"Sengoku-san, over the past year, Monet and I have gathered a lot of information about Flevance through various channels. We know the situation there might be far worse than we can imagine. Thanks to your reminder, we also understand that mishandling the Flevance issue could have severe consequences for our future."
Listening to Jake's words, Sengoku gave a slight nod, his eyes reflecting faint approval.
Among all the prodigies he had encountered over the years, Jake was the only one willing to heed his advice.
Even if the path ahead was muddy and fraught with challenges, as long as Jake continued down the road Sengoku had paved for him, his future would undoubtedly reach great heights.
But the next moment, Jake's words made Sengoku sigh in a way that felt all too familiar.
"However..."
"I just knew you'd follow up with those words, you brat!"
Seeing Sengoku's exasperated expression, Jake chuckled awkwardly before speaking earnestly.
"Sengoku-san, from the moment I joined the Marines, my goal was never about climbing the ranks or securing a smooth promotion. My purpose is simple—I want to uphold justice, to pass on the justice that T-Bone instilled in me. That is the real reason I became a Marine."
"To be honest, when Sakazuki-san first assigned us to Flevance, I hesitated. Monet and I are both from the North Blue, and we know what kind of hell that place has become. We're also aware of how badly our futures could be affected if we fail to handle the situation there properly."
"We understand all of that. But sometimes, isn't justice all the more precious in such circumstances? The suffering of Flevance's people right now is no different from what I endured as a slave. I was saved by the justice T-Bone-san brought me. So in this matter, I want to contribute whatever little strength I have—to bring salvation to the people of Flevance, who are trapped in despair and hell."
Listening to these words, a faint smile appeared on Sakazuki's face.
In truth, even if Jake had chosen to let Sengoku plead for mercy today and abandon the contract he had signed with him back then, Sakazuki wouldn't have been too conflicted.
Though he was an extremist of justice, that didn't mean Sakazuki knew nothing about politics.
On the contrary, he might have been the most politically astute person present aside from Sengoku.
Back when Jake hadn't yet displayed such terrifying talent, it was one thing.
But now, with the abilities he had revealed, Jake could practically be described as the next Marine Fleet Admiral in the making.
And someone destined to become the Fleet Admiral, he couldn't afford major blemishes on his record—at least nothing that the Five Elders could use to criticize him harshly.
If Jake were truly sent to Flevance, Sakazuki believed in Jake and Monet's abilities to handle the situation there.
But what if?
What if Jake and Monet failed to resolve it properly?
In that case, Jake, as the overall leader of the "Purge" operation, would face severe criticism and pressure.
Moreover, the image the Marines had painstakingly rebuilt over the past year would collapse once again.
Besides, the situation in Flevance involved some of the World Government's dirty secrets.
Even if capable people were sent there, they would face significant restrictions.
So, if possible, it was best not to go.
Back then, Sakazuki had only sent Jake there because he believed Jake's healing-type Devil Fruit ability could save more lives.
After all, if Jake were merely a medic, the World Government wouldn't impose too many constraints on his future.
But times changed.
Jake was now practically the undisputed leader of the next generation of Marines.
If someone like him encountered problems later, it would be a blow to the entire new generation of Marines.
Listening to Sengoku's words, Sakazuki understood that Sengoku was subtly urging him to act.
Without further hesitation, he stood up and walked towards Jake.
Before Sakazuki could speak, however, Jake's voice reached him first.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the situation in Flevance is indeed complex. If mishandled, it could bring significant negative repercussions for the Marines. But what if it's resolved properly? Not only would the people of Flevance find salvation, but the entire nation could be rebuilt. Wouldn't the positive impact be equally immense?"
Hearing this, Sengoku adjusted his glasses and glanced at Jake with a resigned expression.
"I knew a little brat like you wouldn't be swayed so easily. But from the sound of it, you seem quite confident about the situation in Flevance?"
Jake chuckled and explained.
"More or less. Over the past year, I've occasionally commissioned people to purchase some 'Amber Lead' crops from other regions. With Borsalino-sensei help, I also had Dr. Vegapunk analyze the substance's composition and the primary cause of its illness-inducing effects on Egghead."
"And the results?"
Sengoku's voice carried a trace of curiosity and delight.
After all, if Jake could truly resolve the situation there and successfully restore the mineral veins that had brought prosperity to the region, it would be an event of significant positive impact for both the Marines and Jake himself.
Facing Sengoku, Jake naturally didn't beat around the bush.
He directly shared the analytical results he had gathered over the past few days.
"Amber Lead Disease is essentially heavy metal poisoning, not an infectious disease. It can be effectively prevented and treated by following a few key steps—such as promptly avoiding contaminated items and consuming more milk and egg whites. But if that were all, I know it wouldn't satisfy you, Fleet Admiral Sengoku. So, the final step is actually my healing ability."
"With my Healing Prayer, as long as the person still has a breath left, I can save them—let alone something like Amber Lead Disease. I'm confident I can restore Flevance to its former glory as the 'Dreamlike White Town.' However, there's one more thing I need to discuss with you."
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