"So Sengoku granting him two years of leave this time was practically unheard of."
"During those two years, Borsalino has the right to stay out of any Marine operation!"
"In other words, if Borsalino doesn't want to take part, no one can force him."
There was a faint trace of envy in Vice Admiral Momousagi's voice.
It was the kind of leave most Marine officers dreamed of.
Chris chuckled. "That sounds just like Borsalino."
"One all-out fight in exchange for two years of peace and quiet... That's a bargain!"
Only then did Chris finally understand why Borsalino had accepted the mission.
"Borsalino really is clever," Chris murmured.
At that, Vice Admiral Momousagi gave him a peculiar look.
She pursed her lips. "You really call that clever?"
"The person he's supposed to eliminate is you, Chris."
"The whole world knows how hard you are to deal with."
"As far as I can see, Borsalino has landed himself in serious trouble!"
Vice Admiral Momousagi knew Chris's strength well. She knew how powerful and difficult to handle he was.
If she had been in Borsalino's place, she would never have accepted such a daunting mission.
Even five years of leave would not have persuaded her to gamble with her life.
Eliminating Chris was all but impossible!
Chris shook his head with a soft laugh. "You're wrong!"
"Borsalino has been cautious for years. Do you think he hasn't considered everything you just did?"
"And yet he chose to come after me for two years of leave."
"Do you know why?"
Vice Admiral Momousagi's interest was piqued.
She was curious now, wondering what she had missed.
"Are you saying Borsalino had another reason for accepting the mission?"
"Is he really that calculating?"
Chris answered calmly, "He's managed to hold his position between Kuzan and Sakazuki