There was nothing to hesitate about and nothing to think over.
No one in the current Marines was stronger than Sakazuki. No one had higher prestige either. And after what happened, his name in the hearts of the lower ranks could be imagined.
As for recommending Borsalino or Kuzan, Sengoku did not even consider it.
Borsalino was too unpredictable, his stance unclear. Kuzan was even less suitable. Compared to Borsalino, he was practically a rookie. As for his strength... Enel had just fought him.
Kong nodded. "Fine."
He only asked for formality. Other than Sakazuki, no one could take the position.
Not to mention, the Five Elders had already been displeased with Sengoku because of the Revolutionary Army incident. After receiving a full report on what truly happened, there was no way they would look kindly on him for letting Garp roam free and leak information.
After all, the government had already killed many people while hunting for the mole.
Kong turned away. "I'm returning to the Holy Land. Clean up the mess."
Sengoku said nothing. He stood alone on the fortress and stared into the distance.
* * *
New World, Punk Hazard.
Deep underground, inside the research lab.
Carlo brought Bullet here through teleportation, and placed him directly in a tank of nutrient fluid to repair the damage. That was why Sakazuki set sail right away. Out at sea there was no need to hide anything, and they could come straight here.
With enough nutrient fluid, recovery only took a few days. The cost was the only issue. A treatment with no side effects did not come cheap.
Bullet had regained his senses. His whole body was submerged in the fluid as he moved a little.
"Hiss..." He drew a cold breath. "That old guy can really take a beating."
In Demon Mode, his body had both softness and toughness. He could absorb impact or tank hits. But Garp had trained Armament Haki into his very bones. He was nothing but solid strength.
Carlo laughed. "He was already active back in the Rocks era. There's more than a thirty year difference between you two."
Bullet twitched at the corner of his mouth. "That much? Never noticed. For someone that old, he's still a pain."
Even he could not help but click his tongue. A man in his seventies was still that strong.
Carlo smiled. "In a real death match, how even would it be?"
Bullet frowned. "About fifty-fifty. If there's no other choice, both sides would die. That old man has Armament Haki soaked deep into his bones. He's too hard. No one can kill him in one blow.
"And If you can't finish him instantly, he'll tear up the sea for three days and nights. Devil Fruit users can't fight someone like that. If I drag him from several thousand meters up and crash down at a hundred times the speed… he'd die, but so would I."
Back at headquarters, he dropped Garp from a kilometer high just to test it. The result was clear. The old man had not enjoyed it either.
Carlo shook his head. "No need. Admiral Sakazuki already planned how to deal with the famous monsters of the sea. He just needs time and the right layout."
Bullet chuckled. "That so. Then I'll stop worrying."
Carlo chuckled too. "Heal up. I'm going to gather intel in the New World."
He then disappeared.
At this time, half of Punk Hazard had already been evacuated. Only a few soldiers and scientists packing equipment remained.
After Caesar's incident, Vegapunk moved to Egghead in the New World. Punk Hazard was fading into history.
* * *
Holy Land of Mariejois.
Inside the spotless white palace hall, five figures gathered.
Warcury snorted. "Ridiculous. The Marines' Fleet Admiral had secret contact with the leader of the Revolutionary Army."
Mars narrowed his eyes. "So that means… Dragon. Garp's son. His true name must be Monkey... D. Dragon. Is he the one... linked to that light?"
Nusjuro rubbed his forehead. "That's too far for now. First reduce this incident's impact. The news is likely all over the world already. Also, tell Sengoku to prepare the handover. When the New World stabilizes, let Sakazuki return and succeed the role."
The others nodded. They knew the issues around Sengoku and Garp, yet they could not deal with it now.
Revolutionary pressure rose in all four seas, a fourth emperor had just appeared in the New World, and pirates were celebrating everywhere.
The Marines itself were on the edge of fracture. What they needed most was stability.
* * *
Aboard Sakazuki's warship, which had just crossed the Red Line.
He stood before the large map showing the distribution of power in the New World and seemed deep in thought.
Click.
The door handle turned as Enel walked in and spoke. "What is it, Uncle?"
Sakazuki tossed him a Den Den Mushi. "I'm sending you on a mission."
After listening to the general outline, Enel's lips curled. "Interesting. I'll bring someone."
Sakazuki raised a brow. "Someone you trust?"
Enel laughed. "That kid Law."
Sakazuki nodded. "Go."
Enel suddenly grinned in a mischievous way. "On it."
Lightning flashed. He vanished.
Sakazuki looked at the map again. His eyes were dark as he let out a quiet breath.
* * *
New World, Red Hair Pirates.
Morning light washed over the ship as the crew stepped onto the deck, stretching after waking.
From the lookout, Yasopp called out cheerfully "Big news! The Marines split!"
Those walking out of the cabin froze and looked at each other.
Beckman shouted, "What happened, Yasopp!"
Yasopp laughed and threw down a stack of newspapers. News of yesterday's events had spread across the world overnight.
Shanks caught one paper, causing the others to gather around.
The front page showed the ruined back mountain of Marineford.
A reporter who had visited the base gathered what he could in one night. But the core truth was missing. No one dared write that kind of scandal. Only the two sides of the fight and the overall losses were printed.
"Admiral Akainu, Sengoku..."
"Admiral Aokiji, Admiral-candidate Enel..."
"Vice Admiral Bullet..."
The crew burst into shock.
"What is this? Never heard of any trouble inside the Marines."
"Looks like they split for real."
"This is great news! Hahaha!"
"Of course! They're the Marines!"
Beckman frowned at the report. "Something's off. Why would those two fight? They're both too rational. Especially Sakazuki. Looks like he started it too."
Shanks frowned as well. "Yeah..."
Pirates who knew little about the Marines cheered. Those who understood Sakazuki and Sengoku felt like cats scratching at their hearts.
What could make those two turn against each other?
* * *
New World, Wano Country, Onigashima.
Thunderclouds gathered above the giant skull. Lightning flickered nonstop.
Inside, Kaido slept on the floor among empty sake jars, drunk and snoring. A newspaper lay beside him, reporting the Marines' internal split. It had amused him enough to drink even more.
King and Queen, however, seemed to sense something.
One transformed into a pteranodon, the other bounced out like a spring-loaded ball.
Boom!
Lightning struck one of the skull's horns.
Enel sat on top, right leg crossed, left leg hanging, chin resting on his hand as he looked at the two who had just rushed out.
"Yo. Isn't that Queen."
He greeted them as if nothing was wrong.
At the other horn, Law appeared through his ability. Sweat dripped down his forehead.
'Damn it. Why is this happening…'
Enel had dragged him into something insane again.
**
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