Marine Headquarters' most important duty was to protect the Holy Land. If Kaido invaded the Holy Land and caused casualties among the Celestial Dragons, no one could bear that responsibility.
Kong nodded.
"Two veterans who have been on the front lines since Roger's era are both stepping back at once. Now that's big news."
"We're both old soldiers. It's time to make way for the young."
Sengoku smiled.
He and Garp had submitted their resignations together.
With that heavy burden lifted, he felt much more relaxed. He really was getting old, too. It was time for a proper rest.
"Enough about that, Commander-in-Chief Kong."
Sengoku roused himself, a flash of resolve crossing his eyes. "I recommend Akainu as the next Fleet Admiral!"
"What a surprise. I thought you would recommend Aokiji as your successor."
Kong was rather surprised.
The World Government also wanted to recommend Akainu for the position, and the greatest obstacle had been Sengoku's recommendation.
When it came to choosing the next Fleet Admiral, Sengoku's recommendation was crucial. At the very least, it could put his nominee in the running for the position.
"The Marines have to change."
Sengoku sighed.
He would rather recommend Kuzan, but reason told him that, against the increasingly dominant Beasts Pirates, the Marines needed a hardliner like Sakazuki.
Kuzan was too mild to contend with Earth Calamity Good.
Besides selecting the next Fleet Admiral, recruitment for the Shichibukai was also underway.
Hancock, Jinbe, Crocodile.
And Gecko Moria, whose status remained undecided.
Losing three Shichibukai in succession was a major headache for the World Government. Even its original decision to eliminate Gecko Moria had been forced onto the back burner.
The immediate priority was finding replacements.
On an isolated island somewhere along the Grand Line.
"Waaah! Captain Buggy, we've been looking for you for