After confirming the operational objectives, Carl proceeded to issue deployment orders, instructing Akainu and five other Admirals to lead their forces to the Red Line. Meanwhile, Zephyr, Sengoku the Buddha, and Tsuru were to remain stationed at Marine Headquarters.
None of the Admirals voiced any objections to this decision. They firmly expressed their resolve to carry out Carl's orders, leaving the veteran Marines deeply moved. The current Marine Headquarters was more united than ever before, a stark contrast to how things had been during Sengoku's tenure.
However, Sengoku suddenly spoke up,
"Fleet Admiral, may I join the troops heading to the Red Line this time?"
Everyone in the conference room turned to look at Sengoku, whose forehead veins bulged as an intense killing intent flickered in his eyes.
Rage filled his chest, and his emotional turmoil caused his Devil Fruit powers to stir. A golden glow flickered across his body. At this moment, he was no longer the benevolent Buddha but a wrathful guardian, ready to crush everything in his path.
Crack... Crack...
The armrests of the chair beneath Sengoku's hands fractured under the immense pressure, finally shattering into dust with a loud snap.
Unfazed, he gritted his teeth and growled,
"Damn Joy Boy! Even if it costs me my life, I will send him to hell!"
Upon learning that Joy Boy had completely possessed Luffy's body, Sengoku's hatred for him had become utterly irrepressible. Never in his life had he loathed someone so deeply!
He was convinced that the true culprit behind Garp's death was Joy Boy. No matter how reckless Luffy had been, he would never have personally killed his own grandfather!
Now, Joy Boy had even erased Garp's only remaining bloodline in this world. How could Sengoku tolerate this? He wished to tear Joy Boy into a thousand pieces and then crush him into pulp!
Standing beside him, Tsuru could understand Sengoku's feelings. She placed a hand on his shoulder and said softly,
"Sengoku, this is a meeting. Calm yourself. The deployment of forces is up to the Fleet Admiral."
Hearing Tsuru's voice, Sengoku took a deep breath, suppressing his raging emotions. He then stood up and turned to Carl, offering a sincere apology,
"Forgive me, Fleet Admiral Carl. I lost my composure."
Carl, unconcerned, waved a hand and said,
"Sit down, Sengoku. I approve your request. You may join the troops heading to the Red Line."
Sengoku was momentarily stunned, but his face soon lit up with excitement. He immediately saluted Carl and said,
"Thank you, Fleet Admiral!"
This was the first time Sengoku had ever saluted Carl. Seeing this, the gathered officers were deeply moved. Even the normally composed Tsuru could not hold back her emotions, subtly wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.
In truth, she also wished to go to the Red Line and fight Joy Boy. Her feelings for Garp were no less than Sengoku's.
However, she understood her limitations. While she was still a formidable Vice Admiral, one of the key figures in Marine Headquarters, her strength was not enough to make a decisive impact in this war.
Unlike Big Mom, who was born a monster, Tsuru, now in her seventies, often felt her age catching up with her. Rather than forcing herself onto the battlefield, it was better for her to remain at Marine Headquarters, acting as the "Grand Strategist," ensuring the base's stability and smooth operation.
As for the war, that was for Carl, the Marine Fleet Admiral, to handle.
This was the consensus of the entire Marine force. Carl was not only the Fleet Admiral Carl but also the Marine War God, the strongest force in the world. There was no battle he could not win!
Carl reassured Sengoku once more before sweeping his gaze across the assembled officers and declaring,
"Everyone, our ultimate objective this time is to kill Joy Boy and bring an end to this so-called Great Pirate Era. Is that clear?"
The moment Carl finished speaking, all the officers stood up in unison, saluting and shouting in unison,
"Understood! For Justice!"
...
With that, the meeting concluded. Akainu and the others immediately went to mobilize their forces. Battleships were readied at the ports, and troops gathered, preparing for departure to the Red Line.
Meanwhile, Carl used Kamui to return to the Figarland family estate.
By now, dusk was approaching. As soon as he arrived, he heard a commotion outside the estate.
Frowning, Carl summoned a golden-armored guard and asked,
"What's going on outside?"
The guard respectfully replied,
"The heads of various families have been waiting for you and Saint Garling to return. They've been standing outside the estate all afternoon."
Carl immediately understood—the news of Garling's appointment as one of the Five Elders must have been made public. The Celestial Dragons must be eager to offer their congratulations and take this opportunity to strengthen ties with the Figarland family.
After all, Celestial Dragons were still human, and this kind of reaction was expected.
The guard then asked,
"Should we let them in to meet you?"
Carl turned away and said indifferently,
"No. Let them wait outside until the family head returns."
"Understood!"
Just as he was about to leave, Carl suddenly stopped and asked,
"Is Saint Rosward among them?"
"Yes. Saint Rosward was the first to arrive."
Carl nodded and casually ordered,
"Let him in. Take him directly to the reception hall. I'll meet him shortly."
"Yes, sir!"
The guard withdrew, and Carl, deep in thought, made his way to his quarters.
...
Inside the palace, Shalria, Monet, and the others were lounging on a sofa, chatting idly. When Carl entered, the women immediately stood up to greet him.
Carl looked at Shalria and asked,
"Shalria, did you know that Saint Rosward is outside?"
Shalria blinked and said, "Yes, I was informed this afternoon."
"Hmm? And you didn't invite your father in? He's been standing outside all afternoon."
Shalria quickly waved his hands and said, "That would have been improper. Without your and Saint Garling's permission, Father wouldn't dare enter."
Carl chuckled and said, "You're my fiancée now. You have that authority. Besides, he's your father. There's no need to be so rigid."
Hearing Carl's words, Shalria felt warmth bloom in her heart. She obediently nodded, "Mm."
Carl playfully tapped Shalria's fair forehead before turning towards his bedroom. Monet and Boa Hancock immediately followed.
"I've already had Rosward let in. Once I change, you'll accompany me to the reception hall to meet him."
-----------
+180 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg