Chapter 83: Cleaning New World

"Claude, I need you to dispatch scouts to gather intelligence at sea. We need to identify the notorious pirate groups and individual pirates operating in the region. While we may not yet be equipped to confront the BIG·MOM Pirates and Beasts Pirates, there are plenty of other threats we can handle."

Stepping into the New World, Akainu knows we can't afford to sit idly by. "We may not be able to halt the rise of these potential Four Emperors with our current strength alone. However, abandoning our duty to Marine is not an option. If we don't address the escalating pirate activity, we risk ceding control of the region entirely."

"I understand your concerns. Rest assured, I've already set our informants in motion. You're not interested in petty pirates. I'll ensure we gather intel on adversaries worthy of our attention."

Claude's preemptive action underscores the value of true friendship. He knows Akainu well enough to anticipate his needs. Before Akainu even arrives, Claude has already taken steps to fulfill his objectives, selecting targets strategically. It's a testament to Claude's astuteness.

"There's another matter I must entrust to you."

Akainu's gaze turns steely as he speaks with solemnity. "The Whitebeard Pirates. Keep a close watch on them. They've yet to atone for their previous affronts. I won't forget their last encounter."

Claude's expression shifts to one of shock. "Sakazuki, you can't be serious. The Whitebeard Pirates hold sway as the dominant power in the New World. It would be folly to provoke them. They command a level of influence second only to the World Government."

"Sakazuki, I implore you to reconsider. Direct your focus towards the BIG·MOM Pirates or the Beasts Pirates. At least with them, we stand a chance. But the Whitebeard Pirates... I fear our odds are slim."

Claude's trepidation is palpable. Over the past year, he's witnessed the Whitebeard Pirates' meteoric rise, understanding their might better than most. While not invincible, they pose a formidable challenge—one he's not certain they're equipped to handle.

"I'm not suggesting we shy away from a challenge, nor am I afraid of Whitebeard," Claude explains. "But the Whitebeard Pirates are a different breed. It's a risk we shouldn't take."

Sakazuki remains silent, absorbing Claude's words. Though he's been known to follow his own path, he's grown wiser with time. Claude's counsel is sound. Engaging the Whitebeard Pirates now could prove disastrous, especially with our current capabilities. It's a risk we can ill afford."

"Keep a close watch. I won't act until I'm certain."

Though reluctant, it's the prudent course of action. Claude breathes a sigh of relief, fearing Akainu might recklessly pursue the Whitebeard Pirates. Fortunately, Akainu heeds his counsel.

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As time marches on, another half month slips away. During this period, Akainu and his team remain stationed at the G5 branch base, monitoring the situation in the New World.

In the past weeks, chaos has engulfed the region as two mighty pirate factions vie for dominance. Tensions escalate as scores of pirate crews clash in a bid to curry favor with their chosen overlords.

New World, vast and unforgiving, becomes a battleground of unprecedented scale. Tens of thousands perish in the conflict, leaving devastation in their wake.

Yet amidst the chaos, the BIG·MOM Pirates and Beasts Pirates emerge as formidable contenders, their influence growing with each skirmish. Led by the indomitable Kaido, the Beasts Pirates strike fear into the hearts of their adversaries, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Linlin's BIG·MOM Pirates maintain a strategic distance, content to assert their dominance from afar.

As casualties mount and innocent lives are lost, cries for aid echo throughout the region. Nations once aligned with the World Government now plead for intervention, their desperation palpable.

Claude's demeanor grows grave. This conflict exceeds anything he could have imagined. It's a far cry from Akainu's proposal of the Four Emperors, plunging New World into unprecedented chaos and bloodshed."

"These wretched pirates."

Akainu's voice thundered with fury. He cared little for the pirate casualties, but their wanton disregard for civilian lives fueled his rage. Their ambition stained with innocent blood was intolerable. He yearned to purge the seas of their scourge.

"Claude, they're damned indeed, but we're powerless to halt their rampage. Fleet Admiral Sengoku remains silent, and the World Government watches from afar, content to let the pirates devour each other. Little do they realize the chaos that will ensue once the Four Emperors have their dominion established."

Akainu scoffed disdainfully. "Of course, they understand the implications. Yet, they lack the resolve to confront the pirates head-on. Their focus has shifted to the Revolutionary Army."

"The Revolutionary Army? Monkey·D·Dragon has certainly rattled the old elders of the World Government. It's remarkable how quickly he's garnered their fear," Claude remarked with a mix of awe and admiration.

"As the highest-ranking Marine in the New World, Claude is privy to many secrets. Though the Revolutionary Army has remained relatively silent in recent years, their impact has been profound. Their secret operations in the first half of the Grand Line and New World have left a lasting mark. The recent coup in several countries, orchestrated by the Revolutionary Army, struck fear into the hearts of the Five Elders."

Their underground movement, fueled by the desire to overthrow the World Government, has sent shockwaves through the establishment. Monkey·D·Dragon, their enigmatic leader, has become the most wanted man, with a bounty surpassing even that of the formidable Whitebeard.

"Dragon," Akainu murmured, his eyes flickering with a mixture of respect and resentment. Despite his youth, Dragon's audacity and cunning surpassed many seasoned veterans. His elusive nature gnawed at Akainu, a reminder of his failed capture.

Claude tactfully shifted the conversation. "Sakazuki, I've identified potential targets. Are you ready to proceed?"

"Absolutely. Hand over the intel immediately. I've grown weary of these pirates running amok."

Claude's intelligence network proves invaluable. He's uncovered a dozen formidable pirate groups, each led by notorious captains with bounties reaching into the hundreds of millions.

'With nineteen years until the events of the main storyline, the era of the Great Pirates is just beginning. Bounties are escalating rapidly, reflective of the pirates' growing prowess. Unlike later years, these bounties are earned through genuine displays of strength, not inflated by hype.'

"Let's set our plan in motion."

Akainu deploys five thousand troops from Headquarters, dividing them into three units. He, along with Onigumo and Harrington, each lead a contingent. Their mission: to eliminate the pirate threat plaguing the New World. Claude remains at the base, orchestrating the operation from behind the scenes."

With Akainu's command, the three units strike simultaneously, swiftly dismantling a dozen pirate groups. Captains are captured alive, while their underlings face the wrath of Marine justice.

Marine's decisive action sends shockwaves through the already turbulent New World. Pirates not involved in the Four Emperors' struggle begin to fear Marine's reprisal, monitoring their movements with trepidation.

Many towns and nations, long harassed by pirates, eagerly welcome Marine's intervention. They hope for respite from the pirate scourge.

Akainu's timing proves impeccable. With most pirates embroiled in the Four Emperors' conflict, Marine's assault catches them off guard. Weak and unprepared, they fall swiftly beneath Marine's relentless onslaught.

Despite his chilling efficiency, Akainu's merciless tactics begin to unsettle even his own soldiers. His aura of dread grows with each fallen pirate, earning him a reputation as a fearsome enforcer of justice.

While Akainu grapples with the weight of his actions, his resolve remains unyielding. He sees the pirates as irredeemable criminals, unworthy of mercy or remorse. For him, their demise is a necessary step towards restoring order to the seas.

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