The Red Line stood as a massive, impenetrable wall dividing the world, and atop its peak lay the Holy Land of Mary Geoise. Within the heart of this sacred city sat Pangaea Castle, the center of global authority. Following a direct summons from the World Government, Sengoku made his way toward the room known as the "Chains of Command." As the current Fleet Admiral of the Marines, his heart was a heavy mix of simmering anger and weary determination. He marched through the spacious, sun-drenched palace corridors until he reached the chamber where the Gorosei—the Five Elders—awaited him.
Before Sengoku could even open his mouth to speak, Saint Topman Warcury, the Legal God of War, addressed him with a stern, booming voice.
"Sengoku, we called you here because there are urgent matters that require the immediate attention of your Marines," Warcury said.
Sengoku didn't let him finish. He held up a hand, cutting off the highest authority in the world. "Wait! Before you say another word, I have something I must say first."
The Five Elders collectively frowned, their expressions darkening at the interruption. Saint Marcus Mars leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. "And what might that be?"
Sengoku reached into his uniform and pulled out a formal document. "This is my official resignation. The failure to carry out the public execution of Fire Fist Ace rests entirely on my shoulders as the Fleet Admiral. I have decided to step down from my position so that a more capable leader can take over these responsibilities."
A flash of sharp dissatisfaction flickered across the eyes of the Gorosei. Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, the Science Defense God of War, leaned on his cane and questioned the Admiral. "Sengoku, is this resignation your way of expressing your personal dissatisfaction with the Government?"
"No, it isn't that," Sengoku replied, his expression remaining stone-cold and resolute. "I don't have the right to be dissatisfied. The Marine failure during the Paramount War at Marineford is a matter of public record. Someone has to take the blame for such a disaster. As the man at the top, I am the most logical candidate to step down."
The Gorosei remained silent for a moment, sensing the absolute finality in Sengoku's voice. They shared a brief, knowing look before the Financial God of War, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, spoke up.
"Very well. The World Government will accept your resignation," Nusjuro stated. "However, until we have officially chosen a successor to lead the forces, you are still the Fleet Admiral. You will continue to perform your duties until the transition is complete."
Sengoku's face twitched slightly at the news, but he eventually gave a stiff nod. "I understand. I'll stay until the replacement is found."
"Good," Saint Topman Warcury said, steering the conversation back to their agenda. "Now we can move on to the main topic. The first matter is the Seven Warlords of the Sea. The Shichibukai system is currently a shell of its former self. Jinbe, Crocodile, Gekko Moriah, and Blackbeard have all vacated their positions. Your Marines must find suitable replacements immediately to ensure the World Government maintains its deterrent power across the seas."
Sengoku's brow furrowed in frustration. "The system is already failing. Why not just abolish it entirely? Haven't you seen how the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock and the Heavenly Yaksha Donquixote Doflamingo treat the Marines? They have no respect for our authority."
"Sengoku, you're misunderstanding the situation," Warcury's voice turned ice-cold. "I am not asking for your opinion or discussing this with the Marines. I am informing you of what must be done."
Sengoku's jaw tightened, his face turning a shade darker with suppressed rage. Saint Jaygarcia Saturn reached for a folder on the table and slid it forward. "If your Marines are struggling to find candidates, we have already prepared a list for you."
Despite his anger, Sengoku took the document and began to read. The first name on the list caused him to pause in confusion.
"Buggy the Clown. One of the masterminds behind the massive breakout at the Great Prison, Impel Down. He was a former apprentice on the ship of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, and is a sworn brother to the Yonko, Red-Haired Shanks. His current bounty is only
15,000,000
Berries."
Sengoku was well aware of this history, having recently discovered the pirate's prestigious background. He had been shocked that such a high-profile figure had been hiding in the East Blue for so long. However, seeing him as a Warlord candidate was unexpected.
"Do you really think a man with that history would agree to work for us?" Sengoku asked, sounding skeptical. He turned the page to the second candidate, and his surprise only grew.
"Edward Weevil. Also known as Whitebeard Junior. He claims to be the biological son of Edward Newgate. He is described as a natural monster with the physical strength Whitebeard possessed in his youth. His bounty stands at
480,000,000
Berries."
When Sengoku flipped to the third page, he stopped completely, his eyes widening in shock.
"Yamato. Known as the Ogre Princess. She is the daughter of the Yonko, Kaido, and was born in Wano Country. Her bounty is
470,000,000
Berries. Information suggests she is at odds with her father and might be open to recruitment."
Saint Topman Warcury watched Sengoku finish the file. "If you don't have any major objections, the Marines should reach out to these individuals as soon as possible."
Sengoku closed the folder, his voice hesitating. "Buggy and Weevil are one thing, but Kaido's daughter? Why would she ever agree to become a Warlord for the Government?"
"Nothing is impossible," Saint Marcus Mars replied smoothly. "When you contact her, tell her that as long as she accepts the position, the country of her friend, Kuma, will receive the full protection of the World Government."
Sengoku felt a jolt of realization. Now he understood the leverage the Elders were using. "I see. I will have my men attempt to make contact."
"Excellent. Now for the second matter," Warcury continued. "To make up for the lack of manpower within the Marines, the World Government will support a global military draft to find new talent."
He handed over another set of papers. Sengoku opened them and saw two names that stood out immediately. "Issho and Aramaki?"
"The current power of the Marines isn't enough to handle the growing threat of Kaido," Warcury explained. "We need to add high-level combatants to our ranks. These two men were originally targets for the Holy Knights to recruit, but we are handing them over to you. Each of them is a monster in terms of strength—more than enough to serve as an Admiral."
Sengoku's demeanor became very serious. If the Holy Knights had been scouting these men, their power was undoubtedly immense. "I understand. I will put all our efforts into bringing them into the Marines."
"Good. There is one last thing," the Elder said. "This was originally a task for you, but since you are resigning, perhaps we should wait until the new Fleet Admiral is chosen?"
Sengoku felt a sudden pit of unease in his stomach. "What is the Government planning?"
The Five Elders looked at each other, deciding to be transparent. "Once the global draft is finished and the Marines have regained their strength, you must immediately launch an offensive against Kaido."
"What!?" Sengoku shouted, his voice echoing through the room. "Are you out of your minds? The Marines just finished a war with Whitebeard! Now you want to pick a fight with another of the Four Emperors? I won't agree to this!"
"Sengoku, you don't have a choice," Warcury replied flatly. "This is a direct order. Besides, you won't be the Fleet Admiral for much longer anyway."
"Damn it!" Sengoku hissed. A wave of powerlessness washed over him. He felt the weight of his office and the lack of control he truly had over the world's path. He looked grimmer than he ever had in his entire career.
Sensing the tension, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, the Agricultural God of War, spoke in a calm, measured tone. "Sengoku, we know this is a difficult task. But neither the Government nor the Marines have the luxury of choice anymore. We have obtained evidence that Kaido may have found the blueprints for the Ancient Weapon, Pluton."
Sengoku felt as if his mind had exploded. He stared at the Gorosei in total disbelief. "The Pluton blueprints? That can't be right!"
The Elders didn't waste any time explaining further. At their signal, two men dressed in formal white suits walked into the room.
"These men are Rob Lucci and Kaku," one of the Elders introduced. "Along with a traitor named Blueno—who recently helped Kaido's daughter invade Impel Down—they were once tasked with finding the Pluton blueprints in Water 7. Blueno has disappeared, as has another agent named Kalifa. According to the memories of Lucci and Kaku, during the time Kaido was in the first half of the Grand Line, they carried out a secret mission. Looking back now, we believe that mission was directly related to Kaido obtaining those designs."
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