Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
In the Fleet Admiral's office, Finn, Sakazuki, Garp, Gion, Admiral Sengoku, and others were all present.
More than half a month had passed since Kaido's capture. Finn and the others had only returned to Marineford today.
The previous battle between Garp and Whitebeard hadn't lasted too long. When the island was about to sink, both of them had stopped fighting.
For Newgate, there was no need to fight to the death with the Marines.
For Garp, it had been impossible to capture Newgate under those circumstances. At the same time, with the island sinking, there'd been no time to pursue Whitebeard.
Moreover, considering the Marines' current arrangements for the New World, it truly wasn't a good time to take down the Whitebeard Pirates.
Therefore, in that situation, Garp and Newgate had both withdrawn with tacit understanding.
"We've already investigated thoroughly. The meeting between the Big Mom Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates there wasn't a battle as you'd imagined. In fact, they were discussing a ceasefire. However, thanks to your interference, that matter has been ruined. As of now, the Whitebeard Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates may continue fighting for a while until the next ceasefire discussion..." Chief of Staff Tsuru said.
At this time, she still hadn't been officially reinstated, but during this period, she'd been in charge of the Marine Intelligence Staff. Even though she didn't have the title of Chief of Staff, everyone still treated her as such.
"This situation is undoubtedly more beneficial to our Marines," Admiral Sengoku nodded.
Finn took a sip from his teacup, then laughed. "So, we stumbled upon something by accident and actually achieved merit?"
"If you insist on putting it that way, there's nothing wrong with that," Fleet Admiral Kong laughed.
Even though Finn and his group had encountered many problems and accidents this time, judging from the final result, it was undoubtedly very beneficial to the Marines.
First, the 300 billion berries worth of arms from the Beasts Pirates hadn't been sold, which had invisibly prevented numerous conflicts.
Then, Kaido had been beaten half to death and forcibly brought back to Headquarters. He was currently being held in prison. Someone from the CP agency would take over soon.
No matter what arrangements the World Government made for Kaido in the end, the Marines' contribution was real.
This matter had been led by Sakazuki. Finn and the others had no intention of taking credit for it, so the lion's share went to Sakazuki.
If nothing unexpected happened, he'd soon go to G-1 to serve as base commander. After returning, he might become a Marine Admiral.
Then, the Big Mom Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates had been likely to cease fire and negotiate, which would have brought more benefits than drawbacks to both pirate crews.
Therefore, for the Marines, it definitely wasn't beneficial for the two parties to negotiate and then quietly strengthen themselves.
Finn and his men's intrusion had prevented this from proceeding. Now the two crews were still fighting, which was naturally beneficial to the Marines.
Finally, this incident had basically not caused any adverse effects, and the Marines hadn't even paid any sacrifices or costs.
The island in the New World had originally been an island where pirates lived. There'd been no decent civilians there. So it had been destroyed, and it hadn't caused any major waves afterward, nor had it had any negative impact on the surrounding waters.
As for Sky Island, it had already been deserted and abandoned. Moreover, Sky Islands weren't under Marine jurisdiction, so if anything happened there, it had nothing to do with the Marines.
So from the final result, the Marines had won a great victory.
Everyone was in very good spirits.
"By the way, regarding the fact that we captured Kaido, the World Government has asked us not to publicize it and just handle it discreetly," Admiral Sengoku suddenly said.
Although Sakazuki was somewhat displeased, he'd already expected this, so he just frowned and didn't say much.
"If we don't publicize it, others won't know about it?" Finn complained.
"In recent years, Kaido has rarely shown up on the sea and has been hiding in Wano Country. So, even though he's been caught now, there's actually not much possibility of it being exposed. If you hadn't run into Whitebeard and Charlotte Linlin this time, no one would pay attention to this matter. What the Whitebeard and Big Mom Pirates will do next isn't within our consideration. In short, we just need to not release the news," Admiral Sengoku said softly.
Seeing that Sakazuki had no objection, Finn shrugged. "I don't care."
"Then this matter won't be announced to the public at all?" Gion asked.
"Don't mention anything about Kaido, but of course we have to publicize the battle between you and the Big Mom Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates. After all, judging from the results, we won a great victory," Admiral Sengoku said with a smile.
Chief of Staff Tsuru said, "We've prepared a press release and will send it to the World Economic News later..."
After a brief pause, Tsuru glanced at Finn and said with a smile, "Our Marines have uncovered the conspiracy between the Big Mom Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates. It appears both sides were ready to reach a ceasefire agreement, and even further, there was a high possibility of forming a pirate alliance. In order to prevent this terrible situation, under the leadership of Admiral Finn, our Marines thwarted this conspiracy in the New World, repelled the Whitebeard Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates, and severely wounded Charlotte Linlin..."
"Ah..." Finn looked somewhat embarrassed, then asked, "Is it appropriate? Isn't that a bit too exaggerated?"
"Although it's somewhat exaggerated, most of it is true. It's just minor embellishment. It's nothing," Admiral Sengoku waved his hand.
Is this minor embellishment?
This is major reconstruction, isn't it?
However, Finn was also thick-skinned. He nodded immediately. "Since you all say so, I can't refuse. Let's do it."
After a brief pause, he glanced at Sakazuki and then said, "What about Sakazuki?"
After all, this matter had been initiated by Sakazuki, not Finn's idea. If Sakazuki hadn't taken the lead, he'd probably still be drinking tea and vacationing with Koshiro in the East Blue.
