As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was stunned.
"Saint Saturn, why are you suddenly appointing me as Commander-in-Chief? Roger escaped, our recent operation failed, and we didn't capture a single pirate. I've already failed in my duties."
Kong was also puzzled. The Marine Headquarters needed him now—if he were transferred, who would take over as Fleet Admiral?
"Hahaha, Fleet Admiral Kong—no, I should call you Commander-in-Chief Kong now."
Garp grinned, his interest piqued by the news.
"Ne~ Commander-in-Chief… sounds terrifying."
Even the usually lazy Kizaru perked up a little.
"Commander-in-Chief?… One day, I'll climb to that position too!"
Akainu's eyes gleamed, flames flickering in his gaze.
"This is unexpected. I suppose Sengoku will be promoted to Fleet Admiral."
Zephyr glanced at Sengoku, sighing inwardly. Everything was happening so fast—Roger's surrender and escape, the failed Buster Call, and now Kong's promotion. The Fleet Admiral position was about to change hands again.
"Old Man Kong is getting promoted?"
Unlike the others, Tsuru wasn't just shocked—tears of joy welled up in her eyes.
"Little Tsuru, you're so soft-hearted."
Garp dug his nose with a cheeky grin.
Tsuru shot him a look, and Garp immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Hahaha, my bad."
"Fleet Admiral Kong is going to Mariejois…"
Even Momonga looked stunned. The sudden departure of their Fleet Admiral was hard to process.
Spandine, as the head of CP9, wasn't surprised at all.
Saint Saturn stared at Kong, his thick beard hiding any expression.
"This was originally planned for a few years later, but the world's situation has changed drastically. We need fresh blood sooner. After this meeting, arrange for an Admiral to succeed you as Fleet Admiral, then accompany me to Mariejois."
"Understood."
Kong nodded. Since one of the Five Elders had spoken, there was no need for further discussion.
Clearing his throat, Kong turned back to the others.
"Let's continue the meeting. Uh… where were we?"
He scratched his mountain-like beard, looking slightly embarrassed.
"Old Man Kong, you were talking about the Marines' defeat, the rise of more pirates, and the world entering the Great Pirate Era."
Tsuru shook her head. Some things never changed—Kong had always been like this.
"Ah, right. Thanks."
Kong thanked her flatly before continuing.
"Shiki the Golden Lion is already imprisoned. The current threats to the world's peace are the former Rocks Pirates members—Charlotte Linlin, Kaido, and Edward Newgate, the so-called 'Strongest Man in the World.' They've even crowned themselves 'Emperors of the Sea,' carving up territories in the New World."
"These pirates are getting more and more arrogant—utterly lawless! We should deploy forces to crush them one by one!"
Akainu's cold voice raised the temperature in the room.
"No. These three forces currently maintain a fragile balance in the New World."
Saint Saturn waved his hand dismissively.
Akainu exhaled a puff of hot air, frustration evident.
"Exactly. Pirates seeking the so-called 'great treasure' must venture into the New World. Most weaklings wouldn't dare—or even survive the journey. The World Government's main threats are concentrated there."
Sengoku nodded. Anyone who could claim territory in the New World had the power to oppose the Marines.
"With Roger still alive, we can't afford to be careless. That man has always been cunning—after all, he's a member of the D. clan."
Spandine suddenly spoke, his tone sly.
"Indeed. Gol D. Roger must be captured. We can't let him roam free."
Saint Saturn, who had been sitting with his fingers interlaced, finally separated his hands.
"Are the Five Elders… afraid?" Garp mused silently, recalling Roger's words to him.
Sengoku's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Ne~ I still don't understand why Pirate King Roger turned himself in, only to escape afterward."
Kizaru, who had been listening quietly, finally voiced his confusion.
"Those who carry the initial 'D.' are enemies of the World Government. Nothing they do should surprise us," Saint Saturn replied.
"Enough. Speculating is pointless now. The Roger Pirates' strength is undeniable."
Kong then turned to Sengoku.
"All of you went, yet not a single prisoner was brought back. Frankly, I don't understand. And according to reports, Kuzan left midway and still hasn't returned."
His gaze swept over Sengoku, Zephyr, Garp, Akainu, and Kizaru. The anger in his heart was palpable—this was a slap in his face.
"Kuzan requested leave from me. I approved his temporary absence."
For once, Garp's expression was serious, lacking his usual irreverence.
SLAM! Kong slammed the table.
"Nonsense! Garp, you don't have the authority! And you're just a Vice Admiral—since when does Aokiji report to you?!"
"Hahaha, what's done is done—"
"Old Man Kong, don't dwell on it too much." Garp laughed, resting his hands behind his head.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, we actually had a chance to capture Roger and his crew this time, but... an unexpected complication arose."
Sengoku, unwilling to listen to Garp's nonsense, quickly steered the conversation back on track.
"Oh? Sengoku, explain in detail."
Kong's interest was piqued. He wanted to hear exactly what kind of "complication" could lead to such a massive Marine operation returning empty-handed—without capturing a single pirate.
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn and Spandine also listened quietly. Since they hadn't been present, they had no idea what had transpired.
Even the usually composed Tsuru's expression shifted slightly upon hearing Sengoku's words.
"What kind of complication could possibly cause so many top-tier Marines to fail...?" Momonga muttered, his mustache twitching as his face hardened.
Sengoku steadied himself.
"Originally, Garp had Roger pinned down. With our numerical advantage, victory was within reach. But then... a young man suddenly appeared. And he possessed the exact same Devil Fruit ability as me."
"What did you say?!"
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn stood up abruptly, his eyes filled with disbelief.