Marineford, Marine Headquarters.
Inside the living room of a damaged apartment building, after Sephiroth produced the photographs of the God Valley massacre, Sengoku's face was practically being slapped with loud cracks. His imposing manner and attitude could no longer remain so forceful.
Regarding the Ohara incident, Sengoku could still deceive himself by claiming that the Marines had destroyed Ohara to preserve the world's order and stability.
But...
As for the God Valley battle, even Sengoku himself had no idea how to whitewash the World Government's actions!
Steel Bone Kong glanced at Sengoku beside him before continuing:
"I served as a high-ranking official of the World Government for so many years, so naturally I know just how rotten the World Government and the Celestial Dragons truly are. But the world needs order and stability, even if they are filled with compromises...
For that reason, I have been working to reform the World Government from within.
Now that the Celestial Dragons have vanished from this world along with Holy Land Mariejois, reforming the World Government's system is already within reach.
I believe that the Marines of the future will truly live up to the name of justice."
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Sephiroth raised both hands and applauded vigorously.
"Wonderful! Well said, Commander Kong!"
But then, he abruptly poured cold water over him.
"Ideals are full, but reality is harsh!
You want the Marines to uphold justice, but in the end, they cannot do without one thing... money!
Without money, no matter how nicely you put it, it is nothing but empty talk and fantasy.
Money may not be able to do everything, but without it, you can do nothing. Surely you understand that, don't you?
The Marines will be paying salaries in a few days. Is there still enough money in your treasury?"