Sengoku blinked as if seeing Michael for the first time.
After a long pause, he sighed.
"Fine, do whatever you want... just be careful."
"Relax, old man, this is what a great man called the Art of the deal! Besides i wont be reckless about this things since i still value my life!" Michael shrugged and left the office with Stella.
Sengoku watched Michael's retreating figure with a deep gaze.
Ever since Michael persuaded him to manipulate the destruction of Ohara, Sengoku had known Michael was never one to stay quiet.
He'd always shown disdain towards the so-called "Celestial Dragons" and "World Government."
This time, he was clearly opposing the World Government again.
Only because Sengoku stood between them did Michael choose to operate in the shadows.
And since Garp was willing to follow his lead in this mischief, it meant Garp fully approved of Michael's methods.
It was too dangerous.
If these actions were exposed, not even Sengoku could protect Michael.
At best, he'd be forced to leave the Marines and spend his life hunted by the World Government.
The thought made Sengoku sigh again.
What could be more exhausting than having a son?
He then picked up a Den Den Mushi.
When the call connected, Tsuru's voice came through.
"Yes? Sengoku, what's wrong?"
"Tsuru, have you started heading back?"
"We're on our way... That Doflamingo brat is slippery. He got away." Tsuru reply calmly.
"Though I did uncover some information. That boy was once... a Celestial Dragon."
"Troublesome indeed." Sengoku nodded, then said helplessly.
"But Doflamingo isn't important right now. Let's set him aside."
"Your tone... Did Michael cause another uproar?" Tsuru's voice gradually carried amusement.
"You can't handle him, can't you hehe."
"Stop laughing, Tsuru. That boy... interfered with a Buster Call!"
"Say that again!? Has Michael lost his mind?"
"He wasn't directly interfering. He just arrived at Ohara ahead of Garp, evacuated all the civilians beforehand and had me order Akainu to execute the Buster Call without landing."
Hearing Sengoku's explanation, Tsuru's suddenly rising blood pressure finally began to settle.
"Did Michael explain his reasons for doing this?"
Sengoku had anticipated this question and proceeded to relay Michael's words from the Den Den Mushi call to Tsuru.
"Hmm... Michael actually makes a very valid point." After a long silence, Tsuru finally spoke.
"Sengoku, we've always known that the World Government's actions are far removed from the justice the Marine should uphold... So we should be prepared."
"Prepared for the day when everything must be completely transformed."
After leaving Marine Headquarters, Michael didn't linger in Marineford.
Instead, he took Robin and returned to Sabaody Archipelago with Stella.
After all, he was still Momousagi aide's.
After slacking off for two years and leaving his superior to deal with the mess on Sabaody Archipelago...
Even someone as shameless as Michael couldn't help feeling a little guilty.
Of course, just a tiny bit.
"So, you're not coming back for more than a year because you have a child?"
Gion's lips twitched as she stared at the girl who barely reached her shins, lost in thought.
"Less than two years, and the kid's already this tall?"
"Vice Admiral Gion, you're only twenty-five. Why do you sound like an old lady?"
Michael patted Robin's head reassuringly as she fidgeted nervously before Gion.
"I'm still young!" Gion snorted before settling back behind her desk.
"You want this kid to join the Marines?"
"High-intelligence talents should be secured early," Michael replied with a faint smile.
"Besides, I'm just finding you a new aide."
"New aide? Then what about you?"
The question slipped out before Gion caught herself, shaking her head with a chuckle.
Michael was bound for higher ranks.
She wouldn't be surprised if he made Vice Admiral within a few years.
Him serving as her aide had partly been Fleet Admiral Sengoku's way of keeping Michael away from the uglier side of things.
Seeing Gion's understanding smile, Michael shrugged.
"After over a year of Garp's training, I've taken down quite a few pirates. Once he's done doting on his grandson and reports to the old man, I'm getting promoted."
"That's why I rushed back before it happens!"
"After all... our little plan hasn't been set in motion yet!"
Michael flashed Momousagi a deceptively gentle yet cunning smile.
Momousagi blinked, then mirrored his sly expression.
"Absolutely." Michael nodded.
"Let's give Sabaody Archipelago a thorough cleaning."
"The trash has piled up... far too high."
Sabaody's —Grove 1 through 29—was suddenly flooded with Marines.
Fully armed, they kicked open every human auction house and gang hideout.
Dragging slavers and gangsters straight from their beds...
"Good morning! We're Sabaody Marines!"
"Here for mandatory fire hazard inspections!"
"Your cooperation is appreciated!"
Different houses, different voices, identical script.
After a moment of confusion, the slavers and thugs protested.
"This is the lawless zone! Marines have no jurisdiction here!"
"Who do you think we work for? The Celestial Dragons!"
"Get the hell out, you Marine scum!"
Such defiance was everywhere.
Until rifle barrels found their mouths.
Then they fell silent instantly.
"Let me repeat, we are here under orders to inspect for fire hazards!"
"Please cooperate voluntarily!"
The leading Marine officer finished his lines as if reading from a script.
Without waiting for any response, he waved his hand and the marines rushed in to begin their inspection.
"This table seems suspicious! Flip it over for inspection!"
"I think this wall looks problematic! Break it open for inspection!"
Three and a half hours later, the marines withdrew.
Only leaving behind houses that looked like they'd been hit by a hurricane.
The human traffickers and gangsters stood dumbfounded, inexplicably shedding tears of humiliation.
But half an hour later...
"Hello! We're the marines of Sabaody Archipelago!"
"Here under orders to inspect for flood hazards!"