Somehow, the battleship cabin had gone quiet.
Even Borsalino stopped picking his nails. He looked up with mild interest, the corners of his lips curling into a bemused smirk.
So Darren... was asking the Marine's top brass for operational command?
"You want command of this mission?" Sengoku raised an eyebrow, his tone stern.
"Yes, Admiral Sengoku."
The North Blue Commander's reply came without hesitation—firm, decisive:
"I have absolute confidence in my abilities."
"I know the North Blue better than anyone—the sea routes, the towns, the terrain around the target island, troop positions—everything."
"I arranged this arms deal myself. That alone justifies my lead."
"Most importantly, the North Blue Fleet will serve as the main force in this operation. Under my direct command, their effectiveness will be maximized."
Darren knew this was the moment.
In the North Blue, he had learned one lesson very well: authority is not handed out—it must be taken.
If you want respect, you demand it. Sometimes, the only way to earn a superior's regard... is to challenge his control.
Sengoku's deep eyes glinted subtly.
"Are you fully aware of Byrnndi World's strength?"
"I am, Admiral. He's a pirate who once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with legends like Roger and Whitebeard. I don't take him lightly."
"But this is war. And victory in war isn't determined by strength alone."
Sengoku was silent for a moment, then added:
"If you fail—if your leadership results in a disaster—it could end your entire military career."
"I understand. If I fail, I'll accept full disciplinary action from HQ."
That answer made Sengoku's eyes sharpen.
He turned his gaze to the man beside him.
"Rear Admiral Borsalino, what's your opinion?"
Borsalino scratched his chin, pretending to ponder deeply before replying in his usual languid drawl:
"Hmm... I think it wouldn't hurt to let Captain Darren try."
"He's done exceptionally well as North Blue's commander—both administratively and militarily."
That final sentence shattered the last doubts in Sengoku's mind.
True, if any other officer had asked to command such a critical mission, he would've refused without hesitation.
But Darren... was different.
His record spoke for itself. Though he'd never trained at the Marine Officer Academy, his strategic mind and command instincts were exceptional.
And more importantly, he had guts.
To stake his own fleet against Byrnndi World, a 400-million bounty pirate, and volunteer to lead the charge?
That took more than talent. That took steel.
"Very well. Temporary command of the operation is yours."
Sengoku's voice came slowly, after careful thought.
"But be warned—the battlefield is unpredictable. If something goes wrong, I'll take over personally."
"Understood, Admiral."
On the other end of the line, standing atop a battleship's prow, Darren let the wind catch his Justice cloak as he smiled faintly.
He pocketed the transponder snail and looked out over the sea.
Warships were pouring into the harbor from North Blue's 321st branch, forming a precise arrowhead formation at his command.
On the docks, Marines worked with silent discipline, loading crates of munitions, securing cannons, and prepping the fleet for war.
The rhythm was solemn, mechanical, efficient.
"Wait—he really agreed?!"
A voice cried out behind him.
Darren turned to see Tokikake's stunned face.
"Sengoku actually handed you command of the operation to take down Byrnndi World?!"
Darren lit a cigar, gave a wink.
"Headquarters knows how to recognize talent."
"Tch—damn it! Why not me!?"
Tokikake snarled, practically grinding his teeth.
Watching Darren snag an opportunity was somehow more painful than death.
It was Byrnndi World.
A legendary pirate with a 400 million bounty!
Over the years, even Marine titans like Admiral Sengoku, Garp, and the former Admiral Black Arm Zephyr had failed to bring him down.
Now, with the Grand Line sealed, World was finally cornered in the North Blue.
This was a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
And it had fallen into Darren's hands.
"Are you really planning to command this fight? World isn't like your average pirate."
Gion's voice cut in, her expression unreadable.
Darren met her gaze with a grin:
"Don't worry. I'm a scoundrel. A disgrace. What's the saying again? Ah, right—villains always live a long time."
"I'm not worried for you! I'm worried you'll botch the mission and get the entire North Blue Fleet wiped out!"
"You'd throw away all of Admiral Sengoku's work!"
Darren just shrugged.
"This is Byrnndi World. Even a flawless plan could fail."
"Of course, if you think you can do better, I'm happy to hand over command. Interested?"
Gion pressed her lips together.
No. The fleet wouldn't obey her.
And honestly, facing World and his crew—she had no answers.
The Moa Moa no Mi's destructive potential couldn't be countered with tactics alone.
She looked sidelong at Darren, who gazed out to sea with a calm smile.
Could he really pull it off?
A spark of curiosity lit quietly in her chest.