[TIOP] Chapter : 122

Lena and Kalifa had handled everything else admirably. Now, Vice Admirals from Headquarters were arriving daily—drawn by curiosity, eager to witness firsthand the “new model of the navy” that Jack had been advocating.

In fact, shortly after Aokiji and Akainu’s previous visit, Jack had asked Kalifa to help draft a formal reform proposal. Though Aokiji hadn't given his approval, the momentum it sparked was undeniable. Since then, a steady stream of high-ranking marines had visited. The G1 Division wasn’t just famous within the navy anymore—it had become a symbol of innovation throughout the New World.

Even the desert kingdom of Alabasta had agreed to cooperate, welcoming Jack’s trusted subordinates to implement G1’s governance model within its borders.

Fishman Island, initially interested in the same plan, ultimately backed out. After a frank conversation with King Neptune, Jack advised against moving forward. The island was currently under Big Mom’s protection, and the presence of a marine force would only provoke her. Worse, relations between fishmen and humans remained fragile. A navy presence, however well-meaning, could easily backfire.

Originally, Neptune had hoped the navy might pave the way for peaceful contact between fishmen and the surface world. But Jack’s analysis of the current geopolitical climate convinced him otherwise—this simply wasn’t the right time.

Jack himself had hoped to bring Fishman Island under naval jurisdiction. But after the intense battle with the Whitebeard Pirates, the last thing the navy needed was a fresh conflict with another Emperor. Moreover, although Akainu had proposed a new wave of global conscription, neither the World Government nor the navy's leadership had approved it as quickly or enthusiastically as they had in the anime.

Despite the heavy losses during the Whitebeard War, the navy’s upper echelon remained intact. Sengoku and Garp were still present—retired from leadership, perhaps, but unquestionably ready to act in a crisis. The much-discussed duel between Aokiji and Akainu hadn’t happened either. Both men continued to serve as pillars of the navy. And, of course, there was Jack.

“Vice Admiral Issho, care to join a game today?” A cheerful voice called out as Issho and his team returned to the G1 base. Smiling residents greeted him warmly along the way.

Issho chuckled, waving a hand in mock defeat. “I’ve already lost my entire salary this month. I’ll join you again after payday!”

Everyone knew Issho had a soft spot for gambling—and equally terrible luck. He lost far more often than he won, which only made him more popular at the tables.

“Oh, what a shame! Well, if you’re in the mood for a drink, just head to the bar and sign it under my name,” said the gambler, who greeted him with a wink. “I’ll cover it later.”

Though the man often walked away with Issho’s money, he always found excuses to treat him afterward. Everyone knew Issho had no other source of income besides his navy salary. Over time, an unspoken rule emerged among the local gamblers: look after the kind-hearted vice admiral, even if he pretends not to notice.

“Really? That’s perfect,” Issho grinned. “I was planning to dine with Admiral Kurohyou, but I guess I’ll pass on that.”

He knew exactly what they were doing—and appreciated it more than he let on.

As they arrived at the G1 branch, Issho turned to the group behind him.

“Kaku, you’ve worked hard. Take the rest of the day off.”

“Ahh~ I’m not tired, just bored,” Jabra yawned exaggeratedly. “No pirates lately, no bounties to collect.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Kaku stretched lazily. “A peaceful life is better, don’t you think?”

His tone was calm, but the gleam in his eyes betrayed a longing for action.

“Is it all my fault? I should just commit seppuku to atone!” declared Kumadori, dramatically flipping his mane and pulling out a dagger. As he pressed it to his belly, he activated the Navy’s Tekkai—and the blade promptly snapped without leaving a scratch.

“Owwww! I can’t even commit seppuku properly!” he wailed, flinging the broken blade away in exaggerated despair.

“Chababababa! You’re all crazy!” exclaimed Fukuro, unzipping its mouth with a grin.

Everyone turned toward him simultaneously—then, in perfect unison, raised their feet and sent him flying out of the G1 base.

“You guys…” Issho sighed, rubbing his forehead in exasperation. He’d witnessed their antics countless times, but it never failed to challenge his sense of normalcy.

Just then, Kalifa approached with her usual poise, adjusting her glasses.

“Vice Admiral Issho, the admiral is expecting you.”

“Well, well, Kalifa! You’re looking lovelier than ever,” Issho said with a smile.

“Sir, you’re blind and can’t see me—so technically, that’s harassment,” Kalifa replied with a smirk. “I’ll be sure to report this to Admiral Kurohyou.”

“Ah~ I can’t see a thing, and I’m still getting accused…” he replied, laughing softly.

After spending time with the former CP9 members, Issho had grown used to their eccentricities. Given their pasts, none of it surprised him anymore.

When he entered Jack’s office, he immediately sensed something had changed.

“Congratulations, sir,” Issho said, smiling. “Your strength has improved again.”

“There’s been a bit of progress,” Jack admitted modestly. “But it’s not a huge leap.”

“You’ve just been keeping watch on the outskirts, keeping the pirates in check, right?” Jack asked, turning to him.

“We could try expanding outward,” he added, narrowing his eyes as he looked out the window.

“Really?” Issho’s smile widened. “Jabra and the others will be thrilled.”

He agreed completely. Repairs were nearly complete. It was time to move forward.

At that moment, Jack’s ship, the Pearl, was undergoing its final preparations for departure at the G1 branch port.

“Admiral, what’s the objective this time?” asked Gion—as she stood on the deck beside Chaton and Momonga. The three vice admirals had been assigned by Aokiji to support Jack’s operation.

“With the three of you joining forces alongside Issho and myself, our high-level combat power is more than sufficient,” Jack said as he spread out a map on the table. Pointing to the G1 branch's location, he continued, “Originally, I planned to push in this direction. Most of these islands are either neglected or belong to World Government member nations, which gives us the perfect cover. After all, no one can object if the navy says it's rescuing allies in distress, right?”

“But none of them have actually asked us for help,” Momonga pointed out.

Jack chuckled and waved his hand. “That’s just the pretext. Our true targets are those small, overlooked islands not yet claimed by the Four Emperors. As for the member states—if they refuse our assistance when our ships arrive, we’ll simply move on.”

“Move on?” Gion asked, clearly surprised. She remembered Jack as someone who didn’t give up so easily.

“Absolutely,” Jack replied calmly. “This is a critical moment for rebuilding the navy’s image. We can’t afford to damage our reputation over a single uncooperative nation. And we won’t sneak around behind their backs either—secrets never stay secret for long. If we ignore them now, they’ll come begging for our protection later.”

“And how do you plan to make that happen?” Gion asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Simple,” Jack said with a confident smile. “Benefits.”

The others exchanged confused glances, but seeing that Jack wasn’t offering further explanation, they held their questions.

“So… do we stick with the original plan?” Tokikake asked after a brief silence.

He and Jack had always had a good relationship—rocky at times due to their 'mutual' feelings for Gion, but ultimately forged into a solid friendship. That familiarity allowed him to speak more freely.

“Wouldn’t it be a waste of Fleet Admiral’s goodwill if we didn’t make full use of your presence?” Jack said, grinning as he tapped the map. “This route—the one we originally planned—is perfect for your team to handle. Meanwhile, I’ll take this route here.”

Tokikake’s eyes narrowed. “Isn’t that Blackbeard’s territory?”