#411 - Chapter 411 The Widening Crack

In less than half a day, the Impel Down incident had spread throughout the entire sea.

Various forces, ordinary people, and even some hidden powerhouses were hotly discussing this turmoil that almost shook the world's structure.

The reason the news spread so quickly was obviously inseparable from the instigation of some interested people—those who had endured in silence due to the World Government's suppression had finally seized a breakthrough to vent their anger.

In the streets and alleys, taverns and ports, indignant voices echoed everywhere.

"What does the World Government mean?! They caused the mess themselves, and then they don't care about anything?!" A crew member slammed the table angrily, his face flushed red and his emotions agitated.

His voice was mixed in a clamor, but it was exceptionally clear.

"This time it's Impel Down! If those heinous pirates escape, who will bear the consequences?! The World Government?!\n"

A merchant next to him was equally angry, his eyes flashing with dissatisfaction and fear towards the government.

"The World Government is a parasite that sucks the blood of everyone in this world! What do we need them for? They are all selfish guys who only know how to enjoy themselves, a meaningless existence!" More voices joined this chorus of anger.

The tavern was in an uproar, and the air was filled with anxiety and unease, all worried about the future of this world.

This kind of voice was not limited to one place, and all over the world, the resentment that had been suppressed for a long time against the World Government was erupting because of this incident.

Those countries, fishing villages, and residents of small islands who were oppressed by government policies finally couldn't bear it any longer and voiced their opinions.

"I heard that Admiral Jin An has always upheld justice, and this time he was angered by the Five Elders!"

An experienced old sailor said, his words immediately attracting more attention.

"Jin An? I heard that he is not only powerful but also very responsible. He led Impel Down to suppress those escaped pirates, but he was criticized by those high-ranking guys! I really feel sorry for him."

Another retired marine in worn military uniform responded with a sneer:

"The Navy? Do you think the Navy and the World Government are the same thing? Impel Down and the Navy are simply being used by the World Government to clean up their messes! I don't understand how those navies who truly uphold justice can endure it."

"Yeah, a powerhouse like Jin An is still being used as a tool by the World Government in the end! I heard that his relationship with the Five Elders is very tense, and sooner or later he will turn against those old guys!"

"Who says no? The Five Elders are the root of all evil in this world. Every time something happens, they always let the Navy clean up the mess, but they hide in Mary Geoise and boss people around. Sooner or later, someone will not be able to stand it."

"......"

The tavern was full of discussion, people were either indignant or worried, but more were confused and uneasy about the future.

As the incident fermented, more and more people began to question the World Government's rule and authority.

Some people who once had faith in the government were now beginning to waver.

All over the world, a silent storm seemed to be brewing.

And at the center of this storm, Admiral Jin An's name became more and more dazzling in word-of-mouth, and seemed to have become a symbol of true justice in people's minds.

But how far can this justice go?

No one dared to be sure.

As time went by, angry voices continued to emerge, as if the accumulated magma had finally broken through the constraints of the rock layer, and a greater eruption was brewing.

......

At the same time.

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku slumped wearily in his marshal's chair, his hands limply resting on the armrests, his eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.

The documents on the desk were piled up like a mountain, but he was in no mood to deal with them.

The chaotic situation before him made him feel powerless. "What's wrong with this world? Why is it getting more and more chaotic?"

His voice was low, mixed with undisguised fatigue and confusion.

Jin An and the others undoubtedly completed this mission very well, not only completely suppressing the Impel Down rebellion, but also subduing a difficult criminal like Blackbeard.

Logically speaking, Jin An should have received more recognition and support, but Sengoku's headache was not here.

He knew that the real trouble came from the Five Elders.

Their attitude towards Jin An once again made him see the way those five old immortals handled things—cold and ruthless.

"They were able to easily drive Jin An out and let him chase those escaped pirates... and then Topman Warcury did nothing and returned directly to Mary Geoise."

Sengoku felt bitter in his heart. The Five Elders obviously ignored the changes in the situation and the hard work of Jin An and other navies.

He sighed softly, his lips pursed slightly, and a trace of helplessness appeared in his eyes.

"Are the Five Elders really not concerned about the impact of public opinion? If they continue like this, the Navy's credibility will be exhausted sooner or later."

Sengoku vaguely understood that the problem was no longer just the confrontation between pirates and the Navy, and the world's order seemed to be gradually disintegrating from within.

The incident spread too quickly, far beyond his expectations.

After that, Sengoku also keenly realized that the atmosphere in the Navy Headquarters had become unusually沉闷.

Many soldiers were dissatisfied with the World Government's decisions, and the doubt in their eyes became more and more obvious.

It was as if a thin string could break at any time, and if there was another opportunity, this suppressed emotion might erupt uncontrollably.

"The Navy's internal problems are more complicated than I thought," Sengoku thought to himself.

As the Fleet Admiral, he could clearly feel that the gap in the hearts of his subordinates was getting deeper and deeper.

And that gap was called "World Government."

He sighed and felt exhausted. Then, Sengoku picked up the Den Den Mushi and dialed Impel Down's communication.

"What's the situation over at Impel Down?" His voice was a little anxious.

Domino's voice came from the other end of the Den Den Mushi, calm and full of awe, "The damaged areas have been cleaned up, but Warden Magellan and Vice Warden Hannyabal are still unconscious, and their condition is currently stable."

Sengoku gently rubbed his eyebrows, listening to these numbers and casualty reports, his headache became more and more severe.

"What about the prisoners?"

"Nearly half of the pirates were killed in battle by Admiral Jin An, the Navy, and us. The remaining third escaped with the great pirates. The rest have been counted and imprisoned."

Domino's report was meticulous, with a hint of pride in her words, but more of respect.

Hearing that Jin An performed so well, Sengoku felt a trace of comfort in his heart, but then, that fatigue pressed back again.

Although Jin An was strong, one person could not resist the undercurrents of the entire situation.

He took a deep breath, his voice slightly low, and said, "If Impel Down needs anything, please ask, the Navy will do its best to provide assistance."

Domino on the other end of the Den Den Mushi responded solemnly, "Received, Fleet Admiral Sengoku."

The voice was sonorous and powerful, but Sengoku felt that the fatigue in his heart could not be dispelled.

He put down the Den Den Mushi, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes.

Fatigue and pressure surged like a tide, and he couldn't get rid of that sense of oppression.

The Impel Down incident was just the tip of the iceberg, and the rift between the Navy and the World Government was gradually widening, so deep that it was frightening.

...