The Strongest Lunarian in One Piece

"Fleet Admiral William..."

"News from the East Blue reports that Commander 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 recovering after being poisoned—suddenly died in the hospital. Evidence suggests foul play, potentially involving medical staff!"

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

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

Inside the commanding 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 now appeared aged and burdened, the toll of years spent managing naval failures and suppressing chaos across the seas evident on his face.

His expression darkened as shock and anger consumed 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 announcement is having an overwhelming impact on the public. Those driven by greed and desperation are starting to act!"

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

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

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

Kong's voice grew colder as he continued:

"One lieutenant was even killed by a child who ran up to him and shot him at point-blank range. When the child was apprehended 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 continued:

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

"Even Vice Admiral Feck narrowly 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 clenched his fist.

"They're pushing the limits of arrogance!"

With veins bulging on his forehead, his fist slammed onto the desk, reducing it to splinters.

He couldn't believe the audacity.

The Fallen Angel Pirates had responded to the World Government's bounties on them by issuing their own, sparing no expense to target Navy officers at every level—even including World Government 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 Archipelago 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 murdering Celestial Dragons could go unpunished, some might believe they could survive the fallout.

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

"Fleet Admiral William, the situation is dire. Across marine 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 panicking, fearing a bullet in the back. Trust within our ranks has eroded to the point where many officers won't allow their subordinates near them."

"On my way here, I overheard discussions among officers planning to resign. Most of them are conscripts 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 Company for those who cut ties with the World Government."

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

Kong's voice carried a note of reluctant admiration for the cunning strategy. This was a blatant psychological attack—direct and ruthless, hitting the Navy where it hurt most. And it was working.

"Damn it..."

Hammons William's face flushed red with rage as his body trembled uncontrollably. His clenched fists shook as his breathing grew labored.

"That bastard El! He's gone too far!"