Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
All of Marine Headquarters had never been so stirred up.
Soldiers rushed through the corridors spreading the news, officers wore excited expressions, and even quite a few Vice Admirals couldn't help slapping their desks and laughing.
"Have you heard?! Vice Admiral Gern really arrested Roger!"
"He won't be a Vice Admiral anymore! An achievement like this is sure to get him promoted to Admiral!"
"Admiral?! Wouldn't that mean he'd surpass Instructor Zephyr as the youngest, fastest-promoted Admiral in history?"
"What can you say? That's the Pirate King, with a bounty of five and a half billion!!"
"Never mind that! I heard Vice Admiral Gern will personally escort the Pirate King back to headquarters!"
Cheers, gasps, and incredulous chatter mingled together, making even the headquarters building's windows tremble.
The Fleet Admiral's Office.
Kong slammed his fist onto his desk. With a crack, a web of fractures spread across the thick, solid wood.
"Shut down all these miscellaneous rumor channels immediately!" he growled, though he couldn't hide the delight sparkling in his eyes.
It couldn't be helped. Just imagine nearing the end of your term as Fleet Admiral, only to have the arrest of the Pirate King suddenly added to your record.
With this, Kong was certain his next position would be commander-in-chief of all the world's armed forces!
"Sengoku, explain this to me... Admiral is one thing! But when did I ever say I was stepping down for Gern?"
"Fleet Admiral Kong, it's only natural for everyone to be excited." Sengoku stood by the window, his eyes behind his glasses fixed on the harbor.
The warship carrying Roger was slowly entering the inner harbor, and the figure wearing a Justice Coat on its deck was clearly visible.
"But, Fleet Admiral Kong..." Sengoku's voice was hoarse. "We may have...