"That young man is named Reid."
"Reid? Never heard of him. Sengoku, are you sure his Devil Fruit ability is identical to yours?"
Kong was still skeptical—it sounded too far-fetched.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral Kong. Garp and the others can confirm."
Sengoku nodded.
Kong glanced at Garp and the others. Seeing no objections, he finally accepted it.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, this young man seems honorable. I propose we recruit him—it would strengthen the Marines. We could also inquire where he obtained his Devil Fruit and how he can replicate my techniques."
Zephyr stood up, voicing his thoughts. This was a rare opportunity, and he wouldn't let it slip away.
"Agreed. He didn't strike me as a pirate, yet he's allied with Roger."
Sengoku shared Zephyr's sentiment—it aligned with his own judgment.
"This must be reported to Im-sama. There are secrets here we don't yet understand."
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn's mind raced. Though his thick beard hid his expression, the gravity in his eyes was unmistakable.
"Teacher Zephyr, appearances can be deceiving. If he were truly righteous, why would he become a pirate? The Marines are always recruiting—with his abilities, he could easily become a Vice Admiral. Choosing piracy proves he lacks justice! He's unworthy of being a Marine!"
Akainu's tone was icy. Though Zephyr was his mentor, his loyalty to Absolute Justice was unwavering. Every pirate must be eradicated or captured—none should escape.
"Akainu, don't be so rigid. If he joins the Marines, he can become a fine soldier!"
Zephyr's temper flared. As Akainu's elder and teacher, being publicly disrespected in front of high-ranking officials was infuriating.
Saint Saturn raised a hand.
"Enough. Akainu acts out of concern for the people—that's the mark of a true Marine officer. As for this 'Reid,' we'll capture him for interrogation. If he cooperates, he may serve. If he remains defiant… execution will suffice."
"Kuzan's far more tolerable. This Akainu is insufferable."
Garp mentally scoffed, already dismissing Sakazuki.
Momonga, who had remained silent throughout, listened nervously, his stern face growing even grimmer.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, should we issue a bounty for that young man? The pressure might force him to surrender. Even if he refuses, bounty hunters could bring him in."
Tsuru's suggestion was calculated.
"Little Tsuru, that's ruthless. Not only would bounty hunters swarm him, but pirates would also join the hunt."
Garp shook his head teasingly, as if seeing her true nature.
"GARP! Keep running your mouth, and I'll hang you up, lash you with chili oil-coated whips, and wash you raw!"
Even Kong shuddered at the threat.
"Ne~ How terrifying." Kizaru subtly leaned away, uneasy.
"Tsuru truly lives up to her Wash-Wash Fruit—ready to 'cleanse' anyone who crosses her."
Momonga sat rigidly, hands on his knees, not daring to speak.
Akainu remained silent but frowned slightly, a chill running down his spine.
"Ehehe… Sorry, Tsuru. My bad. Won't happen again…"
Garp waved one hand in surrender, the other behind his head, his forehead creased with forced remorse.
"Ahem. Enough. This is a formal meeting—stay focused."
Kong cleared his throat, glaring at Garp like he wanted to strangle him.
"Proceed as Tsuru suggested. Fleet Admiral Kong, make the arrangements."
"Understood, Saint Saturn."
The elder then turned to Spandine.
"As a precaution, dispatch CP9 to investigate this 'Reid.' I want his profile ASAP—preferably with him in custody. Alive."
"Yes, sir. Should I relay the orders now?"
"Immediately. And send those children along—they're CP's future. Consider this their training."
"B-But… Saint Saturn, they're still young. Isn't this too…?"
Spandine hesitated. Targeting a Roger Pirate ally was no child's play.
"Proceed."
"Understood. I'll take my leave."
Spandine bowed and exited.
After a moment's thought, Saint Saturn addressed Kong.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, we'll adjourn here. Within two days, appoint your successor. I have matters to attend to—you may travel to Mariejois at your convenience."
With that, he rose to leave.
"Of course. Safe travels, Saint Saturn."
Once the elder departed, Kong scanned the room, his gaze settling on Sengoku.
"Mm?... Marshal Kong, why are you looking at me like that?" Sengoku felt a jolt in his heart.
"Sengoku."
"Uh, Marshal Kong, what is it?"
"You'll be the next Fleet Admiral."
No one present was surprised. Anyone could see that Sengoku was destined to become Fleet Admiral sooner or later. They couldn't possibly give the position to Garp, who never follows the rules. Zephyr, although an admiral, was slightly lacking in strength—he mainly held the status of being a teacher. Besides, his personality wasn't really suited to leading the Navy.
"Marshal Kong, I think Garp would be more suitable."
"Did a donkey kick your head?!!! Look at that bastard Garp—does he look like someone who could lead the Navy properly?!"
Kong roared at Sengoku, his mouth wide open, so furious that it looked like his teeth would turn into fangs—he seemed ready to swallow Sengoku whole.
"Hahaha, Sengoku, I still prefer being a Vice Admiral. Congratulations, you're the big boss of the Navy now."
Garp walked up to Sengoku, slung an arm around his shoulder, and gave him a mischievous look, as if mocking Sengoku for landing the position of Fleet Admiral.