"Fleet Admiral William..."

  "News from the East Blue reports that ander Esk, head of the 77th Branch, was shot and killed in his office by a junior officer, who then beheaded him!"

  "Additionally, in the West Blue’s 116th Branch, Captain Mayson—who was initially rec after being poisoned—suddenly died in the hospital. Evidence suggests foul py, potentially involving medical staff!"

  "The perpetrators of these heinous acts have fled and remain at rge!"

  In the first half of the Grand Li Marineford, the new Marine Headquarters stood tall and imposing, rgely resembling its former structure.

  Ihe anding office, a visibly panicked aide rushed to deliver a report to Fleet Admiral Hammons William, who was seated behind his desk.

  "What!?"

  Hammons William, wearing his white fleet admiral’s coat adorned with medals, sprang to his feet. His once-vigorous figure noeared aged and burdehe toll of years spent managing naval failures and suppressing chaos across the seas evident on his face.

  His expression darkened as shod anger ed him.

  "It’s not just the East Blue," came a grim voice from the office door.

  Steelbone Kong—streaks of gray lining his temples prematurely—entered with a stern expression. The Admiral’s tone was sharp as he addressed his superior.

  "The Fallen Angel Pirates’ bounty annou is having an overwhelming impa the public. Those driven by greed and desperatioarting to act!"

  "Moments ago, news arrived from the South Blue’s 98th Branch: Base ander Ronnie was shot in the back by a civilian during a routirol and is now hospitalized with severe injuries."

  "In the North Blue’s 126th Branch, Base ander Falk was attacked during a meeting by a Navy officer who threw a bomb onto the fereable, causing mass casualties. Upon interrogation, the perpetrator admitted he acted out of desperation after incurring heavy gamblis!"

  "Additionally, at the Sabaody Archipego, reports firm that a lieutenant, two ensigns, and five sergeants have been assassihe culprits ranged from pirates to bounty hunters and even ordinary thugs."

  Kong’s voice grew colder as he tinued:

  "One lieutenant was even killed by a child who ran up to him and shot him at point-bnk range. When the child rehended and questioned, it turned out they were lured into the act for less than 100 Berries!"

  "This is beyond abhorrent!"

  His face darkened further, and after taking a deep breath, he tinued:

  "Sihe Fallen Angel Pirates issued their bounties less than half a day ago, nearly a dozen officers at the rank of odore or Rear Admiral have been killed. As for lieutenants, captains, and majors, casualties already number in the dozens, and the t tio rise!"

  "Even Vice Admiral Fearrowly escaped a poisoning attempt while dining in a restaurant during his leave at Gourmet City. If he hadn’t noticed the suspicious behavior of the server, we might have lost him as well."

  "Damn those Fallen Angel Pirates!"

  Hammons William’s face turned a furious shade as he ched his fist.

  "They’re pushing the limits ance!"

  With veins bulging on his forehead, his fist smmed onto the desk, redug it to splinters.

  He couldn’t believe the audacity.

  The Fallen Angel Pirates had respoo the Wover’s bounties on them by issuing their own, sparing no expeet Navy officers at every level—even including Wover officials.

  Not even the highest authorities—the Five Elders, the Holy Knights, or the Celestial Dragons—were excluded from their hit list.

  The bounties were astronomical, enough to make anyone’s blood run cold.

  If a Celestial Dragon dared to visit Sabaody Archipego now, someone might actually take a shot at them. In the past, offending a Celestial Dragon was tantamount to a death sentence. But now, with the Fallen Angel Pirates as living proof that even murderiial Dragons could go unpunished, some might believe they could survive the fallout.

  With rewards of such magnitude, bined with the promise of prote from the Fallen Angel Pirates, there would be no she of desperate gamblers willing to risk everything.

  "Fleet Admiral William, the situation is dire. Aarine bases worldwide, many Navy officers are now afraid to even leave their posts."

  Steelbone Kong’s expression was a mix of fury and worry.

  "Even officers without active bounties are panig, fearing a bullet in the back. Trust within our ranks has eroded to the point where many officers won’t allow their subordinates hem."

  "On my way here, I overheard discussions among officers pnning tn. Most of them are scripts from allied nations brought in during the World Recruitment campaign!"

  "The Fallen Angel Pirates’ statement that those who leave the Navy will have their bounties revoked is making an impact. They’ve even promised sizable severance payments through the Hell Trading pany for those who cut ties with the Wover."

  "If we don’t act swiftly to stabilize morale, the sequences will be disastrous!"

  Kong’s voice carried a note of relut admiration for the ing strategy. This was a btant psychological attack—dired ruthless, hitting the Navy where it hurt most. And it was w.

  "Damn it..."

  Hammons William’s face flushed red with rage as his body trembled untrolbly. His ched fists shook as his breathing grew bored.

  "That bastard El! He’s gooo far!”