The death of the Five Elders, Saint Saturn, did not cause much of a stir in Mary Geoise, perhaps because Imu had learned of the information that Long Wu and Long Liu had reported to Figarland Saint Garling.
However, the World Government also took action, personally appointing two powerful individuals as Marine Admiral. Together with Fujitora Issho and Ryokugyu Aramaki, the Navy now has four Marine Admiral.
While this news greatly enhanced the Navy's reputation, it was not good news for Sakazuki and his men.
As a former representative of the pro-war faction, Sakazuki has been constantly hampered by the Five Elders since becoming Fleet Admiral.
Many of his plans have the support of the World Government. Since Kuzan left and Borsalino disappeared, the Navy has been in a state of panic.
In recent years, the Navy has suffered heavy losses. Vice Admiral Garp the Hero, was killed in battle, and two Marine Admiral went missing. This was undoubtedly a collapse of their faith.
Now the World Government has directly parachuted in two more Admiral, which is undoubtedly meant to divide Sakazuki's power.
In the Fleet Admiral's Office, Sakazuki threw the documents on the table with a gloomy expression.
Just now, he met with Admiral sent by the World Government, but the other party did not give him any face at all, and left the office after saying only a few words, as if it were just a formality.
"Knock knock!!!"
"Who's there? Don't bother me if you have nothing to say!"
Sakazuki roared angrily, but when he saw who it was, he immediately suppressed his rage.
The visitors were none other than former Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Navy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Vice Admiral Tsuru.
"What brings you all here? To laugh at us?"
In the past, Sengoku might have mocked Sakazuki, but this time he showed no sign of a smile.
" Sakazuki, I have something important to tell you this time. I've discussed it with Tsuru, and we're planning to retire."
"What!"
Sakazuki couldn't help but stand up, a look of surprise on his face. He hadn't expected that Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru would be preparing to retire.
Although the two have been practically retired since the news of Vice Admiral Garp's death, they still remain at Marine Headquarters.
Once the two of them actually retire, Sakazuki will truly have no one to confide in.
The current Marine Headquarters is no longer a one-man show by Sakazuki, or rather, he has never had much say since he took over.
The Navy's massive conscription brought in Fujitora Issho and Ryokugyu Aramaki, but Fujitora Issho acted entirely according to his own will and showed him no respect whatsoever.
As for Ryokugyu Aramaki, although he is his admirer, he doesn't do anything substantial and is also a supporter of the Celestial Dragons.
Borsalino used to cooperate with Sakazuki, but when he heard the news that Borsalino might be killed in battle, Sakazuki felt like the sky had fallen.
He clenched his fists involuntarily, staring intently at Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru, before finally sitting down helplessly.
At this moment, he felt strangely alone.
" Mr. Sengoku, can you tell me what I should do?"
Sengoku and Tsuru exchanged a glance. They had grown old, their hair now completely white. Garp's death had deeply affected them.
"Sigh, Sakazuki, I don't know why the Navy has come to this. Back then, with Garp, Zephyr, and you three monstrous Admiral, I thought the Navy would flourish under my leadership."
"But unexpectedly, that was the navy's most glorious period, and now, I can no longer see any future for the navy."
At this point, Sengoku's tone became even more somber. He forced a smile and continued.
"Perhaps it won't be long before the Navy truly becomes a tool in the hands of the World Government. Garp, Kuzan, Borsalino —they're all gone."
Hearing this, Sakazuki's heart couldn't help but clench. Yes, Vice Admiral Garp, Teacher Zephyr, and the two who became pillars of the Navy alongside him were no longer there.
Thinking back to how he once aspired to become Marine Admiral, even at the cost of severely injuring Kuzan, Sakazuki felt a pang of disappointment.
"Sigh, perhaps I shouldn't have competed with Kuzan for the position of Fleet Admiral back then. If I had, the Navy wouldn't be in this state today."
Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru remained silent; the three of them were caught in a stalemate, never imagining that the Navy would come to this.
" Mr. Sengoku, do you really think Borsalino is dead? How could the Straw Hat Pirates possibly be dead?!"
Even now, Sakazuki doesn't believe Borsalino is dead. After all these years, he still can't see through that guy.
Thinking back to when I first joined the Navy, I realized I had never beaten that guy.
"Heh, so what if it's true or false? Even if Borsalino returns, he'll only be met with scrutiny from the World Government; they won't give him any chance whatsoever."
Vice Admiral Tsuru's words hit the nail on the head, causing Sengoku and Sakazuki to stiffen for a moment.
"Yes, this time it was the Five Elders who died, along with two Celestial Dragon Admirals. Even if Borsalino were still alive, Impel Down would be his only destination."
Sakazuki said helplessly, knowing full well the Five Elders ' nature; they wouldn't give Borsalino any chance at all.
He looked at the two old men in front of him, and seemed to have made up his mind.
" Mr. Sengoku, Vice Admiral Tsuru, I've agreed to your retirement. I'll speak to the Five Elders about it. What are your plans for the future?"
Sengoku gently patted Sakazuki on the shoulder and said with a sigh.
"We're preparing to return to our hometown. It's time to send Garp's cenotaph back home. As for Borsalino, we'll also visit his hometown."
Sakazuki nodded, relieved to know where the two had gone.
"Okay, I understand. Then I won't arrange a retirement ceremony for you. I'm sure you wouldn't like it anyway. Mr. Garp's warship, you can take it with you!"
Sengoku and Tsuru nodded, not wanting to stay any longer, and stood up to leave. But when they reached the door, Sengoku suddenly stopped.
He didn't look at Sakazuki, but spoke solemnly.
" Sakazuki, thank you for all these years. You're a true naval officer. And watch out for the World Government!"
After saying that, Sengoku left the Fleet Admiral's Office, leaving Sakazuki behind without saying a word.
After an unknown amount of time, Sakazuki finally stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the departing Dog-Head Warship. He chuckled helplessly to himself.
"Purely naval? I'm just an idiot. As for the World Government, hmph!!!"
After an unknown amount of time, a messenger suddenly walked in, his face showing a hint of panic.
"Hmph, what's wrong? Why are you in such a panic? As a navy officer, you should pay attention to your appearance."
The messenger immediately straightened his back and gave a proper military salute.
Tell me, what happened?
"Reporting to Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, the Straw Hat Pirates have found the Laugh Tale and have become the new Pirate King."
"Puff..."