"Alright, that's it for this emergency meeting. If there's nothing else, everyone is dismissed."
Within moments, the large conference room was left with only four people — the "old trio" of Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru, along with Admiral Aokiji.
"Thank you all for your support," Aokiji said sincerely to the people before him.
He knew perfectly well what it meant to be in charge of this recruitment drive. Having that role meant being the first to come into contact with all sorts of promising talents entering the Navy.
Even if it was just one step ahead, if he managed it well, it would be enough to win over many hearts. Combined with the fact that he already had more prestige than Akainu, this meant that more people in the Navy would likely support him over Akainu. When the time came to vie for the position of Fleet Admiral, his chances would be much greater.
Sengoku waved his hand in response to Aokiji's thanks — he knew exactly what Aokiji was thinking.
"Aokiji, you need to understand — I'm not helping you, I'm helping the Navy. Compared to Akainu, you act more steadily, and your temperament is calmer. The Navy is at a crucial stage of rapid development right now, and we can't afford mistakes. You're more suited for this, which is why I'm backing you."
"But you must also understand that Akainu has his strengths as well. He's more decisive than you, and in some aspects" — Sengoku deliberately emphasized the words in some aspects — "his merits and contributions surpass yours."
"While you have our support, Akainu has the support of those above. Until the final decision is made, no one knows how things will turn out. The more it comes down to this moment, the less you can afford to let your guard down. Understood?"
"I understand, Fleet Admiral." Aokiji took Sengoku's words to heart, not dismissing them just because Sengoku was about to retire.
"Fleet Admiral, I have a question — I'm not sure if it's appropriate to ask."
"Go ahead."
"I'd like to know the Navy's — or rather, the World Government's — current stance toward Blackbeard and the Blackbeard Pirates."
Others might not have noticed, but Aokiji had caught it — when Sengoku was speculating about Katie's abilities earlier, he had mentioned Blackbeard's name.
That was rare. Sengoku, though kind, never tolerated criminals. So Aokiji was puzzled — what had happened behind the scenes?
At Aokiji's question, Sengoku's expression shifted noticeably. After a moment of silence, he spoke.
"The Five Elders ordered us to keep Blackbeard's Shichibukai status, so officially, he's still on our side."
"Why? He blatantly violated the rules by attacking Impel Down first. We have every reason to strip him of that title!"
Aokiji hadn't expected the higher-ups to make such a decision. He found it hard to accept.
"There are two reasons. First, the Five Elders believe Blackbeard can be used to keep Whitebeard in check. Second, because of Shiryu in Blackbeard's crew, we were able to accurately assess what kind of ability Katie possesses."
"But… but—"
Just as Aokiji was about to continue protesting, Sengoku raised his hand to stop him.
"Aokiji, this time I can explain it to you. Next time, maybe I still can. But there will come a day when I'm no longer here. What will you do then? Go demand an explanation from the Five Elders?"
The two questions left Aokiji in silence — he didn't know how to respond.
"This is where you fall short compared to Akainu. You're not a scholar — you're a soldier. You should ask less and do more."
"To protect justice, sometimes we have to tolerate evil. If you wish to wear the crown, you must first bear its weight. Time is running out for you. I hope by then you'll be ready — mentally and otherwise."
"If there's nothing else, you should go. There's still a lot to resolve with the great recruitment drive."
"Understood, Fleet Admiral."
Aokiji still had more to say, but Sengoku had already issued his dismissal, and he could only leave reluctantly.
"Sengoku, don't you think you were a bit harsh? Aokiji only cares about the Navy — he didn't do anything wrong."
Seeing his prized student being scolded so harshly, Garp naturally stepped in to defend him.
"You idiot, you've got some nerve saying that! Do you know how many times I've been chewed out by the Five Elders because of you? Aokiji's like this because he learned it from you! If you've got the ability, train him to be as strong as you. Then, that Fleet Admiral's seat will naturally be his!"
"Kuha-ha-ha! Aokiji didn't learn from me — that's just who he is. And he's already an Admiral, what more do you want me to do? That's not a step you just casually 'break through.' Even though you are still stuck where you are."
Completely unfazed by Sengoku's words, Garp even managed to slip in a jab at him in the end.
Watching the two bicker, Tsuru just shook her head helplessly. They'd been arguing for decades without getting tired of it — and she hadn't noticed until now that she'd been listening to their arguments for decades and hadn't gotten tired either.
—
"Boss Katie, do you really have to leave so soon? With your strength, you could easily roam the New World with us. The first half of the Grand Line is nothing to you."
Seeing Katie all set to depart, Ace made one last attempt to persuade him to stay. In the past two days, he and Katie had fought several times. Though Ace had lost each match, he could feel the barrier in front of her thinning — it might break at any moment. On top of that, the two had become good drinking buddies, with a real kindred spirits vibe. So Ace really hated to see her go.
"Ace, I'm leaving too — why aren't you trying to stop me?"
Before Katie could respond, Luffy — who was leaving with Katie — butted in.
"Why would I stop you? You're nothing but trouble."
"Ace, now I'm mad! Next time we meet, I'm definitely going to surpass you!"
Angered by Ace's blunt jab, Luffy turned away and refused to look at her.
"The New World may be exciting, but there are still plenty of interesting things in the first half. If you don't experience them all, it'll be a regret."
"Wait for me, everyone. Two years at most, and I'll come to the New World to find you. Then the drinks are on me!"
Though reluctant, Katie had decided to leave. Staying with the Whitebeard Pirates would limit her growth. Leaving today was only for the sake of a better reunion tomorrow, so she didn't feel sad about it.
"Brat, watch out for the Navy's revenge. You're my only nephew — don't go dying on me."
Whitebeard didn't try to stop Katie. She knew she couldn't, anyway. But the faint shimmer of tears in her eyes betrayed that she wasn't as calm inside as he appeared.
"Heh-heh, don't worry, old man. The one who can kill me hasn't been born yet."
"Everyone, goodbye!"
Katie waved farewell to the Whitebeard Pirates as the small boat beneath her feet slowly drifted away.
"Luffy, goodbye. Take care of yourself!"
When the moment of parting finally came, even the tough Ace couldn't help but remind Luffy to be careful. But Luffy, still pretending to be angry, kept his back to Ace and didn't respond.
However, standing next to Luffy, Katie clearly noticed his shoulders trembling — trembling he couldn't control.
Katie knew Luffy was crying. He didn't want to leave Ace, but he had to. He wanted to turn back and say goodbye, but he didn't want Ace to see him looking weak. He was afraid… afraid that if he saw Ace's face, he wouldn't have the courage to leave.