Garp threw back his head and laughed, then glanced at Staff Officer Tsuru. "I haven't thought that far ahead!"
"I simply don't dislike the Chris Pirates!"
"Actually... I'd like to see how far Chris can go if he keeps this up."
Staff Officer Tsuru shrugged. "That young man certainly has the potential to become Pirate King!"
"Unfortunately, he made his mark too quickly. He's become the focus of the world at such a young age."
"The nail that sticks out gets hammered down. It was only a matter of time before the World Government targeted him."
The two chatted and laughed as they walked away.
Kuzan watched their retreating figures thoughtfully and murmured, "Sometimes... I really don't understand those two seniors."
"What they say and what they do never quite match!"
At the Marine meeting earlier, Garp and Staff Officer Tsuru had both called for action against the Chris Pirates.
Yet in their conversation just now, both had sounded hopeful about Chris, with a faint trace of helpless regret.
Sakazuki suddenly appeared beside Kuzan and said coldly, "Supporting action against Chris is their duty."
"Admiring Chris is their personal feeling."
"Only veterans like them can keep those two things separate at all times."
Kuzan gave Sakazuki an odd look and smiled. "Then it seems... you're not old enough yet!"
"Aren't a lot of your decisions driven by personal feelings?"
Kuzan walked away as he spoke.
Sakazuki remained impassive and offered no further argument.
The Marine officers filed out of the conference room.
Vice Admiral Momousagi also left the conference room with Hina and the others.
Her brows drew together as she thought, I never expected things to reach this point.
Too much of Chris's strength has come to light!
Vice Admiral Momousagi knew it was not yet time for Chris