"Hah~"
"Now this is the life~"
Sitting in his office, Kong took a sip of tea, a look of contentment on his face. He was clearly enjoying his current life.
Although he had paid a certain price, with his life and death now in the hands of others, it was nothing compared to what he had gained!
Just then, the voice of an attendant came from outside. "Commander-in-Chief, Fleet Admiral Sengoku requests an audience."
"Oh?"
"Sengoku is here."
Hearing that it was Sengoku, a complicated look flickered in Kong's eyes. He then said, "Let him in."
With that, Kong tidied up the things on his desk, leaving only a tea set.
He then crossed his arms and looked at the door, waiting for the man's arrival.
A moment later...
Creak~
The office door was pushed open, and Sengoku walked in with a blank expression.
"Brother Kong."
Looking at the man sitting in the chair, a complex emotion flashed through Sengoku's eyes.
"Mm."
Kong nodded, then pointed to the sofa opposite his desk and said, "Have a seat."
After glancing at the clean sofa, Sengoku strode over and sat down quite naturally.
"What are you doing here instead of keeping an eye on things over there?" Kong asked.
As he spoke, Kong poured a cup of tea for Sengoku and flicked it across the desk to him with a skillful motion.
Sengoku glanced at the tea on the table, picked it up, and took a small sip before speaking. "Of course, I've come to see you about something important."
Kong fell silent for a moment before saying, "Is it because of Garp?"
He was aware of what that fellow Garp had done.
"It's partly related to him," Sengoku nodded. "I want to know how the World Government plans to deal with him."
Although Garp had indeed contributed during that war, he had ultimately violated some rules. Therefore, Sengoku wanted to know if the World Government would use this as a pretext to make an issue of it.
If they had such intentions... he would have to find a way to protect Garp!
"You know how serious his offense was," Kong said, rubbing his temples. "So the World Government can't just pretend nothing happened."
"Then..."
"I pleaded for him, but the effect wasn't as good as I'd hoped," Kong said.
As soon as he said this, Sengoku's expression changed instantly.
"Does the World Government intend to eliminate Garp?" Sengoku asked hurriedly.
If those people really planned to do that, then he...
"That's not it," Kong shook his head. "Considering his merits and status, the World Government has ultimately decided to strip him of his post."
"But his rank will remain unchanged, and he can stay in the Marines. This way, he can continue to train young Marine Recruits."
Hearing Kong's explanation, Sengoku breathed a sigh of relief.
Although this meant Garp would lose his actual authority, it didn't really have a major impact on him.
After all... the man's prestige was immense!
With just a single word from him, he could mobilize a large number of Marines even without official power!
So, this punishment was rather painless and inconsequential for Garp.
Thinking of this, Sengoku said, "Then I thank you on Garp's behalf, Brother Kong."
Although Brother Kong said his plea didn't have much effect, that was definitely not the case!
Without this man's intercession, the World Government's punishment for Garp would have been much more severe!
So, he was still very grateful to his old superior.
"Shouldn't that bastard kid be the one saying that?" Kong raised an eyebrow.
"He's too embarrassed to see you..."
"The two of you caused me no shortage of trouble in the past. Since when did you learn to be embarrassed?" Kong said irritably.
He got angry just thinking about Garp's grinning face. That bastard had a sense of shame?
How come he never knew that before?
In response, Sengoku could only give an awkward smile, not knowing what else to say.
"Forget it, I can't be bothered to stoop to his level," Kong said.
He knew what kind of personality that bastard Garp had, so he couldn't be bothered to argue with him.
Then, Kong said, "But you need to remind him when you get back not to cause any more trouble, or else..."
Kong didn't finish his sentence, but Sengoku understood his meaning.
If something similar happened again, the World Government would no longer indulge that fellow. They would definitely make a move to kill him!
Thinking of this, Sengoku nodded. "Alright, I'll tell him when I get back."
"Good, then you can go," Kong said. After speaking, he picked up the tea on his desk and took a sip, his expression gradually becoming one of contentment.
"Hm?"
Glancing at Sengoku, who was still standing in the same spot, Kong said, "Why haven't you left yet?"
"Are you planning to stay and have a meal with me?"
As he spoke, Kong glanced at the clock and continued, "It does seem to be about time for a meal. I..."
Without giving Kong a chance to continue, Sengoku interrupted him directly, "Brother Kong, you should know what else I want to say."
He didn't believe the other man was unaware of what he had said at Marine Headquarters.
Kong fell silent for a moment, then sighed. "Do you really have to do this?"
He was aware of what had happened on the Marines' side, so he had guessed Sengoku's purpose for coming here.
But now that it had come to this, he was reluctant to let Sengoku go.
After all... Sengoku was truly a man suited to be the Marine Fleet Admiral!
"Someone has to take responsibility for this war, don't they?" Sengoku said. "Besides, I really am a bit tired..."
As he spoke, Sengoku's expression became somewhat complicated.
Ever since becoming the Marine Fleet Admiral, he had done too many things he didn't like, so... he was truly tired.
If possible, he wished he could retire right now.
"Tired, are you...?"
Looking at Sengoku's expression, Kong fell silent.
As the previous Marine Fleet Admiral, he naturally understood how difficult it was for the person in that position, so he could understand Sengoku's feelings.
"If that's the case..." Kong hesitated for a moment, then said, "Then I'll approve your request."
A hint of joy flashed in Sengoku's eyes, and he said, "Good, then I'll just..."
"Let me finish first!" Kong interrupted Sengoku. "I can agree to your request to resign as Fleet Admiral, but you cannot leave the Marines."
"I need you to be like Garp, understand?!"
