Pirate: I Maxed Out Conqueror's Haki First Because I Can't Die

"I knew it!"

Sengoku gritted his teeth.

"What nonsense about deserting the Marines!"

"Xia Le must have something else planned!"

Their last conversation had been full of evasions and mutual probing. It had been far too obvious for Sengoku to miss.

The moment he heard Crocodile had been captured by Whitebeard, he thought of Xia Le. That was why he had asked.

"That man's temper is exactly like Garp's!"

Sengoku gave a cold snort.

But then he thought of the Ohara Incident.

"No. That kid is even more decisive and daring than Garp!"

Sengoku fell into thought.

Fleet Admiral Kong would likely step down soon, and he had been deliberately guiding and grooming Sengoku.

Until that transition took place, Xia Le would clearly remain in the West Blue, far from Marine Central Command.

Since the Ohara Incident, Kong had never suggested contacting Xia Le or making any show of closeness.

Both the previous call and this one had been Sengoku's own decisions.

Partly because of their personal ties, and partly because Sengoku was thinking about the seas he would inherit.

Xia Le's character and combat strength made him exceptionally suited to the Marines. If he could rein in some of his hostility toward the World Government, even the post of Fleet Admiral might be within reach.

Sengoku intended to repair their relationship quickly once he took office, while deliberately guiding and grooming Xia Le.

"With his strength, if he avoids political missteps..."

"He would be the best choice for the next Fleet Admiral!"

"After me, the seas will need someone strong enough to subdue everything!"

Sengoku sighed inwardly, his eyes flickering.

Then he shook his head and swept those speculations aside.

Who could say what the future held?

Right now, something far more pressing lay before him.

"Once he meets