It wasn't just Marihe Wover, or Cudius w tirelessly to develop their influend recruit talents. Every major fa was doing the same. The Revolutionary Army was moving in silence, and of course, the pirates were stantly expanding their ranks.

  Among the pirates, the ones developing their operations most aggressively were Charlotte Linlin, Kaido, Dofmingo, and Crocodile.

  Even Enel could be ted in this group. Haviured into the New World, he was carving a name for himself. Given two more years, he could likely take up the mantle of a Seven Warlords of the Sea without much difficulty.

  As for Whitebeard, e's fa wasn't showing the same explosive growth. The Whitebeard Pirates felt like they were on the defensive, g the same aggressive expansion seen with others.

  What set Linlin apart from the rest, though, was her methodology. While Dofmingo, Crocodile, and Kaido pursued power by "seeking a kingdom," carving out territories like Dressrosa, Abasta, and Wano, Linlin's approach was entirely different.

  Rather than seeking a kingdom, she had built one.

  The "Whole Cake Isnd" region of Totto Land was the rgest pirate nation in the New World. prising dozens of isnds spread across aire sea, it had developed rapidly, though it hadn't yet reached its peak. Even now, its strength was undeniable.

  Normally, f a pirate nation of this scale would require hundreds of years of accumution. But Linlin ma in mere decades, and she used the most unventional methods to do so.

  By ensuring her personal strength remained unmatched and tirelessly expanding her family through relentless childbearing—ten or more children at a time— Linlin rapidly grew her influence. Adding to this, her frequent marriages and alliances brought in talent and power, further solidifying her empire.

  Through these political marriages, Linlin recruited skilled individuals from across the sea, strengthening the foundation of Totto Land. And now, her sights had fallen on Gild Tesoro—a rising star in the dark world.

  Tesoro's background was , supported by CP-X and the Wover, so much so that even the renowned intelligework of the Big Mom Pirates couldn't uncover any skeletons in his closet.

  As a ruler of su expansive system, Linlin was stantly in need of money. After all, any major power seeking to grow required massive financial resources to sustain their operations. Naturally, when a financial genius like Tesoro emerged, Linlin's i iqued.

  "I didn't expect this," Cudius murmured as he rubbed his , his tone ptive.

  It hadn't occurred to him that Tesoro would catch the attention of the Big Mom Pirates. Yet now, it seemed like an opportunity worth seizing.

  After thinking for a moment, Cudius asked, "So what's Marine pnning to do about this?"

  Sengoku smiled knowingly. "For the third time, Yhness, I must stress this is only an idea. We've been busy with internal restructuring over the past week and haven't formalized anythi."

  "Well, even if it's just an idea, let me hear it. I'm curious," Cudius replied with a smirk.

  "Why else would I bring CP-X into this? Without your assistance, any pn we make is doomed to fail," Sengoku admitted openly.

  Cudius raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "So, we're talking about a decapitation strike, aren't we?"

  "Exactly. I knew you'd get it, Yhness," Sengoku said, his tone a mix of relief and anticipation.

  Before Cudius could respond, Sengoku tinued, "As I said, this is only a cept right now. A rge-scale war is off the table, it's her practior timely. But if we rule out open warfare, the best option is a surgical strike.

  "If we elimihe head of the Big Mom Pirates—Charlotte Linlin herself—the eto Land system would colpse. We wouldn't eveo intervene further; the sea's hungry wolves would desd and devour what's left."

  "Sounds ambitious," Cudius remarked, though his expression didn't betray his thoughts.

  "To pull it off, we he right timing and the right tools. Linlin's tea party provides the perfect opportunity, and CP-X is the perfect tool," Sengoku said firmly.

  Cudius stared at Sengoku with a peculiar expression. Moments ago, the fleet admiral had cimed this was "just an idea," yet now he was outlining the pn iiculous detail. Clearly, Sengoku had thought this through.

  Sengoku ignored Cudius's skeptical look and pressed on. "The tea party will gather the upper echelon of the Big Mom Pirates, leaders who are usually spread across Totto Land. On any other day, it's impossible tet them all effectively.

  "But at the tea party, they'll all be in one pce. A decisive strike could capture or eliminate a signifit portion of their leadership."

  "Wait a sed," Cudius interjected. "You're talking about capturing them all? Don't you think that's a bit... overambitious?"

  Sengoku chuckled sheepishly. "It's not about capturing everyone, just as much as we . The more, the better."

  Cudius leaned back, crossing his arms. "And you're fident you hahat? What if the tables turn? Who's the hunter, and who's the prey in this sario?"

  "With CP-X on board, I believe we trol the situation," Sengoku replied fidently.

  "Are you sure?" Cudius pressed, narrowing his eyes.

  Sengoku hesitated briefly but then nodded. "If you it your resources fully, I'd say it's a solid bet."

  Cudius rolled his eyes. "I k. You're just trying t me into this mess."

  "e now, Yhness," Sengoku said with a grin. "Punishing evil and promoting good, it's our shared responsibility, isn't it? You're not afraid of a little pirate, are you?"

  Though Cudius saw through the provocation, he couldn't help but smirk. "A little pirate? You're uimating Linlin. But fine, I'll bite. I've never beeo back down from a challenge."

  Sengoku's grin widened. "Exactly. With Mariop-tier forces and CP-X's expertise, we strike a devastating blow. We've do before—Byrnndi World, Dougs Bullet. This is no different."

  Cudius mulled it over. It was true, Marine and CP-X had successfully colborated on high-profile takedowns before. A, something about this pn seemed... overly ambitious.

  Before he could voice his doubts, the door to the office opened, and Vice Admiral Gioered. Her sharp gaze immediately locked onto Cudius, her expression cold.

  "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the venue is ready. The inaugural speech begin," Gion said crisply.

  Sengoku nodded. "Uood."

  Gion turo leave but not befiving Cudius another pierg gre.

  "What was that about?" Cudius asked, genuinely puzzled.

  Sengoku chuckled. "Yhness, you really don't remember? Yed for Mihawk to challenge our swordsmen at Naval Headquarters. Gion was one of his oppos."

  "Oh, I see," Cudius said, scratg his head. "Let me guess—she lost?"

  "In terms of pure swordsmanship, yes. But in overall strength, it was more of a draw," Sengoku expined.

  "No wonder she's gring at me," Cudius said with a shrug.

  Sengoku stood, gesturing toward the door. "Care to join me for the speech?"

  Cudius waved him off. "I'll pass. Global live broadcasts aren't my thing. I'll just offer my gratutions in advance."