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Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Aokiji had rushed back and followed Tsuru to a well-hidden room. His hand trembled as he reached for the door, and it took all he had to steady it.
He pushed it open. The first thing he saw was a gleaming white Saintess Statue. She represented God and guided every lost soul. If Sengoku's soul truly was "lost," perhaps she could help. The room was a chapel, narrow at the entrance but spacious within. Neat rows of bronze-colored wooden chairs lined both sides. A pitch-black coffin rested on the platform at the front.
The lid was still open. Aokiji could see the old man lying inside at a glance.
Kizaru, who had been there for some time, saluted him alongside the newly appointed Admirals Fujitora and Ryokugyu.
"Fleet Admiral!"
"Mm." Aokiji nodded and drew a deep breath. "Cause of death? Killer?"
"A powerful poison. By the time his body was found, he'd been dead for three hours," Tsuru answered. "We found traces of the poison in Sengoku's dinner last night. I've detained everyone involved. We should have answers soon."
"What kind of joke is this?"
Aokiji suddenly roared, "You expect me to believe he couldn't tell his food was poisoned? Even if he had eaten it, what poison couldn't he purge by taking Buddha Form?"
The others drew sharp breaths. "Fleet Admiral, are you saying former Fleet Admiral Sengoku killed himself?"
Tsuru's eyes dimmed. She sank into a chair. "I should have realized. It was all too convenient!"
During the Paramount War two months ago, Sengoku had pulled Ace in front of him to take a blow. The act had chilled the soldiers to