Chapter 76 Configuring a special naval G12 branch

Navy G12 branch.

Smoker was in a meeting with several branch executives.

Two months ago, he was assigned to the G12 branch.

This branch did not appear in the original plot.

After traveling through time for so long, I have never heard of such a branch.

Therefore, Smoker is actually somewhat hopeful and curious.

But after he saw the introduction of the branch, he suddenly felt dumbfounded.

It turns out that the predecessor of G12 was the Naval Base 1704 in the Chambord Islands.

It was just approved to be upgraded to a branch more than half a month ago.

During this period, Smoker also put in a lot of effort.

Because Doflamingo was severely punished before, the world-famous slave auction house was not built on the Chambord Islands, but there were many smaller slave markets.

Smoker revealed to the Celestial Dragons through Guernica that many high-quality slaves with bounties of over 100 million appeared on the island.

When the Celestial Dragons descended to the realm, the navy deliberately chased the pirates away and rushed towards the Celestial Dragons' team by accident.

Although the pirate was killed before he could say anything, the Celestial Dragons were still furious.

Therefore, under the pretext of protecting Tianlong, the Warring States Period applied to establish a G12 branch in the Chambord Islands.

When Marshal Kong saw that it was about the Tianlong people, he approved it without thinking.

So, the G12 branch was just released.

But when Smoker and others arrived, their heads suddenly became big.

Apart from the sign, nothing else has changed.

There were no expansions, no installations, and no additional staff.

In desperation, Smoker could only go to Zefa.

Zefa was eating in the cafeteria at that time. After listening to Smoker's words, he spread his hands and said, "No money."

Smoker was stunned. The emperor was still starving his troops and had no money to build a Hammer branch.

Zefa flicked the booger into Smoker's face.

You should find a way to raise military expenses yourself, otherwise, see how much I would be worth if you sold me.

Smoker's eyes twitched. It's hard for me to do this.

Zefa flipped the table directly. It's difficult to handle. If it's difficult to handle, then don't do it.

Zefa's rogue behavior made Smoker's face turn pale with anger, but he had no choice but to rub him hard.

Zefa finally relaxed,

Anyway, don't ask for money from the headquarters, and don't dismantle the G12 branch.

Do whatever else you want to do, and if something goes wrong, I'll take care of it for you!

If there is no funds, at least there are policies.

Smoker's trip was not in vain.

These days, he has been worrying about branch construction, and today's meeting is also for this matter.

At this time, a female marine with a rough face and a tall figure was speaking.

"Regarding the branch expansion plan, 400 residential houses and shops have been expropriated, and the compensation and cleanup work has gone smoothly."

Smoker nodded with satisfaction.

"Very good, Ayman, this can only go smoothly if you do it!"

Ayman ​​saluted: "This is what I should do!!"

Ayman was originally the base commander of Base 1704. During this change, she was promoted to brigadier general and stayed here to become Smoker's assistant.

It is fitting that she should be responsible for this kind of demolition work.

Smoker turned to ask his contemporary - Esther.

"Ester, how's the staffing going?"

Esther took out a notebook and stood up.

"Reporting to Major General Smoker, the headquarters has approved our application, and 1,050 naval soldiers will be in place in three days!"

Smoker nodded: "That's good... let's find a hotel nearby for accommodation and meals."

A normal naval base only has 150 people.

With this number of people, it's okay to defend the town.

But the Shampoo Islands are a large archipelago with 79 islands. What can these people do?

Including myself, one island is not enough for two people.

Therefore, Smoker also mentioned important people to Zefa.

Zefa said that you can have as many as you like, but you have to bear the cost yourself, and the department will not pay a penny!

Smoker's teeth were broken, and he finally understood.

These old men just want to see what G12 can do without the military support of the headquarters.

This really dug a big hole for myself...

At this time, Aiman ​​asked.

"Major General Smoker, why do we need to apply for so many soldiers? The branch expansion plus military pay is too much of a burden!"

The normal configuration of a naval branch is 1-2 lieutenant generals, 2 major generals, 20 brigadiers and colonels, and 600 soldiers.

For example, Zayn was a major general before the accident and served as the deputy base commander.

In the original plot, the G5 branch that Smoker went to had two lieutenant generals because it was located in the new world.

But the configuration of the G12 branch is very special.

There is 1 lieutenant general, and the quota is taken up by addition.

