Palini Island, late at night.
The ground was a complete wreck.
Sengoku sat on the ground, stirring the fire before him with a stick.
He stared into the flames, lost in thought.
Beside him, Rosinante was curled into a ball.
He slept soundly, leaning against Sengoku.
Garp sat across from Sengoku, sporting a black eye.
Seeing Sengoku deep in thought, he spoke:
"What's wrong, Sengoku?"
Sengoku raised his head and looked at Garp, his expression unreadable.
His voice was low:
"Something's off about Sakazuki."
Garp froze for a moment:
"What could possibly be wrong with Sakazuki?"
"It's not like he's a pirate spy."
The firelight flickered across Sengoku's face.
After a long silence, he shook his head:
"I can't really say anything's wrong. It's only a suspicion."
Garp asked:
"What is it?"
Sengoku said gravely:
"After piecing together my memories of these past six months or so of wandering..."
"I noticed something."
"The rank-and-file soldiers and people around the world admire Sakazuki a little too much."
"People might not know who the vice admirals, admirals, or Fleet Admiral are, but they certainly know Sakazuki."
"And among the soldiers, Sakazuki seems to have become the man they aspire to be."
Garp scratched his head:
"Sakazuki spends most of his time hunting pirates."
"And he's powerful. Isn't that normal?"
Sengoku said in a low voice:
"No, it isn't."
"His prestige is too great."
"Greater than that of every other Marine commander."
"Even Fleet Admiral Kong..."
"If Fleet Admiral Kong and Sakazuki both issued orders..."
"I suspect there's a very good chance those rank-and-file soldiers would follow Sakazuki's orders."
"Rather than Fleet Admiral Kong's."
"Isn't that frightening...?"
"What if one day he chooses to act against everything we stand for...?"
Garp went still, then spoke more seriously:
"If that's the case, it really