In the end, Sakazuki hadn't been able to publicize Kaido's capture. Instead, Finn had become a newspaper hero, reaping both fame and fortune. Wasn't that somewhat inappropriate?
Before anyone else could say anything, Sakazuki waved his hand. "It doesn't matter. I don't care about any of this. You've given me all the actual credit, and that's enough."
Seeing that Sakazuki had no objection, Finn stopped talking.
It's just empty reputation. There's really nothing to worry about.
Fleet Admiral Kong took a sip of tea and then said, "Sakazuki, go back and write a report and carefully consider your posting."
Upon hearing this, Sakazuki's normally stiff face broke into a smile. He said to Fleet Admiral Kong, "Fleet Admiral, I've already made up my mind."
"Really? Where?" Fleet Admiral Kong asked.
"G-1!" Sakazuki said without hesitation.
There was no surprise in Fleet Admiral Kong's eyes, as if he'd already anticipated Sakazuki's choice. Without hesitation, he nodded. "Alright, go back and submit your report. I'll approve your appointment to G-1 immediately. Do well. The New World is our Marines' next priority. If you can perform well at G-1, the position vacated by Zephyr will be yours."
This basically meant Fleet Admiral Kong had already decided on Sakazuki's position as Admiral.
A gleam of determination flashed in Sakazuki's eyes. He immediately stood up. "Yes! Everything is for Justice!"
"It seems Borsalino has absolutely no intention of competing with Sakazuki..." Finn thought to himself, then asked curiously, "Where's Kuzan? I feel like I haven't seen him in a long time. What is he busy with now?"
"He's teaching at Zephyr's academy. He's been instructing those young recruits recently," Admiral Sengoku said with a smile.
What the hell?
This guy is so young and hasn't even gotten the Admiral candidate title. Is he already ready to retreat to the second line?
"Admiral, are you just not going to deal with that guy? He's so unmotivated, isn't he?" Finn complained.
Admiral Sengoku smiled. "Once Sakazuki goes to G-1, I'm going to give that guy a good talking to. He has to show me some results and earn the title of Admiral candidate!"
"Yes, we should teach that bastard a lesson," Finn nodded seriously.
If you didn't know better, you might think he had a grudge against Kuzan.
Fleet Admiral Kong glanced at Finn. "Are you going to continue your vacation?"
Finn didn't say anything, but instead looked at Gion.
Gion rolled her eyes helplessly. "Why continue? There will be plenty of opportunities in the future anyway. Let's just stop here."
Originally, she'd agreed to go on vacation with Gion, but Garp and Hina had ended up tagging along. Then they'd gone to the East Blue to handle some official business. In fact, they hadn't had much fun, because the next thing he knew, he'd been taken by Sakazuki to deal with Kaido.
Then it had become the current situation. From this perspective, Finn still felt somewhat embarrassed and guilty toward Gion. It was truly unacceptable that the vacation he'd promised had turned out like this.
But Gion was a considerate woman after all. She didn't care about these issues. In her opinion, Finn had kept his promise, but there'd been many complications. What's more, the two of them had gone on vacation together, and that was enough. A G-7 base commander and a Marine Admiral had many responsibilities. They should just go back to work honestly.
Seeing Gion say this, Finn smiled. "Then let's stop here."
"Very good. Then prepare your plan as soon as possible. I hope to see results soon," Fleet Admiral Kong instructed Finn.
The so-called plan was the internal development initiative for the Marines. Currently, Finn was in charge of the economic aspects.
It was also a very secretive matter. People below the rank of Vice Admiral weren't even qualified to ask about it. Even for Vice Admirals, the matter was basically kept secret and few people knew about it.
Finn was planning to cooperate with Smoker and Stussy to establish a trading company.
"Well, I'll implement it as soon as possible," Finn nodded.
At this moment, there was a knock on the door of the Fleet Admiral's office.
Fleet Admiral Kong glanced toward it and then responded, "Come in."
As soon as he finished speaking, the door opened. A figure looked inside cautiously. Then, with a humble and respectful smile on his face, he lowered his posture slightly and walked in.
The man was wearing a well-fitting black suit. Although he looked somewhat shabby, his eyes revealed a shrewd and capable demeanor.
It was none other than CP-9's commander, Spandine.
As soon as Spandine entered, he greeted everyone with a smile and was very humble.
Especially when greeting Finn, there was a sense of familiarity in his tone.
"It seems CP is planning to let you, CP-9, take custody of Kaido?" Fleet Admiral Kong asked.
Spandine said with a smile, "It can't be considered taking custody, just a transfer. The CP-0 personnel have already arrived at Enies Lobby and are preparing to secretly interrogate Kaido there..."
"Really?" Finn clicked his tongue, then asked, "What are they going to do with that guy?"
"This..." Spandine hesitated for a moment, then continued, "I don't know the specific situation. With my authority, I don't have access to this. But according to past practice, he may be detained and interrogated for a year or two."
Having said this, Spandine was embarrassed to continue.
Finn and the others also understood. Perhaps after a year or two of detention and interrogation, Kaido would return to the sea again...
As for whatever deals he made with the World Government during this period, it had nothing to do with the Marines.
"Ridiculous..." Finn sighed, but didn't say anything else.
Even though he was a Marine Admiral, he couldn't do much about this kind of thing.