Marine Headquarters, the Fleet Admiral's Office.
The atmosphere was so heavy it could almost be wrung out. Behind the broad desk, Fleet Admiral Sengoku frowned deeply, his fingers tapping unconsciously against its surface.
The curtains on the outer wall had been drawn. On the inner wall, a projection Den Den Mushi displayed live footage from Gran Tesoro.
It showed Shining unleashing arcs of sword light, while Bondrewd seemed to foresee every strike, moving second yet intercepting him first in each clash.
"This is the live broadcast Morgans put out. That bastard never holds anything back-"
Sengoku's voice was low, thick with suppressed anger. But Bondrewd was what truly infuriated him.
Only a little over two months had passed since that man last caused a major uproar.
Now he had gone to Tesoro's territory and plunged into an all-out conflict with Shining, Babbage, and their companions. Couldn't he settle down for once?
"Tesoro seems to have been 'controlled,' but he also attacked the Celestial Dragons. Tokikake is escorting them out. Gion and Cuckoo are fighting alongside Advisor Shining."
Staff Officer Tsuru, seated on the sofa, looked the calmest of them all, though her fingertips curled slightly into her palms.
Her sworn younger sister Gion and her adjutant Cuckoo were both in that dangerous place. As the Marines' chief staff officer, she had seen plenty of life and death, but a shadow still crept over her heart.
...Bondrewd's vicious reputation preceded him. Fortunately, Shining and Babbage were both there.
"Ooh~ How terrifying~"
Borsalino lounged sideways in his chair with his legs crossed.
"Young Shining, Mr. Babbage, and two Admiral Candidates, yet they're still at a disadvantage... That Bondrewd really is trouble~"
-Crunch, crunch, crunch.
Garp was still chewing Senbei, but with Cuckoo and Gion at the scene and potentially in danger, he