"So… does anyone still have questions?"
Daren exhaled a long trail of smoke, relaxed and composed.
The other generals glanced at one another, then exchanged faint, wry smiles. None spoke up. Their silent consensus confirmed Daren's judgment.
If there was anything in this world that resembled fate, then no one would doubt the strange bond between Garp and Roger.
These two lifelong rivals had been intertwined since the legendary Battle of God Valley… If even Vice Admiral Garp couldn't guess Roger's next move, then no one could.
Yes, the logic might sound absurd—completely irrational, even.
But everyone knew Roger had never been a pirate who followed conventional logic.
Just like Garp had never been a Marine who could be measured by it either.
And so, all eyes turned to Admiral Sengoku.
Sengoku: …
He cast a sidelong glance at Daren, the corner of his mouth twitching ever so slightly.
This damn kid… you're making me, the so-called "Resourceful General," look like a fool…
"Ahem… Vice Admiral Daren's assessment is, indeed, quite persuasive," Sengoku said, clearing his throat, his expression calm and unreadable.
"To be honest, I initially reached a similar conclusion—but I was sidetracked after weighing other rational and objective factors."
The room paused for a beat.
Then, sincere admiration filled the air as the Marine officers chimed in.
"As expected of Admiral Sengoku—truly insightful!"
"No doubt! Admiral Sengoku is worthy of the title 'Resourceful General'!"
"That Vice Admiral Daren's thoughts align with Admiral Sengoku's… Such talent at a young age—impressive!"
"…"
Watching them heap praises left and right, Staff Officer Tsuru turned her head away, suppressing a sigh.
Daren just smiled, unconcerned.
He didn't care for vanity or empty titles. As long as the high command reached a unified decision, that was good enough for him.
"Well then… it's settled."
Kong slowly rose from his seat. His large hands pressed against the desk as his massive frame leaned forward, exuding overwhelming authority.
"Headquarters' elite forces will mobilize immediately!"
"Admiral Sengoku will lead the operation…"
His tone sharpened with finality.
"Vice Admiral Borsalino!"
"Present." Borsalino stood up, wearing his usual carefree grin.
"Vice Admiral Sakazuki!"
"Here!" Sakazuki responded coldly, a sharp intensity in his eyes.
"And… Vice Admiral Rogers Daren!"
Daren stood from his chair and offered a crisp salute with a smile.
Kong nodded, lifting his chin. His overwhelming aura surged, and the great Fleet Admiral's cloak billowed behind him without wind.
"You four will each lead a force—ten warships, ten thousand elite soldiers from Marine Headquarters. Head to the Edd War Sea and wait for the right moment..."
Bang!
He slammed his fist down on the desk with a thunderous thud.
"—to take down the Flying Pirates and the Roger Pirates!"
Whoosh!!
All the officers present rose to their feet in unison, saluting with solemn resolve.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral Kong!!"
"Fleet Admiral Kong, may I ask—who will serve as the mission's field commander?"
Borsalino suddenly raised a hand with a casual smile.
"Since we're lying in wait for the right moment to strike, we'll need a temporary commander to coordinate, won't we?"
"Hm. Indeed."
Kong nodded in agreement, then glanced instinctively toward Sengoku.
Noticing Kong's gaze—and the others following it—Sengoku straightened up with pride, his chest puffing out as a confident smile touched his lips.
At that moment, his heart brimmed with certainty.
There was no need for debate.
He was the Navy's sole active Admiral and one of the most powerful assets of the World Government.
And with the title of "Resourceful General," battlefield command was his specialty.
"Let Vice Admiral Daren take command."
"Rest assured, Fleet Admiral Kong! I will shoulder this mission with—eh?"
Sengoku's proud smile froze in place.
His face twitched, and he quickly forced a correction.
"I mean... I'll make sure to supervise Vice Admiral Daren's execution of the plan!"
Kong glanced at him, paused for a moment, then gave a simple nod.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Sengoku."
Sengoku forced a tight smile.
"For justice."
Kong nodded, then turned his attention to Daren, his expression steady but filled with weight.
"Vice Admiral Daren, will this responsibility be too much for you?"
Daren's lips curled into a confident grin.
"I've been waiting for this day a long time, Fleet Admiral Kong."
At those words, Sengoku's heart gave a faint jolt.
Kong simply gave Daren a long, penetrating look.
...
At the same time.
In the New World.
Rain poured in sheets. Winds howled like beasts.
The Oro Jackson sailed through a violently churning sea. Towering waves tossed the pirate ship into the air and back down again. The creaking of the deck and mast echoed in protest under the strain.
"Captain Roger! Is that the junction of the three sea routes ahead? Which way do we go?"
Shanks' young face was pale from the cold rain, his teeth chattering as he shouted up at the bow.
"What do you mean, which way? Dressrosa, obviously!"
Buggy clung to the mast for dear life, his wiry frame swaying dangerously as he shouted, terrified.
"One path leads to Totto Land—that's Big Mom's territory! Going in there is suicide!"
"The other path leads to sunny, rich Dressrosa. We land there and boom—we're swimming in money!"
At the mention of money, Buggy perked up noticeably. Even the panic on his face seemed to ease.
The rest of the crew turned to the figure at the bow, cloaked in a red captain's coat.
"Dressrosa and Totto Land, huh?"
Roger wiped the rain from his face and chuckled.
"Charlotte Linlin's turf? Nah. That crazy old hag's not worth our time."
"As for Dressrosa…"
He absently tugged at his signature mustache, then suddenly seemed to remember something. He pointed toward a dark, storm-wrapped stretch of ocean ahead and asked with curiosity:
"That there… is the third route, right?"
Before anyone else could reply, Buggy leapt up in alarm.
"No way!!
Captain Roger! That's the Edd War Sea ahead!"
"That's one of the most dangerous places in the New World! They say out of every ten pirate crews that enter, not even one makes it through!"
"It's way too dangero—mmph!"
Shanks slapped a hand over Buggy's mouth, eyes wide with panic.
But it was already too late.
Roger's eyes had lit up with burning excitement at Buggy's "introduction."
"The most dangerous sea?"
"One-in-ten survival rate?"
"Wahahahahaha!! Now that sounds amazing!!"
"I've decided!"
Roger stepped boldly to the front of the ship, drew his sword with a flourish, and pointed it straight at the storm-shrouded sea ahead.
"We're taking that route!"
Buggy looked like he'd just been struck by lightning, his eyes practically bulging from his head.
Shanks buried his face in his hands.
"You shouldn't have said anything, Buggy…"
The rest of the crew could only sigh.
Our captain… really is insane.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake