Meanwhile, the Marine's Buster Call fleet had arrived at Marineford.
As they disembarked, the surrounding Marine soldiers avoided looking at Sengoku and the others—their expressions were downright terrifying.
A stern-faced Marine officer approached. This was Vice Admiral Momonga of Marine HQ.
Momonga saluted sharply.
"Report, Admiral Sengoku. Fleet Admiral Kong has ordered me to escort you all to the conference room."
"Understood."
Sengoku walked past Momonga with a darkened expression.
Admiral Sengoku seems furious. The failed mission must have put him in a terrible mood.
Momonga stood rigidly at attention.
"Momonga, come with us."
Zephyr chuckled and clapped Momonga on the shoulder.
"Teacher, Fleet Admiral Kong didn't summon me to—"
"BAHAHAHA!" Garp strolled over, picking his nose.
"Momonga, I'll get you in. Kong won't say shit. You're one of the stronger vice admirals—future admiral candidate material. Let's go."
Garp flashed a toothy grin, slinging an arm around Momonga's neck and dragging him along.
"Vice Admiral Garp, I—"
"HAHAHA! Don't worry, Momonga. With Garp here, it's fine."
Zephyr roared with laughter, falling into step with Garp. The defeat hadn't bothered him in the slightest.
"BAHAHA! That old bastard Kong's gonna throw a fit later."
Garp dug at his nose unabashedly, his eyes gleaming mischievously.
The nearby Marines looked horrified, though they were used to Garp's irreverent behavior.
Hmm~ This might get messy.
Kizaru followed behind, hands in pockets, face impassive.
Hmph.
Akainu maintained his usual stone-cold expression, walking with clenched fists.
When the group entered the conference room, they found several figures already waiting.
Oh? One of the Five Elders, Jaygarcia Saturn, is here... along with Spandam, commander of CP9.
Sengoku's expression grew graver.
"Oh? A Celestial Dragon."
Garp lit a cigar in front of everyone and plopped onto a sofa.
"Tsuru, you're here too."
Zephyr greeted her warmly.
"Zephyr, you don't seem particularly worse for wear."
Tsuru's tone carried meaning. Having joined the Marines in the same era as Zephyr, she knew his temperament all too well.
"Oh? HAHAHA!"
Zephyr scratched his head awkwardly. He had contributed the least effort.
Hmph. You've all done splendidly—bringing great honor to the Marines.
Kong sat at the head of the table, arms crossed, his face a storm of anger and resolve.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, no need for sarcasm. So we lost one battle—big deal."
Garp lounged on the sofa, legs crossed, eyes twinkling with mischief.
"GARP!"
Kong shot to his feet, livid.
"Fleet Admiral, for the record—I gave it my all. Ask Sengoku."
Kong's glare shifted to Sengoku.
"Garp speaks the truth. Roger is formidable."
Sengoku answered stiffly. As mission leader, the primary responsibility fell on him—though Garp remained their strongest combatant.
Kong took his seat at the center of the table, asserting absolute authority.
"Garp. Sit here."
Kong's voice was ice. With so many high-ranking officials present, Garp's solo sofa act was unacceptable. Who's in charge here?
"Fleet Admiral, these sofas are quite plush. Where'd you get them?"
"GARP! GET OVER HERE NOW!"
Kong snapped. He marched over and threw a punch.
"My bad, sorry..."
Garp blocked casually, then scampered to sit beside Sengoku in two quick strides.
Hmm~ Scary.
Kizaru muttered under his breath.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, shall we begin?"
Spandam urged, his voice slithering with insincerity.
Kong shot Garp a final glare before addressing the room.
"Everyone, take your seats."
At his command, Tsuru, Akainu, Kizaru, Zephyr, and Momonga sat down.
Momonga fidgeted nervously. He hadn't been officially summoned, after all.
"Hm? Vice Admiral Momonga."
"Y-Yes!"
Momonga sprang to attention, back ramrod straight, hands glued to his sides.
"BAHAHA! My ears aren't what they used to be—need Momonga here to listen for me."
Garp dug a finger in his ear.
"Sit down."
Kong glared daggers at Garp but ultimately relented. No one in the Marines could control the man.
"Yes, sir."
Momonga sat stiffly, a thin sheen of sweat on his brow.
"Garp. The World Government has lost face. I expect you to take this seriously."
Jaygarcia Saturn steepled his fingers, his voice dripping with quiet menace.
The fork was pressed against the table, his tone carrying a note of command.
"Saturn, mind your tone. I'm not your subordinate."
Garp hadn't even taken off his dog-shaped hat. He pulled out a bag of donuts, took one, and began eating.
"I can't command you, that's true. But you must understand—Roger and his crew threaten the world's stability. As a Marine, you wouldn't want to see the world thrown into chaos, would you?"
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn showed no reaction to Garp calling him "Saturn," his gaze remaining steady.
"Don't lecture me on what I should do."
"You—!"
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn was left speechless by Garp's retort, yet there was nothing he could do about it.
"Enough, Garp. Just sit back and listen. We're starting the meeting now."
Kong cut off Garp before he could provoke Saturn further. He scanned the room, his expression grave.
"News of the Navy's defeat has spread across the world. Pirates everywhere have grown bolder, even openly wreaking havoc in areas under Marine branch jurisdiction. This is a direct challenge to the Navy's authority."
"Marshal Kong is right—the situation is indeed dire. Intelligence reports indicate that former Rocks Pirates members Charlotte Linlin and Kaido have been recruiting and expanding their forces. If we don't act soon, the world will descend into chaos."
As Spandine spoke, his sickle-shaped eyebrows twitched back and forth.