"No... a more accurate form of address would be..."
As soon as the question left his mouth, the old man on the other end of the Den Den Mushi seemed to remember something and slowly corrected himself.
"Saint Austin!!!"
"What!!??"
Hearing that title, even Sengoku, who had weathered countless storms across the seas, could not help but voice his confusion.
What did that title mean?
"Who is beside you? Kong!!!"
At that cry of alarm, Saint Saturn, one of the Five Elders who had been calmly issuing orders, turned a frigid gaze on Kong and demanded an answer.
Kong lowered his head and reported respectfully,
"Reporting to Saint Saturn, it is Marine Headquarters Admiral—Sengoku."
"Sengoku..."
Only after hearing that name did Saturn's expression ease somewhat.
After all, Sengoku was the future Fleet Admiral they had personally chosen to succeed Kong. It was no great issue for him to learn some information in advance.
So Saturn did not pursue the matter further.
But for Sengoku, this news struck like a thunderbolt.
The Sea Overlord was a Celestial Dragon...
Then what had the Navy's constant targeting of Austin, all those preparations, and all those meetings been for?
Yet clearly, the other two people on the call had no concern for Sengoku's feelings.
"You know Sand Crocodile Crocodile's identity very well, don't you, Kong?"
Scientific Defense God-Warrior Saint Saturn held the Den Den Mushi in his hand, his eyes narrowed as a sharp glint flickered within them.
Facing that gaze, Kong seemed to have already guessed something. It was as though all strength had drained from his body, and his eyes were full of difficulty.
He answered helplessly,
"Yes. Sand Crocodile Crocodile is Saint Austin's... companion..."
But he did not stop there. Instead, thoughts of countless Marines, of his own position, and of