"The next item on the agenda is the application for promotion of Commodore Rogers Daren of Marine Headquarters to Vice Admiral."
Tsuru flipped through the file in her hands and began to calmly explain to the gathered officers:
"Commodore Daren, like the two Rear Admirals before him, hails from the turbulent North Blue. He began his career as a low-ranking deckhand and rose through the ranks step by step, eventually becoming the highest-ranking military commander in the region..."
"Under his leadership, the North Blue Marine forces doubled in size within just two years. The region, once overrun by pirates and criminal syndicates, saw a dramatic improvement in public order."
"According to the latest assessments, North Blue is now one of the most stable, peaceful, and prosperous seas among all four Blues—and even across the Grand Line."
"Most importantly, during Commodore Daren's tenure as North Blue Admiral, every major member nation of the region publicly expressed support for his policies... He has laid a strong foundation for the long-term development of the North Blue and provided solid security backing, playing a key role in reinforcing the government's authority."
Tsuru's voice remained steady and clear, ensuring that everyone in the room heard her without confusion.
"Beyond his excellent administrative capabilities, Commodore Daren has also been outstanding in the execution of Marine operations."
She didn't hold back on the praise. Despite her personal distaste for Daren's hunger for power and his indulgent tendencies, once she realized his connection with Gion, Tsuru had no choice but to speak in his favor.
"Since joining the Marines, Commodore Daren has completed 613 missions, taken down more than 20,000 pirates, and captured over 2,000 with bounties exceeding 10 million Belly."
"Furthermore, he defeated the 'World Destroyer' Byrnndi World, and engaged multiple times in battle with Whitebeard, Kaidou, Big Mom Charlotte Linlin, and Gol D. Roger without falling behind. He even single-handedly annihilated the pirate fleet under the command of the 'Flying Pirate' Shiki, and thwarted Shiki's scheme during the Battle of Marineford, ultimately protecting Marine Headquarters..."
As Tsuru listed Daren's jaw-dropping accomplishments, the Marine officers present couldn't help showing looks of pride and amazement.
Garp and Zephyr in particular wore expressions of satisfaction, practically beaming with a "that's our student" kind of pride.
In the back row, Kuzan was trembling with excitement, eyes glowing.
"...In light of Commodore Daren's outstanding achievements and contributions to justice, Marine Headquarters has submitted a special request to promote him to Vice Admiral."
Tsuru slowly closed the file and said in a low voice,
"If anyone has any objections, you may raise them now."
At her words, the World Government officials from the Inspectorate glanced at each other, momentarily at a loss.
Leadership, political skill, strength, strategy—Daren had it all. There were simply no weak points to attack.
He had Sakazuki's ruthlessness and resolve, along with Borsalino's finesse and tact.
"I have a question!"
Suddenly, one of the World Government officials stood up.
A smirk tugged at his lips as he stared mockingly at Daren, clearly thinking he had him cornered.
"Commodore Daren, according to our intelligence, during your time stationed in the North Blue, you engaged in inappropriate relationships with numerous queens, princesses, and noblewomen from various nations. Because of this, you've earned the nickname 'Scum of the Marines.' This behavior has seriously damaged the reputation of the Marines. What do you have to say in your defense?"
There it is!
The moment he asked the question, Sengoku, Tsuru, and Zephyr all felt their hearts sink.
They'd expected this. These Inspectorate bastards were bound to go after Daren's discipline and personal conduct.
Before Daren could respond, Sengoku hurriedly interjected.
"Commodore Daren's private affairs shouldn't be considered in today's session. They have no bearing on his ability to fulfill his duties as a Marine—"
"Admiral Sengoku," the official cut him off with a cold smile, "according to the rules of the hearing, Commodore Daren must answer all questions personally."
Damn it!
Sengoku clenched his jaw and cursed silently.
They were hiding behind procedure, leaving him no room to argue. All he could do now was hope that Daren could bluff his way through.
"Commodore Daren?"
The officials from the Inspectorate turned toward the inquiry table, smirking as they eyed Daren.
Daren suddenly smiled.
"I don't see anything here that needs explaining."
He lifted his head, his tone righteous and unwavering.
"As the highest-ranking officer in the North Blue, it's my duty to pay attention to the needs of the people."
"This is about caring for the citizens. It's part of my responsibility as a Marine."
C-Caring for the citizens?
Sengoku was stunned.
Zephyr looked utterly baffled.
Garp froze mid-senbei, two streams of snot dripping from his nostrils.
The Marine officers in the room completely glitched out, staring blankly ahead.
The World Government officials flushed red in disbelief, clearly furious.
Caring for the people was one thing.
But caring for them in their beds? That wasn't part of the deal!
And more importantly, where was the "care" for the men?!
Utterly shameless!
And yet this level of shamelessness was delivered with such righteous conviction!
These seasoned officials prided themselves on their political experience, having dealt with all sorts of crooks, charlatans, and degenerates over the years. They thought they'd seen everything.
But this... they had never seen before.
"Commodore Daren! This is a formal hearing!"
The questioning official stood up, furious, slamming the table.
Daren simply shrugged.
"I'm answering seriously. It's not my fault if you're not taking it seriously."
"My efforts to care for the public have not only strengthened military-civilian cooperation and earned support from member nations, but have also elevated the Marines' standing among various royal courts..."
He smiled.
"So you tell me—has it worked or not?"
Everyone: ...
Kuzan rubbed his chin thoughtfully and muttered,
"You know... he kind of has a point..."
The official's face shifted from red to purple, cycling through a whole palette of outrage.
Then another voice cut in coldly.
"Commodore Daren, how do you explain this—under your command, the North Blue Marines earn several times more than those in other seas?"
"Headquarters allocates roughly equal military budgets across all four regions. So why does the North Blue receive such high salaries?"
"What exactly is the source of that funding?"
Sengoku, Zephyr, and the others tensed slightly at the sharp question.
This touched on a very sensitive issue—one they had long chosen to ignore.
"The budget, huh..."
Daren sighed, looking mildly troubled.
"How do I put it... the North Blue is chaotic, and our policies have to adapt."
"In these conditions, North Blue Marines suffer far higher casualty rates than other seas. So I believe that in high-risk environments, higher compensation is only fair."
"You can't expect people to risk their lives for the pittance from HQ alone, right?"
"Well, I'm just looking out for my men."
Sengoku: ...
Zephyr: ...
Tsuru: ...
Garp burst into loud laughter.