Sengoku finally raised his head.
His eyes behind his black-rimmed glasses were bloodshot. Clearly, he had not had a restful night.
"Transfer him to your command?" Sengoku slammed his hand on the desk.
"Do you have any idea how much trouble he's caused this time? He seriously injured Doflamingo!"
"He's one of the Shichibukai! A pirate personally chosen by the World Government to maintain the balance of the seas!"
"A pirate is a pirate. This so-called balance was a joke to begin with." Akainu snorted, his voice full of disdain.
"Lorne did what a Marine should do. He upheld the dignity of justice."
"Rather than acting like Borsalino, who could only stand by and watch that scum fall into the sea."
"This isn't just a matter of justice. It's politics!" Sengoku replied.
His booming voice echoed through the office.
"The World Government has already called dozens of times. The Five Elders' fury is practically burning its way down the phone lines to Marineford! And you're still thinking about taking him under your command?"
"That's your problem, Fleet Admiral Sengoku." Akainu did not yield an inch.
He took half a step forward.
"All I see is an exceptional prospect with Conqueror's Haki who dares to throw a punch at the Shichibukai. If you intend to bury his talent because of pressure from those politicians, that would be the Navy's greatest loss."
"I never said I would bury his talent!" Sengoku sat back down and wearily rubbed his temples.
"But Lorne hasn't returned to headquarters yet. Once he brings Doflamingo and that Fearless back, I need to assess his mindset myself first."
"Until then, no one is to touch him."
Akainu stared at Sengoku for a long time before finally giving a cold laugh.
"I hope your 'assessment' doesn't ruin a true