The Five Elders summoned Sakazuki first, while Doflamingo was taken to a side chamber.
As soon as the admiral stepped inside, Warcury spoke, "Did that guy say anything on the way, Sakazuki?"
Sakazuki responded, "No. Nothing. We kept him under constant interrogation. He had no strength to speak. His bones are tough, though."
By now he was no stranger to these men. His rising position had brought him face to face with them many times.
Warcury gave a nod. "I see."
Nusjuro then asked, "You must have heard about Kong's promotion to Commander-in-Chief. When the time comes, the new Fleet Admiral will be chosen from you and Sengoku. What do you think? We are inclined to favor you."
Sakazuki paused for a few seconds before shaking his head. "Becoming Fleet Admiral is not my goal. My aim is to purge this sea of trash. If I become Fleet Admiral I would be chained to Marineford. I have not killed enough pirates yet. The Great Pirate Era must end."
Nusjuro didn't press any further. "Very well then. The Reverie is near. Return to Marineford and resume your post."
They had only asked out of formality. Although they favored Sakazuki, Sengoku was more than capable. His only drawback was that he lacked the former's ruthless decisiveness. Sakazuki's age also made the promotion less fitting. If they wanted, they could still push him up. A man like him would be a sharp weapon as Fleet Admiral. But if he refused, Sengoku was the natural choice, though not nearly as sharp a blade.
Sakazuki nodded and walked out slowly.
When he was gone, several CP officers escorted Doflamingo in. They set him down and withdrew.
The pirate flexed his limbs and then plopped onto his back. Warm sunlight streamed through the windows and fell over him.
"Fuffuffuffu. Now this is comfortable. Much better than a prison cell."
Peter glanced at him. "So we meet again, Donquixote boy. Do you think you'll walk out this time?"
Doflamingo let out a strange, careless smile. "Why not? After all, you don't want the world to learn about that 'national treasure', do you?"
* * *
East Blue. The Goa Kingdom.
The capital had been dressed up and trimmed. Banners and gilded ornaments hung everywhere to welcome the Celestial Dragons.
The noble families who lived in the inner city had already gathered at the harbor. They had come early to see the 'true aristocrats' in person.
A tiny black dot appeared on the sea horizon.
Boom, boom, boom…
Fireworks burst in the sky one after another. Even in daylight, they flashed bright and dazzling.
The crowd shouted and waved World Government flags.
"The government ship is here!!!"
"The true nobles are aboard!!!"
"Celestial Dragons!!!"
"Ahhhh!!!"
Onboard the World Government's lavish vessel a portly Celestial Dragon looked out impatiently at the crowd. "Are these lowly things welcoming us?"
A CP agent beside him bowed respectfully. "Yes, sir."
The fat Celestial Dragon sniffed with contempt. "What a nuisance. Keep a close watch on these vermin. Some disrespectful fool may appear."
"Yes, sir," the officer replied.
* * *
Night. East Blue. Shimotsuki Village.
A young kid with green hair lifted massive stones for training. Nearby, a few dojo kids watched from the railing. They stared in awe at the huge ship docked in the harbor. Everything on that vessel looked unfamiliar and wondrous to them.
"Did you see the guy with the huge face earlier today?"
"Yeah. It was the first time I saw someone like that."
"Hey, look. There are kids about our size on that ship!"
"Really?"
"What are they holding? Swords?"
"No, wait. Looks like… steel pipes!!!"
The green-haired kid stayed in his own world, counting as he lifted.
"Five hundred eighty... five hundred eighty-one... five hundred eighty-two..."
* * *
On the Revolutionary Army ship at the Shimotsuki Village port, Ivankov was bored until a cool breeze stirred him awake.
"You're so slow, Dragon!" he called out, watching the man who now moved in human form. "How long do you expect me to wait? Where did you go off wandering?"
Dragon apologized. "Sorry. I went to the reception for the World Nobles."
Ivankov was stunned. "What? You went by yourself and didn't take me? How could you not bring me?"
Looking at him, Dragon muttered, "No. You are too conspicuous."
He walked to the rail and gazed toward the Goa Kingdom. "We must gather strength quickly and prepare for the next Reverie."
He turned to the helmsman. "Is the supply run complete?"
"Yes. It's done. The village dojo left us some food."
Dragon commanded, "All right. Prepare to set sail. Return to Baltigo."
* * *
Marine Headquarters. Marineford.
In the Fleet Admiral's office, Kong rubbed his temple. "This is a headache. Every time Reverie comes around we get a flood of pirates. How are things now?"
A clerk reported the latest data. "No major problems so far. By 10:00 this morning we intercepted over thirty pirate groups intending to kidnap royal families. All were repelled before they could reach any ships."
Kong ordered, "Tell the patrols not to relax for a moment. This concerns the dignity of the World Government and the Marines. Even at the cost of lives, we cannot let pirates succeed."
The clerk snapped to attention.
"Yes, sir," he saluted and left to relay the order.
Sakazuki then walked in and said, "Tough work, Fleet Admiral."
Kong responded, "About time you returned. How could you be absent for years after being assigned as an Admiral?"
Sakazuki smiled faintly. "I had no choice. The pirates are everywhere. I can't kill them all."
"You." Kong shook his head. "By the way, I will be promoted and sent to the Holy Land soon. Any thoughts?"
Sakazuki sighed. "No. Honestly none. It isn't just you asking. The Five Elders have asked too. Even the various officers have come around. You know my 'life goal.' I want to eradicate every pirate in the world."
Kong laughed. "That does fit your nature. Rest for a while. You've been away from Headquarters too long. Take a good look around. The place has changed a lot over these years."
Sakazuki agreed. "Yes. It really has. There are far more people living on the island now."
Kong leaned back in his chair. "Indeed. Most of them are the families of our officers. With Roger starting this Great Pirate Era, more and more islands have become unsafe. To avoid another tragedy like what happened with Zephyr, we relocated most of the officers' families here to Marineford. Many new districts have been built, markets, entertainment zones. Soldiers of the Headquarters can relax more during their time off."
Sakazuki chuckled. "That's not bad at all. Good for morale. Well then, I'll take a walk around."
Kong nodded. "Go on. But… really, you have no interest?"
Sakazuki rubbed his forehead. "None. When Sengoku someday decides he 'doesn't want it' anymore, then we can talk. Until then, forget it."
Kong laughed lightly. "Alright, alright. Off you go."
He watched as Sakazuki, firm in his answer, left the office. A faint sigh of relief slipped from Kong. He couldn't help it. Both men were precious. He had spent his life working in the Marines, and now there were only two reliable heirs to carry it on.
If division arose between them over something like this, that truly would be…
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