Seeing the look of regret on that bastard Borsalino's face, Sengoku couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth. He sighed inwardly with resignation.
This bastard was infuriatingly irritating—every word out of his mouth made you want to punch him in the face—but overall, he got the job done. Plus, Borsalino's strength was shrouded in mystery. Leveraging the inherent advantages of the Pika Pika no Mi, he possessed extraordinary mobility and finishing power.
Though Zephyr had repeatedly criticized his overreliance on Devil Fruit powers, in a way, it was also a form of recognition. While his true combat limits had never been fully tested, Sengoku believed his strength more than sufficed for the position of Admiral of Marine Headquarters. Beyond that, Borsalino's credentials were beyond reproach.
As the top graduate of the first Elite Officer Training Camp at Headquarters, he was a senior to both Sakazuki and Dragon, standing as the most seasoned "monster" among the younger generation. Compounded by the fact that Borsalino is now one of the few Marines trusted and heavily relied upon by the government, Admiral Sengoku's decision to promote him to Admiral at this juncture also carries political considerations—it wasn't purely about removing him from sight to avoid annoyance.
"After all... the Admiral position has been vacant for far too long," Sengoku murmured wearily, a flicker of melancholy and loneliness passing through his eyes.
How glorious the Navy once was. He and Zephyr as Admirals, alongside that bastard Garp—a Vice Admiral in name yet wielding power rivaling an Admiral—sailed the seas under Fleet Admiral Kong's command, shining brightly as defenders of the world's justice. The three were hailed as the "Pillars" of the Navy, their reputations unshakable.
As fierce rivals and steadfast friends, they competed with open integrity while respecting each other's strength and convictions. But now? Zephyr "defected" from the Navy, founding the so-called Neo Marines to oppose the World Government and the Navy itself, pursuing his own vision of justice.
As for that old fool Garp? After the Roger Pirates disbanded, he simply vanished—who knows where he's vacationing now? And what about me? I've lost the government's trust, the Navy is in shambles, and I'm left holding the fort alone, running myself ragged. Even those so-called "Shichibukai" can now brazenly breach the Marines' defenses and spout insolence.
These thoughts only deepened Sengoku's irritation. Perhaps Borsalino was right—if it were that brat Darren in his place, the Marines would never suffer such indignities. At the very least, those Shichibukai wouldn't dare act so brazenly. But the truth was, Sengoku knew he wasn't Darren. Darren could be impulsive, reckless—but Sengoku couldn't afford that.
"However..." Sengoku suddenly frowned, his tone turning cold.
"Crossing the security perimeter is one thing, but boarding this old man's warship with such brazen disregard... isn't that a bit too presumptuous?"
He turned, gazing up at the golden-haired youth perched atop the mast. The youth sat with one leg crossed over the other, clad in a pink feathered coat.
"...Doflamingo."
As Sengoku's voice cut through the icy sea breeze, the Marines on deck snapped to attention, their expressions turning pale as they stared up at the towering ship's mast.
"That's…"
"Donquixote Doflamingo!"
"Shichibukai... 'The Heavenly Yaksha'!"
"…He actually boarded the warship!"
"When did this happen?!"
"..."
Amidst the Marines' gasps, Doflamingo sat atop the mast, letting out a defiant chuckle. His dazzling golden short hair shimmered brilliantly under the sunlight, resembling a golden crown.
"Truly worthy of an Admiral—spotted in an instant... But I did overhear some intriguing news."
He glanced at Borsalino standing behind Sengoku, his eyes crinkling in amusement.
"Then... should I offer my congratulations in advance? New Admiral?"
Borsalino shrugged, grinning widely.
"If anyone should be offering congratulations, it should be me to you."
"—Enough!"
Sengoku, already in a foul mood, grew irritable and cut off their exchange.
"Doflamingo, what exactly do you want?"
He narrowed his eyes coldly.
"Or should I respectfully address you as... Deputy Commander?"
At this, the Marines poised to raise their guns froze abruptly. A wave of unease and restlessness spread through the crowd on the deck.
As members of Admiral Sengoku's flagship crew, they possessed greater insight into high-level details and intelligence than ordinary marines. Especially regarding this inauguration ceremony held in the Holy Land, Mary Geoise—besides the appointment of the Knights of the Gods' captain, another individual would be named as the Vice Commander of the God's Knights!
Yet none had anticipated that this candidate would be Donquixote Doflamingo! He was a Shichibukai—a pirate! Could it be... that Doflamingo's true identity was that of a Celestial Dragon, a member of the World Noble?
At this thought, the expressions of the gathered Marines turned to shock and disbelief.
"Fufufufu, that won't be necessary... I haven't sworn my oath of office yet, Admiral Sengoku."
Doflamingo laughed with a touch of madness, his gaze fixed on Sengoku with playful mockery.
"I was just passing by and thought I'd drop in for a greeting. No need to get so worked up."
"After all, I expect we'll have plenty of opportunities to cooperate in the future."
Sengoku gritted his teeth but said nothing.
"Doflamingo-sama, the time is nearly upon us. Please proceed to Pangaea Castle without delay."
At that moment, an official vessel bearing the World Government's cross-shaped emblem of authority approached slowly. A graceful figure wearing a fox mask stood at the bow, smiling as she spoke.
Doflamingo glanced at the visitor and sneered.
"Tell those five old men to wait a bit longer. Are they so impatient at their age?"
Stussy, wearing the mysterious fox mask, shook her head and replied calmly:
"This is the order from the Five Elders. They request your immediate presence at Pangaea Castle... Before the ceremony begins, the Elders seem to have something they wish to convey to you."
Doflamingo narrowed his eyes. After a second of tense standoff, he laughed again.
"Fufufufu, well, I suppose there's no helping it."
"In that case, Admiral Sengoku, we'll have to continue this discussion another time."
Sengoku clenched his fist and suddenly declared:
"Doflamingo, as an Admiral, I must warn you... the position of Vice Commander of the God's Knights is no easy appointment."
"Oh?"
Doflamingo raised an eyebrow, his tone amused.
"Who dares lay a finger on me?"
Sengoku sneered.
"Don't forget the existence of Rogers Daren."
Doflamingo fell silent instantly. He shot his figure skyward with a glance at Sengoku, vanishing swiftly over the Red Line.
Sengoku chuckled inwardly. That brat Darren's reputation still packs quite a punch, huh.
But when he turned around, he caught CP0 agent Fox's gaze fixed on him—a faint, peculiar look in her eyes.