By the time the World Conference concluded, it was already morning of the next day. The 1512 World Conference, though it had resulted in the Ryugu Kingdom and Water Seven becoming World Government affiliates through Michael's intervention, had also left behind some drawbacks. While Nusjuro's proposal regarding the Revolutionary Army wasn't approved, many nations along the Grand Line—particularly those in the first half known as "Paradise"—had begun developing wariness toward the revolutionary forces. This was hardly surprising... After all, these nations weren't ruled by upright monarchs like those of Alabasta, whom even the Revolutionary Army couldn't find reason to oppose. Their oppression of commoners was truly appalling. Thus, after the conference, these kings didn't depart immediately but instead held secret discussions with Saint Nusjuro. Michael was aware of this, yet he had no grounds to interfere in private meetings between kings and the Five Elders. His jurisdiction covered the Marine, not the World Government itself. Still, the number of such kings was small, unlikely to change anything significant. The Revolutionary Army would simply need to pay special attention to these nations when resuming their armed liberation campaigns. Standing at the prow of the Seraphim Ship, Michael gazed distantly at Pangaea Castle, his mind solemn. Imu remained too enigmatic... Despite currently stretching the World Government thin across three fronts, until he truly understood Imu's capabilities, the World Government would always hold the dominant position. After all, obliterating the entire Lulusia Kingdom in the blink of an eye was undeniably strategic nuclear weaponry. Whether it was Imu's own power or that of the "Uranus" under their control, this was the weight pressing upon everyone, the Sword of Damocles hanging over all their heads. As Michael pondered this, a figure quietly appeared beside him. "Michael, what's on your mind?" "...Old man Sengoku, are you trying to scare me to death?" "After all these years, is it so hard to just call me father?" "Though it's been a long time, I still remember the faces of the couple who gave me life..." "Enough, let's save these topics for when we have more leisure time." Sengoku waved his hand, indicating he didn't care much about these matters. "What were you thinking about earlier? Any thoughts on the matters at the World Conference?" "Actually, it's quite telling that only one of the Five Elders came to preside over the World Conference. It shows they're not particularly invested in this matter... So we still have time." Sengoku studied Michael's profile for a long moment before suddenly reaching out and giving him a knock on the head. "Ouch! Old man! Who taught you that? Why did you have to learn from that old rogue Garp?" Michael rubbed his head. "I'm thirty years old now, and the Grand Inspector of the Marine to boot! Getting spanked by my adoptive father at this age is downright embarrassing, you know!?" "If you know it's embarrassing, then you should have consulted me first!" Sengoku's anger was unmistakably genuine, his face turning slightly green. "You practically turned the entire Grand Line upside down, didn't you!?" "Ahem, well, that's not entirely my fault..." Michael spread his hands helplessly. "Water Seven... no, we should call it Shipbuilding Country now. The issues with Ship Country had to be resolved... The so-called Pluton represents a guarantee for the World Government - a military safeguard that ensures their ruling position even if they break ties with the Marine." "Then why not just take the schematics for yourself?" Sengoku frowned. "Given the depth of their cooperation with you, this matter isn't actually non-negotiable." "It is negotiable, yet it isn't." Michael said calmly. "I could directly take control of Pluton's design schematics—that would undoubtedly be the safest option... but not for the people of Water 7." Sengoku opened his mouth but didn't speak. Clearly, he wasn't a fool. He'd also realized that if this matter in Water 7 wasn't resolved openly... then in the future, this free trade city would undoubtedly be targeted by the World Government for various reasons. After all... the rulers of the World Government were the most vindictive Celestial Dragons. "So this overt scheme not only makes Water 7 the Ship Country and one of the World Government's affiliated nations, but also keeps the Pluton schematics safe while drawing all the hatred onto me alone." Michael spoke lightly, his two Wings even fluttering slightly. "Anyway, there are already too many conflicts between me and the World Government... one more really doesn't matter. As they say, 'In for a penny, in for a pound.'" Sengoku looked at his adopted son and ultimately all his words dissolved into a sigh. "Old man Sengoku, who did you learn this sighing habit from?" Michael gave Sengoku a strange look. "You already look old enough as it is—sighing just makes you seem older..." "Get lost, you brat." Sengoku rolled his eyes, then said, "You left too quickly earlier. Your sister had something to say to you, so now I'm relaying the message..." "What is it? Did something happen in the Germa Kingdom?" "The Germa Kingdom is thriving—what problems could there be? Backed by Alabasta, they're in a period of rapid development... It's about your nephews. Sora has finally decided to have them officially join the Marines." "Huh? Reiju is twelve, so she barely meets the age requirement... but the other little ones should only be nine, right?" Michael's lips twitched. "Sending them to become Marines this early? Can't the Germa Kingdom afford to keep those little troublemakers?" "Michael, even though you're their blood uncle, you've spent far too little time with them... Even I, their nominal grandfather, have spent more time with them than you and your sister." Warmth filled Sengoku's face as he mentioned the children. "Their abilities absolutely cannot be equated with their age... Have you ever seen kids who could snap steel bars at five? Though Vinsmoke Judge wasn't a good father, his Lineage Factor research truly gave Reiju and the others the foundation to become strong." "After all that... it seems you've already reached a consensus with my sister." Michael raised an eyebrow. "So, what are you planning?" "The Marines' current strength is only temporary. The most important thing is to avoid a gap in the ranks... Although after the Three Admirals, there's your group leading the charge, we'll need even more young talents in the generations after that." Sengoku smiled and said. "So, I've decided to follow CP9's example—selecting talented youths from naval families and around the world to form a special genius training program for the Marines... personally instructed by Zephyr." ----------------------------- ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝘯𝘦𝘵 Read 40 chapters ahead and support me on . (.)com/Newbietranslator