After escaping from Thriller Bark, they continued sailing for dozens of days.
Eventually, they managed to break free of the dreaded Florian Triangle and returned to Marineford.
The first thing Rengoku did was report the failed negotiation with the [Pirate Empress] Boa Hancock.
However, Fleet Admiral Sengoku simply remarked that it was only natural for someone as prideful as Boa Hancock not to comply.
Prideful, huh...
Rengoku, who had seen her vulnerable side, found it hard to agree—but public perception was what it was. There wasn't much he could do about that.
There was also talk of issuing a mandatory conscription order, but Sengoku said that would be discussed again at a later date.
As for Moria, based on Rengoku's report and the testimonies of the Marines aboard the Super Marine-class warship, it was concluded that [Warlord of the Sea] Gecko Moria was no longer fit to retain his title.
He was sent directly to Impel Down.
The round-faced man, Hogback, was also imprisoned in Impel Down for violating protocol through illegal human experimentation—thanks to Perona's testimony.
Additionally, a report was filed regarding the death of Absalom and the resulting reappearance of the Clear-Clear Fruit somewhere in the world.
In response, Marine HQ issued a directive to all divisions: monitor the reappearance of the Clear-Clear Fruit closely. If discovered, it must be secured and reported immediately.
And then there was Perona.
As the user of the Hollow-Hollow Fruit, her power was so potent that even Rengoku had succumbed to it. Although what Rengoku did afterward was admittedly... unconventional, his case was unique.
Perhaps even a Fleet Admiral would fall victim to that ability.
To prevent such powers from falling into dangerous hands, the Navy initially planned to imprison Perona in Level 6 of Impel Down.
However, the higher-ups made a surprising decision. Considering she had exposed Hogback's crimes, had never directly taken a life, and was ultimately cast aside by Moria, they chose leniency.
She would wear Sea Prism Stone cuffs and be allowed to live under strict surveillance within a designated area.
In short: indefinite probation under constant watch.
Rengoku didn't disagree with the decision.
He figured her preemptive exposure of Hogback's horrific experiments earned her some clemency.
But the real problem was… Rengoku had been assigned to supervise her.
The reason was simple. In Sengoku's own words:
"You resisted her despair-inducing ability and continued fighting. If something happens, you're the best one to handle it. Besides, without her Devil Fruit, she's just an ordinary girl, right?"
And so, a certain gloomy girl took up permanent residence in Rengoku's office.
Well, maybe not exactly a girl—she was a 23-year-old adult woman.
...
Meanwhile, after a long voyage and catching up on the latest news, Rengoku gave a bitter smile.
[Alabasta Kingdom's prince, Nefertari Mamba, joins forces with the Straw Hat Pirates to defeat the Warlord Crocodile!]
He had expected it to take three years.
His original plan was to eliminate one of the Four Emperors' forces, balance the scales between the Navy and the pirates, and then push for the abolition of the Warlord system by citing that the military no longer needed pirate allies.
That would've been the cleanest and most lawful way.
But this Straw Hat crew—whom Rengoku had personally monitored back in the East Blue—had done it instead.
Though public perception wasn't that high, since they had allied with Alabasta's militia, the power of the Straw Hat captain and Roronoa Zoro was undeniable. They had become a major force.
The four new wanted posters he received with the newspaper proved that:
[Straw Hat] Monkey D. Luffy – 137 million Berries
[Pirate Hunter] Roronoa Zoro – 100 million Berries
[Pervert Chef] Sanji – 53 million Berries
[Liar] Usopp – 10 million Berries
A total of 300 million Berries.
They were already on the level of Supernovas.
Monkey D. Luffy — grandson of the Navy Hero, son of the Revolutionary Army's leader...
Even though he was a pirate, Rengoku felt relieved that the boy seemed to have a heart aligned with peace.
Ever since capturing Ace, his relationship with Vice Admiral Garp had grown distant. So more than anything, Rengoku hoped he wouldn't have to be the one to capture Luffy himself.
Knock knock.
"May I come in? It's Vivi."
Here it comes.
Part of him was glad... another part, regretful.
"Come in."
"Excuse me."
Vivi stepped into the office, her expression unusually solemn. In her hands was the same newspaper Rengoku had just been holding.
"..."
"..."
"You've seen it, haven't you?"
Rengoku broke the silence first.
"Yes…"
Vivi nodded.
"I owe you an apology. It seems your homeland has already been liberated from Crocodile's grip… even if it wasn't easy, it was faster than expected."
Rengoku stood from his chair and approached her.
"I had estimated three years. But in just a few months, it's over. And Crocodile, like Moria, has been stripped of his Warlord title and is now en route to Impel Down."
Vivi kept her eyes down, unable to speak right away.
"I couldn't keep my promise to you… If you wish, I can authorize your discharge right now."
At the mention of "discharge," Vivi flinched slightly.
"I'm sorry… for not being able to help you more directly."
Rengoku truly meant it. He had carried the weight of that failure all the way home.
"...."
"...Why are you apologizing?"
At last, Vivi spoke—her voice steady, her expression filled with unwavering resolve.
"...."
Rengoku didn't respond.
"Because of you, Vice Admiral, I've grown stronger. If I had stayed with Baroque Works alone… I doubt I could have come this far.
Joining the Navy helped me face my own weakness. And you were the one who helped me overcome it."
She gently touched the sword at her waist as she continued.
"This sword, this Devil Fruit power, the water-style swordsmanship I've mastered… all of them were gifts from you."
"Had I remained in Baroque Works, my identity might've been exposed, and I would've been used by Crocodile as a hostage. The liberation of Alabasta could've been delayed even more."
"But there's no such thing as 'what if' in this world. I am who I am now because you were there, Vice Admiral."
Vivi clenched her fist tightly.
In her mind's eye, she saw Rengoku standing between them and that monstrous evil—protecting them despite being held back by their reckless attempt to support him.
Was there ever a more dependable figure to stand behind?
For Vivi, there wasn't. And she hoped there never would be.
"I... I like you, Vice Admiral! I really, really do! That's why I'm not going anywhere! I, Nefeltari Vivi—though born a princess—am now a proud Marine!"
Rengoku gently reached for her trembling fist and opened it with his hand, holding it warmly.
"I understand your resolve well."
At his warmth, Vivi loosened her grip and held onto his hand with both of hers.
"Then I'll continue to count on you, Lieutenant Vivi!"
At Rengoku's words, Vivi burst into tears and saluted, her voice ringing with emotion.
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
Tears streaming down her face, the smile she wore at that moment was brighter than ever before.
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