Akainu's eyes first showed astonishment, then an inexplicable anger surged: That damn brat actually has power equal to mine!?
How was this possible! How could this be allowed!!
Aokiji's face showed a thoughtful expression: Hmm... didn't expect this kid to be so formidable.
Tsuru looked grave, her expression serious, not knowing what she was thinking.
Garp was stunned at first, then burst into laughter: "Ahahahaha... Kai, not bad! Worthy of being a Marine I trained!"
Finally, it was Tsuru, the Chief of Staff, who asked the key question: "Sengoku, how did that kid Kai end up fighting Kizaru?"
"Hm?" "Hmm?" "Eh?"
Garp, Akainu, and Aokiji all reacted.
Kai was stationed on Sabaody Archipelago, while Kizaru was at Marine Headquarters. How could these two possibly have any interaction? It didn't make sense!
Everyone turned their gazes toward Sengoku.
"Sigh..."
Sengoku sighed and said: "That kid Kai attacked a Celestial Dragon."
"What!?"
"What happened!?"
Everyone was shocked again. Beat up a Celestial Dragon? When was the last time something like this happened!?
Garp and the others looked at each other.
Last time!?
Before... there had never been such an incident! Forget about hitting a Celestial Dragon—even verbally defying one would bring terrible misfortune.
Light punishment meant becoming a slave;
Heavy punishment meant direct execution, possibly even involving family members!
Kai had directly attacked a Celestial Dragon. No one knew what would happen!
Looking around, Sengoku finally turned his gaze to Tsuru!
But before Tsuru could speak, a Den Den Mushi nearby suddenly rang. Seeing the deep blue Den Den Mushi, Sengoku frowned, hesitated for a moment, then picked it up.
As soon as he answered, the entire room could hear Saint Charlos's furious roar:
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku the Buddha, I order you to immediately capture that Marine Rear Admiral from Sabaody Archipelago and bring him before me, or I'll report to..."
Before finishing Saint Charlos's words, Sengoku hung up the Den Den Mushi.
Rubbing his temples, Sengoku said with some distress: "How should this matter be handled?"
"Mitarashi Kai? Hmph... I knew he'd cause trouble. Didn't expect that just days after becoming a Marine Rear Admiral, he'd create such a huge mess for the Marines."
Akainu was the first to speak. Having long disliked Kai, how could he not kick him while he was down? Akainu continued: "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I believe we should immediately strip Kai of his Marine Rear Admiral position and imprison him in the underwater prison—Impel Down!"
"Mm, understood."
Sengoku responded casually, but this wasn't the answer he wanted.
"I believe the Marines should protect Kai."
Tsuru finally spoke up. After a pause, she continued: "The current situation on the seas is extremely severe, and Marine forces are seriously insufficient. Since Kai could defeat Admiral Borsalino, he's proven his strength and can definitely alleviate the Marines' current situation.
Moreover, this incident can strengthen Kai's sense of belonging to the Marines. Though it might offend the Celestial Dragons, this is still the best solution."
"Mm."
Sengoku nodded. Tsuru's response was the most satisfying to him.
Akainu naturally saw Sengoku's intention, his face flashing with anger: "That's not acceptable! Fleet Admiral..."
At this moment, another Den Den Mushi rang, interrupting Akainu's words.
Sengoku was stunned, then looked at the ringing Den Den Mushi. His expression couldn't help but become more serious as he picked it up and said:
"Elder Stars!"
It was a call from the Five Elders, the World Government's highest rulers!
After a while, a voice came from the Den Den Mushi:
"Mm, Sengoku... I heard from Rosward that a Marine attacked Saint Charlos on Sabaody Archipelago? Did this happen?"
A slightly aged but vigorous voice came from the Den Den Mushi.
"Yes, it did."
With no choice, this was an established fact. Sengoku could only bite the bullet and answer.
"What!? How did this happen? How could the Marines attack a Celestial Dragon!?" The aged voice became heavier, then commanded: "Saint Charlos demands the Marines hand over this Rear Admiral. Sengoku, turn this Rear Admiral over to the Rosward family."
Hearing the Five Elders' words, Sengoku gritted his teeth and said: "Elder Stars, Mitarashi Kai is a Marine Headquarters Admiral candidate. He cannot be handed over. Please forgive me, Elder Stars!"
"Sengoku... you!!!"
The Five Elder on the other end was first stunned, then spoke with some anger: "Sengoku the Buddha, this is an order! Do you hear me!? An order!"
"My apologies, Elder Stars! Forgive me, but I cannot comply!"
Having made his decision, Sengoku had no intention of backing down and refused directly.
At this time, in Mary Geoise.
The round-faced, white-bearded Five Elder said angrily: "In that case, you can go explain to the Rosward family yourself!" With that, he hung up the Den Den Mushi directly.
"Fourth, what's wrong?" Another blonde, suited Five Elder asked.
"Hmph! Sengoku the Buddha actually dares to defy my orders! Seems he doesn't want to be Fleet Admiral anymore!" The round-faced, white-bearded Five Elder said furiously, clearly unable to let it go.
"What happened?" The blonde Five Elder frowned and asked.
"The Marines had a conflict with the Celestial Dragons." The round-faced Five Elder said in a heavy voice.
"Is it serious?"
"Shouldn't be a big problem. No Celestial Dragons died."
"Then don't worry about it. Such small matters won't disturb those old monsters among the Celestial Dragons. No need to pay attention." The blonde Five Elder replied directly.
"Mm." The round-faced, white-bearded Five Elder nodded.
Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's Office.
Hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Sengoku looked up at everyone and said gravely: "Kai's matter will be handled this way. I'll figure out something for the Rosward family. Any other questions?"
🔥 Want to read the next 40 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/DarkGolds]