Although he is the commander of the base, he also serves as the naval staff officer. He is usually at the base and has no time to worry about it.

One major general is Smoker, who actually controls the G12 branch.

This is a bit deceptive, but at least it conforms to the procedure.

Compared with the high-level staff, which is not full of personnel, there are 45 brigadiers and school officers below, and 1,200 soldiers, which is double the number of normal branches.

Therefore, the current G12 branch is a little top-heavy...

Faced with Aiman's doubts, Smoker was not angry.

"I understand your worries, but my next plan requires sufficient manpower!"

Ayman ​​was stunned: "Plan?!"

Smoker smiled.

"You should also know the department's attitude towards G12."

"I can tell you that this is not because the department does not value us."

"On the contrary, we are carrying out an unprecedented mission!"

"In order to complete the task, I will implement two plans in the Shampoo Islands: relocating the islanders and attracting investment!"

Everyone was stunned, what did you say? !

Smoker smiled slightly and began to explain.

The first is the islander relocation plan.

The Shampoo Islands are composed of 79 islands.

In the year 1517 of the Sea calendar when Luffy arrived, islands 1-29 had completely become a lawless zone.

Although it is still in the hands of the navy, its control is already quite weak.

The islander relocation plan is to move the civilians out of this area, directly abandon these islands to the pirates, and then use superior forces to establish a defense line on the periphery.

You pirates can mess around inside as much as you like, but don't even think about taking a step out!

To realize this plan, we need to have enough troops, so Smoker applied for so many sailors.

In fact, these sailors are not enough. It is only because it has just been implemented and funds are limited, so some fewer people are needed.

After hearing this plan, everyone looked at each other.

In their minds, the navy should fight for every inch of territory facing pirates.

Unexpectedly, Smoker would take the initiative to give up one-third of the Shampoo Islands. This is too crazy.

I have never heard of any army doing this...

The headquarters won't throw us all into Impel Down in a fit of rage, right?

Smoker had his own plans.

The Shampoo Islands are the gateway to the new world.

Not only are there many pirates, but there are also many tourists and merchant ships.

Rather than grabbing the eyebrows and beards and mixing them together with a rat trap, it is better to directly divert the management.

Ordinary people go to tourist areas and business areas, while pirates stick to illegal areas.

The strong men who really want to go to the new world to stir up troubles would like the navy to stop bothering them, so they will naturally stay in the lawless zone.

The pirates who couldn't bear the loneliness and rushed out were not very strong, and it was easy to clean them up.

At this point, someone raised a concern.

"Rear Admiral Smoker, relocating the islanders would be a good thing for the Navy."

"But what about the costs?"

"If we cover housing for them, it's too expensive. If we shift the burden to them, wouldn't that be unfair?"

Smoker nodded.

"I understand what you're saying. Even though our budget is tight, we can squeeze out some funds and offer them low-interest loans to settle down."

"Think about it—once the plan succeeds, there will be chaos in the lawless areas, but what about everywhere else?"

"Safer, more comfortable places will attract more people. Trade will flourish, property values will increase, and incomes will rise. After two years, the growth in capital and wages will offset the initial losses!"

"And we, the Navy, can also make early moves. We could acquire some properties ourselves. Even if we don't have enough funds, we can collaborate with other branches. Later, whether we lease or sell them, it'll be a profitable venture."

"Of course, if any of you want to purchase properties, as long as you don't strong-arm anyone, I won't oppose it..."

The Navy personnel's eyes lit up.

"That does sound like a win-win!"

Someone else eagerly asked, "Rear Admiral Smoker, what do you mean by attracting investment?"

Smoker didn't answer directly. Instead, he pulled out a box of cigars and tossed it to the group.

"Try these cigars first."

They each lit one and took a puff, their eyes widening.

"This cigar... it's top-notch!"

"A rare delicacy from the South Blue, usually reserved for royalty!"

"Rear Admiral Smoker, do you have more? Let us have another!"

They were so impressed they seemed ready to swallow the smoke itself.

Smoker chuckled.

"I can't afford cigars this fine. These are gifts for you, courtesy of someone else."

He pointed at several crates behind him.

"Those are for you too."

Everyone was shocked. "Gifts? From who?!"

Smoker smirked.

"You'd know her. Former Navy traitor, now a rising star in the underworld—the ex-princess of the Tottenho Kingdom in the North Blue, Jakie Bradley Zeon."

"What?!" Everyone was stunned.