This man had been a Marine Fleet Admiral, after all, so he couldn't possibly allow him to resign and leave the Marines.
"Mm, I can agree to that," Sengoku nodded.
He had thought of this before coming. After all... he knew too much!
Under these circumstances, the World Government would never let him go, so he was prepared for this.
"It's good that you can accept it," Kong said.
"Actually, spending the rest of one's life like this is also a good choice," Sengoku said, staring into Kong's eyes.
Understanding the hidden meaning in Sengoku's words, Kong fell silent for a moment, then sighed helplessly.
Sengoku and Garp had a choice, but he did not.
Shaking his head, Kong changed the subject. "The two of you leaving the front lines will definitely be big news."
"Those pirates who are called legends will surely laugh out loud when they see such news."
Seeing Brother Kong change the subject, Sengoku swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
Then, he said, "Rest assured, the new era of our Marines will make them shut their mouths!"
"Oh?"
Kong showed a look of interest upon hearing this. "Could it be that some good prospects have appeared in our Marines?"
"There are indeed quite a few good prospects, but I'm particularly optimistic about a young man who has recently emerged," Sengoku said.
"Who is it?"
"A young man named Smoker," Sengoku said. "After experiencing this war, it's as if he's had an epiphany. He's a completely different person."
Recalling the smoky young man, a smile appeared on Sengoku's face.
"Then nurture him well," Kong said.
It would be even better if they could cultivate this person Sengoku was optimistic about into a Marine Admiral!
"Don't worry, I already know what to do," Sengoku nodded.
He already had an answer in his heart regarding Smoker's arrangements.
"Alright then."
Kong nodded. He was very confident in Sengoku's ability to handle matters.
Then, he asked, "So, do you have a candidate for the next Marine Fleet Admiral?"
"I recommend Aokiji," Sengoku said without hesitation.
"Why?" Kong asked curiously.
"Because of his justice!"
Sengoku said seriously, "I believe his justice can lead the Marines further."
Recalling Aokiji's justice, a smile appeared on Sengoku's face.
"Justice, huh..."
Hearing these two words, Kong's gaze became somewhat complicated. He then nodded and said, "Alright, I understand. I will convey your thoughts to the Five Elders."
"However, it's not certain whether it will be approved."
The previous Marine Fleet Admiral could indeed recommend a candidate for the next one, but whether it would be approved or not still depended on the World Government's intentions.
After all... the Marines belonged to the World Government...
As if he had thought of something, Kong's expression grew even more complex.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Kong," Sengoku said.
If possible, he hoped Aokiji could take that position, as it would also be beneficial for the Marines.
Kong fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "I'll do my best."
He couldn't make any promises to Sengoku. After all, the decision-making power was in the hands of the World Government, so... he could only say he would do his best.
"That's enough," Sengoku nodded.
With that, Sengoku stood up and said, "Brother Kong, then I'll just..."
"You've already said you're stepping down as Fleet Admiral, what's your hurry?" Kong interrupted irritably.
"There are still things to deal with..."
"You're not the Fleet Admiral anymore, what are you dealing with?" Kong said. "Cut the crap. You're having a meal with me in a bit."
Sengoku: "..."
Seeing Sengoku's helpless expression, Kong glared. "What, you're not willing, kid?"
"No."
"Then it's settled. You'll have a good drink with me later!" Kong said.
After this parting, Sengoku might not come here again.
So... before he left, they had to have a good drink!
Sengoku saw through Kong's thoughts and nodded. "Alright, Brother Kong."
Before they parted, they would have a good drink.
Kong nodded, then pressed a button on his desk, summoning the attendant from outside.
"Go prepare a table of food for me. I'm going to have a good drink with Sengoku."
"Yes, Commander-in-Chief!"
With that, the attendant turned and left.
"It's a pity Garp and Tsuru aren't here, otherwise we could have all gathered together," Kong said.
Thinking about it, it had been decades since they had eaten together.
So much time had passed in the blink of an eye...
Thinking of this, a trace of complex emotion welled up in Kong's heart.
"There will be opportunities in the future," Sengoku comforted him.
"The future, huh..." Kong murmured.
He hoped so.
After shaking his head secretly, Kong changed the subject. "Tell me about that kid called the Blood-Eyed Ninja."
"I remember he's a rookie who just debuted not long ago, right?"
"Yes," Sengoku nodded. "He is indeed a rookie who debuted not long ago."
Thinking about it, that kid had probably been at sea for less than a month.
"Do you know where this Ninja is from?" Kong asked. "Is he from the Land of Wano?"
"He is not," Sengoku shook his head. "He said at Enies Lobby that he was not from the Land of Wano."
"Not from the Land of Wano...?" Kong frowned, puzzled. "Then where is he a Ninja from?"
"That I don't know," Sengoku said.
He only knew that the first time the man appeared was on the Sea Train, where he used that strange hypnotic technique to hypnotize the World Government agents.
As for where he came from, he had no idea.
"You didn't investigate?"
"I did, but there's no information on him at all," Sengoku said helplessly. "It's as if this person appeared out of thin air."
Kong fell silent for a moment, then said, "Then he probably came from some unrecorded island."
They had encountered such people before, so it was a possibility.
"That can be the only explanation."
Sengoku paused after speaking, then guessed, "Brother Kong, you suddenly brought this person up. Is it because the World Government wants to..."
Kong's eyes flickered upon hearing this. He then narrowed his eyes at Sengoku and said, "You already know the answer, don't you?"
Sengoku fell silent for a moment, then nodded and said no more.
"Alright, let's not talk about this," Kong stood up. "Come on, let's go drink."
"I happened to get two bottles of good wine. Today, we're not leaving until we're drunk!"
"Yes, Brother Kong!"
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