Marineford.
Inside the office of the Fleet Admiral, tension filled the air.
"Sengoku, your hesitation has brought tremendous shame upon the World Government!"
The Transponder Snail, its head raised with authority, spoke coldly and without mercy.
"You failed to annihilate that so-called Air Force under the scrutiny of the entire world when they first appeared!"
Sengoku sat silently in the Fleet Admiral's chair, his eyes lowered, saying nothing.
"After careful deliberation among the World Government's top officials, it has been decided that you are no longer fit to remain Fleet Admiral."
The snail's tone was sharp, cutting through the room.
"Your title as Fleet Admiral is temporarily revoked. You will serve as acting Fleet Admiral, retaining your military rank. You must properly clean up the chaos caused by your recent missteps. Stabilize the Marines. Do not leave an insurmountable burden for your successor."
Warcury Saint, God of Law, paused, dissatisfaction clear in his voice.
"No, Sengoku, the trouble you've already caused is enough. The Air Force established by Arrogant Emperor Shirogai Yamikuro has already destabilized the balance!"
Hmph, good timing.
The former Fleet Admiral, now acting in title, exhaled deeply, his tone casual.
"I don't wish to continue either. But who will you appoint as the next Fleet Admiral? The challenges awaiting them will be far greater than those I faced."
"That is not for you to question! Complete your final duties before stepping down!"
Sengoku ignored the contempt in the voice on the other end and replied calmly.
"May I suggest someone?"
Silence followed. Then, Financial Military God Saint Nusjuro spoke evenly.
"Given your past service, you are permitted to recommend a candidate for Fleet Admiral."
"Admiral Aokiji, Kuzan," Sengoku answered steadily.
"Considering the unpredictable situation ahead, and the likely standoff between the Air Force and the Marines, I recommend the steady and calm Aokiji Kuzan as the new Fleet Admiral."
"Aokiji, huh…"
The Gorosei remained silent for a moment, then replied slowly,
"We will consider it."
Sengoku's eyes narrowed as a thought struck him.
"Have you confirmed how many nations within the World Government have secretly allied with the Sky Island Air Force?"
Silence followed, then the Gorosei spoke coldly.
"CP-0 agents have been dispatched to investigate. Any nation found colluding with the Sky Island Air Force will be completely eradicated. The World Government cannot allow traitors to persist."
"I advise caution," Sengoku responded, his voice calm but firm. He conveyed the words Shirogai Yamikuro had privately told him:
"The Air Force is not an enemy of the World Government or the Marines. They maintain order in the world. If the World Government attacks their allied nations, they will respond accordingly."
"Preposterous!"
The Transponder Snail's expression darkened.
"Sengoku, as Fleet Admiral, you allowed yourself to be intimidated by a pirate organization. Air Force? It is merely an Emperors-level pirate crew by another name!"
Satan Saint, God of Defense, voice dripping with icy authority, interjected.
"This world belongs solely to the Celestial Dragons. The World Government was established because the Celestial Dragons, descendants of the creator, took pity on this world. That is why they assembled these insignificant nations under the banner of 'Absolute Justice.'"
Satan Saint continued coldly.
"Do you think the world belongs to you because of the Celestial Dragons' mercy? Wrong. This world has never belonged to you. Only what We permit may exist. What We forbid will perish. And a pirate organization, created by someone with slightly above-average power, dares to declare war on the World Government and challenge the Celestial Dragons' privileges? Blasphemy!"
Environment Military God, Saint Mars, spoke slowly.
"Not only have ordinary Marines been affected by this pirate, but even you, Fleet Admiral, have faltered. Removing your command now seems justified. Sengoku, never forget what We Celestial Dragons rely upon to govern this world."
Sengoku was silent for a moment, then let out a quiet sigh.
"I have relayed his words. If anything happens next, it will no longer be my responsibility."
Satan Saint's tone remained unforgiving.
"Do your duty. Orders have been given to strip Shirogai Yamikuro of any remaining influence over the Marines; he is no longer Marineford's Chief Instructor Vice Admiral."
"Do as you wish. I am no longer Fleet Admiral anyway," Sengoku said, letting a faint smile slip through.
"However," he continued, his tone carrying weight, "as former Fleet Admiral, I warn you not to underestimate Shirogai's Air Force. This new force is far from comparable to the other Four Emperors' crews, which focus mainly on plunder. Shirogai's ambition is… entirely different."
A memory flashed in Sengoku's mind: Shirogai, smiling as he looked down on Marineford from the sky before departing with his Air Force.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, why so serious? Smile a little. The tide of history always moves forward. You see chaos now, but centuries from now, people may look back at this era and praise my actions, exclaiming…"
Sengoku shivered as Shirogai's shocking words echoed:
"Chaos ends with me, order begins with me!"
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