Déjà Vu

As time passed, Sengoku had grown old. His strength and energy were noticeably diminished from years past.

He was already considering stepping down.

But before he retired, he desperately wanted to accomplish something momentous and leave one last mark of glory on his career.

Fleet Admiral Kong had captured countless pirates during his tenure and even executed Pirate King Roger. His record was nearly perfect.

Sengoku was known as the Tactician, not for his fighting prowess. Even so, he did not want to end his time as Fleet Admiral with regrets.

"What do you all suggest we do about this?" Sengoku asked slowly.

"Perhaps we should capture this Great Pirate."

"Imagine it. Capturing Fire Fist Ace would deal a severe blow to the Whitebeard Pirates' fearsome reputation!"

A Vice Admiral spoke in a grave voice.

"I disagree. Moving against one of the Whitebeard Pirates' commanders could easily trigger a war with them and destabilize the entire world!"

"Besides, who could capture someone as powerful as Fire Fist Ace?"

"Would we send an Admiral?"

Another officer quickly spoke up.

"Ridiculous. Are you afraid of Whitebeard?"

"You're so afraid of one Fire Fist Ace that you'd shy away from a war with pirates?"

"When did the Navy become so feeble?"

The rebuke came from a white-bearded Vice Admiral. Though old, he was well known as a member of the Hawk Faction.

"Rash action won't solve anything. It will only make the world situation more complicated."

The calm voice cut through the argument.

Sengoku watched the Vice Admirals trade heated opinions. His brow furrowed, and his expression darkened.

"I say we capture Fire Fist Ace and use him as our opening!"

"Start a war with the Whitebeard Pirates and bring down the oldest, most renowned force among the Four Emperors!"

"That would show