"So, Sengoku... how viable do you think it is to apply the North Blue fleet's model to Marine Headquarters?"
Inside the Base Commander's office, a low, deep voice rumbled from the den den mushi—Fleet Admiral Kong.
Sengoku frowned deeply, pausing a few seconds before answering carefully:
"Reporting, Fleet Admiral Kong. It's hard to say for now. I won't be able to confirm the true cost of the North Blue Fleet's equipment and weaponry until Darren wakes up."
Back at Marineford, inside the Fleet Admiral's office, "Steel Bone" Kong stood with arms crossed and spoke in a gravelly voice:
"I've long heard of Germa's advanced weaponry. With such powerful tools, any force could drastically boost its combat strength in a short time. But Sengoku... you understand well that the true strength of the North Blue Fleet doesn't lie in its weapons."
"It's Darren," Sengoku said slowly.
"Exactly. The key to the flying fleet is Darren's Devil Fruit ability. Without him, no matter how many high-tech weapons they mount or how well-trained the personnel are, it's still just a strong fleet."
"But with Darren's ability, the strategic value of such a fleet..."
He paused, eyes sharp.
"...is immeasurable."
Sengoku nodded in agreement.
The threat of an airborne fleet had already been proven by Golden Lion Shiki. His pirate armada, vast in number, lacked the core strength of Whitebeard's division commanders or the elite makeup of Roger's crew.
But for Marine Headquarters, if one were to choose the single most difficult pirate to deal with in all the seas—
It would be Shiki, without question.
His overwhelming personal strength and massive fleet were dangerous, but more than anything, it was his Devil Fruit that made him fearsome.
By lifting his entire fleet into the sky, he gave them unparalleled mobility. He could strike anywhere and escape at will. There was simply no effective countermeasure.
"And you must realize, Sengoku..."
"As Darren's strength increases, so will his mastery over his powers—which means he'll be able to carry even more ships."
"For someone with his talent, that's only a matter of time."
Kong lit a cigar, took a long drag, and a smile began to form at the corner of his lips.
"Perhaps in the not-so-distant future... the forces of Justice will gain their first Flying Admiral."
Sengoku fell silent for a while.
"But Fleet Admiral Kong, what about control? What about the issue of Darren levying taxes in the North Blue? Are we just going to turn a blind eye?"
"From what I've observed these past two days, the worship of Darren within the fleet has reached a peak."
"To the point where, in this region, my orders as an Admiral carry less weight than his words as a Headquarters Captain."
"And based on the investigations by Lieutenant Commander Gion and Lieutenant Commander Tokikake, Darren has used the tax revenue to equip his men with top-tier weapons, advanced warships, and pays salaries and benefits several times higher than HQ standards."
"If we don't address this, it won't be long before the North Blue Marines become Darren's private army."
"Sengoku... it's time you matured a little."
Kong let out a hearty laugh.
"I've reviewed Darren's record... He's clever, ambitious, ruthless when needed, and charismatic."
"Do you really think those two greenhorns, Gion and Tokikake, could uncover that much intel without his consent?"
His eyes widened slightly as the realization hit him.
"You mean... this was all intentional?"
Kong exhaled a puff of smoke, eyes narrowing as he gazed over the endless sea beyond Marineford.
"During the operation to take down Byrnndi World, Darren could have hidden his fleet."
"The time and location of the arms deal were known. With your strength and Borsalino's support, it would've been risky, but not impossible to trap World."
"But Darren didn't do that..."
Kong's tone carried a subtle gravity.
"He deployed the North Blue Fleet."
Sengoku's heart shook.
"He was making a show of force!"
"Exactly. He forced Headquarters to make a decision."
"He demonstrated his value—his power, potential, Devil Fruit, and the vision of an airborne Marine fleet."
"And in return, he wants the North Blue."
"He wants full control and leadership over the North Blue, unconditional silence on his actions here, and to become the rightful..."
Kong's voice dropped low.
"...King of the North Blue."
"Do you think HQ will agree?"
321st Branch, Marine Medical Wing.
A quiet, high-security hospital room. Bouquets and fruit baskets crowded the hallway outside. The scent of blood mixed with antiseptic lingered in the air.
Lieutenant Commander Momonga sat at the bedside, posture rigid, face somber.
"They'll agree. I revealed my power willingly... it's an offer they can't refuse."
Darren reclined against the pillows, a lit cigar clutched between his teeth. His black eyes gazed beyond the window at the distant harbor, a confident smile playing on his lips.
Both arms were in casts. His upper body was wrapped in bloodstained bandages, and his face was pale from blood loss.
"Let's wait and see. I can't say these things aloud, but Sengoku and Kong aren't fools. They'll understand."
"The death of Byrnndi World, the birth of the flying fleet, my future—all of it will buy us at least twenty years of peace in the North Blue."
"And it won't be long before your appointment comes in."
Darren turned to Momonga and grinned.
"Congratulations in advance, North Blue's next Supreme Commander."