The recruits murmured among themselves, their eyes filled with fanatical admiration.
Even the Vice Admirals on the platform could no longer remain composed.
"Hey, hey, this is no joke."
Vice Admiral Onigumo pressed a hand against the Famous Sword at his waist, staring at Lorne in shock.
"He captured Perospero alive. That madwoman Big Mom is definitely going to lose it."
"That brat Lorne really doesn't know the meaning of restraint."
Meanwhile, inside the Fleet Admiral's Office on the top floor of Marine Headquarters.
Sengoku sat behind his desk, his chin resting on his hands, with urgent documents concerning Doflamingo and the Reverie piled in front of him.
"Fleet Admiral! Something terrible has happened!"
A messenger burst in without even stopping to knock, his face filled with utter terror.
Sengoku looked up, his brow tightly furrowed.
"What's with all this panic? Have the Five Elders issued another unreasonable demand?"
"N-no!"
The messenger panted heavily, pointing toward the plaza outside the window.
"It's Rear Admiral Lorne! He's back!"
Sengoku froze briefly, then sighed in relief.
"So he's back. It's been over a week. That brat finally remembered to follow orders instead of staying out there causing more trouble."
He rubbed his throbbing temples.
"Tell him to get some rest first. Bring him to see me later."
"That's not it, Fleet Admiral!"
The messenger was so frantic that he nearly burst into tears.
"Rear Admiral Lorne didn't come back alone. He captured Charlotte Perospero, the eldest son of Big Mom of the Four Emperors!"
"He's dumped him right in the middle of the plaza for everyone to see!"
Crack!
The pen in Sengoku's hand was instantly crushed to powder.
He sprang to his feet, eyes wide as he stared fixedly at the messenger.
"What did you say? Who did he capture?"
"Perospero!