Now sitting obediently on the grassy deck, Ryuen was reporting Marine Headquarters' decision regarding Rear Admiral Kasso to the crew.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku chose to break tradition and directly oppose the World Government's plan?" Nojiko asked with some suspicion.
"Based on the current intel, that seems to be the case. But... whether Marine Headquarters can withstand the World Government's pressure is still uncertain..." Ryuen said, rubbing his bruised eye.
"Then we'll wait and see if this Marine Fleet Admiral can uphold Marine justice by executing Rear Admiral Kasso and his group," Kuina said coldly.
The others nodded in agreement.
Making a decision was one thing; Rear Admiral Kasso's backers would definitely try to intervene, and even the Celestial Dragons might step in eventually.
At that point, Marine's so-called justice would face its true test.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
The Fleet Admiral's office received unexpected guests — World Government officials aiming to get Rear Admiral Kasso released.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
"Are you sure you won't release him?"
"I advise you not to make a foolish move. Remember, the Marines are just the World Government's dog!" a short man, barely 1.7 meters tall, in a wide black suit, shouted at Sengoku.
"This is an internal Marine matter and has nothing to do with the World Government! Allowing you into my office was already an exception!
If you want me to release Kasso and his scum, wait until the Five Elders give me a direct order!" Sengoku said calmly, staring at the aggressive World Government officials.
"Sengoku, just you wait!" Zachari, livid with anger, spat out a threat before storming out of the Fleet Admiral's office with his subordinates.
As soon as Zachari's group left, Vice Admiral Garp and the three Admirals walked in.
"Sengoku, how did it go?" Garp asked, sitting down to Sengoku's left.
The three Admirals also took their seats, looking toward Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
"Just as we expected. They pushed hard, and that bastard Zachari even got involved himself..." Sengoku said gravely. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on ɴovel(ꜰ)ɪre.nᴇt
Zachari wasn't just an ordinary World Government official; he was also royalty from a country and had close ties to a Celestial Dragon.
It was precisely because of Zachari's powerful background that Sengoku hadn't moved against Rear Admiral Kasso and his subordinates yet.
Marine still had plenty of scum like Rear Admiral Kasso within its ranks — people who had formed their own factions.
Though no Admiral supported them, many World Government officials did — and behind some of those officials stood the Celestial Dragons.
This was why Sengoku and the others found the situation so troublesome.
At the end of the day, the Marines were just a branch of the World Government. If orders came from above, they had to obey.
Because they were soldiers.
"It's up to Tsuru now. I hope she can persuade Commander-in-Chief Kong to step in. That would ease our burden a lot."
Even Garp's expression turned unusually serious.
Outside Marine Headquarters, Zachari walked out of the building and glanced up, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes.
"Zachari,-sama what should we do next? Kasso is set for execution tomorrow..." Zachari's secretary, Gavin, hesitated before speaking.
"That bastard Sengoku... Does he think being Fleet Admiral means he can do whatever he wants?
Just wait, I'll make him pay. Let's go!" Zachari growled darkly.
He led his men onto their ship, setting sail from Marineford immediately. Their next destination was Mary Geoise!
That's right — he was going to call in his powerful backers!
This mission was ordered by the Celestial Dragons behind him, aimed directly at Garp. They would never give up on Kasso.
They *would* rescue Kasso!
Thinking about how that fool Kasso had the nerve to walk into Marine Headquarters and surrender, Zachari couldn't help but wonder if Kasso was out of his mind!
What normal person would even *consider* surrendering?
Mary Geoise, Commander-in-Chief's Office.
Vice Admiral Tsuru had already given a detailed report to Kong, explaining everything she needed to say. Now, she waited for his decision.
"Tsuru... Zachari isn't just backed by Saint Zambas. He has an entire interest group of Celestial Dragons behind him. You know that, right?"
Kong spoke slowly after thinking for a long time.
"We understand that, Sengoku and I both do. But since Kasso has already surrendered, we see this as an opportunity —
An opportunity to test them!"
"Commander-in-Chief, the Marines need your help this time.
If we let Kasso go, those people will only become more reckless in the future.
At that point, Marine justice will be completely destroyed..."
Vice Admiral Tsuru spoke with a serious expression.
Kong poured her a cup of tea and another for himself, sipping slowly as he pondered.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he couldn't just think about the Marines. He also had to consider the Army, which was far more reliant on the World Government and its member nations.
But just as Tsuru said —
Kasso had already willingly placed his head on the chopping block and confessed his crimes.
If they didn't take action now, where would the Marines' authority stand in the future?
"Tsuru, come with me to the Hall of Power. We need direct support from the Five Elders!"
Having made up his mind, Kong set down his teacup and stood up, speaking firmly.
Hearing this, Vice Admiral Tsuru felt a wave of relief. She knew the situation was now secure.
With Kong's status as Commander-in-Chief, the Five Elders *had* to take his opinion seriously. If Kong stepped in, the blade the Marines had raised would *definitely* come down!
Vice Admiral Tsuru adjusted her Marine uniform and followed Kong toward Pangaea Castle's Hall of Power.
Elsewhere, after several days of sailing, the *Dream* finally reached the Little Garden.
Due to harsh weather, the ship had traveled slowly, sometimes even stopping at sea to wait for storms to pass.
At this moment, Ryuen, Leah, and Daisy were slumped over the ship's railing, weakly watching the waves below...
"I suddenly feel... seasick..." Leah said with a heavy tone.
"Same here..." Daisy added with a sigh.
As for the others, some lay on beach chairs reading newspapers, while others were busy training...
"That island... it's the ancient island 'Little Garden'!" Ryuen suddenly shouted, pointing at the island ahead.
"Let me see, where's Little Garden...?"
In an instant, the previously sluggish crew came to life and all ran to the ship's bow.
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