"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
The door to Sengoku's office was suddenly pushed open. Before the person outside even entered, the room grew much colder. White mist, like wisps of smoke, rose from the teacup in front of Sengoku.
"Aokiji!"
Sengoku was startled, but Garp did not even look at Aokiji. At that moment, one name filled his mind: Ace.
Ace had always talked about becoming a pirate when he was little, but now that he had actually done it, Garp was still shaken.
Aokiji was tall and lanky, like a bamboo pole. But no one would ever mistake his slender build for weakness.
He was lean, sharp-looking, and agile, with astonishing explosive power hidden in his frame.
His curly hair was a tousled mess, making him look like a down-on-his-luck street performer. He wore a green sleep mask on his forehead so he could nap whenever and wherever he pleased.
Over a dark blue shirt, he wore a white suit vest. His neat clothes accentuated his height and cool demeanor.
Aokiji glanced at Sengoku. "I already know. Momonga and the others failed their mission. I'll go to Sabaody and stop them there."
"Aokiji?"
The surprise had yet to leave Sengoku's face. He studied Aokiji for a long moment. His expression was earnest; he was not joking. Aokiji might usually seem half-asleep and rarely take anything seriously, but this time, he meant it.
"All right. I'll leave it to you."
After a moment's thought, Sengoku nodded his agreement.
Aokiji smiled, then turned to Garp and said pointedly, "I'll take down that Ace, too."
With that, Aokiji strode out. Garp watched his tall figure recede, his thoughts churning. Looks like that Aokiji brat knows something!
The Marines stationed at Bay Head all raised their hands in salute when they saw him. "Admiral Aokiji!"