Six hours later, Sakazuki and Hibari left the island on a small military ship of the Marine Corps. Before departure, Sakazuki left contact information for the T-1 branch director in the West Blue Sea, and Tengen handed them pre-prepared scrolls with ninjutsu techniques.
"Well, they're gone! Now it's time to get to work," Tengen said, watching the ship disappear into the distance and sighed.
Plans change, and life takes unexpected turns. Originally, he intended to go to the Western Blue Sea to become stronger, but he accidentally became the son-in-law of Marines Admiral Sakazuki. Now that modesty is no longer needed, it's time for the Dance King to make a name for himself across the headwaters of the West Blue Sea.
"I wonder if the system will update and show a new location for the marker..." Tengen muttered, lost in thought.
At the same time, life continued at the Marine Corps Headquarters in Marineford, a symbol of world order and absolute justice. After the War of the Summit, the fortress had suffered significant damage, and although repairs were nearly complete, the scars of battle were still visible from afar.
In the Fleet Admiral's office on the top floor, Sengoku, known as the "Wise General," was busy with paperwork. A seagull rested peacefully on his hat, eyes closed. In front of him on the sofa sat Garp, the Marines hero, with a look of sadness and helplessness on his face. Even the senbei in his hand seemed tasteless.
After the war, Garp took a leave to recover, but upon returning to Windmill Village, he faced criticism. Dadan, upon seeing him, attacked with fists, asking what was more important—mission or family? Why didn't he save Ace? Why did he let him die?
Garp silently bowed his head. Ace is dead, and he suffers too. The pain is unbearable. But he couldn't have done otherwise. During the war, he managed to save Luffy, and that was the extent of his abilities. If he had tried to save Ace, it would have led to catastrophic consequences he couldn't afford.
Unable to bear the pressure, Garp returned to headquarters, feeling empty.
"Garp, it's already happened, don't dwell on it," Sengoku set aside his documents and looked at his friend. "The War at the Summit nearly destroyed the last remnants of our reputation. Ace died, and that was his fate."
"Grr!" Garp snorted, unable to hide his irritation. "If you hadn't stopped me, he might still be alive."
"If Ace had survived, the headquarters' reputation would have been ruined," Sengoku replied coldly. "Ace had to die. No one could save him."
He added with a hint:
"Besides... with Sakazuki's current strength, even if you had intervened, you likely wouldn't have been able to stop him."
"He fought Whitebeard, and what, I still can handle him?" Garp smirked, but his voice lacked its former confidence.
Over the years, even his strength had diminished. Even if he had fought Sakazuki, there was no guarantee he would have emerged victorious. And then what? An admiral defending justice, while a hero of the Marine Corps defends pirates? It would have been a disgrace to the entire sea.
Every time he thought about it, Garp felt a sharp pain in his heart. The choice he made at the Summit was unbearably difficult. Even now, he couldn't have acted differently. All he could do was use his influence to stop those who wanted to attack Luffy,and Jinbe while they buried Ace.
"I don't know how you feel, Garp. But don't forget who we are," Sengoku looked tired. "After this war, I felt my strength waning. It's time to leave the stage."
"Have you decided who will become the new Fleet Admiral?" Garp asked, still deep in his thoughts.
Hearing these words, a cold glint appeared in Garp's eyes, and he spoke with a serious expression:
"No matter how we feel about it, we cannot allow Sakazuki to take the position. If he becomes the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, things will likely go too far."
"We only have the right to advise, but the final decision is made by the World Government," Sengoku shrugged slightly and replied, "Honestly, I also don't agree with Sakazuki's appointment, but... it all depends on what the Five Elders decide."
"In any case, I propose promoting Kuzan, one of the three admirals of the Marines, to the rank of Fleet Admiral."
Garp took a deep breath and said with a particular emphasis:
"I'm sure more than half of the middle and senior leadership of the Marines hold the same opinion."
And that is true!
Due to Sakazuki's style of work within the Marines, although he has fervent supporters, the doves and centrists do not support him.
"I also support Aokiji," Sengoku pondered for a moment and then quietly said, "Borsalino's behavior is too lazy, and the concept of 'ambiguous justice' he advocates doesn't suit widespread promotion; Sakazuki, as the leader of the hawks, acts too radically."
"Let's recommend Aokiji together!"
At that moment, Garp took a big bite of senbei and added:
"While Sakazuki hasn't returned yet, let's be the first to recommend Aokiji to the World Government and get ahead of events."
"Alright!"
Sengoku looked carefully at Garp, squinting slightly, and eventually nodded in agreement.
After all,
as he plans to retire,
why not help an old friend—Garp—let off some steam and use his influence for personal purposes?
Well!
Sakazuki, forgive us,
it's not that we don't value you or that you're not good enough,
but your character truly doesn't make you the best candidate for the position of Fleet Admiral of the Marines. We're doing this for the future of the Marines, right?
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