The instant Sengoku spoke these words, Morgans couldn't help but hum softly, his entire body trembling with excitement.
Every feather on him stood slightly on end—a clear sign of his exhilaration.
The underworld boss beside him watched this scene, his cigar dropping to the ground as he muttered to himself.
"The Marines is actually going through with this? Aren't they afraid of uncovering something they shouldn't? Kuhuhuhu... Morgans, it looks like you'll have explosive headlines for quite a while."
Hearing this, Morgans wore a disdainful expression and replied coolly.
"This generation of the Marines is clearly very different from the previous ones. As one of the underworld boss, haven't you noticed yet? This Marines doesn't seem all that obedient to the World Government's orders, does it?"
"Oh, now that you mention it, that's true. But I think it's just temporary. The World Government needs a stronger Marines to curb the increasingly rampant Great Pirate Era, and a powerful Marines will naturally produce some troublemakers. But these things aren't exactly threats to the World Government. You know better than I do—nothing in this world can survive without money."
"Though the Marines may be a bit inflated with their current strength, if the World Government were to halt their military funding for just a month, everything would go back to normal. Don't you agree?"
To this, Morgans flashed an exceptionally bright smile.
"No, that was the past. When the Marines has the audacity to declare in front of so many people that they'll thoroughly investigate internal corruption, you should realize that for now—and for a long time to come—the Marines will maintain a facade of obedience to the World Government while actually paying them no heed!"
"You're an underground black market tycoon, after all. Haven't you considered this? Do you really think the Marines doesn't know their internal issues are intricately tied to the World Government? Do you think Sengoku doesn't understand that much of the Marine's corruption is deliberately orchestrated by the World Government? That man is hailed as the 'Resourceful General.' If he can say these things today, I wouldn't be surprised if he declared the overthrow of the World Government tomorrow."
"What truly excites me isn't the Marine Headquarters' upcoming purge operation, but rather the young Marine in charge of it—that young man named Jake! He's the future centerpiece, the Marine's next rising star—no, not just the Marine's, but potentially the entire world's next rising star! Let's make a bet—within twenty years, Whitebeard's era will pass and that young man named Jake will be the name of the next era!"
"Hahahaha! Morgans, have you lost your mind? In twenty years, Whitebeard might not even be dead yet! Not to mention Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru will all be at their peak by then. Even if the next era belongs to the Marines, it'll be one of those three. How could it possibly be that brat? Even if you're that optimistic about him, it'd take at least forty years for his name to be sung by the era!"
In response, Morgans simply grinned at the underworld boss and said.
"Your entire fortune and status—wanna bet? If you win, my newspaper goes to you. If I win, your weapons factory goes to me!"
"Kuhuhuhu, those aren't things to gamble with. Let's just keep watching."
Politely declining Morgans' bet, the underworld boss pretended to casually glance downward, though his back was already drenched in cold sweat.
Morgans was dead serious!
Damn it, what's so special about that brat?
Why is Sengoku placing such high importance on him?!
The next moment, Sengoku's voice continued, answering not just his but everyone's confusion.
"I understand you may find it surprising or doubtful that Jake is in charge of this operation. You distrust his qualifications, his age, his resolve, his strength—you distrust every aspect of Jake. But... as the highest-ranking officer of the Marines, I can assure you all—you can trust Jake in every way!"
"Whether it's strength, mindset, capability, justice, or qualifications—Jake is the perfect candidate for this task. Moreover, I personally guarantee this. If any issues arise during the purge operation because of Jake, I will be the first to take responsibility. Should Jake ever engage in corruption, I will immediately resign as Marine Fleet Admiral. That is the extent of my trust in Jake!"
The moment Sengoku finished speaking—just as everyone was too stunned to react—five voices rang out simultaneously.
"If Jake fails in any way, I, Zephyr/Garp, will also resign from the Marines!"
"If Jake fails in any way, I, Sakazuki/Borsalino/Kuzan, will resign from the Marines!"
These declarations echoed through the courtroom, leaving everyone present covering their mouths in shock.
Their eyes widened, bulging as if about to pop out, staring at the scene before them in disbelief—as though they couldn't believe this was reality.
Even Jake himself, listening to those words of resignation from the marine officers, felt waves of pressure surging through his entire body.
If he truly failed to handle this properly, he would lose all face to continue living in this world!
What kind of nonsense was this?
These old fellows were acting even more hot-blooded and reckless than someone like him in his twenties.
Had they not considered that if things weren't handled properly, the entire Marine force would be thrown into chaos?!
As if sensing Jake's thoughts, Sengoku happened to meet his gaze at that moment.
He smiled at Jake and said.
"The case of the Sladepar branch base corruption was uncovered and resolved solely by Captain Jake. Moreover, Captain Jake is the hero who recently confronted the Big Mom Pirates, protecting all the villagers of Gourmet Town from pirate invasion. He's also one of the very few Marines in recent years to possess Conqueror's Haki and currently, he stands as the most outstanding Marine among the new generation!"
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One piece : Capturing beauties makes me stronger.
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