Sengoku's Choice, and Smoker's Changes!

"Phew~"

"This is life!"

Sitting in his office, Kong picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then revealed a contented expression, clearly enjoying his current life.

Although a certain price was paid, and life and death were in the hands of others,... compared to what was gained, that was nothing!

Just then, a servant's voice came from outside, saying, "Commander-in-Chief- in-Chief, Marshal Sengoku requests an audience."

"Oh?"

"The Sengoku has arrived."

Upon hearing that it was Sengoku had arrived, a complex expression appeared in Kong's eyes. He then said, "Let him come over."

After saying that, Kong tidied up the things on the table, leaving only a tea set.

She then crossed her arms and looked towards the Great Gate, waiting for the man to arrive.

A moment later...

"Squeak~"

The office Great Gate was pushed open, and Sengoku walked in expressionlessly.

"Kong Big Brother"

A complex look flashed in Sengoku's eyes as he looked at the man sitting in the seat.

"Um."

Kong nodded, then pointed to the sofa opposite the desk and said, "Sit down."

After glancing at the clean sofa, Sengoku strode over and then sat down there quite naturally.

"Why aren't you keeping watch over there? What are you doing here?" Kong asked.

As they were talking, Kong poured Sengoku a cup of tea, then skillfully flicked it in front of Sengoku.

After glancing at the tea on the table, Sengoku picked it up, took a sip, and then said, "Of course, I have something important to discuss with you."

Kong paused for a moment upon hearing this, then said, "Is it because of Garp?"

He knew what Garp had done.

"He has some connection to it." Sengoku nodded. "I'd like to know how the World Government plans to deal with him?"

Although Garp did contribute to the war, he also violated some rules, so he wanted to know if the World Government would use this as an excuse to make trouble.

If he had that idea... he would also try to find a way to save Garp!!

"You know how serious the things that guy did are," Kong said, rubbing his temples. "So the World Government can't just pretend nothing happened."

"That..."

"I pleaded for him, but it didn't work as well as I'd hoped," Kong said.

Upon hearing this, Sengoku's expression immediately changed.

"Does the World Government intend to get rid of Garp?" Sengoku asked quickly.

If those guys really intend to do that, then he...

"No, that's not it." Kong shook his head and said, "Considering his achievements and position, the World Government ultimately decided to dismiss him."

"But their rank remains the same, and they can continue to stay in the navy, which allows for the continued training of young marines."

Sengoku breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Kong's explanation.

Although this effectively stripped Garp of real power, it didn't actually have a significant impact on Garp.

After all... this guy has a lot of prestige!

With just a word from this guy, he can transfer a large number of naval personnel, even without real power!

Therefore, this punishment was relatively minor for Garp.

Thinking of this, Sengoku said, "Then I'll thank Kong Big Brother on Garp's behalf."

Although Kong Big Brother said his pleas didn't have much effect, that's definitely not the case!

Without this person's intercession, the World Government's punishment of Garp would have been far more severe!

Therefore, he was still very grateful to his former boss.

"Shouldn't that be something that brat should say?" Kong said, raising an eyebrow.

"He's too embarrassed to see you..."

"You two have caused me no shortage of trouble before, why are you feeling embarrassed now?" Kong said irritably.

Just thinking about Garp's grinning face made him angry. That bastard still had the nerve to talk back!

How come he didn't know this before?

In response, Sengoku could only smile awkwardly and said nothing more.

"Forget it, I can't be bothered to argue with him," said Kong.

He knew what kind of bastard Garp was, so he couldn't be bothered to argue with him.

Then, Kong said, "But when you get back, remind him not to cause any more trouble, otherwise..."

Kong didn't finish his sentence, but Sengoku understood what he meant.

If something similar happens again, the World Government will no longer tolerate this guy and will definitely kill him!

Thinking of this, Sengoku nodded and said, "Alright, I'll tell him when I get back."

"Alright, you can go now," Kong said.

After saying that, he picked up the tea on the table, took a sip, and his expression gradually became more relaxed.

"Um?"

Glancing at Sengoku, who was still standing there, Kong said, "Why aren't you leaving yet?"

"Are you planning to stay and have dinner with me?"

As he spoke, Kong glanced at the clock and continued, "It does seem to be approaching lunchtime, I..."

Without giving Kong a chance to continue, Sengoku interrupted him, saying, "Kong Big Brother, there's something else I wanted to say that you should already know, right?"

He didn't believe the other party was unaware of what he had said at Navy Headquarters.

Upon hearing this, Kong paused for a moment, then sighed and said, "Is it really going to be like this?"

He knew about what was happening in the navy, so he guessed why Sengoku had come to him.

But now that it's come to this, he doesn't really want Sengoku to give up.

After all... Sengoku is indeed a man suited to be the Fleet Admiral!

"Someone has to take responsibility for this war, doesn't he?" Sengoku said. "Besides, I am indeed quite tired..."

By the end, Sengoku's expression had become somewhat complicated.

Since becoming Fleet Admiral, he has done too many things he doesn't like, so... he's really tired.

If he could, he would like to retire now.

Are you tired...?

Seeing Sengoku's expression, Kong remained silent.

As the previous Fleet Admiral, he naturally knew how difficult it was for someone to sit in that position, so he could understand Sengoku's feelings.

"In that case..." Kong hesitated for a moment, then said, "Then I will grant your request."

Upon hearing this, a hint of joy flashed in Sengoku's eyes, and he said, "Alright, then I'll..."

"Let me finish speaking!" Kong interrupted Sengoku, saying, "I can agree to your request to resign Marshal, but you cannot leave the Navy."

"I need you to be like Garp, understand?!"

This guy was, after all, a former Fleet Admiral, so he couldn't possibly allow the other person to resign and leave the navy.

"Hmm, I can agree to that," Sengoku nodded.

He had considered this before he came, after all... he knew too much!

Under these circumstances, the World Government would not let him go, so he was aware of this.

"I'm glad you can accept it," Kong said.

"Actually, spending the rest of your life like this is not a bad choice," Sengoku said, staring into Kong's eyes.

Kong, having discerned the hidden meaning in Sengoku' words, paused for a moment, then sighed helplessly.

Sengoku and Garp are options, but he is not.

After shaking his head, Kong changed the subject, saying, "The fact that the two of you are leaving the front lines is definitely Big News Morgans."

"Those legendary pirates must be laughing their heads off when they see this news."

Seeing that Kong Big Brother was changing the subject, Sengoku swallowed the words that were about to come out.

He then said, "Don't worry, our New Era in the navy will shut them up!!"

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Kong showed an interested expression and said, "Could it be that a promising talent has emerged in our navy?"

"There are indeed quite a few promising talents, but I have high hopes for a young man who has recently emerged," Sengoku said.

Who is it?

"A kid named Smoker," Sengoku said, "After this war, he seems to have had a breakthrough; he's a completely different person."

Recalling that smoking kid, a smile appeared on Sengoku's face.

"Then train him well," Kong said.

It would be even better if we could train this promising individual from the Sengoku to become Marine Admiral!

"Don't worry, I already know what to do," Sengoku nodded and said.

He already had his answer regarding Smoker's plan.

"Okay."

Kong nodded; he trusted Sengoku to handle things.

He then asked, "Do you have a candidate in mind for the next Fleet Admiral?"

"I recommend Aokiji," Sengoku said without hesitation.

"Why?" Kong asked curiously.

"Because of his justice!"

Sengoku said earnestly, "I believe his sense of justice can lead the navy further."

Recalling Aokiji's sense of justice, Sengoku smiled.

"Justice...?"

Upon hearing those two words, Kong's expression became somewhat complicated. He then nodded and said, "Alright, I understand. I will convey your thoughts to the Five Elders."

"However, it's still uncertain whether it will be approved."

The previous Fleet Admiral can indeed recommend candidates for the next position, but whether they are suitable depends on the World Government's decision.

After all... the Navy belongs to the World Government...

Perhaps as if he had thought of something, Kong's gaze became even more complicated.

"Then I'll leave it to you, Kong Big Brother," Sengoku said.

If possible, he hoped that Aokiji could take that position, as it would also benefit the Navy.

Upon hearing this, Kong paused for a moment, then nodded and said, "I'll do my best."

He didn't dare make any promises to Sengoku, since the decision-making power was in the hands of the World Government, so... he could only say he would do his best.

"That's enough," Sengoku nodded.

After saying that, Sengoku stood up and said, "Kong Big Brother, then I'll..."

"You've already said what the outgoing Marshal said, what's your hurry?" Kong interrupted impatiently.

"But I still have things to take care of..."

"You're no longer the Marshal, what are you still dealing with?" Kong said, "Stop talking nonsense, come with me to have dinner later."

Sengoku:...

Seeing the helpless expression on Sengoku's face, Kong glared at him and said, "What, you're still not willing?"

"No."

"It's settled then. Have a good drink with me later!" Kong said.

After this parting, Sengoku probably won't come here again.

So... we must have a good drink before they leave!

Sengoku saw through Kong's thoughts and nodded, saying, "Okay, Kong Big Brother."

Before they leave, let them have a good drink.

Kong nodded, then pressed a button on the table, summoning the servants outside.

"Prepare a table of food for me; I want to have a good drink with Sengoku."

"Yes, Commander-in-Chief- in-Chief!"

After speaking, the attendant turned and left.

"It's a pity that Garp and Little Tsuru didn't come, otherwise we could have gotten together," Kong said.

If you think about it carefully, they haven't eaten together for decades.

'So much time has passed in the blink of an eye...'

Thinking of this, a complex feeling arose in Kong's heart.

"There will be opportunities in the future," Sengoku comforted him.

"In the future..." Kong murmured.

I hope so.

After shaking his head inwardly, Kong changed the subject, saying, "Tell me about that kid called the Blood-Eyed Ninja."

"I remember he was a newcomer who had just debuted."

"Yes," Sengoku nodded, "The other party is indeed a newcomer who hasn't been in the industry for long."

Thinking about it carefully, this kid has only been at sea for less than a month.

"Do you know where this Ninja is from?" Kong asked. "Is he from Wano Country?"

"No," Sengoku shook his head and said, "He said he wasn't from Wano Country when he was at Judicial Island."

"Isn't he from Wano Country...?" Kong frowned, puzzled. "Then where is he Ninja from?"

"I don't know about that," said Sengoku.

All he knew was that the other party first appeared on the Sea Train, where they used that strange hypnotic technique to hypnotize the World Government personnel.

He had no idea where the other person came from.

"Didn't you do any investigation?"

"We investigated, but there's absolutely no information about them," Sengoku said helplessly. "It's as if this person appeared out of thin air."

Upon hearing this, Kong paused for a moment, then said, "Then they must have come from some unrecorded island."

They've encountered this type of person before, so it's a possibility.

"That's the only way."

Sengoku paused after speaking, then speculated, "Kong Big Brother suddenly brought up this person, is it because the World Government wants to...?"

Kong's eyes flickered upon hearing this, then he narrowed his eyes and looked at Sengoku, saying, "Don't you already know the answer?"

Upon hearing this, Sengoku paused for a moment, then nodded without saying anything more.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore." Kong up and said, "Let's go get some drinks."

"I've just managed to get two bottles of good wine. Let's drink until we drop tonight!"

"Yes, Kong Big Brother!"