Military expenses had always been the biggest issue for Marine Headquarters.

In the past, they could still apply to Mary Geoise for extra funding.

But given the current situation, Staff Officer Tsuru estimated that even the World Government itself was out of money.

Several transport ships along secret routes had been sunk, and Mary Geoise was already on high alert under wartime conditions.

Thankfully, the members of the God's Knights personally led a fleet and managed to carve out a new supply route, barely maintaining the material support to the Holy Land.

Moreover, with a month still to go before the next Heavenly Tribute payment from the member nations, Tsuru knew full well that the government wouldn't be able to spare any additional funds for Marine Headquarters until then.

And even if they did have extra funds, reconstruction at Mary Geoise would take precedence—when would it ever be the Marines' turn?

The other officers had also realized the same issue and were frowning deeply.

Just then, another question came through the Den Den Mushi from the reporters.

This one made all the Marine generals—and even every Marine stationed in Marineford—stare wide-eyed at the screen.

"...Daren-san, we've heard that a few days ago, a fierce battle broke out at Marineford. You clashed violently with three of your former comrades—Vice Admirals who are recognized within the Marines as 'monsters.'"

A female reporter asked sharply,

"Now that both the government and the Marines have issued public bounties on you, does that mean you've officially broken ties with the Marines? If so, what identity will you assume on the seas going forward?"

The question instantly grabbed everyone's attention.

It was common knowledge that Rogers Daren had come up through the Marines. From the North Blue to Marine Headquarters, he shared countless ties with the organization.

Hailed as the "strongest Marine genius in 800 years," Daren held military authority over both the North Blue and the New World's G5 branch before the incident. His achievements were monumental—he was one of the brightest stars in the Marines.

Yet now, this man had suddenly shifted from a top contender for the positions of Admiral or even Fleet Admiral to the "most dangerous criminal in the world."

The transformation in status was one thing, but his stance toward the Marines was a separate issue entirely.

Former comrades turning against each other, old friends becoming enemies… this sort of drama captivated attention in any era.

Faced with the question, Daren simply smiled.

"Since I chose to stand here, I was already prepared to cross swords with my former comrades. In fact, I don't want them to hold back on me."

"Why?"

The female reporter asked curiously.

"If I'm not mistaken, you had a good relationship with them, didn't you?"

"Yes."

Daren smiled.

"I consider many of them to be close friends. But it's precisely because they are close friends that I want them to stay true to their own sense of justice."

His response left the reporters momentarily stunned, lost in thought.

Back at Marine Headquarters,

Many Marines were visibly moved by his words—some even had tears welling up in their eyes.

True friends don't stand in the way of each other's beliefs.

"As for the identity I'll take on moving forward..."

Daren continued,

"As I said earlier, identity doesn't matter."

"The World Government can strip me of my Marine title, take my uniform, and declare to the entire world that I, Rogers Daren, am the most dangerous criminal alive. None of that matters."

"But they can't stop me from continuing to pursue my justice."

At that moment, the former Vice Admiral slowly raised his head, his gaze turning cold and forceful.

His deep, resolute voice spread across the entire world through the Den Den Mushi transmission.

"For 800 years since its founding, the World Government has sat high above the clouds, looking down upon a world filled with disaster and pain."

"They've used all kinds of methods to force over 170 Member Nations to pay enormous sums of Heavenly Tribute each year in exchange for protection from the government and the Marines... using political constructs like the Member Nation system to maintain control over the seas."

"But in truth, I regret to tell you all a cruel reality."

"Though I am now wanted by the World Government and Marineford with the world's highest bounty, in my heart, I still consider myself a Marine—and I believe it is my duty to warn you: the Heavenly Tribute you pay... is meaningless!"

"When real war comes, the Marine fleets won't be able to save your countries. The arrogant World Government won't care whether you live or die."

"This conclusion was proven three days ago."

"When the North Blue fleet hovered over the capitals of several Member Nations, and when call after call for help was sent to Mary Geoise, the only answer the World Government gave... was silence."

"For the past 800 years, the World Government has used its sky-high Heavenly Tribute standards to plunge the world into poverty and corruption. Poverty and corruption have bred constant war... and those wars have only created more war."

"And the arrogant, decaying, self-proclaimed gods—the Celestial Dragons—have feasted on the spoils left behind by those endless wars."

Daren stepped forward and sneered.

"Now, I hereby announce to the entire world: the North Blue has officially severed ties with the World Government's Member Nation political system!"

"The countries and islands of the North Blue will no longer be required to pay outrageous Heavenly Tribute. Instead, they'll pay only the minimum taxes as set by past conventions—and in return, they will receive the full military protection of the North Blue Fleet!"

"The North Blue Fleet is now the most powerful military force in the world... and we answer to no nation, no government, and certainly not to some so-called 'god'!"

"Any force or organization that dares to invade the North Blue will be considered an enemy—and will be completely annihilated by the North Blue Fleet!"

"These terms take effect immediately!"

Daren raised his hand sharply.

A flash of visible blue electricity crackled between his fingers.

Boom...

A deep rumble echoed through the building.

The earth trembled as twisted steel burst upward, and the entire ceiling of the banquet hall was blown clean off.

Before the horrified eyes of hundreds of reporters,what unfolded above them wasn't a boundless blue sky—It was a massive aerial fleet.

Dozens of streamlined metal warships hovered in a tight, disciplined military formation above the clouds.

As the entire world stood frozen in stunned silence, the man who called himself a "Justice Marine," the "most wanted criminal in the world," slowly spread his arms.

He smiled into the wind.

"I will protect you... in the name of the 'King of the North Blue.'"

The moment the words left his mouth, the iron-blooded, unyielding fleet above roared to life.

Every warship fired in unison. Explosions lit up the waters around Coin Island in blinding waves of fire.

Flames surged skyward!

Before anyone could even process the terrifying speed and firepower of the North Blue Fleet—

"Oh, right. I nearly forgot something... Esteemed Five Elders."

Standing atop the high platform, the former Vice Admiral turned to the Den Den Mushi lens.

"Especially the great Saint Jaygarcia Saturn. I have a message for all of you."

He grinned.

"Sorry... but North Blue is still my North Blue."

The screen froze.

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