Sea Calendar 1508.
Marineford, Marine Headquarters Building.
Inside an office, a plaque hung on the wall, bearing the words: "Justice Reigns Over All."
"Sephiroth, I called you here this time mainly because I wanted to discuss something with you."
Sengoku sat in an office chair, his hands folded atop the desk.
He looked at Sephiroth, who sat across from him, with a calm yet slightly scrutinizing gaze.
"Uh!? Admiral Sengoku, just say whatever you need to say! I'm listening..."
"It's like this. Thanks to the intelligence you provided earlier, the internal Marine investigation has proceeded very smoothly..."
After rambling through a whole load of pleasantries, Sengoku finally changed the subject and spoke in a grave tone:
"However, it is an indisputable fact that you once committed an offense in the line of duty...
Your merits and faults cancel each other out, so I do not intend to pursue the matter further.
But...
A symbolic punishment is still very necessary...
Otherwise, some things could easily arouse other people's suspicions... wouldn't you agree?
As it happens, after several months of work, the first phase of the investigation is nearly over, and we have arrested quite a few problematic low- and mid-ranking officers...
Next, the investigation will enter a far more severe second phase.
If any more problems are uncovered then, it will not be so easy to wrap things up..."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Sephiroth immediately shot Sengoku a blank expressionless glance.
Why did he feel as though every word this old bastard said meant, If you don't accept the punishment, I'll leak the fact that you sold out the corrupt Marine higher-ups and let them deal with you properly!
Some things were just like that. When he sold out the corrupt Marine higher-ups to keep himself safe, Sengoku had effectively gained