"So... what do you plan to do? Are you really going to investigate the Marines?"
Momonga furrowed his brows, lighting a cigar without thinking, concern showing in his eyes as he looked at the Marine Captain before him.
Even though this was a direct order from the highest authority of the World Government, the targets of the investigation were fellow Marines—his own people. No matter how you looked at it, Momonga couldn't help but feel uneasy about the so-called mission.
"Investigate? Why not?"
Daren casually lifted his glass, took a sip, and gave a mocking smile.
"This is an order directly from the great and noble Five Elders. Of course we have to handle it beautifully."
"But now that the 'Celestial Dragon attack incident' is under my jurisdiction, we hold the initiative."
Momonga glanced at him, unable to suppress a slight chuckle.
One had to admit, Topman Warcury—hailed as the most brilliant mind in a hundred years—did indeed possess uncanny insight to have caught on to the irregularities in this case.
But still... not quite enough.
Letting the culprit chase down the culprit... Momonga's lips twitched.
"But this can't be dragged out any longer. We need to close this case quickly."
Daren took a long drag from his cigar, his deep-set eyes gleaming.
"As long as this remains unresolved, CP0 and the investigation team won't leave the North Blue. And I don't like being watched."
Momonga nodded in agreement.
Since the arrival of the investigation team, many of their operations had been put on hold.
With Sengoku, the Fleet Admiral himself, present, it was hard to push anything too far...
...
The next day.
Batia Island City Hall.
Conference Room.
"What!? The investigation into the Celestial Dragon attack is being handed over entirely to Daren!?"
Sengoku stared at the government order CP0 had just presented, his face full of disbelief as he blurted out in shock.
Gion and Tokikake turned their heads in sync, looking at Daren like they'd just heard something absurd.
Wearing a mask and draped in a long white silk robe, the CP0 agent read the government decree in a flat, indifferent tone:
"In light of Admiral Sengoku's pressing duties at Marine Headquarters, and the urgency of pursuing the pirate Byrnndi World, the investigation into the 'Celestial Dragon attack incident' is hereby fully transferred to the North Blue's supreme commander, Captain Rogers Daren, effective immediately."
After finishing, CP0 cast a cold glance at Daren.
"The matter is urgent. Captain Daren, begin the investigation at once."
Daren gave a courteous nod and smiled.
"Rest assured."
CP0 gave a short nod and turned to leave.
But Sengoku couldn't hold back.
"Didn't I already submit my findings? This was clearly an accident—the one who attacked Saint Xildes was a Sea King..."
His voice trailed off, faltering.
Because CP0 was now staring at him with a cold, disdainful look—like they were watching a fool.
Seeing Sengoku awkwardly sink back into his seat, the CP0 member remained silent and slowly faded into nothingness, vanishing from the room.
Now, only the Marines remained, seated in silence.
The room was dead quiet.
Gion and Tokikake exchanged a subtle glance.
'Why was the investigation handed to Daren?' Tokikake's eyes were wide.
'How should I know? It came straight from the top.' Gion's brows furrowed deeply.
Tokikake arched an eyebrow. 'Could it be that Saint Xildes's death really wasn't his doing?'
'I just don't think it's that simple.' Gion narrowed her eyes.
'...' Tokikake.
"Hey, hey, hey! What's with the weird faces and whispering over there?" Sengoku snapped, clearly annoyed.
Gion and Tokikake immediately sat up straight.
"Perhaps Lieutenant Commanders Gion and Tokikake have new thoughts about the investigation?"
At those words, both officers shuddered. Looking up, they saw the North Blue Admiral calmly smoking a cigar, gazing at them with a half-smile, half-sneer. An inexplicable sense of unease welled up in them.
"Uh... no, nothing at all,"
Tokikake said with a sheepish grin.
After giving the two troublemakers a light warning, Daren smiled and turned his gaze away.
"Daren, what's your take on all this? Why would the government hand the investigation over to you?"
Sengoku now fixed a serious gaze on him, his tone low and heavy.
Daren paused for a moment, then said slowly,
"Admiral Sengoku, I think the government's decision makes perfect sense."
"Oh?" Sengoku frowned slightly.
Daren continued,
"This investigation into the Celestial Dragon incident has dragged on for too long. You're the Fleet Admiral—your responsibilities are already overwhelming. It wouldn't be efficient for you to keep leading the investigation and wasting time on it."
Sengoku rubbed his temples and let out a sigh.
"In that case, they should've just accepted my findings and wrapped this up early."
He suddenly shot a suspicious look at Daren.
"Or don't tell me... you've uncovered new intel or clues?"
Daren raised both hands in mock surrender.
"Of course not. Personally, I agree with Rear Admiral Borsalino's take on the matter."
He gave Borsalino a friendly nod and smiled.
"The Celestial Dragon incident was, at its core, just an accident."
Sengoku narrowed his eyes, a flicker of doubt passing through them as he murmured,
"If there's no new evidence, then the government had no reason to strip the investigation from me..."
"That's great. Saves us a lot of hassle,"
Borsalino suddenly chimed in, lazily trimming his nails with a clipper, a grin on his face.
He spoke like it was nothing, but Sengoku clearly picked up on the subtext.
His eyes lit up.
That's right!
This was actually a blessing in disguise!
He hadn't wanted to get involved in this mess anyway—thankless work, through and through.
Now that Daren was taking full responsibility for the case, Sengoku could focus on his real priorities.
Whether it was returning to Marine Headquarters at Marineford or continuing the hunt for Byrnndi World, either option beat hanging around here chasing ghosts over a dead Celestial Dragon.
With that thought, Sengoku smiled in satisfaction.
He looked up, cleared his throat, and spoke in a serious tone,
"Well then, since the government has placed such trust in you, Daren, you'd better do your best. Don't let them down."
Daren smiled humbly,
"I'll still be counting on your guidance, Admiral Sengoku."
Sengoku's smile widened as he stood up and gave Daren a hearty pat on the shoulder.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
...
That evening.
After finishing his daily training at the grounds, Daren made his way back to his private residence on Batia Island, soaked in sweat.
The sun was setting.
His uniform was torn to shreds, hanging from his body like rags.
His sharply defined muscles glistened with sweat, and his skin was marked with faint craters and scorched grime—evidence of taking bullets and artillery head-on.
"You really haven't changed at all..."
A lazy voice came from behind.
Daren stopped, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly as he turned around.
A tall figure stood in the twilight, arms crossed, leaning against the wall. His broad cloak was lit crimson by the setting sun.
He stared at Daren's bloodstained, scarred body, a sly smile glinting beneath his sunglasses.
"Still living like a beast every day. Doesn't it wear you out?"
Daren tossed him a cigar and lit one for himself, chuckling.
"Not all of us are born monsters like you, Rear Admiral Borsalino."
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake