Another Fifty Percent Increase-Trash Lives Don't Count as Lives

Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's Office.

"What did you say? Gran Tesoro was destroyed, and Gild Tesoro mysteriously vanished? Are you joking? If he's gone, what happens to that enormous sum of Heavenly Tribute?"

"F-Fleet Admiral Sengoku, it is absolutely true. Gran Tesoro has completely vanished from the seas, and this year's Heavenly Tribute as well..."

Sengoku, already troubled, waved his hand repeatedly. Only after receiving the signal did the vice admiral turn and leave.

"Gran Tesoro... the financial empire that man built with his own hands controlled a full twenty percent of the circulating Berries. Whose hands has that golden empire fallen into?"

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Creak...

A languid-looking figure entered the office. Sengoku looked up, and his expression improved slightly.

"You've returned at just the right time, Borsalino. Take some men and investigate Gran Tesoro's whereabouts immediately..."

"I just got back. Please spare me, Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Surely there are more suitable candidates than me. What about Kuzan?"

Slumped on the sofa, the exhausted Borsalino waved his hands repeatedly. Sengoku merely snorted.

"Stop changing the subject. Kuzan has his own assignment. This major Marine recruitment drive has brought in several Marines with considerable strength—people capable of taking over as admirals once replacements are needed."

"I heard you weren't mistreated while you were with Vegapunk. You even had nothing better to do than attend a bonfire party."

"Go find it immediately. At the very least, find some trace of Gran Tesoro. I refuse to believe a ship over ten thousand meters long could just disappear for no reason."

Sighing inwardly, Borsalino turned and left. They always made him do everything. Did workers have no dignity?!

Pururururu...

"Mosimushi, Fleet Admiral Sengoku. This is Kuzan. Recruitment at headquarters has been fully completed. Two people qualify to serve as admirals. One is a