#657 - Chapter 657: Dilemma Solved
Inside the meeting room, the atmosphere gradually became oppressive.
Everyone lowered their heads, brows furrowed, clearly troubled by the Navy's future financial problems.
In the past, the Navy, relying on the World Government's vast financial support, hardly needed to consider these issues.
But now, faced with empty financial ledgers, everyone's hearts were filled with unease.
"We can't wait any longer."
An elderly Navy Vice Admiral said in a low voice, a hint of anxiety flashing in his eyes,
"If we don't solve the funding problem, we won't be able to maintain our combat power.
This not only concerns the updating of warships, but also the operation of our entire system; even the most basic military rations may become a problem."
Just as everyone fell into silence, discussing how to find funding sources, the meeting room door was suddenly pushed open, and a young staff officer hurried in, his face with a hint of excitement.
Almost before he could speak, everyone had already noticed his unusual demeanor, and even the burdens in their hearts seemed to lighten instantly.
"Report!"
He straightened his body, his tone urgent but full of anticipation,
"I just received an important message regarding funding."
Everyone's eyes were immediately drawn to him, the anxious atmosphere instantly replaced by a fresh hope.
The young staff officer, almost without waiting for anyone to ask, couldn't wait to continue:
"The New Navy can provide us with a portion of the military expenses, on the condition that the Navy only needs to pay a very small price.
After negotiations, we have reached an agreement."
"What?"
A Navy Admiral looked up in surprise,
"The New Navy is willing to provide us with military expenses?
What are their requirements?"
The staff officer nodded, took a deep breath, his expression with some pride and excitement:
"Actually, the requirements are not significant.
The New Navy simply hopes that we can provide support in some cooperative projects, such as jointly responding to certain threats, coordinated operations, and so on.
In general, their requirements are far below our initial expectations."
The reactions of the Navy's top brass shifted from shock to contemplation.
Most people's faces showed expressions of surprise and doubt.
The New Navy, although it was an emerging force, had demonstrated unprecedented strength during this period.
And what surprised the Navy's top brass the most was that, in the face of this situation, there could be such a relaxed cooperation proposal.
"You mean they are willing to take out a portion of their funds to help us through our difficulties?
And we only need to do some cooperation?"
The elderly Admiral asked in a low voice, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes, but also with some caution.
The young staff officer nodded, a smile unconsciously appearing on his face:
"That's right, their current financial resources are hardly a problem.
After all, with the support of the 'Golden Emperor,' money is just a string of numbers to them."
"'Golden Emperor'…"
Another Admiral murmured, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes.
This title refers to the source of the New Navy's wealth...
This person, known as the "Golden Emperor," can almost be said to be the embodiment of wealth.
Under his control of enterprises and resource systems, money is no longer a scarce commodity, but a resource that is almost endless and inexhaustible.
"It seems that the New Navy is indeed the most promising force on the sea today."
A young Navy Captain smiled, his tone with some admiration,
"Being able to reach cooperation with such a powerful force, the Navy's future seems to be full of infinite possibilities."
Although everyone still had doubts in their hearts, getting help from the New Navy at the moment was clearly the biggest turning point they had hoped for.
After all, the Navy was no longer the institution that only relied on the World Government in the past, but had the ability to develop independently.
Now, with the support of external funds, coupled with the New Navy's help in some areas, the Navy will be able to continue to consolidate its dominance at sea.
"But we still have to act cautiously."
The elderly Admiral spoke again, his tone serious,
"Cooperation is a good thing, but we can't lose the Navy's own principles and dignity because of funding problems.
Our cooperation with the New Navy must be carried out within a reasonable framework, and we can't let them lead us by the nose."
"Don't worry, sir."
The young staff officer replied confidently,
"I have already consulted with Fleet Admiral Sengoku and the others, and this cooperation does not require us to make excessive promises.
Our independence is still guaranteed."
Hearing this, the atmosphere in the meeting room eased again.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but remained vigilant in their hearts.
After all, financial support is the key to solving the problem in the short term, but in the long run, the Navy still needs to strengthen its own construction to ensure that it is not hijacked by the interests of any party.
"In that case,"
A Navy Admiral finally smiled and said softly,
"Let's start from this and re-plan the Navy's future.
The New Navy's financial injection is the help we need most at the moment.
But we can't forget our mission either."
In a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere, the meeting gradually got back on track.
The Navy's top brass discussed the specific action plan for the next steps.
Although there were many challenges and variables ahead, they finally found a way to solve the funding problem and saw hope for the Navy's revival again.
"'Golden Emperor'?"
The young staff officer murmured this name in his heart, feeling a strong sense of motivation.
"It seems that the Navy's future will not only be as simple as defending the world order.
Cooperation with the New Navy will be a revolution that changes the entire ocean situation."
Inside the meeting room, the atmosphere among the Navy's top brass finally shifted from dull to excited.
The funding problem that had just been discussed was finally settled. This military expenditure from the New Navy undoubtedly broke their predicament and laid the foundation for their future.
Those pirates who could not be touched because of financial constraints would no longer be a threat, and their goals would gradually shift to higher enemies.
"With financial support, we can finally restore the combat power of our Navy."
Navy Headquarters Vice Admiral Bruno Wilson swept his gaze over the surrounding Admirals with a long-lost firmness in his tone.
"In the past, we were always constrained and unable to pursue those pirate leaders or launch effective cleanup operations.
Now, there are no more such restrictions."
His words were like a thunderclap, causing a stir among the Navy's top brass.
Hopeful sparks flickered in everyone's eyes, as if they saw the dawn of a long-lost victory.
"Yes, Vice Admiral."
A young Rear Admiral nodded, his eyes full of excitement,
"Now we have enough resources to pursue those pirates lurking in various places, especially those leader-level guys.
Before, we could have caught them, but we couldn't launch a large-scale manhunt due to financial problems."
An elderly Navy Admiral also smiled slightly:
"Yes, especially as the pirates are starting to stir, and many leaders are secretly gathering forces.
If we don't have enough resources to deal with these threats, we will be affected sooner or later."
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