One Piece : The Strongest Fleet Admiral

Feeling the oppressive presence of the Five Elders, Sakazuki remained calm.

"My lords, there's nothing we can do!"

"The Marines suffered heavy losses in the battle with Whitebeard. There isn't enough manpower to hunt down pirates, and the World Government's military subsidies haven't been released yet. The Marines are barely able to keep things running!"

It was hard to imagine that Sakazuki, usually so stern and resolute, would sound so pitiable in public. The scene was almost unbearable to watch.

"Furthermore, after this war, the authority of the Marines has been destroyed. The authority of the Marines is tied to the World Government. How can we allow the majesty of the World Government to be disrespected?"

"So, isn't this an attempt to restore the dignity of the World Government by eliminating the Four Emperors?"

"If we do nothing, what will happen to my reputation, the Marines' reputation, and the World Government's reputation?" Sakazuki said in a firm and righteous tone, as if he were thinking solely about the World Government.

"Why does your reputation matter? huh-"

The bearded(marcus) and bald(nusjuro) Five Elders scoffed disdainfully.

Hearing the exact same words as in the past, Sakazuki felt annoyed.

These damn old men.

However, his anger quickly dissipated. For now, he focused on securing the military budget.

This was the foundation he needed for his future plans to wage war against the World Government.

If I take your money and turn it against you, you can't blame me!

Sensing that they might have been too harsh toward their "loyal dog," the bearded and bald Five Elder softened his tone slightly and said:

"The World Government has many expenses, but we're already working hard to raise funds for the Marines. In the future, 100 billion berries will be allocated to the Marines."

The World Government truly was rich.

However, for the more than ten million Marines stationed across the world, this amount was just barely sufficient.

"In addition, the original Seven Warlords of the Sea now only consist of three members: Hawkeye,Boa hancock, and Doflamingo." We need new candidates to fill the vacant positions."

"We've compiled a list of suitable candidates from the CP organization. Your Marines will be responsible for recruiting them!"

Sakazuki received the Shichibukai recruitment order from the Five Elders and glanced through it. A few familiar names caught his eye.

Red-Nosed Buggy, Whitebeard JR. Edward Weevil...

Regarding the Shichibukai, Sakazuki felt there was potential for manipulation.

After discussing some trivial matters with the Five Elders, Sakazuki left Pangaea Castle.

"Sakazuki's attitude has changed. Is he becoming arrogant after becoming Fleet Admiral?"

"He's just venting his frustration. It won't lead to anything significant."

"Exactly! Aside from a few vice admirals who admire and support him, he has no other high-level support. He's practically isolated. A pure commander poses no real threat."

"Let's move on to discussing the Revolutionary Army. Those pests have taken advantage of the Marine's battle and are stirring up chaos in the kingdoms again."

"Monkey D. Dragon, that troublesome rat!"

Sakazuki, leaving the Holy Land of Marie Geoise, didn't return directly to Marineford. Instead, he changed course and used Moonwalk to head toward the Sabaody Archipelago alone.

The Sabaody Archipelago was a unique place. Its foundation wasn't solid ground but the massive roots of giant mangrove trees.

The archipelago consisted of 79 islands, each part of a giant Yarukiman tree. Houses and structures were built atop the sprawling roots of these trees.

Being the gateway to the New World, the archipelago often attracted pirates.

Sakazuki disguised himself and arrived at Island No. 1.

After casually dispatching a few troublesome pirates, he walked to a secluded area beneath one of the massive tree roots.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a black Den Den Mushi and dialed.

"Island No. 1 of the Sabaody Archipelago. Come quickly!" he said tensely before hanging up without waiting for a response.

He leaned against the tree root, closed his eyes, and waited.

Before long, the person Sakazuki was waiting for arrived.

The man had "X" scars on his chin and chest, a hooked nose, goggles over his eyes, and a medieval swordsman's hat. He carried a four-bladed axe in his right hand, a sword in his left, and wore a black mask.

Upon spotting Sakazuki, the man's face lit up with excitement. After checking his surroundings, he approached and saluted in Marine fashion.

"Admiral Sakazuki—no, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki! Why are you here?"

"Drake, it's been a while." Sakazuki removed the hat concealing his face.

X Drake, a pirate from the North Blue, had once been a Marine rear admiral like Sakazuki. After leaving the Marines, he became the captain of the Drake Pirates.

A user of the Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit, he could transform into an Allosaurus.

While the world believed he had defected to piracy, Drake was, in truth, an undercover agent working directly under Sakazuki.

His apparent betrayal was a ruse to infiltrate the pirate world. Drake's real identity was as a captain of the secret special force "SWORD," an organization founded by Sakazuki to operate independently of the World Government's watchful eye.

"SWORD's" missions were covert, dealing with sensitive tasks that could not come to light.

Drake's strength and loyalty had earned him Sakazuki's trust.

"I just finished a meeting in Marie Geoise. I figured you'd still be nearby, so I came to give you your next mission personally," Sakazuki said.

Hearing about a mission, Drake's expression turned serious. If Sakazuki had come in person, it had to be important.

"Your next assignment is to head to the New World and join the Beasts Pirates. Your main objective is to retrieve the red Poneglyph Kaido possesses. Your secondary objective is to covertly weaken the Beasts Pirates' strength."

Sakazuki had decided to follow through with his original plan, accelerating its timeline.

Drake felt a surge of tension. Was this the beginning of a campaign against the Four Emperors?

He had witnessed the live broadcast of the Marineford War and couldn't help but wonder if Kaido was the first target.

Still, he had chosen this dangerous path and could not turn back now.

Four Emperors or not, he would face it head-on. Drake's face hardened with determination.

"Understood! I'll lead my crew to the New World and locate Kaido immediately!"

Sakazuki was about to commend Drake when his white Den Den Mushi rang.

This was the Fleet Admiral's exclusive public line, used only for urgent matters.

What's going on? Sakazuki wondered as he answered the call.

The Den Den Mushi mimicked a panicked expression.

"Fleet Admiral!!! The Red-Haired Pirates have attacked Impel Down!"

"Director Hannyabal and Deputy Director Magellan have been seriously injured. Straw Hat Luffy has been rescued by the Red-Haired Pirates!!!"