Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Who Do You Think I Am?
After Sengoku voiced his discontent to the Five Elders in their solemn office, he found himself reluctantly agreeing to their recommendation to promote Galen, despite his reservations.
Sengoku's frustration stemmed from his deep awareness of the deliberate constraints the Five Elders imposed on the growth of Navy Headquarters.
It was a delicate balance between upholding their sense of justice and preventing the seas from descending into utter chaos under the tight grip of the World Government, which tightly controlled every aspect of Marine military expenditures.
The dilemma wasn't just philosophical; it was practical too.
The Marine, like any organization, needed resources to function efficiently.
Warships, weapons, and all vital assets were under the tight control of the World Government.
Allowing Marine bases across the globe to independently manage their military expenses was simply not an option under such centralized control.
This stark reality highlighted a fundamental difference between the disciplined structure of Marine and the more anarchic, wealth-driven world of pirates.
While pirates varied greatly in strength and motivations, from formidable captains to humble crewmates, Marine's operations were intricately tied to bureaucratic processes and financial support from the World Government.
The death of Bai Xiao and Galen's subsequent promotion sparked ripples not just within Marine but also among the notorious Seven warlords, drawing their attention to this rising star in Marine's ranks.
In the tumultuous seas of the New World, the news of Bai Xiao's demise elicited mixed reactions.
Kaido of the Beasts, known for his ruthless strength and fondness for powerful Zoan Fruit users, initially mourned Bai Xiao's passing.
However, his sorrow quickly transformed into a cold resolve, emphasizing his belief that the sea had no place for weakness.
Meanwhile, the Red Hair Pirates, a force to be reckoned with in the upper echelons of piracy, acknowledged Galen's actions, albeit with a hint of indifference.
To them, a single Marine star's feat wasn't enough to disrupt their established status within the Four Emperors group.
Amidst these shifting dynamics, the legendary Whitebeard, nearing the twilight of his illustrious life, remained a steadfast pillar in the pirate world.
His focus was not on the internal machinations of Marine but on ensuring the safety and happiness of his vast pirate family aboard the mighty Moby-Dick.
As Galen's star continued to rise, both Kaido and Whitebeard kept a keen eye on this emerging Marine talent.
For Kaido, it was a matter of identifying potential threats and allies in his quest for dominance.
In contrast, Whitebeard cherished the simple joys of camaraderie and familial bonds, finding fulfillment in the laughter and camaraderie of his crew as they sailed towards an uncertain future in the ever-changing seas.
After a cursory glance at Galen's information, Big Mom quickly shifted her focus to more delightful matters, like indulging in mousse cake and hosting a tea party.
The rising Marine star in West Blue didn't capture much attention from the likes of Big Mom, who was more interested in her immediate pleasures than distant navy promotions.
However, news of Galen's commendation by the World Government did stir up discussions in West Blue.
Galen's promotion to Vice Admiral of the West Blue branch surprised many, including Duke, the region's patrol envoy.
Initially anticipating Galen's transfer to more prominent posts, the decision to keep him in West Blue created an unexpected opportunity for Duke to consolidate power in the region.
Galen's reputation as a Marine Vice Admiral, highlighted by his defeat of the legendary White Owl, cast a significant shadow across West Blue.
This newfound authority led to the Valoran family's establishment of the Valoran Chamber of Commerce, supported by Galen, further solidifying his influence in the region.
As Galen's influence grew, so did the Valoran family's monopoly plans on essential services like water, electricity, and the burgeoning lottery business.
The Valoran family's initiatives gained traction, with even potential competitors hesitating to challenge their dominance, given Galen's backing.
The prevailing sentiment in West Blue shifted towards aligning with Galen's authority, recognizing his position as a top-ranking Marine official.
This acknowledgment extended beyond mere respect for Galen; it became a matter of giving face not just to him but also to Navy Headquarters and the World Government.
Despite some reservations from certain quarters, such as the Flower Country, the Valoran family's ventures flourished, leveraging Galen's support and the Valoran Chamber of Commerce's growing influence.
Meanwhile, the Valoran family's military prowess, bolstered by figures like Graves and Sett, added an additional layer of deterrence in the region.
Duke's modest ambitions focused on providing essential services to the populace, leveraging the Valoran family's resources to benefit millions in West Blue.
As developments unfolded, Bastille Rear Admiral's focus shifted towards a more immediate concern: the infamous pirate Gangplank, whose activities posed a threat in West Blue.
Bastille, eager to prove himself before his promotion to Navy Headquarters, was determined to confront Gangplank, even without Galen's assistance.
The impending clash with Gangplank symbolized not just a battle for control in West Blue but also a personal test for Bastille's reputation as a Rear Admiral, amidst Galen's rising stature as Vice Admiral and West Blue's patrol envoy.
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