chapter 10

When he returned to the marshal's office, Sengoku noticed that Sengoku no longer had the same majestic appearance as before. Instead, he smiled and said, "Please forgive me, Sakazuki. I am also acting in the best interest of the stability of the Marine's military. I must refute your position as lieutenant general of Naval Headquarters."

"I understand, Marshal," Mu Feng replied with a smile.

Sengoku nodded and didn't say anything further. There was a clear divide between them as subordinates, and Sengoku couldn't do much about it. It was similar to the relationship between Aka Inu and Aokiji.

Sengoku wondered if this divide was due to the influence of Devil Fruit powers.

"Mu Feng, are you familiar with the G5 fortress?" Sengoku suddenly asked.

Upon hearing Sengoku's question, Mu Feng pondered for a moment before answering, "The Marine G5 branch is located in the New World, serving as the only Marine branch in that region. It is known for its unconventional methods and behavior, often disregarding orders from Naval Headquarters and even resorting to actions such as killing pirates."

"Correct," Sengoku affirmed.

Mu Feng's knowledge of the G5 branch satisfied Sengoku, as it surpassed that of Garp. However, Mu Feng's awareness of the G5 branch stemmed solely from reading about it in the comics. Otherwise, how would he know about its location?

"Here, take a look," Sengoku said, handing Mu Feng a document.

Mu Feng accepted the file and began reading it.

The document outlined the recent rise in piracy in the New World, with the Pirate Alliance assembling to launch an attack on the G5 branch. It requested that Naval Headquarters send high-ranking combat power to assist the G5 branch in withstanding the assault.

"Mu Feng, what are your thoughts on this so-called Pirate Alliance?" Sengoku inquired, testing and teaching Mu Feng.

Mu Feng narrowed his eyes, contemplating the question. After a moment, he responded, "Superficially, it appears quite simple. The Pirate Alliance is a temporary mob without any rules or a stable commander. Their attack on the G5 branch is merely a show of force. However, in my opinion, there could be other possibilities."

"Oh... other possibilities? Tell me more," Sengoku expressed his interest.

Mu Feng collected his thoughts and continued, "Firstly, let's assume that the G5 branch is defeated by this Pirate Alliance. The immediate consequence would be a severe blow to the reputation of the Marines. Even if the Marines were to reclaim the G5 branch in the future, the lost reputation cannot be easily recovered. Conversely, the reputation of the pirates would be greatly enhanced."

Sengoku was pleased, as Mu Feng's perspective aligned with his own.

About to commend Mu Feng, Sengoku listened as Mu Feng elaborated further, "Moreover, Marshal, I believe the significance of the G5 branch's existence goes beyond being just another Marine branch. As the sole Marine fortress in the New World, the G5 branch represents more than that."

"It is like a stake driven into the heart of the New World! Its presence proclaims to the Four Seas and the Grand Line that Marine still maintains its balance in the most pirate-infested region. If the G5 branch were to disappear, it would mean that Marine has lost control over this sea area, rendering it devoid of any symbolic meaning. The New World would become a pirate paradise, and the world would perceive it as no longer under Marine or World Government jurisdiction. At that point... I believe the Four Seas and the Grand Line would inevitably face the biggest pirate surge since Roger's death."

Mu Feng expressed his gravest concern, unaware of the impact his words had on Sengoku.

Although Sengoku was hailed as the "wise general," he couldn't match Mu Feng's resourcefulness in the world of pirates. Sengoku had become Marine Marshal precisely because he recognized Mu Feng's resourcefulness. However, from Mu Feng's perspective, Sengoku, or rather the entire Pirate World, seemed lacking in resourcefulness. Not to mention that characters like Aizen from the Shinigami world or Sarutobi and Danzo from the Naruto world would certainly outshine the Pirate World in terms of resourcefulness.

Listening to Mu Feng's analysis, Sengoku couldn't help but break into a cold sweat.

Sengoku wasn't foolish; he had also considered everything Mu Feng had mentioned. The outcome was far from optimistic. Roger's words had set off an era of great pirates, highlighting the volatile nature of this world. Now, if people were to discover a sea area beyond the World Government's control... what would happen?

Undoubtedly, another wave of pirates would emerge.

These thoughts made Sengoku restless. He wanted to dispatch an Admiral-class combat force to suppress the group of pirates intending to attack the G5 branch immediately.

However, Sengoku hesitated.

The reason why New World pirates were so rampant was due to an unspoken agreement between Marine and the Four Emperors-class pirates. As long as the Four Emperors remained in the New World, Marine refrained from hastily deploying Admiral-class forces to suppress the pirates.

Yet, the current situation presented a dilemma for Sengoku. It was at this moment that he remembered Mu Feng, the master of insight. Although he was only a major general, his strength was comparable to that of a Marine Admiral. Wasn't he the perfect candidate?

"Major General Mu Feng, in the name of Marshal Naval Headquarters, I am appointing you to go to the Marine G5 branch and suppress the Pirate Alliance. Can you handle this task?" Sengoku asked, his eyes filled with intensity.