The Five Elders summoned Sakazuki first, while Doflamingo was escorted into the Side Hall.
As soon as Sakazuki entered the hall, the burly member of the Five Elders spoke:
"Did that man say anything on the way here, Sakazuki?"
Sakazuki thought for a moment.
"No."
"With the daily torture, he didn't have the strength to talk."
"He's a tough one, though."
As Sakazuki rose through the ranks, he had met the Five Elders quite a few times and was fairly familiar with them.
The burly elder nodded.
"Is that so..."
The sword-bearing member of the Five Elders spoke from beside him:
"You've presumably heard that Kong is being promoted to Commander-in-Chief of the World Government."
"When that happens, the next Fleet Admiral will be chosen between you and Sengoku."
"What are your thoughts?"
"The five of us favor you."
Sakazuki thought for a few seconds, then shook his head.
"Becoming Fleet Admiral isn't my goal."
"My goal is to purge every piece of trash from these seas."
"If I became Fleet Admiral, I'd have to stay at Marine Headquarters."
"I haven't killed enough pirates yet."
"This so-called great pirate era must be brought to an end."
The sword-bearing elder nodded.
"In that case, so be it."
"The Reverie is approaching. Return to Marine Headquarters and report in."
It was only a cursory question, though the five of them did favor Sakazuki.
Still, there was nothing wrong with Sengoku. All he lacked was Sakazuki's ruthless, uncompromising methods.
Sakazuki was also a little too young, though they could certainly promote him if he wanted the position.
After all, with Sakazuki as Fleet Admiral, they would have a very useful blade at their disposal.
But since he wasn't interested, Sengoku would do just as well. He simply wasn't quite as sharp as Sakazuki.