifty percent of all the loot captured in this operation will be handed over to the World Government, and the rest will be distributed among you."
Boom!
This statement was like a time bomb exploding in the midst of the crowd!
The audience erupted in chaos.
Carlos stared in disbelief, speechless for a long time.
Slowly, the intensity in everyone's eyes grew hotter.
In the Marines, regardless of their rank, they typically receive a fixed salary.
Even in peacetime, any captures are reported to headquarters for military merit.
Some generals might secretly be greedy, but they dare not show it openly.
Fifty percent of the loot?
Such a thought was unimaginable!
On the Grand Line, even a typical pirate crew possesses substantial wealth.
Not to mention millions, even tens of millions of Baileys.
If they encounter a powerful pirate group, they might even seize priceless treasures such as Devil Fruits or famous swords!
Seeing the shocked faces below, Carlos smiled with satisfaction.
No matter who you are, everyone has a bit of selfishness.
Although many join the Marines out of a sense of justice, who doesn't want a better life?
How many people aren't tempted by money?
Low wages often lead to corruption.
Some Marines secretly align with pirates, becoming their protectors and oppressing the people together.
Or they collaborate with slave traders, engaging in human trafficking.
Carlos understood this was human nature.
Although various benefits had been promised before, they were still insufficient in his view.
But he needed something more to ignite everyone's enthusiasm, something that would not only motivate but also expose those merely causing trouble.
His message was clear.
Want wealth?
It's simple—just fight pirates.
How much you gain depends entirely on your ability.
I'm not afraid that you lack ambition; I'm afraid you lack the courage to act!
Carlos's words had a powerful impact.
The tens of thousands present felt their blood boiling, their eyes turning red, and their breathing quickening.
They cast admiring glances at Carlos on the stage.
Then, led by an unknown figure, the crowd began to cheer loudly.
The roar was deafening and reached the sky.
Onigumo, Doberman, and other senior Marine generals looked on with mixed feelings.
They never expected that Carlos, who had just been appointed as marshal a few minutes ago, could ignite such fervor among the Marines!
Even their long-silent hearts began to stir.
Green Bull and Fujitora seemed affected, sighing repeatedly.
The most exaggerated reaction came from Kizaru. He smiled broadly, his wrinkled face scrunched up, and the lascivious aura emanating from him made Akainu frown.
Carlos pressed his hands down.
The previously bustling, market-like square suddenly fell silent.
Everyone looked at the man in front of them, waiting for his speech.
Although the young man on the stage had just assumed the position of Marine Marshal, his status in the hearts of all Marine soldiers had already reached its peak.
He had truly put rules and regulations into effect.
"The third thing is the establishment of a special department: the Marine Inspectorate."
Carlos's tone grew serious.
"I'll repeat it."
"If you want wealth and fame, go catch pirates! If I find anyone bullying people or committing crimes, don't blame me for being harsh."
"This department will be responsible for rectifying unhealthy practices within the Marines and performing various special tasks."
As for the composition of this new force, Carlos planned to select members during the upcoming military competition.
Of course, he didn't forget about Wano Country.
If a powerful warrior from there chose to follow him, he would welcome them.
The number of people required doesn't need to be large but must be carefully chosen.
First, they must be 100% loyal to him.
Second, they must be exceptional in terms of strength, with at least the combat power of a Rear Admiral. Special talents are also considered.
His twenty Zoan Devil Fruits and high-tech equipment obtained from Vegapunk were prepared for this group.
In the future, he would continue to use Doflamingo's network to acquire Devil Fruits from around the world.
Combined with the high-tech creations developed by Vegapunk, he aimed to create an exclusive force with explosive combat effectiveness.
After Carlos's speech, Marineford was still buzzing with surprise.
Whether it was for fame, profit, or to prove oneself and earn respect, everyone was eager and looking forward to the next military competition.
Only those who stood out among the 150,000 would qualify for the next crusade.
Of course, casualties were inevitable in war.
But Carlos had promised everyone that whether they were injured, disabled, or killed in battle, the generous resettlement subsidy from the Marine would provide for a family of three for a lifetime.
This promise eased everyone's worries.
After this, both recruits and veterans were fiercely determined. They had to win a spot and prove themselves!
Being outperformed by others would be highly embarrassing.
In the days that followed, everyone from the Naval Headquarters Vice Admirals to the newest recruits trained rigorously at the training grounds.
Some even lost consciousness during training and had to be carried to the medical room by their comrades.
As for the choice of Marine Admirals, Carlos had decided on Akainu, Fujitora, and Green Bull.
According to his plan, the three of them would lead three fleets to sweep through the first half of the Grand Line.
Naturally, none of them had objections.
As for Kizaru, unfortunately, he was demoted to Admiral-Alternate and would be responsible for the headquarters.
As compensation, his salary not only remained unchanged but actually surpassed that of Akainu and the others.
However, Kizaru didn't mind and happily accepted Carlos's order.
In the future, he could still sit in the office, drink tea, and earn three times his previous salary. Why not?
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