Enel boarded the Raijin to journey to the boundless land (Vearth)—the Moon. As of now, only Wright knew that the destination was indeed the Moon. Perhaps Dr. Vegapunk and another renowned scientist were also aware of this fact.
Unfortunately, Wright could not find any information about the enigmatic Dr. Tsukimi. Though he hailed from the same Future Kingdom, Baldimore, as Vegapunk, he seemed to have left no trace in the world.
Enel's early departure to the Moon left uncertainty about whether he would arrive in time to stop the Space Pirates' invasion.
If those idiots caused too much destruction and scared off the Dr. Tsukimi, they would suffer the consequences.
Clearing his thoughts, Wright began the most crucial project on his agenda—
The construction of the new Marine branch base in the New World!
As the former commander of the New World's G-5 Branch, both current Vice Admirals of the branch were known across the globe as Wright's staunch allies.
The G-5 Branch now not only bore the heavy responsibility of intercepting the Four Emperors pirate crews, monitoring New World developments, and blocking pirates entering the New World but also served as a critical support point for establishing the new branch base.
With Wright's promotion to Admiral, the Marines' momentum was at an all-time high. Following the Whitebeard Pirates' recent raid on a Marine ship to seize Lightforged Crystals, the Marines had launched a resolute counterattack.
However, the Whitebeard Pirates had suddenly pulled back their lines. Even with Smoker and Rosinante personally leading teams, they had captured few of Whitebeard's subordinate crews.
Kaido continued stockpiling forces in Wano Country, thriving in his weapons business with Doflamingo. Meanwhile, Big Mom had been unusually quiet, as if struck by an unknown blow.
On the other hand, another Emperor, Red-Haired Shanks, had begun moving more frequently.
"It seems Shanks is seizing the opportunity to expand his influence."
Wright, along with Rosinante and Smoker, discussed at the G-5 Branch. As an Admiral, the three senior brothers were largely required to guard Marineford, but Wright enjoyed far more freedom.
In terms of global mobility, if Wright claimed second place, no one would dare claim first. Therefore, most New World affairs fell under his purview.
Sengoku, knowing Wright's temperament, left all matters involving the Celestial Dragons and the World Government to the shameless Kizaru. Wright stayed far away from those troubles.
As for Sakazuki and Kuzan—
Sending Sakazuki to deal with the Celestial Dragons would likely result in him extending his Absolute Justice to their attendants if they obstructed his pirate suppression efforts.
Kuzan, on the other hand, would either be out cycling, making ice sculptures, or sleeping. Hoping for timely support from him was wishful thinking—better to rely on Kizaru working overtime.
Wright had received Sengoku's highest authorization to prepare the new branch base. However, the most critical factor in the base's construction was withstanding pirate attacks.
With three Four Emperors unusually quiet, dealing with Shanks would make it the perfect time to establish the new base.
"This time, I'll pay Shanks a visit…"
Wright pondered for a moment, then said something that made Smoker and Rosinante's expressions change drastically:
"It's been over ten years… I wonder if that guy's drinking skills have improved."
"You've met Shanks before?"
"You've had drinks with him?"
Rosinante quickly deployed a Silent Zone, while Smoker bit through his cigar holder.
"Ten years? You met Shanks before joining the Marines?"
"Huh? Didn't I tell you?"
Wright smirked. "Back then, that red-haired brat invited me to join his crew, but I slapped him down right on the spot!"
"If I hadn't pulled him out of that bar, he might have been crushed to death by drunkards before ever becoming an Emperor. Ahahaha!"
Smoker and Rosinante exchanged looks—so the Marine Admiral was invited by a future Four Emperor but turned him down…
Would Shanks regret that decision? Or should they marvel at how the Red-Haired had such keen judgment even in his youth?
"At least you won't get killed by the Red-Haired Pirates."
Rosinante flicked his cigarette, the smoke mingling with Smoker's two cigars.
Speaking of which, Wright had recently discovered a huge secret about Smoker—
During their last encounter, Ace had burned one of Smoker's cigars, leaving him heartbroken. That's when they learned that despite always chewing two cigars, Smoker only ever lit one. The other cigar's smoke was a simulation created by his ability!
Ace had been dumbfounded.
When asked why he smoked two cigars but only lit one, Smoker's reply was simply—
"One cigar doesn't have enough style."
Damn style!
Why not just simulate both cigars with your ability?!
The answer: "Without fire, it doesn't have the right flavor."
Ace had ranted to Wright, who had been equally stunned.
From that day forward, whenever Wright's crew saw Smoker chewing two cigars, they knew he was about to show off.
Leaning back on the sofa in a classic pose, Smoker gazed at the ceiling with a detached air.
"You're a Marine Admiral. One Warlord is your man, two others are close friends. Alabasta, Fish-Man Island, and Germa are on your side, and even the neutral Gran Tesoro follows your lead. Now you have an old drinking buddy among the Four Emperors…"
Smoker sighed, lifting his head. "You really have connections everywhere. What about Shanks—any chance he'll become an ally?"
"Well…"
Wright thought carefully and shook his head.
"Not sure. I haven't been able to figure out his plans for the past decade. He's not someone who would abandon his principles just because we shared a few drinks."
"If we can exclude Shanks from the equation while the other three Emperors remain quiet, we'll have a great chance to build the new base!" Rosinante nodded.
"Prepare everything. If the opportunity arises, act immediately!"
Wright stood up and high-fived his two closest friends.
"Once the new branch is secured, the Marines will solidify their hold on the New World! As long as we withstand the initial retaliation, our position will become unshakable!"
Suddenly, an idea struck Wright.
"Hmm… After all these years, maybe I should give Shanks a little surprise."
"Hah! Let's hope he doesn't take it as a shock!"
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