A Plan Backfires

After making the decision, Sengoku still upheld the "rationality of the system" and formally submitted the candidate documents for the Fleet Admiral selection to the Holy Land Mary Geoise.

The document clearly lists. "Recommended candidate for next Fleet Admiral: Kuzan (Marine Admiral)"

Reason: Outstanding achievements, steady and calm demeanor, and good relationships with the New Generation of generals.

Holy Land Mary Geoise Room of Authority

At the summit of the Red Line, clouds churn and light streams through the clouds onto the dome.

Inside the hall of "The Room of Authority," candlelight flickered on the gold walls and reliefs, and the air was filled with the scent of aged Cigars and the aroma of burning ancient wood.

The marble floor reflected the candlelight as the five elders who held sway over the world gathered once more.

Saint Warcury put down the report in his hand, frowned slightly, and said with a hint of surprise in his voice:

"The Sengoku... they actually submitted this kind of document?"

Saint Shepherd Ju Peter sat to his right, his long, slender fingers tapping lightly on the table.

Saint Nusjuro snorted coldly, his eyes like knives. "Hmph! This only proves—our dignity has not completely collapsed!!"

"It's just that Roy and his group of 'New Generation' have developed some untimely rebellious thoughts."

"The Navy is ultimately just a dog of the World Government —no matter who is the Fleet Admiral, its nature never changes."

The air was so still you could almost hear the crackling of the candlelight.

Saint Shepherd Ju Peter suddenly raised his hand and said calmly, "There's no need to be angry."

"On the contrary, this is precisely an opportunity."

The other four people turned their heads.

Saint Mars frowned. "An opportunity?"

Saint Shepherd Ju Peter gently pushed the report aside, the edge of the document brushing against the candlelight.

The document clearly states --

"The Navy recommends Kuzan for Fleet Admiral."

He paused slightly, a meaningful, cold smile appearing on his lips.

"Then why don't we do the opposite?"

Saint Mars's expression changed slightly, and his tone was low: "You mean—"

Saint Shepherd Ju Peter's voice turned sharp. "Give the order."

"In the name of the World Government, Sakazuki is directly appointed as the new Fleet Admiral."

"We must—actively create division."

For a moment, the air froze.

The wind seeped in through the patterned windows of the dome, stirring the candlelight and casting five interlaced shadows on the wall.

Saint Warcury was the first to react, chuckling softly, "Heh... you mean, let them fight amongst themselves?"

Saint Shepherd Ju Peter nodded, his tone calm: "Kuzan and Sakazuki-- "

One champions freedom and benevolence, the other adheres to iron-fisted justice and Absolute Justice.

Their ideologies are destined to be incompatible.

"With just a gentle push, that crack will turn into an abyss—and the navy will crumble on its own."

"At that time, we will once again tighten the reins of our most powerful and violent apparatus."

After those words were spoken, the hall fell into a suffocating silence.

A moment later, Saint Mars's lips slowly curled up, revealing a sinister and pleased smile.

"... That's interesting."

Saint Garling leaned back in his chair, his sunglasses reflecting the candlelight and obscuring his eyes.

After a moment, he slowly spoke, "In that case, summon Sakazuki and Kuzan."

"In the name of the World Government, they are ordered to personally travel to the Holy Land Mary Geoise to receive the appointment Fleet Admiral."

His tone grew colder, ending with a hint of contempt. "Granted by God himself."

"--Who dares to refuse?"

The other four looked at each other for a moment, and without hesitation, nodded slowly almost simultaneously.

I second that.

Saint Shepherd Ju Peter's lips curled slightly upward. "Very good, then prepare to give the order immediately."

Just as everyone was preparing to get up and leave the meeting, Saint Nusjuro suddenly frowned, his deep voice breaking the brief silence.

"But--"

His gaze was solemn as he swept over everyone present.

"What if those two start fighting here?"

The air paused slightly.

The candlelight flickered, and the five shadows on the wall seemed to remain still.

The group exchanged glances, but no one spoke first.

A moment later, Saint Garling suddenly burst out laughing.

"A fight is about to break out? Haha--"

His laughter was loud and clear, even carrying a hint of disdainful pleasure.

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible—!"

He touched his forehead with one hand and waved the other lightly, like a god looking down upon mortals, his voice full of contempt:

Who do you think they are?

"According to Sengoku's report, Roy and Borsalino have absolutely no interest in the position of Fleet Admiral."

"Just Sakazuki and Kuzan-- "

"They would never dare to cause trouble at God's feet!!"

"Seconded *4!"

The four secondings echoed like the tolling of a bell of power, resounding in the candlelight.

Marine Headquarters - Fleet Admiral's Office

In the afternoon, a gentle sea breeze was blowing.

Under the military flag outside the window, soldiers are lined up on the Training Ground, their slogans ringing out in unison and with great force.

Inside the office, however, all was quiet.

On the heavy oak desk lay a newly delivered document, bearing the gold-embossed emblem of the World Government.

--Announcement of the Appointment of Fleet Admiral

"By a supreme resolution of the World Government, Admiral Sakazuki is appointed as the new Fleet Admiral."

Command Admiral Kuzan to accompany him to the Holy Land Mary Geoise to receive a divine mandate.

Sengoku sat quietly behind his desk, his gold-rimmed Glasses reflecting the gleam of his gold-stamped seal.

He stared at the document, reading it over and over again, the veins on his forehead throbbing slightly.

Finally, he took a deep breath and looked up at Roy was leaning against the window.

"... You brat," Sengoku's voice was low, filled with suppressed anger.

"What on earth is going on in your head?"

He slammed his hand on the document. "They—they actually did as you 'suggested'?!"

The document was slapped so hard it made a loud noise; a few pages were slightly lifted, and the gold lettering gleamed in the sunlight.

A slight smile appeared on Roy's lips; he seemed completely unsurprised.

He raised his hand and waved it gently. "How could those five old men possibly let such a good opportunity slip by?"

The Sengoku period, however, frowned even more deeply.

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes deep and thoughtful, as if he could see the distant, mist-shrouded Red Line.

"But if we do this--"

He said in a low voice, "You Headliners let those two fight in the Holy Land?"

"That's... Mary Geoise!!"

Roy chuckled softly, then slowly turned around, his gaze falling on two figures on the other side of the room.

--Sakazuki and Kuzan.

The two sat on either side of each other in silence, yet it was as if the temperature of the entire office had been divided in two by their presence.

On the left, heat waves are rising;

On the right, the cold air had turned to frost.

A faint hissing sound could be heard in the air, the silent collision of fire and ice.

"Fine."

He smiled slightly, "Go ahead and have some fun--"

"We need a fuse."

This sentence caused the air to freeze completely.

Kizaru leaned back lazily in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, a cynical smile gradually spreading across his lips.

"Wow, that's awesome!"

He chuckled softly, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

"This is going to be quite a show."

Sakazuki snorted coldly, crossing his arms. "Hmph... if those old geezers really dare to play with fire—"

His voice was low but firm. "I will make them understand what the 'price of Justice's truly means."

Kuzan tilted his head, his usual lazy expression gone.

His tone was unusually serious, "Oh dear... this time, it's really going to be a tough task~"

Sengoku rubbed his temples in exasperation, "You guys..."

Sunlight streamed through the window and fell upon them, half scorching hot, half icy cold.

The wind, passing through the window cracks, fluttered the edges of the "Justice" flag.

The flag Hunting Roar in the sunlight.

And the wind was blowing slowly from the direction of the Holy Land.