ONE PIECE: THE GREAT VOYAGE

Even the naval forces stationed here are far from weak.

Armament Haki is now standard equipment among the New World Marines, a necessity for survival in these treacherous waters.

Compared to the Grand Line, this region is far more chaotic, with countless factions vying for control. Strength is the only currency—without it, survival itself becomes a challenge, let alone establishing dominance.

This is why, after deciding to build an army, Caesar spent three years training before taking action.

During this time, numerous soldiers underwent rigorous training, reaching at least the level of a Marine Colonel.

Two major military competitions fueled their fighting spirit, and those who ranked among the top 1,000 were at least Major Generals.

A smaller group demonstrated elite potential, with some reaching the strength of high-ranking Majors.

The strongest among them, having consumed Devil Fruits, showcased power on par with Vice Admirals. However, their lack of experience was their only shortcoming.

In the last competition, those who acquired Zoan-type Mythical Devil Fruits displayed the greatest potential. It was inevitable that they would reach the rank of Vice Admiral, with a strong possibility of becoming elite Vice Admirals in the future.

In the New World, combat strength is the only true power.

More importantly, once Caesar's navy sets sail, it will not only clash with the World Government's forces but also contend with other factions. Conflict is unavoidable.

Thus, those assigned to the navy must possess exceptional combat ability.

Due to limited land territory, fewer troops were needed for defense, which led to a higher proportion being allocated to the naval division.

Among them, forty Devil Fruit users were selected for the navy.

It's worth noting that, across two military competitions, only sixty Devil Fruits had been distributed. This means that out of nearly 60,000 soldiers, only sixty possessed abilities.

Yet forty of them were chosen for the navy, a clear testament to Caesar's emphasis on maritime power.

Once the army divisions were settled, the logistics department began distributing official military uniforms.

Three days later, the navy was formally established. Every soldier, clad in newly issued uniforms, stood in formation, awaiting this historic moment.

This monumental event was broadcast across the Middle Kingdom's official channels.

After all, the establishment of a navy is a defining moment for any nation.

In the world of One Piece, a nation's influence is often determined by the strength of its military.

A powerful military means greater authority and competitiveness.

For a country to form an army, it must possess a solid foundation of development and strength.

Naturally, this event did not go unnoticed.

The Marine Headquarters watched the broadcast with dark expressions.

It was unheard of—pirates forming their own navy.

Recruiting subordinates and expanding their forces was normal.

Whitebeard, Kaido, and Charlotte Linlin had all done the same.

They had vast domains, but their power was structured as familial empires or pirate fleets with subordinate crews.

But none had ever attempted what Caesar was doing.

He was developing a naval force in the form of a structured military.

Across the world, most prosperous nations had, at most, a kingdom's standing army—often mediocre in strength.

Their purpose was primarily to defend the monarchy.

However, Caesar's goal was different.

He was not just securing his kingdom—he was expanding.

After years of strategic training, it was only natural to separate a portion of his forces to form a navy and expand his maritime influence on a grand scale.

The very concept of such an organized and methodical navy put Marine Headquarters on edge.

Meanwhile, in Pangaea Castle, the Five Elders watched the broadcast with unreadable expressions.

Ever since receiving reports on Caesar's movements, they had kept a close eye on him.

What they hadn't anticipated was how quickly he would mobilize his forces.

At the same time, underground factions and pirate rulers observed the broadcast with varied reactions.

Unlike the Marines and the World Government, whose anger was palpable, these figures found it all rather amusing.

The greater the chaos Caesar caused, the more certain individuals found satisfaction in it.

It was a shame they couldn't witness the expressions of the World Government and the Marines firsthand.

If they could, their amusement would only grow.

---

Back in the Middle Kingdom

At the navy's founding ceremony, Caesar stood atop an elevated platform, delivering a speech prepared and refined by Wei Na.

"On this great day, I have only one thing to say—!"

"With these soldiers, our nation will grow stronger, and its people will prosper!"

Caesar despised long-winded speeches, particularly those filled with meaningless rhetoric.

And yet, his simple words ignited an uncontainable fervor among the soldiers and citizens alike.

After all, no amount of flowery speeches could compare to the reality of providing a better life.

The changes in the Middle Kingdom over the years were evident to all.

Quality of life had taken a qualitative leap.

The kingdom's influence over the seas was growing.

How could they not be elated?

The moment Caesar finished speaking, an explosive cheer erupted.

Across the central square, where even the drop of a needle could once be heard, and throughout every street in the kingdom, the crowd roared in unison.

Then, one by one, soldiers stepped onto the stage with solemn determination.

Caesar personally conferred ranks upon them.

Those at the level of Major General were promoted to Vice Admiral.

Elite Major Generals were assigned as Brigadier Generals.

Those surpassing Major Generals in power were made Colonels.

Ranks were granted one tier below their actual strength, ensuring a proper chain of command.

As for officers below the rank of Major General, Fujitora personally handled their appointments.

After all, as the appointed Marshal, he needed to establish his authority.

Then came the most anticipated moment.

Caesar turned to Fujitora.

"I now appoint Issho as Admiral of the Central Navy!"

The announcement was met with thunderous applause and cheers.

"An Admiral led by Lord Issho! This is truly reassuring!"

"That esteemed warrior will lead us! I can't wait!"

"That's right! I heard Lord Issho's strength is second only to His Majesty and Lord Douglas Barrett!"

Everyone knew Issho was a top-tier combatant—a monster in his own right.

His appointment as Marshal of the navy was both an honor and a testament to the value placed on the navy.

A gentle smile spread across Fujitora's face.

He could feel the joy radiating from the soldiers and the people.

This was proof that he was exactly who they wanted as their leader.

"Soldiers, though our Central Navy cannot yet compare to the World Government's navy…"

"Given time, I believe you will surpass them!"

Caesar then returned to the platform, his voice thundering across the central square and beyond, reaching the ears of the world.

"Compared to their so-called 'justice' built on lies…"

"You carry the burden of true conviction."

At that moment, in the eyes of those present—and those watching around the world—Caesar was no less than a god.

"Let the world see! Let those who mock me as a pirate, who label this country a pirate nation, understand the truth!"

"A hero is not defined by birthright!"

"The world must recognize—justice is not spoken; it is enacted!"

His words weren't just rousing; they struck deep.

They were harsh—because they were real.

As Caesar stepped back, Fujitora took center stage.

Yet, before he could speak, the crowd erupted.

"Heavenly King! Heavenly King!"

The chant started sporadically but quickly became uniform.

Wave after wave of voices resounded.

Caesar's speech had been too powerful.

Too inspiring.

Most of the Middle Kingdom's citizens had no love for the World Government or the Marines.

Not because they had grown accustomed to Caesar's rule.

But because, when they were oppressed and in need of a true protector, it was Caesar who saved them.

The so-called "justice" of the World Government had failed them.

---

At Marine Headquarters

Steel Bone Kong's fists clenched tightly.

Sengoku, Tsuru, Zephyr—even the ever-carefree Garp—all wore grim expressions.

The atmosphere was suffocating.

Meanwhile, in Pangaea Castle, the Five Elders' faces were dark with fury.

Those words had struck too deep.

At that moment, a Den Den Mushi rang.

"Purururu… purururu..."

Steel Bone Kong answered in a cold voice.

It was the Five Elders.

"Crush them. If possible, annihilate their navy."

"Let the world know—no navy exists without the World Government's blessing."

A war was coming.

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