"The infamous 'Gambling Demon' of the underworld?!"

"That fallen Navy officer?!"

In recent years, Zeon had become a major player in the underworld, a gambling tycoon.

Smoker nodded. "That's right. Both branch construction and the islanders' relocation require massive funds, so I've decided to work with someone wealthy. My choice is Zeon."

"I plan to collaborate with her to establish casinos in the trade zone and lawless areas."

The Navy officers' eyes gleamed.

"What a brilliant idea!"

Casinos in the lawless areas would give pirates a place to vent their excess energy, reducing the damage they'd cause elsewhere.

And casinos in the trade zone would bring massive benefits, attracting crowds and revenue.

Moreover, pirates would likely target the casinos during raids, but with their strong security, they'd alleviate some of the Navy's burden.

"Aside from casinos, Zeon has proposed another idea—a slave auction house."

The room fell silent as everyone exchanged uncertain glances.

Hina frowned. "A slave auction house? Why would we allow her to build something like that?"

It was true that the slave trade thrived in the Sabaody Archipelago, but only because it was difficult to control, not because anyone wanted it.

Smoker took a drag from his cigar.

"The slave trade is a cancer on this island... no, on the world."

"But as long as the nobility continues to use slaves, we can't completely eradicate it, no matter how hard we try."

"Even if we wipe it out here, it'll just move elsewhere."

Hina nodded solemnly. "True. The more the Navy cracks down, the higher the prices go, which only attracts more traffickers."

"And the nobles? Instead of helping, they protect the trade."

Most Navy officers despised slavery, but breaking the system was nearly impossible. The World Government and allied nations, the biggest slaveholders, would never allow it.

Smoker sneered.

"The rougher the seas, the pricier the fish."

"We can't eliminate the trade by ourselves, so why not work with Zeon? We'll establish a regulated slave auction house in the lawless area. From now on, the trade will only be allowed there!"

"Of course, we'll set strict rules—who can be sold, how much they can be sold for. We'll keep a close eye on everything!"

"And the auction house won't be built for free. She'll pay a hefty security deposit and give us half of the profits!"

Hina hesitated. "Using slave trade money to fund the branch... but..."

Lowering her voice, she added, "I still can't stomach harming civilians."

Smoker grinned darkly.

"Who said anything about civilians? Why would we sell civilians?"

"There are plenty of suitable candidates in the lawless areas."

Hina's eyes widened in understanding.

Just then, Veep, the intelligence officer, chimed in.

"Rear Admiral Smoker, if the auction house is in the lawless area, what if nobles enter? What if they're attacked?"

Smoker exhaled smoke, his expression mocking.

"World Nobles are protected by CP units. Not our problem. And no one's stupid enough to attack the Celestial Dragons."

"Of course, to save face, the Navy will step in as a formality. We'll clear the area in advance to avoid incidents."

The choice of the lawless area—the 1-29 numbered islands—was deliberate. Their proximity to Mariejois made them the first stop for Celestial Dragons visiting the Sabaody Archipelago.

By designating these islands as lawless, Smoker effectively quarantined the area.

"If nobles from other nations come here, it's the same process. Notify them to dock at official ports and provide them with a booklet of guidelines. Have them sign it to confirm receipt, whether they read it or not!"

Veep frowned. "That won't stop them from going into the lawless areas. What if they get into trouble?"

Smoker shrugged.

"Our duty is to protect the island. Their safety isn't our responsibility."

"But if something happens, they'll complain to headquarters or the World Government."

Smoker smirked.

"We issued notices, published announcements, and handed out booklets. If they choose to ignore them, that's on them."

"Of course, we'll still respond to emergencies. But since we're a new branch with limited resources, we'll have to request reinforcements from headquarters. That takes time due to the approval process."

"If they're in a hurry, we can allocate troops immediately, but any losses incurred will have to be fully compensated by them."

Smoker then turned to another officer.

"Elvis, are the arrangements ready?"

A wiry Navy officer stood and saluted. "Yes, sir! We've prepared three abandoned streets in the designated area. They're sealed off and ready for use. If needed, we can set them ablaze to make the scene look convincing."

Smoker nodded in approval. "Good. Keep track of the incidents—make sure no one gets taken to the same 'stage' twice!"

"Understood, sir!"

The others exchanged uneasy glances, impressed by the audacious plan.

It was ruthless and pragmatic. Yet somehow, it made their future seem brighter.