Chapter 244: Chapter 244: Discussion about the New Marine, Wano, etc.
In the blink of an eye, another two months had passed.
The construction on Cake Island was in full swing and had already taken shape, presenting a brand-new, vibrant appearance.
The "miracle" performed by El two months earlier had left the citizens of Totto Land and the samurai from Wano Country awestruck. They deeply revered El as their king, seeing him almost as a deity. Their respect was interwoven with profound admiration.
This included Shimotsuki Furiko, Shimotsuki Ushimaru, and the samurai from Wano who had joined the Hell Trading Company, traveling aboard merchant ships as guards to explore the outside world.
Meanwhile, over the past few months, negotiations with the World Government had concluded. Both parties reached an agreement and officially signed a treaty.
Much to everyone's surprise, peace between Totto Land and the World Government had been maintained without interference from either side. Many had expected the World Government to retaliate with overwhelming force—to issue a Buster Call or launch a large-scale fleet to annihilate the Fallen Angel Pirates and destroy Totto Land.
Instead, the World Government's actions revealed its current limitations.
Despite its vast resources, it was temporarily incapable of mobilizing a large-scale fleet against Totto Land. The Fallen Angel Pirates' successive actions had inflicted devastating losses on the Marines.
Particularly catastrophic was the destruction of Marineford, the Marine Headquarters. Not only was the headquarters itself obliterated, but numerous warships docked in its port were also destroyed.
Two retired admirals—older and weakened—were caught off guard, resulting in one death and one severe injury.
The casualties included thousands of Marines stationed at the base and many of their family members.
This took place despite Marineford being relatively understaffed at the time, as much of the Marine's strength had been deployed elsewhere to manage rising chaos across the seas. Had Marineford been fully staffed, the death toll would have been even higher.
In just a few short months, the Marines had suffered crippling losses in manpower and ships. Even with the World Government's considerable resources, rebuilding would take at least three to five years.
Faced with this unprecedented crisis, Fleet Admiral Hammons William, after discussions with the Five Elders, ordered the relocation of Marine Headquarters to the G-1 Fortress, moving it into the New World.
In the lavish palace of Totto Land, within a massive office:
Sally, a Shapeshifting Witch now enlarged to nearly eight or nine meters tall, was diligently working at her desk. She hesitated briefly before reporting to El:
"El-sama…"
"Over the past six months, due to the Marines' repeated setbacks—especially the destruction of their headquarters—the seas have descended into chaos. Pirates run rampant everywhere, forcing the Marines to spread themselves thin, constantly reacting to threats and struggling to keep up."
"To address the crisis and the growing threat of the Fallen Angel Pirates, the World Government launched an unprecedented World Conscription, lowering their enlistment standards."
"And it worked. In just over three months, they've replenished a significant portion of their manpower, even recruiting several powerful individuals from among the civilian population."
Pausing briefly under El's attentive gaze, Sally added seriously:
"According to the latest intelligence, the Marines have recruited a monstrous powerhouse from the civilian sector. This individual has reportedly been fast-tracked to the rank of Admiral, with an official announcement expected soon."
At El's gesture, Sally sat down and continued, frowning:
"They're being very cautious. Our intelligence agents haven't been able to uncover any details yet."
"Additionally, the World Government has conducted a sweeping purge within the Cipher Pol network, eliminating more than half of the agents we had placed there."
"I see," El said, raising an eyebrow as he processed the report. He gently reassured her, "You've done well. Prioritize your safety above all else."
"Understood," Sally nodded, though her tone carried a hint of regret. "Moreover, beyond the World Conscription, the World Government has intensified its efforts to counter Totto Land's growing influence."
"They've accelerated the training of the next generation of Holy Knights, increased internal CP development, and selected promising agents to bestow with Devil Fruits."
"As expected…" El closed his eyes, unfazed.
Letting the Shapeshifting Witch take the lead, El remained calm and smiled lightly:
"Even though we are steadily developing, the World Government, which has ruled most of the world for centuries, will likely recover even faster."
He had anticipated this outcome and was patient. He harbored no illusions about toppling the World Government in a mere three to five years.
"How are things progressing with Stussy and Ryan?" El inquired.
Ryan, the Munch-Munch Fruit user, headed the scientific division. However, as a pure academic increasingly devoted to research, he wasn't suited for administrative tasks. Thus, the management of Totto Land's Research Division fell to Stussy, the deputy chief of the advisory department. Having studied in the Future Country, she had a strong grasp of scientific principles and was considered a capable assistant.
"Quite well," Sally said, her cheeks rosy and smiling with satisfaction. "Ryan has been using various methods to invite renowned scholars and experts from around the world, along with their families, to Totto Land."
"Most of the scientists have agreed, and with Lillian's assistance, we've also screened out those who seemed agreeable but harbored ulterior motives."
"As for Dr. Vegapunk and Dr. Tsukimi, they've already sent word—they're 'on their way' as we speak."
Pausing briefly, Sally chuckled and added:
"Even with Dr. Kureha, it's nearly the same situation."
"Though she also hails from a Winter Island, many doctors there seem dissatisfied with the Drum Kingdom's king. After watching the recently produced and broadcast Totto Land documentary, many expressed their willingness to relocate with their families."
Hearing this, El smiled in satisfaction and nodded.
"And how are things in Wano?"
As he kneaded dough in his hands, gradually increasing the pressure, El asked with a smile:
"How is Ruth managing?"
"She has already successfully replaced Kouzuki Sukiyaki and imprisoned him," Sally reported. "Now she's waiting for you to handle things personally."
"Additionally, she has issued orders to search the entire country for Devil Fruits. They've even found a Paramecia-type Ripe-Ripe Fruit."
Kouzuki Sukiyaki's remaining value lay in extracting information from his memories. As El had explained, the Kouzuki Clan originally carved the Poneglyphs and held the ability to read them.
"Oh?" El raised an eyebrow, chuckling softly. "That's quite a find."
The Ripe-Ripe Fruit, aside from its ability to corrode and age objects, had significant applications. While its power to force unnatural growth might pose drawbacks for humans, it held tremendous potential for animals.
With plans to launch the Totto Land Daily, they would need to recruit more News Birds. If a Giant were to consume the Ripe-Ripe Fruit, it could facilitate the rapid growth of massive flying creatures or predatory beasts. Even large-scale marine creatures could be bred artificially, fortifying Totto Land into an impenetrable fortress that would become any invader's nightmare.
"Then there's Kouzuki Oden," Sally continued, hesitating. "Ruth said he's been causing a lot of trouble, nearly sabotaging her efforts several times."
"But he's undeniably a monstrous talent with unparalleled potential. What do you plan to do with him?"
"If that's the case, I'll deal with him personally when I get there," El said casually, his indifference obvious.
If Oden couldn't be brought under his command, there was no reason to keep him alive.
"The only heir of the Wano Shogun, assassinated by a rival daimyo coveting the throne, leading to the extinction of the Kouzuki bloodline…"
Smirking, El added, "A fitting repeat of the Kurozumi Clan's tragedy, wouldn't you say?"
"Ah? You're just so cruel…" Sally's voice quivered as she rolled her eyes, though her tone betrayed no genuine sympathy.
The fate of the Kouzuki Clan didn't concern either of them in the slightest.
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