Marineford, Marine Headquarters, inside a conference room.
Once the more than fifty officers stationed at Marine Headquarters had all arrived, Steel Bone Kong, Sengoku, Tsuru, Akainu, and Zephyr entered together and took their seats on the platform.
Steel Bone Kong sat in the center, with Zephyr and Sengoku seated on either side of him. Tsuru and Akainu sat at the far left and far right.
The Marine Admiral, two admirals, the headquarters' chief staff officer, and an admiral candidate—these five stood at the very top of Marine Headquarters' hierarchy.
Steel Bone Kong swept his gaze across the room before clearing his throat and speaking into the microphone.
"Today's meeting has been called mainly to discuss two matters.
"First, after considering various factors and the Marines' current situation...
"I have decided that, starting today, Admiral Sengoku will act on behalf of the Marine Admiral...
"As for the second matter... Admiral Sengoku will explain it to you!"
When it was Sengoku's turn to speak, he did not begin right away. He merely stared silently at the more than fifty officers below.
Sephiroth did not know whether it was just his imagination, but Sengoku seemed to have looked at him twice more than necessary, with a faint hint of hostility in his eyes...
After quite a while, Sengoku raised his fan-sized right hand and slammed it down on the table.
"Gentlemen, and officers watching this meeting through the live Den Den Mushi broadcast!
"The duty of the Marines is to uphold justice and order, but...
"Some among us have exploited their positions and authority to commit all manner of illegal acts!
"Embezzlement, bribery, exchanges of money for power... These appalling acts truly grieve and outrage me..."
Sephiroth leaned back in his chair near the rear of the conference room, his eyes narrowing slightly.