One piece: Establishing a Pirate Family

Chapter 456: The New World's Powder Keg

The New World – Carmel Island

"Captain, this is an invitation from the Big Mom Pirates. Charlotte Linlin invites you to her tea party to discuss an alliance against the Whitebeard Pirates," said Carter, handing an ornate invitation to Charlotte inside the central castle of Carmel Island.

Charlotte glanced at the invitation briefly before tossing it aside.

"That Charlotte Linlin is always up to something. Does she really think Whitebeard is so easy to deal with? An alliance? She'll probably be the first one to stab us in the back," he said with disdain.

Carter remained silent for a moment before continuing. "Captain, several of our own shipments have been attacked recently after passing through Whitebeard's territory. They were intercepted by affiliated crews flying his flag."

Charlotte's hand paused, still adjusting his collar. He caught the scent of conspiracy from Carter's words.

"What happened exactly?" Charlotte asked.

"A weapons transport ship was raided. Most of the crew were killed. Only the first mate survived, clinging to a piece of driftwood. He clearly saw the attackers flying the Whitebeard Pirates' flag."

Charlotte's expression turned grave.

Something about this was very wrong.

The New World had only just begun to stabilize after the onset of the Great Pirate Era… and now this?

If the Rockefeller Pirates did nothing, they'd lose face and power.

But if they retaliated, the whole New World could be plunged into chaos in an instant.

One accidental spark, and full-blown war would erupt.

Charlotte wasn't sure if the Navy had a hand in this, but it certainly smelled like a trap.

After all, the Navy stood to benefit the most from chaos in the New World.

"Any recent Navy movements?" Charlotte asked.

"Yes," Carter replied. "Admiral Sengoku was recently transferred from the South Sea to the New World. He recaptured several of Moria's islands, including some close to the Red Line."

"Sengoku?" Charlotte rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If that's the case… this whole thing really might be the Navy's doing."

"So what should we do?" Carter asked. "If we don't act, we'll look weak. But if we retaliate recklessly, we'll be walking into someone else's trap."

Charlotte sat back in his chair, fingers tapping the armrest in deep thought.

He needed to find a way to avoid war.

Even if they could win against the Whitebeard Pirates, the cost would be enormous. Too many lives would be lost.

They needed to wait until the younger generation of the Rockefeller family had grown strong enough.

Otherwise, acting now would only benefit outsiders.

Charlotte brooded silently.

It felt like an invisible hand was fanning the flames between the Whitebeard Pirates, the Rockefeller Pirates, and the Big Mom Pirates.

Tensions rose, and the news outlets spread stories of stolen cargo.

Soon, everyone in the New World knew that both the Rockefeller and Big Mom Pirates had been robbed.

All eyes turned to the seas, eager to watch the drama unfold.

Would this lead to a decisive battle that reshaped the New World?

Or would they just swallow their pride?

Many smaller factions fanned the flames even further.

These were the very factions that had been driven out of the New World's core territories by the Big Three Pirate Crews.

Groups like the Moria Pirates were all waiting for war to break out—so they could swoop in during the chaos and profit.

Everyone still alive in the New World was sharp as a blade.

G-1 Marine Branch, New World

This was the Navy's latest forward base, recently reclaimed from Moria's hands.

Construction of defense structures was ongoing.

"Admiral Sengoku, your deployment has stabilized the New World's situation considerably. Tensions between the three major pirate crews are sky-high. War could break out at any moment," an adjutant reported.

Sengoku nodded. "Keep watching their movements. Report any changes immediately."

The Navy's orders were twofold: reclaim territory, and stir conflict among the three pirate emperors to prepare for the Navy's return to dominance in the New World.

Four years had passed since Rockefeller Charlotte slaughtered ten thousand elite Navy troops.

Now, the Navy had recovered. Their elite force had grown to 50,000.

After two years of battle during the Great Pirate Era, they'd regained control of the Four Seas and the first half of the Grand Line.

Finally, they could turn their focus back to the New World.

Marine Headquarters – Marineford

Inside the Fleet Admiral's office, Kong reviewed the latest directive from the World Government.

"Oharans… how bold of them," he muttered as he read the file.

He immediately summoned all high-ranking officers.

The alarm rang.

One by one, Marine leaders gathered in the room.

Admirals, chief instructors like Zephyr, strategist Tsuru, and rising stars like Akainu (Sakazuki) and Aokiji (Kuzan) arrived.

Kong looked at the impressive lineup and felt a rare moment of satisfaction.

The Navy's next generation was shaping up well.

Sengoku was stationed in the New World.

Kizaru (Borsalino) remained with the Navy's science division.

The others had all returned.

Kong looked around the room and suddenly frowned.

"Where's Garp?"

He turned to Tsuru.

"Home. Taking care of his grandson," she sighed.

Kong frowned again… then relaxed, saying nothing more.

Everyone else in the room pretended they hadn't heard anything.

Kong distributed the documents.

"The World Government has ordered a Buster Call," he said solemnly. "The target is O'Hara in the West Blue."

Frowns appeared on every face.

Everyone who read the file fell silent.

Eventually, Zephyr broke the quiet.

"What's the charge?"

He turned to Kong.

"Studying dangerous history," Kong said, "and spreading hazardous ideologies."

Silence.

A suffocating silence filled the room.

"This operation will be led by Aokiji and Akainu," Kong finally said. "They'll take five vice admirals with them."

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