"I'm still new to Headquarters, sir. There's much I don't yet understand,"
Darren said with a gentle smile, every word careful and measured.
You, who dared to kill a Celestial Dragon, claim you "don't understand"?
Sengoku had tried to probe you before, but you'd slipped past him like water—and now you're saying you're still unfamiliar with the situation at Headquarters?
Kong let out a snort of laughter. He reached into his cigar box, pulled out a thick cigar, and casually tossed it to Darren.
"You're a natural-born politician, kid. I won't play games with you."
He bit down on another cigar himself, lighting it with a faint crackle, his voice deep and steady.
"After these two Celestial Dragon deaths, trust from the World Government in the Marines has never been weaker. They're questioning everything about us."
Darren was just about to light his own cigar when he paused to correct him politely.
"No, sir—just one death. The Celestial Dragon's death in the North Blue... the cause has been confirmed. Saint Shaldes' ship was attacked by a giant Sea King, and he died, unfortunately. I personally extend my deepest apologies and condolences for this tragic loss."
Kong's eyelid twitched. He let out a dry cough and waved a dismissive hand.
"Sure, sure. A Sea King attack it is."
He took a deep pull from his cigar, the tip glowing bright in the dark office. After a few seconds, he continued.
"Anyway, the distrust is real. Since I became Fleet Admiral, it's never been this bad. Whether the Government will send someone to investigate... I can't say for sure."
"But I can confirm this—our promotion plans, the ones that were almost finalized, have been put on hold."
"Promotion plans?" Darren asked, arching a brow.
"Originally, in three months' time, I was set to leave for the Holy Land of Mary Geoise to take the position of Supreme Commander of the Entire Military Forces of the World Government (Commander-in-Chief of the World Government). Sengoku would naturally succeed me as Fleet Admiral."
"But now... because of this mess with Dragon, those plans have been suspended."
So that's what was going on!
Darren felt a sudden moment of clarity.
He'd already heard the rumors—Sengoku was supposed to be promoted to Fleet Admiral soon. But he'd always found it odd. In the history he knew, Sengoku's promotion shouldn't have happened so early.
After all, during the Buster Call on Ohara at the start of the Great Pirate Era, it had been Sengoku, still a Marine Admiral, who had authorized the slaughter.
Now it all made sense.
Dragon's "betrayal" had likely forced the Government to question Sengoku's ability to lead, delaying his promotion for years.
And that was understandable.
Dragon wasn't some random Rear Admiral.
His bloodline, his position, and what he symbolized went beyond even the rank of Admiral.
For the son of the Marine Hero to slay a Celestial Dragon? It was a blow to the very soul of the Marines.
"It's just temporary," Darren said lightly, a faint smile on his lips. "Once the dust settles and people stop asking questions, the Government will forget about it."
"They still need us, after all. The Marines are their strongest weapon."
"In the meantime, I'll offer my congratulations early—on your promotion to Commander-in-Chief."
Kong gave him a long look. Then he chuckled, smoke curling from his lips.
"Don't be so quick to celebrate, kid. This... touches more than just me and Sengoku."
Darren's smile froze for a split second.
Kong's grin grew wider.
"Your report was immaculate. No flaws at all. But no matter how well it's written, this Celestial Dragon's death happened in the North Blue."
"Both times, these deaths happened in the North Blue—your territory, 'King of the North Blue.'"
"That's why I regret to inform you... your own promotion has been postponed too."
He paused for effect, his smile almost playful.
"Of course, just temporarily. Once the questions fade and the Government's attention shifts, they'll forget."
Heh. Old and cunning. Of course.
So that three hundred million Berries payout... probably wasn't enough.
I should have asked for more.
A Rear Admiral's promotion... a threshold most Marines never cross in their entire careers.
It had been within his grasp—and now, gone.
Darren had hoped that with the rank of Rear Admiral, he'd finally stand as an equal to Sakazuki and Borsalino—no more false salutes, no more pretending to be the junior officer.
But now? The prize had flown away.
Damned Dragon. If I'd known, I would have kicked him harder...
Why'd you have to do it in the North Blue?
Not only did I have to clean up your mess—I have to take the blame too.
Darren sighed inwardly, then spoke with resigned calm.
"I'm ready to accept any orders Headquarters has for me."
But in truth, he didn't really mind. The rank of Rear Admiral meant little to him, personally.
Kong nodded, taking another puff of his cigar and glancing out at the night sky.
"That's all, kid. You'd best get going—there's a certain lady from Wano waiting for you, I'd wager."
The old man gave him a sly wink, voice teasing.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral," Darren said, raising his hand in a crisp salute.
"Mm. Go on. Enjoy the festival, kid," Steel Bone Kong said with a wave of his hand.
Marine Headquarters, Officers' residential compound.
Darren paused at the gate, taking in the warm lantern light spilling from inside. For a moment, a gentle warmth filled his chest.
He took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped the grime from his face. He peeled off the bandages from his body, brushing his fingers over his skin to remove any trace of fatigue.
He slapped his cheeks lightly, forcing a smile.
He might be a scoundrel in many ways, but for gentle, kind Toki... he didn't want her to see his exhaustion.
He pushed open the courtyard gate.
"Toki, I'm home. Enjoy the fest—"
He froze mid-step. His boot hovered in the air, stuck in place.
In the living room of the house, two stunningly beautiful women sat across from each other. A feast lay spread out on the table between them. The air was... tense.
"My dear husband, you're home,"
Toki turned to him with a smile like the dawn.
Darren's mouth twitched.
"I... I came at the wrong time... Wait! I just remembered—Admiral Sengoku needed me for something!"
The woman across from Toki said, her high ponytail swishing as she gave him a cool, dangerous smile.
Gion's eyes glinted like steel.
"You're right on time."
That line... felt... ominous.