One Piece: Alucard the Immortal

Chapter 676 - 675: Naval Shake-up

While the pirates were busy expanding their influence, the Navy was simultaneously resisting the tide and rebuilding its strength.Between the World Military Draft and the relocation of Marine Headquarters, the most significant matter remained the selection of the new Fleet Admiral. Shortly after the Summit War ended, Sengoku had submitted his resignation, intending to step down and have Admiral Aokiji succeed him.

Upon receiving this news, the higher-ups were extremely reluctant to follow Sengoku’s recommendation. Like Sengoku, Kuzan was a moderate "Dove" who favored a more relaxed style of justice. The World Government much preferred a hardline "Hawk" to occupy the position of Fleet Admiral.

Unfortunately, Sakazuki, the Admiral candidate once favored by the Government for his iron-fisted resolve, had been eliminated by Alucard and was now a core combatant for the enemy.

Turning to the other two Admirals: Fujitora harbored a deep loathing for the Government, making his appointment impossible. As for Borsalino, his lackadaisical temperament spoke for itself.

Looking further down the ranks, there were plenty of "Hawkish" Vice Admirals, with the likes of Onigumo and his peers being prime examples. However, they simply lacked the necessary raw power.

For a time, the Government was paralyzed by indecision. They were also still deliberating on how to handle the massive hole Alucard had blasted directly beneath Mariejois.

Meanwhile, Kuzan, the protagonist of this administrative crisis, had been summoned to the Fleet Admiral’s office by Sengoku for a lecture.

"The higher-ups aren’t keen on you taking the mantle, but you are effectively the only choice. There is a better than 50% chance you will be appointed. You must be prepared to take office at a moment’s notice."

Sengoku spoke with earnest concern, but Kuzan stood opposite him looking utterly disinterested, yawning occasionally. This finally caused Sengoku to lose his temper. He slammed his desk and roared, "You brat! Are you even listening to me? As the next Fleet Admiral, you have to fix that attitude of yours!"

Kuzan lifted his heavy eyelids. "About that... strictly speaking, wouldn’t Fujitora be a better fit? I... well..."

"Fujitora is out of the question," Sengoku stated firmly.

It was common knowledge within the Navy that Fujitora despised the Government. He had snubbed them on multiple occasions; one didn’t need to be a genius to know the higher-ups would never agree to him.

Realizing he had no way out, Kuzan scratched his head. "How about this? Let me head out and travel for a while to observe the current state of the seas. That should be fine, right?"

Sengoku knew Kuzan was just stalling for time, but on second thought, the matter wasn’t that urgent. Besides, while he was getting old, he wasn’t dead yet; staying in the seat for a bit longer wouldn’t hurt. He nodded. "Fine. The Navy is currently preoccupied with the relocation of the Headquarters and the World Military Draft. The Government is also plagued by headaches regarding the new Seven Warlords of the Sea and that tunnel at the bottom of Mariejois. Your succession doesn’t have to happen this second."

Sengoku paused to consider, then said, "I’ll give you three months."

"Make it a year?" Kuzan blinked.

"Four months." Sengoku’s eyelid twitched.

"Nine months," Kuzan bargained.

"Six months..." Sengoku hissed through gritted teeth, looking like he was about to go berserk.

"Deal!"

Kuzan clapped his hands and nodded instantly. Sengoku realized he had been played by this slippery fellow, his eyes bulging with murderous intent.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"

Suddenly, an urgent shout came from a soldier outside. "The Immortal Pirates are showing signs of large-scale movement!"

Inside, both Kuzan and Sengoku were taken aback.

They had only received news two days ago that the Immortal Pirates had conquered and occupied Wano. What could they be up to so soon?

Sengoku ordered the man in. A Major hurried inside, saluting both Sengoku and Kuzan before reporting: "Latest intelligence just arrived! The Immortal Pirates are deploying in groups from the New World toward the first half of the Grand Line, as well as the West, North, and South Blues! The specific objective is unknown, but a massive amount of armed force is being mobilized. Captain Alucard’s personal movements are still being investigated."

"Are they trying to seize territory from Kaido and the others?"

Sengoku stroked his braided beard, theorizing, but he quickly dismissed the thought. If that were the case, they would be operating in the New World. Why head to the first half of the Grand Line and the four Blues?

"Investigate immediately! The Immortal Pirates are at the height of their influence right now; there’s no telling what they’re capable of," Sengoku ordered sternly.

"Yes, sir!" The Major saluted and backed out of the office.

Kuzan, who had remained silent since the report began, finally spoke up. "Well, it looks like the first stop of my journey has been decided."

...

The headquarters of the Big Mom Pirates, Whole Cake Island, was surrounded by 34 islands scattered like stars, each managed by one of the 34 "Ministers." Launching a head-on assault was considered almost impossible. This sea area was collectively known as Totto Land.

Among these, the two target islands owned by the descendants of the original twenty "Creators," Palom-Polom and Barbaricia, were located to the southwest and due north of Totto Land, respectively.

Based on route calculations, Alucard chose Barbaricia on the northern route. Its proximity to the outer perimeter meant he wouldn’t have to cut through too many small fry to reach it.

These two targets were among the largest islands in Totto Land, second only to Whole Cake Island itself.

The Minister guarding Alucard’s first target, Barbaricia, was one of the 3 Sweet Commanders and the Minister of Juice, Charlotte Smoothie.

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