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Chapter 1309: Respect for Me as a Fleet Admiral
Chapter 1309: Respect for Me as a Fleet Admiral
Conquer King, David Pancha.
The Pancha family had deep historical roots.
Eight hundred years ago, they were the Royal Knights sworn to protect the Dressrosa royal family, the Donquixotes. Eight centuries later, when King Riku lost his power, they rose again. They seized Dressrosa from the Great Pirate Donquixote Doflamingo and grew stronger than ever.
If the Revolutionary Army hadn’t suddenly launched its terrifying offensive against the World Summit’s kings, this summit would have targeted David.
His actions were excessive. Regardless of whether a nation was a member state, any country near him was conquered—about 70-80% of their territories annexed. The small nations that remained existed in constant fear but lacked the qualifications to attend the World Summit. They were too insignificant—some weren’t even proper nations, just islands.
David’s extreme conquests naturally angered the other kings.
They’d joined the World Government, paying heavy taxes for stability. How could they accept a new threat like this? Was it any different from the Vinsmoke family’s tyranny? Why wouldn’t the World Government intervene?
Ah, but the World Government itself was a coalition of these kings. It had no authority over such matters—the power to decide rested with the World Summit, held every four years.
This summit was meant to be their chance. They’d planned to vote, forcing David to release his conquered territories. His domain was too vast, too intimidating. If left unchecked, his word would become law, his strength unmatched. The world’s stability would crumble, and war would become inevitable.
Even the Insect Country and the North Blue’s Four-Nation Alliance had followed David’s example, embarking on their own conquests.
The World Government had no rules against such conflicts—they’d always allowed wars. But this scale of conquest was unprecedented.
They needed to impose limits. If left unchecked, the world would descend into chaos.
Yet the Revolutionary Army’s sudden emergence threw them into disarray. With threats at their own doorsteps, they had no bandwidth to meddle in others’ affairs.
More importantly, they now saw the benefits of expansion. Larger territories meant greater strength, making it easier to combat revolutionaries and pirates.
Look at Dressrosa—no Revolutionary Army presence at all. Wasn’t that proof of their strength? After all, the New World was the revolutionaries’ main battleground, known for its chaos.
Now the revolutionaries had spread to the Grand Line’s First Half and the Four Seas, clashing with navies already overwhelmed by pirates. The Revolutionary Army’s war was now their own burden. If their territories were larger, their strength greater, wouldn’t the situation improve?
So no one dared challenge David anymore.
There was another advantage: weapons.
The World Government supplied limited arms, prioritizing the Navy—their largest force. Most nations had to buy weapons on the black market, expensive and unreliable. But David offered an 80% discount, guaranteeing quality.
They’d seen Dressrosa’s weapons—once a major arms hub, though the source was unclear. The quality was undeniable. Perhaps David traded with New World pirates?
But as kings, such dealings were normal. Even the annihilated Flower Country once harbored pirates.
Weapons were the priority. Orders poured into David’s hands.
They needed arms and soldiers to defend their kingdoms against the revolutionaries.
With CP’s assistance, they could hold out for a year.
...
New World, Marine Headquarters.
Warships lined the port as Navy officers disembarked, returning to headquarters.
This time, most brought few subordinates—their forces remained stationed in their regions. Navies maintaining New World battle lines returned in small groups of ten aboard patrol ships. Those from the Grand Line’s First Half or Four Seas transferred through Mariejois, cramming onto warships. Most arrivals were New World forces; Four Seas navies were rare.
The war wasn’t just in the New World—they were fighting pirates elsewhere too.
Kuro understood.
It wasn’t about disliking grand spectacles. As Fleet Admiral, he couldn’t avoid the spotlight. But this scattered arrival of forces was slightly embarrassing.
Still, the plaza beneath headquarters was densely packed with Navy officers—a decent show.
But the real spectacle wasn’t here. It was reserved for his planned event.
All warships within signal range activated their Transponder Snails. Without image-capable models, they could only listen to Kuro’s voice from headquarters.
Maintaining battle lines and hunting pirates made it impossible for all navies to attend. Smoker, for instance, was still fighting pirates.
At least listening in was a gesture of respect.
After all, Golden Lion Admiral’s promotion to Fleet Admiral was a rare event. Those who couldn’t attend felt guilty.
“Ahem. First, to the frontline Navies—thank you for your hard work.”
Kuro’s voice crackled through the Transponder Snail at Marine Headquarters’ tower. He held the snail, overlooking the disciplined ranks below, his voice echoing across the compound.
“This promotion was sudden. Honestly, I hesitated—I considered declining, but let’s face it, who else could handle it? No one else seems qualified.”
His tone was light, drawing chuckles from the crowd.
But it was true. Golden Lion Admiral was the only choice.
“To those frontline forces who couldn’t attend—your absence is justified. We can’t abandon hard-won advantages for a ceremony. Imagine replacing me because the Fleet Admiral’s promotion caused a crisis? Pirates would laugh at us.”
“Some say not attending disrespects me. I disagree. Look at those present—they’re representatives chosen from countless duties, sacrificing frontline time for this ceremony. That’s respect enough. Those absent have more urgent tasks—killing pirates. Every pirate they kill is a greater honor to me than this ceremony.”
(End of Chapter)
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