On the shore of Gagao Island.
Sakazuki sat on a large rock.
The sounds of chaos from the island behind him could even be heard here.
At his feet lay two figures, limp as mud, Ivankov and Lightning.
Although under Sakazuki's control, they were not beaten to death, but under that immense impact.
Their bones were shattered, and they had directly fainted.
Bang—
Sakazuki’s index finger turned into magma, and flames erupted.
He brought it to his lips, lit his cigar, and took a puff:
“Phew—”
Smoke swirled around him as he quietly gazed at the sea…
His immense Justice cape billowed behind him…
------
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
In the Fleet Admiral’s office.
Although it was late at night, the lights were still on.
Sengoku sat at the Fleet Admiral’s desk:
“Fleet Admiral Kong, what is the meaning of the higher-ups?”
“Are they not going to resolve it?”
“Based on the available information, the Revolutionary Army is no longer a minor force.”
“From the government’s current intelligence alone, they control dozens of islands and involve quite a few affiliated nations.”
Snap—
A crisp sound echoed.
Kong put down his teacup and newspaper:
“We don’t need to worry about that for now.”
“It mainly depends on how the government defines them.”
“I have some understanding of the government’s intentions.”
“It’s nothing more than using the Revolutionary Army to reshuffle the affiliated nations.”
“Ever since the Kingdom of Tahama was breached by pirates who threatened its king to abdicate last time.”
“The Five Elders have been extremely displeased.”
“If it weren’t for the Cipher Pol No. 9 agents who killed all the soldiers held hostage and the pirates, the world might have gained another pirate nation by now.”
“The World Government’s affiliated nations represent some of the strongest countries in the world.”
“But if one of these strongest nations is breached by an unknown pirate and its throne is usurped.”
“Doesn’t that, in a way, show that the World Government is nothing special?”
“How many pirates do you think would be able to resist the temptation of becoming a king if such an opportunity arose?”
“And rebels and pirates are not the same thing. ‘Rebels’ represent an army formed by the dissatisfaction of the people of that country.”
“If they are overthrown, the world will be more accepting.”
“The World Government will also have a reason to expel them from the affiliated nations without raising suspicion.”
“If pirates overthrow a country, the consequences would be unimaginable. Pirates are inherently audacious.”
“Previous pirates plundered. If there’s a precedent set.”
“Then future pirates would become destroyers of nations, usurpers of thrones, and the entire world would descend into madness.”
“Not to mention the casualties, the pressure on the Navy would be immense.”
“So for now, let’s just maintain peace and stability on the seas step by step.”
“As for the Revolutionary Army, since the government is so complacent, you shouldn’t worry too much.”
Sengoku nodded:
“So that’s how it is…”
“I understand.”
Fleet Admiral Kong smiled:
“Sakazuki has also apprehended the people.”
“Prepare yourself. Once everyone is back, we will hold the Fleet Admiral promotion ceremony.”
“The Navy is in need of fresh blood.”
“Our era has passed…”
Sengoku chuckled lightly:
“Indeed, the Navy’s fresh blood has grown.”
“In the future seas, there will be only one absolute ruler.”
“That is the Navy.”
On the wall behind them hung a massive, imposing depiction of Justice…
Fleet Admiral Kong took a sip of tea:
“Have the candidates for the three Admirals been decided?”
Mentioning this, Sengoku felt a headache coming on and rubbed his temples:
“We have candidates, but selecting them is the problem.”
Kong looked at Sengoku:
“Tell me.”
Kong had no intention of interfering with the selection of the three Admirals; this was a test for Sengoku.
Sengoku sighed slightly:
“There are four candidates, but only two positions.”
“Barrett, whose strength and contributions are sufficient.”
“Kizaru, whose strength and contributions are sufficient.”
“Aokiji, whose strength is sufficient, though lacking in prestige, and possesses a formidable Devil Fruit ability.”
“Enel, whose strength is sufficient, though lacking in prestige, and possesses a formidable Devil Fruit ability.”
“The only one confirmed so far is Kizaru.”
He said with a mix of annoyance and amusement:
“This old fox, truly…”
“He leveraged his several years of duty in eradicating Fisher Tiger’s mission.”
“He established connections with the government.”
“Coupled with his sufficient strength and prestige, his ability to maintain neutrality with everyone without causing offense, he’s considered a neutral party.”
“So, one Admiral position has been secured.”
Fleet Admiral Kong nodded:
“A neutral party, eh…”
“So, for the remaining position, Aokiji would be the most suitable, wouldn’t he?”
Sakazuki is hawkish, Kizaru is neutral, leaving a position for a dove.
Sengoku sighed softly:
“Yes, but compared to the other two, Aokiji may not be convincing enough.”
“In terms of merit and raw strength, he falls short of Barrett, who defeated ‘Pluton’ Rayleigh.”
“In terms of background and Devil Fruit ability, he’s even less than Enel.”
“We’ve watched Enel grow up. He’s backed by Sakazuki, Z, Moria, and he even saved my son.”
“As for his Devil Fruit ability, lightning itself counters most abilities, and is a natural counter to those that conduct electricity.”
“However, both Barrett and Enel are Sakazuki’s men.”
“If I promote either of them, I fear I’ll become a commander without any real authority.”
“The best choice is Aokiji, but he himself is not easily accepted by others, and Sakazuki might harbor resentment.”
“Perhaps you could…”
Fleet Admiral Kong smiled and shook his head:
“You… you just think too much.”
“The Great Buddha Fruit grants you immense power, but it also makes you ponder more than others, and think more deeply.”
“Thinking deeply is a good thing, but when it comes to your own people, there’s no need to consider so much.”
“If you consider Sakazuki’s character.”
“You wouldn’t be so conflicted.”
“It’s true that Barrett and Enel are completely obedient to Sakazuki.”
“After all, when they were promoted to Vice Admiral in batches, Barrett voluntarily deferred his official position, waiting for Sakazuki to be promoted to Admiral before becoming a Vice Admiral.”
“And Enel is even less of a concern, he’s quite similar to your foster son Rosinante.”
“Since they are absolutely loyal to Sakazuki.”
“You should just talk to Sakazuki directly.”
“Sakazuki is not someone who is overly concerned with fame and recognition. While I don’t know his past experiences.”
“He didn’t even consider vying for this Fleet Admiral promotion.”
“In the thirty-odd years he’s been in the Navy, he’s either been killing pirates or on his way to kill pirates.”
“Therefore, the friction you’re worried about will basically not happen.”
“Of course… it’s not absolute.”
“It’s up to you to choose, after all, you will be the next Fleet Admiral.”
“These are all things you need to consider.”
--------
Gagao Island, shore.
Sakazuki stared at the sea, the cigar in his mouth slowly burning out.
Suddenly, a fierce wind swept through, bringing him back to his senses:
“Hm?”