After the Den Den Mushi call ended, the Fleet Admiral's office fell silent.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku's expression was serious. However, no one else, including the three Marine Admirals, made any unnecessary moves.
Ryuen's question seemed directed at Fleet Admiral Sengoku, but as the next generation of Marines, they too had to consider and make decisions in their hearts.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku didn't speak immediately. He slowly sat down, lost in thought.
Among those present, perhaps only Garp remained carefree, neither thinking much nor worrying.
The three Admirals stayed silent, deep in thought.
Vice Admiral Tsuru never expected that the plan she devised would eventually become a major issue for the Marines, leaving her feeling like she was trapped by her own strategy.
Before Vice Admiral Tsuru could finish speaking, Sengoku raised his hand, cutting her off.
"Tsuru, this isn't your fault. In truth, this problem is something our Marine Headquarters must face ourselves.
Ryuen may seem to be forcing us to choose, but isn't fate doing the same?
The Marines' deep-rooted issues have existed for generations. Each Fleet Admiral has tried to resolve them, but ultimately, the complexities caused them to fail.
This time, perhaps, is our chance!
The sea has now entered the Great Pirate Era — an era where the strong emerge one after another.
This era is both an opportunity for pirates and for us, the Marines!
If we miss this chance, changing the current state of the Marines later may be impossible!"
Every word Fleet Admiral Sengoku spoke hit the hearts of everyone present, forcing them to consider the same issues.
The three Admirals' expressions grew more serious.
Though the question seemed directed at Fleet Admiral Sengoku, wasn't it also directed at them? After all, one of them would carry the Marines' future.
Half an hour later, everyone raised their heads, their expressions determined, nodding firmly toward Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
Understanding this, Sengoku hardened his resolve and made a decisive order:
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
Brannew, who had been standing at attention, responded solemnly.
He took out a notebook, clearing all distractions, ready to record Fleet Admiral Sengoku's orders.
"Rear Admiral Kasso, as a member of the righteous Marines, has long disregarded Marine discipline, committed numerous crimes, and repeatedly violated regulations.
Though he has now confessed and repented, the harm he caused to civilians is irreversible!
Therefore, as Fleet Admiral, I issue the following order:
Strip Kasso of his Marine Rear Admiral rank and sentence him to the ultimate punishment!"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku pronounced each word clearly.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
The sound of the pen scratching stopped as Brannew finished recording Sengoku's command.
In front of the Fleet Admiral's desk, the five others displayed mixed expressions of shock and uncertainty.
Though they had made the decision together, Sengoku's determination to issue the Fleet Admiral's order still surprised them.
"Go! Arrest Rear Admiral Kasso and the others immediately. Three days from now, execute them at Marine Headquarters!" Sengoku spoke firmly, glancing at Brannew, whose face was flushed with excitement.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku !" Brannew closed his notebook, stood at attention, saluted everyone in the office, and then left.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku ~~~" Kuzan's worried voice sounded.
Sengoku raised his hand, stopping Kuzan from saying more. He stood up, his tone resolute.
"For a long time, Marine's sense of justice has been criticized by those at sea. It's not their fault.
It's our own failing as Marine officers.
But now, a new era is dawning, and it's time to say farewell to the old ways!
Everyone, follow me and uphold Marine's justice!"
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku !"
Vice Admiral Garp, Vice Admiral Tsuru, and the three Marine Admirals stood up together, responding in unison.
Somewhere in the first half of the Grand Line.
The Dream sails cut through the water, creating splashes that spread in beautiful rings.
On the deck, helmsman Hog focused intently on steering, while six girls in bikinis played volleyball on the grassy deck.
The balls bounced continuously, making Ryuen, lying on a beach chair wearing sunglasses, dizzy from watching.
Before he realized it, a bit of drool glistened at the corner of his mouth.
"Captain, have you checked on the situation at Marine Headquarters?" Nami suddenly appeared in front of Ryuen, leaning down and questioning him.
"That's... too much~~~" Ryuen didn't even hear Nami, too busy watching the game.
Nami took off Ryuen's sunglasses, catching his wandering gaze. Even after she removed them, he still hadn't noticed.
Nami clenched her fists in anger and growled through gritted teeth.
Enraged, Nami punched Ryuen with a fist wrapped in 'Conqueror's Haki,' sending him flying!
He soared through the sky like a shooting star, his anguished scream trailing behind him.
The scene shifted. Ryuen was back on the Dream's deck, with Nojiko sitting on his stomach, shaking water from her hair.
It was clear what had happened—Nojiko had just fished Ryuen out of the sea.
On the deck, no one showed any sympathy for Ryuen. They were all busy with their tasks, acting as if he didn't exist.
Nojiko flicked her hair again, making Ryuen spit out another mouthful of seawater.
After spitting out all the water...
"I feel awful... but I'm alive again..." Ryuen slowly opened his eyes, speaking with difficulty.
The feeling of being powerless in the water, sinking helplessly toward the ocean floor, was truly unbearable. Worse still, this wasn't his first time experiencing it!
"So... want Nami to punch you again?" Nojiko asked quietly.
"Uh... there's no need for that. Nojiko, could you get off me first? Hehehe~~~" Ryuen said awkwardly.
That cold snort came from Nami. Thɪs chapter is updated by ɴovᴇl_Firᴇ.ɴet
Nojiko got up from Ryuen's stomach and walked into the ship to change her wet clothes.
"Ryuen, are you alright?"
Suddenly, Daisy the doctor, wearing a nurse's uniform, ran up with a worried look.
Her anxious expression didn't seem fake; she genuinely seemed concerned about Ryuen. She professionally checked him over to see if he was hurt.
"I'm fine now, Daisy~~~" Ryuen said hesitantly, eyes drifting as he swallowed nervously.
Being teased like that for so long was just too much~~~
At that moment, the deck's temperature suddenly dropped several degrees!
Daisy, the doctor, instantly slipped away from Ryuen's side, hiding behind the cabin door while flashing a sinister smile~~~~
"Nah~~~ Nami~~~ let me explain~~~"
"No, please don't~~~"
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