Even someone as composed and calculating as Sengoku couldn't help but tense slightly.
The Marines—while the most powerful enforcement force on the seas with relative military autonomy—were, in the end, a subordinate agency under the World Government.
Even if many within the organization privately disdained the Government's authority, they still outwardly showed respect and obedience.
And as a high-ranking officer—currently the only active Marine Admiral—Sengoku could not afford to lose the trust of the Gorosei, the highest authority of the World Government.
Especially when it came to the position he was determined to seize: Fleet Admiral.
"Admiral Sengoku," Darren said with a smile, eyes narrowing slightly, "do I look like the kind of man who'd betray his comrades, his friends... or his superiors?"
There he goes again—emphasizing 'superiors.' What's he playing at this time?
"I'm well aware of where I stand."
Darren continued with a gentle smile.
"The orders of the Gorosei are of course important. But unity within the Marines is even more critical."
"That's why, in the final report I submitted to the Gorosei, I made sure to emphasize your guidance and support throughout the investigation."
Sengoku quietly exhaled, a smile easing onto his face. Approval glinted in his eyes.
"Mm. You've always handled things in a way I can trust."
"What I needed to ensure most of all... was that the World Government would never lose faith in the Marines. That's something none of us ever want to see."
He lifted his gaze, meeting the eyes of the powerful Admiral before him. His tone sharpened with intent.
"Wouldn't you agree, Admiral Sengoku?"
Then, as if something clicked, he sighed deeply and nodded.
"You're absolutely right."
"Well then, if there's nothing more, I'll take my leave."
The so-called report had been just a pretense. Sengoku had summoned him for one reason—to test him.
Now that the test had been passed and an unspoken consensus reached, there was no longer any reason to linger.
Toki was still waiting for him at home for dinner.
Sengoku gave a quiet grunt, then after a moment, smiled.
"How's Toki adjusting to life here in Marineford?"
Darren smiled warmly.
"She seems to enjoy it here."
Sengoku nodded thoughtfully, then asked:
"That's good. If I'm not mistaken... she's from Wano, isn't she?"
Darren didn't deny it.
The culture of Wano was distinct from the rest of the world's islands and kingdoms. Toki's true identity could never stay hidden forever.
Sengoku thought for a moment, then spoke slowly:
"Treat her well... and if you get the chance, see if you can gather any intelligence about Wano."
"Understood, Admiral."
"Then, I'll be heading home."
He turned and walked toward the door.
Sengoku's low voice came from behind, halting him mid-step.
"I'll just say this—Lady Luck won't always be on your side."
Darren chuckled, not looking back.
"I don't believe in luck, Admiral Sengoku."
And with that, he pushed the door open and walked out.
As the heavy doors slowly closed behind him, Sengoku leaned back in his chair, eyes shut, massaging his temples.
After a long pause, he chuckled softly.
"What a clever little brat..."
He understood full well what Darren had meant.
'We must never let the World Government lose trust in the Marines...'
That phrase struck Sengoku's mind like lightning.
"There's no point digging further..."
He sighed, silently clenching his fists.
The Celestial Dragon incident... must never be traced back to the Marines.
By the time Darren left Sengoku's office, it was already dusk.
Across the distant harbor, golden light shimmered on the waves. The sea breeze brushed his face, and the tension in his body finally began to ease.
He let out a long breath, pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and took a slow drag.
The smoke drifted upward, carrying his thoughts with it.
Sengoku wasn't easy to fool—but for now, he was steady.
He would understand the implication.
The Marines could not afford to become the target of the Government's suspicion.
So even if Sengoku truly found clues or evidence, for the sake of the institution as a whole, he'd never report it.
That was Darren's leverage.
His identity had changed.
Former The Supreme Commander of the North Blue.
Personal disciple of Zephyr.
Hero of the Byrnndi World campaign.
Rising star, future Marine Admiral.
The one who destroyed the Beasts Pirates' main base.
Name. Valor. Talent. Potential. Power.
He lacked nothing now.
If the World Government dared to move against him, the consequences would be massive.
Darren killed a Celestial Dragon?
Then what about Zephyr—should he be investigated too?
And Sengoku, who was in the North Blue at the time—should he be held accountable?
Would the entire North Blue fleet be called into question? Purged?
What if there were more Marines harboring anti-Government sentiments?
Once a witch hunt begins, it never ends.
The World Government could end up dismantling the Marines from the inside.
Strip their funding. Cripple their power.
That was the gamble Darren was playing.
And he was betting that Sengoku wouldn't dare roll the dice.
He finished the cigarette and exhaled the final plume of smoke, grinding the butt under his boot.
He muttered softly, eyes fixed on the horizon.
But just as he lifted his foot—
A tall figure suddenly appeared in his path.
Framed by the golden sunset,
Gion stood before him, her breathing labored, hand gripping her sword. Her white Marine cape fluttered behind her, eyes cold and unwavering.
Darren blinked, caught off guard.
He noticed the bruises on her arms, the weariness on her face—clear signs of intense training.
What was she doing here?
"Rogers Darren, cadet of the Third Elite Officer Training Camp—"
Gion took a deep breath, both hands gripping her golden blade. Her gaze was firm, her tone resolute.
"I challenge you for the first seat!"