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Sengoku stated grimly, "When I go to Mariejois to report on my duties this time, I will likely be stepping down as Fleet Admiral."
Although Whitebeard was killed, the escape of Ace was also a reality. Especially since the execution was live-streamed, and Ace's parentage was revealed, this massive responsibility could only be shouldered by him, the Fleet Admiral.
"I will be recommending Aokiji (Aokiji) to succeed me as Fleet Admiral. You two should start scouting candidates for the new Admiral positions immediately."
Tsuru's eyes flickered, and she smiled. "It looks like you already have a candidate in mind!"
Sengoku smiled back. They were old comrades; she saw through his intentions instantly. Both their gazes then fell upon Garp.
Garp, who had been listening drowsily, suddenly jolted awake upon feeling their eyes on him and frantically waved his hands.
"No, no, not me! I didn't even become an Admiral back then, and it's even more impossible now!"
Sengoku rolled his eyes, suddenly feeling the urge to beat up the old man.
"I'm not talking about you, I'm talking about your subordinate, that Aizen Sōsuke!"
Otherwise, why do you think you're even here? When did we ever need you for anything that requires thinking?
It was entirely because Aizen Sōsuke was his subordinate! His strength was immense, clearly displaying Admiral-level combat power during his battle with Soi Fon.
His performance in daily work was also outstanding. Unlike the current three Admirals—two slackers and one hothead—Aizen Sōsuke was truly the undisputed best choice for the position!
"Ahaha! You mean him!"
Garp laughed awkwardly. "His ability is definitely sufficient, but his background... I doubt the Five Elders would agree to it."
No matter how you looked at it, Aizen Sōsuke came from the Holy Spirit Empire. The Five Elders likely wouldn't trust him.
"I will figure that out! Don't you worry about it!" Sengoku already had a general plan in mind.
"Fine then! As long as you two are on board, I won't object either!" Garp waved his hand dismissively, hummed a tune, and left the office. With both his grandsons safely off the battlefield, Garp was in an exceptionally good mood! He just wondered where that brat Kuma had sent Luffy flying to!
As the Marines cleaned up the battlefield, Sengoku took the initiative to head to Mariejois to meet the Five Elders. He had to quickly arrange the transition of power in the Navy. Otherwise, if the tide of chaos arrived and the Marines were unprepared, they would suffer a great loss!
"Sengoku! You bear full responsibility for the failure of the Battle of Marineford!" The moment he entered the Pangea Castle, Sengoku was immediately assailed by the Five Elders.
Sengoku had anticipated this and spoke directly.
"I will take responsibility and resign! However, I hope you will hear my recommendation for the new Fleet Admiral."
Because Sengoku had always been relatively obedient, the Five Elders were willing to grant him this courtesy.
"Speak! Who do you recommend?"
"I wish to recommend Aokiji to serve as Fleet Admiral, and for Aizen Sōsuke to succeed Aokiji's position as Admiral!"
Aokiji? The Five Elders' expressions didn't change, and they felt little inclination to approve. For them, the Marines were merely a tool for world domination. The Fleet Admiral should be an obedient functionary. From that perspective, Akainu was a better fit than Aokiji!
"We will consider the selection of the Fleet Admiral! As for your suggestion to have Aizen Sōsuke succeed as Admiral, we're afraid that's unacceptable," Topman Warcury Saint said flatly.
"He was a high-ranking official of the Holy Spirit Empire. We cannot rashly admit him into the Marine high command."
Sengoku had also prepared for this.
"I spoke with Aizen before coming! He is willing to cooperate with the World Government to research the powers mastered by the Holy Spirit Empire, asking only that the World Government genuinely accept him!"
"Oh?" The Five Elders showed looks of surprise. They had secretly wanted to take Aizen Sōsuke in for study for a long time. They were extremely covetous of the mysterious powers possessed by the Holy Spirit Empire!
However, constrained by the fact that he possessed Admiral-level strength, they hadn't dared to forcibly capture him. They hadn't expected the young man to be so agreeable, actually offering to hand over his proof of loyalty!
Jaygarcia Saturn Saint spoke up.
"Since Aizen is so devoted to the World Government, let him serve as a Vice Admiral for now! As for Admiral, that will depend on his future performance."
Sengoku understood that this matter could not be rushed, so he simply nodded and took his leave.
As soon as Sengoku departed, the Five Elders' expressions changed drastically.
Jaygarcia Saturn Saint slammed his hand on the table and roared, "Hmph! That Aizen dares to covet the position of Admiral? Pure delusion!"
Ethanbaron V. Nasjuro Saint said chillingly, "He is a man born with 'rebellious bones'! He openly declared on the battlefield that no one is born standing in the heavens! Where does that leave the Celestial Dragons?"
"Because of those words of his, voices of discontent against the Celestial Dragons have resurfaced!"
"If we allow him to serve as an Admiral, who knows if he will betray us again!"
Shepherd Ju Peter Saint followed up, "Everyone in this world has their place! Stepping outside of one's place causes chaos! People like Aizen, who delusionally aspire to fly to the heavens, should be dealt with immediately!"
"Sengoku actually spoke up for such a person. It seems the Marines need to be put back in their place!"
Topman Warcury Saint asked, "What do you intend to do?"
Shepherd Ju Peter Saint said flatly, "They want Aokiji to be the Fleet Admiral? Then we will appoint Akainu!"
"The Marines don't need their own ideas! They only need to obey our orders!"
"Seconded!"
"Seconded!"
...
"As for Aizen, send him to Vegapunk! Once we thoroughly understand the essence of the Holy Spirit Empire's power, dispose of him! Whether he's brainwashed into a weapon or simply eliminated is up to them!"
It wasn't long before the appointment for the Fleet Admiral came down. Seeing the name "Sakazuki" glaringly written on the appointment letter, Sengoku slammed his hand, shattering the desk in front of him.
"Those old bastards! What is the meaning of this? Are they trying to instigate infighting within the Marines?"
Aokiji was well-regarded within the Navy and had Sengoku's personal endorsement; most Marines expected him to ascend to Fleet Admiral.
Yet, the Five Elders had chosen the more obedient Akainu. Instantly, the two became the center of a swirling vortex. Their respective factions viewed each other with deep hostility, and friction had been constant for days.
At this time, Aizen Sōsuke also received his promotion and transfer orders. He was to join the Science Unit to cooperate with the World Government's chief scientist, Vegapunk, in researching Soul Reaper powers!
Watching the turmoil outside, Aizen Sōsuke showed a knowing, cryptic smile. Why had he engaged in such a direct, antagonistic debate with Auguro during the Battle of Marineford?
Did they think it was just to complete his defector persona?
That was too shallow!
He was planting a seed in the hearts of everyone present!
A seed that could one day completely overturn the Celestial Dragon system!
For now, he would simply let the bullet fly.