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West Blue.
It could be said to be a sea of formidable power.
The birthplace of the notorious Mafia, all five of the Great Mafia Families that dominate the underworld originated here, the most famous being the Capone Family.
The Eight Treasures Navy of Kano Country was another powerful force that gave the Marines a headache.
Among them, the most renowned was Chinjao, the 12th generation Pillar of State of the Eight Treasures Navy.
Legend has it that his mentor, Garp, specifically used eight towering mountains as training grounds to prepare for their battle. He pulverized all eight mountains into flat plains before finally confronting Chinjao.
With a single punch, Garp crushed Chinjao’s proud head cone, leaving it dented.
The Eight Treasures Navy’s signature technique, Hasshō-ken – Eight Impacts Fist, was also renowned. Its principles and effects bore a striking resemblance to the Ryūō Haki of Wano Country.
In short, the Eight Treasures Navy was undoubtedly a formidable force.
Many of the world’s most famous powerhouses hailed from this sea, including future Yonko Red-Haired Shanks, Gekko Moria, Brook, Lafitte, and San Juan Wicked Wolf, among others.
Additionally, this region was home to Ohara, the world-renowned archaeological Holy Land.
As Kojin thought of Ohara, his eyes narrowed slightly.
In truth, his memories of Ohara remained vividly etched in his mind, and he had been keeping a close watch on it ever since.
Kojin vividly remembered Vegapunk mentioning that his homeland originated from this very island during their meeting.
He had no memories of his past life—it was almost a complete blank.
Moreover, what truly concerned him was the island’s future fate.
Through deciphering historical texts and researching the eight-hundred-year-long Void Century, he knew that Ohara would ultimately be destroyed by the World Government through a Buster Call.
In other words, Ohara was already marching step by step toward its doom.
Two years.
Only two years remained before Ohara would be annihilated.
When that day came, what choice would he make?
Would he extend a helping hand, or would he coldly watch from the sidelines?
“The Kano Country isn’t easy to deal with, but they wouldn’t dare attack the Marines directly,” Crocodile’s voice cut through his thoughts. “Besides, the guard forces of some other kingdoms are also not to be underestimated.”
“The Five Great Mafia Families control the entire West Blue’s underground forces.”
Hearing this, Kojin narrowed his eyes and suddenly asked, “What’s the Marine’s attitude toward them?”
Crocodile paused, then replied, “They don’t seem to pay much attention to these guys.”
“As long as they maintain a semblance of peace, the Marine never actively provokes these forces.”
Kojin nodded.
“Then we can enjoy some peaceful days for now.”
Though he said this, he knew in his heart that in two years, peace would be impossible to maintain, no matter what.
Around noon, the Battleship arrived at G-18 Fortress.
The massive iron gates slowly creaked open, revealing a majestic and awe-inspiring sight that resembled the Gates of Justice at Marineford.
The vast inner bay shimmered with sunlight, and over a dozen Battleships were docked at the harbor.
Countless colossal, towering steel structures and majestic buildings loomed ahead, with Marines standing ramrod straight at regular intervals.
As the Kojin Battleship entered the fortress, the entire base erupted into a frenzy.
“The new Commander is here!”
“Hurry! Hurry! Where’s the welcoming ceremony we prepared?”
“That’s the legendary Marine from Headquarters, Vice-Admiral Kojin!”
Squads of Marines poured out of the base in rapid succession, forming neat square formations within moments. A quick glance revealed a dense, awe-inspiring mass of soldiers.
The group standing at the ship’s bow gazed ahead.
Crocodile’s eyes widened slightly. The sight of countless Marines converging into the square ahead was undeniably impressive.
Compared to the scale of a pirate crew, the number of Marines in this base was staggering.
“Eight thousand!”
“Or ten thousand?!” Crocodile murmured.
“Thirteen thousand!” Bullet declared, grinning widely as he crossed his arms.
Even he seemed surprised by the sheer number of Marines stationed at this fortress base.
“It’s ours now,” Kojin whispered.
The feeling in his heart at this moment was unlike any he had experienced during his previous promotions.
From the moment their battleship entered the fortress, these thirteen thousand Marines were under his command. This massive, majestic fortress would now belong entirely to him.
The difference between having no subordinates and commanding thirteen thousand men was absolute.
Overlord!
In a sense, from this moment forward, Kojin was truly the Overlord of the West Blue!
A regional governor, a warlord of his own domain!
Words flashed through Kojin’s mind. Even after countless battles, his heart swelled with heroic ambition, a flicker of excitement stirring within him.
But in an instant, he forcibly suppressed these emotions, regaining his composure.
“If you entrust them to me,” Bullet said in a deep voice, “I can train them into an elite force—our own army of skilled warriors!”
Having risen through the ranks of the military, Bullet possessed his own well-developed ideas on soldier training and management.
His gaze sharpened as he added, “An army that answers only to us—only to you!”
Kojin’s eyes flickered at these words.
As the Battleship docked at the port and Kojin and his companions disembarked, their eyes fell upon the scene before them.
Rows upon rows of Marines stood rigidly at attention, their gazes fixed on the newcomers, their eyes gleaming with excitement and curiosity.
The officers at the front barked a command: “Salute!”
In unison, every Marine snapped to attention, saluting sharply.
The synchronized movements echoed through the air with a sharp “Buzz!”
Kojin watched the scene with a calm expression.
He strode to the front, surveyed the assembled Marines, and slowly raised his hand in return salute.
“Greetings, everyone!”
“I am Vice-Admiral Kojin, and I will be assuming command of G-18 Base from today onward!”
Silence settled over the square. The sea breeze whipped the Marine flags on the battleships docked in the harbor, causing them to flutter wildly.
Every eye was fixed on the new commander.
“Now, on this first day of meeting you all,” Kojin continued slowly, his gaze settling on the highest-ranking female officer present. “Would someone care to give me a brief overview of this fortress’s current situation?”
Sensing his attention, the officer immediately stepped forward from the ranks.
“Branch Colonel Eveya reporting for duty!”
Kojin observed her carefully, then smiled. “Thank you for your assistance, Eveya.”
The female officer was clearly a swordsman, her sword hanging at her waist. Her expression was serious, her demeanor somewhat aloof. She wore black-framed glasses and her dark hair was tied back in a ponytail, giving her a crisp, pure look.
Kojin had no way of knowing her true strength, but anyone holding the highest military rank at this base couldn’t be weak.
“It’s my duty,” Eveya replied softly.
Her eyes, filled with curiosity, turned to the young Vice-Admiral.
(End of Chapter)
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