Chapter 195: A Stake in the New World

As Karl’s crew sailed past Fishman Island heading deeper into the New World, Admiral Kong of Navy Headquarters issued a major directive.

Inside the Navy’s conference room, vice admirals and admirals sat in tidy rows.

“Now, let’s discuss whether we should establish a Navy outpost in the New World.”

Kong, though newly appointed Fleet Admiral, already radiated the commanding presence of a true leader.

Those present could almost see shades of former Fleet Admiral Hill in Kong’s bearing.

“The situation in the New World is pretty chaotic right now.”

“This might not be the best time for us to expand the Navy’s operations there,” Vice Admiral Tsuru said, tapping her pen lightly on the table.

“Yeah, things are messy in the New World right now. If something unexpected happens, we won’t have time to send backup,” Jeremy agreed.

Several other vice admirals nodded along with him.

It was true. The balance of power in the New World was still unclear, the place divided between hungry factions — everyone wanted a slice.

While the latter half of the New World had three established powers and some neutral zones, if chaos really erupted, the Navy would struggle to respond in time.

“Besides, if we do set up an outpost, who’s going to defend it?”

“Sengoku and Garp have serious grudges with Karl. If either went to the New World, they’d just invite retaliation from him.”

“And I’m needed here to train the new generation of naval officers,” Zephyr added, pausing to glance at Kong.

When Zephyr finished, the room fell silent.

He was right — Sengoku and Garp couldn’t go, and Zephyr had his own responsibilities. What they really needed in the front lines was an admiral-class force.

Were they really going to send Kong himself to the New World?

That would be a huge taboo — sending the fleet admiral to garrison the New World in person.

Of course, Kong had thought of all that.

“Here’s my plan,” he began.

“Sengoku will be stationed at Sabaody Archipelago.”

“We’ll also send two teams led by vice admirals to the New World to establish Navy bases.”

“If pirates attack, Sengoku can rush to reinforce them.”

Sengoku thought it over — this seemed like good compromise.

“But then, the vice admirals we send to the New World…”

Kong quickly understood what Sengoku was worried about.

Any vice admirals sent would be in for serious danger — maybe worse if someone like Golden Lion, Newgate, or Karl showed up themselves. Sengoku might not even have time to rescue them.

If that happened, all their efforts would be for nothing.

And those vice admirals sent could end up dying for nothing.

“Do you know why we’re choosing this exact moment?” Kong suddenly asked, catching them a bit off guard.

The real reason for choosing now was that Karl and the other two powers were still expanding their territories — too busy to notice Navy movements.

Once the Navy established two outposts in the New World, they’d quickly set up two more.

With four outposts supporting each other, even if a major pirate crew attacked, the bases could hold out long enough for reinforcements from headquarters.

When Kong finished laying out his plan, thunderous applause rose from the room.

Everyone was sharp enough to realize that timing-wise, this really was their best shot.

If the New World’s power structure solidified, the Navy would never get another chance to plant roots.

“I agree.”

“Agreed!”

“Agreed!”

“…”

Aside from a few dovish vice admirals who held back, most officers raised their hands in support.

“Alright, it’s settled then.”

“The first group heading to the New World will be Jeremy, Luth, Sander, Cook, Julian, and Hogan — you six.”

Kong paused for a moment, then continued, “You’ve all served at Punk Hazard and Hachinosu before.”

“That means you bring valuable experience to the table.”

“Return to the New World and set up new Navy bases at Punk Hazard and Hachinosu.”

“Yes, Fleet Admiral!” the six of them replied, snapping to attention and saluting.

The decision made, they wouldn’t back out now. If they were afraid of dying, they wouldn’t have spent years posted in the New World to begin with.

“Good. Pack your things and head out to the New World immediately. Dismissed!”

Kong stood up and was the first to leave the meeting room.

Afterwards, the six reported to the main barracks at Navy Headquarters to assemble the team for their New World mission.

“Sengoku, if anything critical comes up, contact me through the Transponder Snail immediately,” Garp said quietly as he left the meeting room.

He’d just finished chasing the Roger Pirates all over the New World, only rushing back after getting a message from headquarters.

Now he was about to set out again, continuing his pursuit of Roger’s crew.

Worry crossed his face — he still feared Karl might strike and wipe out one of their new outposts.

“Relax, Garp. If anything happens, I’ll let you know at once,” Sengoku assured him, giving Garp’s shoulder a firm pat before leaving.

Garp scratched his head, still uneasy.

After all, Karl wasn’t easy to deal with, and their feud ran deep. If Charlotte Linlin hadn’t saved him that one time, Karl might have already been finished.

But with Sengoku’s promise, he let it go for now. He strode off with his aide Bogart, ready to set sail again and keep chasing the Roger Pirates. In his eyes, Roger’s crew was even more dangerous than Karl.

At least Karl had found a place to settle down, but the Roger Pirates were different — last he heard, they were still looking for the Red Poneglyph. If danger was the measure, Roger’s crew topped Karl, Newgate, and Golden Lion by a mile.

“Once these new outposts are secure, we’ll send out another wave — your duty is heavy,” Kong said.

Standing at the bustling harbor of Marineford, Kong saluted Jeremy and the others as they boarded their warship.

No one knew if they’d all return this time, but what mattered was the Navy’s resolve to anchor themselves in the New World. They couldn’t afford to fail.

“Don’t worry, Fleet Admiral Kong,” someone called from the deck.

“Set sail!” Jeremy shouted, tears brimming as he turned away.

Loved ones watched from the shore, faces red and eyes wet, as their family members set off one more time for that deadly place called the New World.

The New World was deadly — in the first mission, ten Navy vice admirals went in but only eight returned. Who knew how many of this six would come back?