At the Marine Academy, in the Chief Instructor's office in Building 1, Cross and Zephyr sat across from each other on sofas, each enjoying a cigar and hot tea.
"I didn't expect Zephyr-sensei to be back so soon. The practical training for this elite class was supposed to last another two months, wasn't it?" Cross smiled, picking up the teapot from the glass coffee table to pour hot tea into Zephyr's cup. White steam rose, carrying a faint tea aroma.
"With such a big incident happening, I had to come back!" Zephyr shook his head, huffing. "It's their own fault, yet the pressure's shifted onto us Marines. It's truly annoying."
"Hahaha~ There's nothing for it, Zephyr-sensei. You're a Marine Admiral, after all. Even though you've taken on the role of Chief Instructor, you're still one of the Marine's top brass, with immense influence. Neither Marine Headquarters nor the World Government can ignore a formidable fighting force like you, especially at a time like this!" Cross said with a laugh.
"Whatever, just don't send me out on any ridiculous missions!" Zephyr grumbled, then looked at Cross seriously. "I heard you're leaving the Marine Academy too?"
"That's right. As you know, the Five Elders have put a lot of pressure on Marine Headquarters, but the Marines currently lack fighting power and can only barely cope with the situation on the seas. So, my good days are over." Cross chuckled and nodded.
This 'Mariejois Attack Incident' caused a massive stir.
A Fish-Man, whom humans consider a 'fish,' attacked Mariejois, the Holy Land, making the World Government lose not only face but also all their credibility.
However, the most critical issue for the World Government right now wasn't the loss of face, but the fallout and consequences of the 'Mariejois Attack Incident.'
At the very least, many pirates would start to wonder: if a Fish-Man can cause such a ruckus in Mariejois, why can't our pirate crew?
If the World Government's headquarters can be attacked by a mere Fish-Man, does that mean the World Government isn't as powerful as it seems?!
If too many people start believing that the World Government is all bark and no bite, strong on the outside but rotten within, the impact would be extremely detrimental.
As the saying goes, 'Three men make a tiger.' Soon, countless people would challenge the World Government, leading to greater chaos in the world.
So, Cross understood that if the World Government and the Marines couldn't properly handle the aftermath of the 'Mariejois Attack Incident,' a major disaster was inevitable.
That's why Marine Headquarters transferred him out of the Marine Academy to compensate for the Marines' lack of powerful combatants.
"Indeed, they wouldn't just watch a combatant with your high mobility waste time at the Marine Academy." Zephyr narrowed his eyes, showing no surprise on his face. He then asked, "But I also heard you want to join G-2 Branch?"
"That's right, I feel I get along well with Vice Admiral Borsalino, but Fleet Admiral Kong wants me to stay at Marine Headquarters for a while for mobile support." Cross took a sip of hot tea from his cup, then answered gravely.
"Kong's consideration is correct. That Borsalino fellow is the base commander of G-2 Branch, so he can't stay in Marineford for long. With you here, you can quickly support important areas around Marineford. For example, you did an excellent job in the 'Mariejois Attack Incident,' quickly quelling the chaos on the Sabaody Archipelago." Zephyr didn't comment on Cross's desire to follow Borsalino but instead offered a rare compliment.
Although Zephyr and Borsalino don't see eye-to-eye, they are, after all, teacher and student. As a teacher, he couldn't tell Cross that 'Borsalino isn't good, not a suitable superior.'
"Tch~ The World Government certainly doesn't think I did a good job!" Cross pouted, speaking with a hint of sarcasm.
"Hehe~ I heard. They're quite displeased that you didn't go protect the Celestial Dragons and instead took it upon yourself to go to the Sabaody Archipelago!" Zephyr laughed, clearly approving of Cross's actions.
"With the main force of the Holy Land Guard Corps and the powerful agents of Cipher Pol protecting those Celestial Dragons, they didn't need me at all. They're just venting their anger out of incompetence!" Cross said with a dismissive expression and a disdainful tone.
In fact, that night, Cross only sent his Enlivened creatures to Pangaea Castle to block some individuals blinded by rage and madness, but he didn't go himself.
This greatly displeased the World Government, or perhaps it was a form of anger born from humiliation.
After all, when Cross arrived in Mariejois, the Five Elders didn't think much of him and largely ignored him.
Who knew that later, Cross alone would quell most of the chaos on the Sabaody Archipelago, forcing the World Government to re-evaluate his strength?
For someone the Five Elders considered insignificant to suddenly become a battle-altering powerhouse, acknowledging Cross's contributions would be akin to a slap in their own face, and an admission of their poor judgment.
Therefore, the World Government could only vent their anger by focusing on Cross's disobedience of military orders.
Furthermore, within the Marines, there was considerable debate about Cross's defiance of orders.
While Cross did achieve great merit by single-handedly quelling most of the chaos on the Sabaody Archipelago, ultimately, he still violated orders and acted on his own initiative.
It's important to remember that in the military, violating orders is the gravest offense, with serious cases resulting in execution.
Thus, many Marine generals believed that merit is merit and fault is fault; Cross's violation of orders shouldn't be overlooked just because he performed a great service.
Otherwise, everyone would follow suit and violate orders, and how could the Marines maintain peace in the seas?
In the end, Marine Headquarters leadership opted for a compromise, essentially balancing his merits with his faults.
Zephyr was naturally aware of the inside story regarding this matter. While he didn't condone Cross's defiance of orders, he highly praised Cross's decision to forgo protecting the Celestial Dragons in favor of protecting innocent civilians.
That day, Cross and Zephyr talked for a long time. After handing over his duties, Cross officially left the Marine Academy and took up residence in the Marine Headquarters fortress.
What was unexpected, however, was the warm welcome Marine Headquarters extended to Cross.
For the Marine generals, while defying orders isn't encouraged, protecting innocent civilians certainly makes those with a sense of justice feel favorably towards Cross.
Additionally, due to Cross's Devil Fruit ability being unique, making him one of only two individuals in Marine Headquarters with high mobility combat capabilities, and the only important combatant permanently stationed at Marine Headquarters, the Marine high command actually provided Cross, a mere Major, with a dedicated office and private Den Den Mushi.
He's directly under the command of Kong and has the authority to refuse orders from other high-ranking generals, unless the order comes from the Fleet Admiral.
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