For a moment, Gion and Tokikake felt like the world before them had shattered into absurdity—a dreamlike illusion they couldn't wake from.
Their mouths moved, but no words came out.
None of this made any sense!
A Celestial Dragon was dead—and even if the killer hadn't been caught, how in the world did that lead to a promotion?
They had no solid evidence to prove Darren was the one who killed Saint Shaldes, but their gut told them enough.
This man had mastered the art of power and politics.
He had precisely grasped what the World Government needed—not truth, but a solution. And he had delivered it effortlessly, solving a problem even Admiral Sengoku couldn't untangle.
Looking back, with someone as cunning and calculated as Darren, it would be terrifyingly easy for him to make them vanish from the North Blue without a trace.
That realization sparked something else in their eyes—fear.
Darren, of course, noticed every flicker of their changing expressions. He simply smiled.
Then, turning to Sengoku, he saluted crisply. "Thank you in advance for your support, Admiral."
"Good, good! That's the spirit." Sengoku smiled in satisfaction.
"I'll be heading out now..." He glanced at the still-stunned Gion and Tokikake, then added with a sigh, "Take care of these two brats, will you?"
Darren nodded. "No problem, Admiral."
And with that, Sengoku boarded his flagship.
To the sound of roaring ceremonial cannons and cheers from the North Blue Marines, the massive warship Sengoku raised sail.
The sea wind filled the canvas, making the black calligraphy of "正義"—Justice—ripple with power and resolve.
A young Marine on the lookout tower shouted.
The ship's anchor rose. Rudders turned. The fortress-like warship began to glide into the open sea.
From the deck, Sengoku turned and saluted Darren and the assembled Marines on shore—tall and proud.
Then he turned back... and promptly twitched.
Someone was lounging under the sun, drink in hand.
He frowned and looked toward the stern. There were crates. Lots of them.
Borsalino stretched and sauntered over lazily.
"Oh, that? Just a little parting gift from Captain Darren."
Sengoku's eye twitched. That brat wasn't bribing him, was he?
He hurried over and flung open the crates.
Inside the crates were simple, thoughtful gifts—nothing extravagant, but each one carefully chosen:
The cigars were the exact brand that Marshal Kong favored.
The senbei crackers were Sengoku's personal favorite.
The jasmine tea? Tsuru's daily go-to.
The donuts—Garp couldn't go a single day without them.
And the sherry? Zephyr's most beloved drink.
Each item carried meaning. A quiet tribute. A nod to those who mattered.
Sengoku stared at the pile for a long time, then smiled and shook his head.
"That little punk... he actually has a heart."
But just as he softened, he turned and roared:
"BORSALINO, YOU BASTARD! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
Borsalino froze mid-reach, hand hovering over a senbei.
"...I was hungry, Admiral."
Sengoku seethed. "That's a gift. For me."
Hands raised in surrender, Borsalino backed off. "Okay, okay..."
He turned and muttered, "...You're so stingy lately."
Sengoku's jaw clenched.
Pangaea Castle, Sacred Land Mary Geoise — World Government Headquarters
"This is the classified report submitted by Supreme Commander of the North Blue Marines, Rogers Darren" said the CP0 agent, kneeling respectfully as he offered the document.
The Gorosei exchanged glances.
"He's quite capable."
"Another good call, Topman."
Topman Warcury smirked, pleased.
Darren hadn't let him down.
He'd found a perfect resolution—fast, clean, and acceptable to all.
"Still," Saint Nusjuro muttered, polishing his cursed black-bladed katana, "why did the Shaldes family suddenly quiet down?"
The others turned to Warcury.
The Shaldes were notoriously unreasonable—even among Celestial Dragons. Arrogant, paranoid, greedy to the core.
"Three hours ago, a merchant ship from the North Blue passed every inspection and entered the Holy Land."
"Over a billion Berries' worth of treasure and rare goods were offloaded directly to the Shaldes estate."
"The shipment included a letter, offering sincere condolences and deep sorrow from Captain Rogers Darren—along with a 'small token' of comfort to the great Celestial family."
The smile on Warcury's face turned sharp.
"Ten minutes later, CP0 received a new escort request from a Celestial Dragon."
"Shaldes' father, Saint Schild, is currently en route to Pleasure District in the New World."
The other Gorosei: ...