Chương 1946: Battle of the North Sea (9)

However, times have changed, and the situation is now quite different.

Especially after signs of division emerged within the Navy, it would be logical for either Akainu or Aokiji to leave the Navy and take with them about one-third of its military strength.

This unexpected turn of events has undoubtedly dealt a huge blow to the navy, and may even cause it to collapse and suffer severe damage.

The reason the Five Elders attempted to suppress the Navy's power was simply because the Navy had recently gained momentum and had quietly posed a potential threat to the World Government.

If the navy's strength were reduced by a third, the situation would be completely different.

At this point, the Five Elders were no longer just considering how to suppress the Marine Headquarters, but were doing everything they could to support and cultivate them.

Only in this way can we ensure that the navy continues to serve as a powerful tool of the world government and plays its vital role.

However, neither Momousagi nor Chaton, among the two candidates for admiral submitted by the Navy Headquarters, met the expectations of the Five Elders.

If there hadn't been any better candidates to choose from before, it wouldn't have mattered. But now, with the sudden emergence of Xiao, this person has undoubtedly brought new directions for Maz Saint to think about.

"Perhaps we could try inviting Issho to join the Navy and appoint him as an Admiral. This would not only quickly fill the vacancies caused by the weakening of our forces, but also effectively enhance the Navy's overall combat power. After all, once the next Fleet Admiral officially takes office, veteran admirals like Sengoku, Garp, and Zephyr will likely gradually retire and enter a semi-retirement phase. At that time, the Navy's actual combat-capable forces will inevitably decrease significantly.

Therefore, after careful consideration, I personally believe we should actively strive to recruit Issho and have him dedicate himself to the Navy's cause!"

Mazsan looked around and offered his insights and suggestions to the other four Elders present.

Upon hearing this, the other four fell into deep thought.

To be honest, they were really tempted by Mazsan's proposal!

It's important to understand that the world government is currently facing a very serious problem: powerful enemies are eyeing it covetously from the outside, while internally it is turbulent and fraught with crises.

The navy, in particular, has been practically paralyzed for almost a year—basically, there's been no activity at all.

Of course, the Five Elders were perfectly aware of this situation.

The root of all the problems, in the final analysis, is their own fault!

However, they didn't feel much regret or self-blame... After all, the Navy's power was indeed too great, to the point that even the Five Elders were starting to feel uneasy!

Just looking at the top-tier experts that the Navy has shown so far, their numbers are actually slightly more than those shown by the World Government!

There are also naval branches scattered across the five oceans, along with numerous powerful individuals at the middle and upper levels.

If the CP organization hadn't suffered such a heavy blow, the world government would probably be able to calm down a bit by now.

But that's exactly where the problem lies—due to years of continuous attacks from the Revolutionary Army, the World Government's own strength has already shrunk considerably!

In stark contrast, the navy has become increasingly powerful after a series of setbacks!

This made the Five Elders secretly sigh, "Sengoku is truly a man of hidden talent!"

Like an incredibly cunning old fox, he hides himself so well that it is truly admirable.

No wonder the world calls him a "wise general"!

At this moment, Nasujiro interjected, "However, if either Momousagi or Chaton has to withdraw from the election, the Navy will probably find it hard to accept, right? After all, the Admiral position is extremely important, and we can't easily interfere! If we anger those naval officers and trigger a strong backlash, then we'll be in big trouble! Moreover, the Fleet Admiral's personal intervention in this matter has already caused dissatisfaction among many older naval officers and younger naval soldiers!"

Pitt Saint chimed in, "That's right, the Navy is no pushover! And Sengoku is notoriously difficult to deal with!"

Mazsan suddenly countered, "That's true, but doesn't that mean the navy is becoming increasingly difficult for us to control?"

These words struck like a hammer blow, waking everyone present.

Saints Nassoulan and Piet, who had just spoken, were speechless and didn't know how to respond.

Then, Masun's gaze swept over everyone present, and he continued, "There's a fierce infighting going on within the Navy right now, doesn't this present us with the perfect opportunity? For so many years, the Navy has maintained a firm grip on power internally, remaining highly vigilant and on guard against any intervention from our World Government. Now that we've finally found a breakthrough, are you really going to just let this opportunity slip by?"

These words caused a slight ripple in the hearts of the other four elders, but they did not show much emotion on their faces.

Judging from their slightly furrowed brows, they were actually reluctant to accept this proposal deep down.

At this moment, Vochuli Saint, who had been silent all along, suddenly asked, "Will the Navy really agree to do this? After all, this is a major change concerning the entire naval system."

His gaze swept over everyone present, as if trying to find some answers from their reactions.

Maz Saint's lips curled into a slightly enigmatic smile as he softly replied, "Don't worry, Akainu will definitely agree."

Upon hearing this, the crowd, who had been somewhat puzzled, suddenly understood – so that's how it is!

However, Satan Saint immediately raised another crucial question: "But how can you be sure that Akainu will successfully become Fleet Admiral? You know, the fierce battle between the two sides is still undecided, and only three days and three nights have passed. Logically speaking, it should take at least another five or six days to reveal the final result!"

After saying that, he turned his gaze to Maz Saint, his eyes flashing with doubt and worry.

Masei nodded, agreeing with Satan's point of view, and replied with a serious expression, "Indeed, if Aokiji wins this duel, given his indifferent, even disregardful, personality towards the World Government, he would absolutely not tolerate the World Government interfering too much in the internal affairs of the Navy. Therefore, we only have one choice before us, which is to hope that Akainu defeats Aokiji and thus successfully ascends to the position of Fleet Admiral!"