The Marines defeating a Yonko-level opponent—even just forcing them to retreat—was no small matter. Once this news spread, it would massively boost the World Government's influence.
Alliance nations would place even more trust in them, and for non-affiliated countries, the World Government could use this as leverage to expand their control.
There were only upsides, no downsides. Sengoku, of course, planned to report this to the top to gain more benefits and funding for the Marines.
Soon, the Den Den Mushi call connected to the Gorōsei.
On the other end, the Elder among them clearly sounded annoyed at the call.
With a deep voice, he said, "Sengoku, what is it this time?"
"Didn't we just approve a military budget for the Marines a few days ago?"
He hadn't received any significant intelligence from CP in recent days, so he figured Sengoku was probably just calling to ask for money again.
Sengoku rolled his eyes internally but remained polite and firm. "Elder, come now—this time, I'm reporting something entirely different."
The Elder grunted noncommittally. "Speak."
Sengoku began to report: Shiki had been recaptured, and the Admirals had successfully prevented the Whitebeard and Red-Haired Pirates from making contact.
The Gorosei were clearly surprised by these two developments, their voices turning more serious.
Once they learned the mission had been completed perfectly, the Elder's tone shifted to one of joy.
The other four Elders all let out visible sighs of relief, smiling.
"Excellent work by the Marines this time."
"No need to even mention that leftover from the old era, Shiki. But Whitebeard and Red-Hair—if those two Sea Emperors had made contact, the consequences could've been catastrophic."
"…."
Listening to their pleased voices, Sengoku couldn't help but laugh along.
"This success," he added, "is all thanks to our newly appointed Fourth Admiral."
"Oh?"
The Gorosei grew interested.
They had once kept tabs on the Fourth Admiral.
But after hearing rumors that Good might not be all there mentally, their interest had waned.
Now, hearing that Good had accomplished something so major, they couldn't help but grow curious again.
And when they found out that Good had three Devil Fruit abilities—including Gura Gura no Mi (Tremor-Tremor Fruit), the ability of the so-called world's strongest man Whitebeard—the Elders' faces turned to shock.
They glanced at one another, eyes full of disbelief.
Was Sengoku insane?
What kind of nonsense was this?
When people reach high positions of power, they often lose their grip on reality… or so it seemed.
"Sengoku, is this a joke?" the Elder demanded.
Over the Den Den Mushi, Sengoku assured him with full confidence. He even said he was willing to stake his military career on it.
The Elders were speechless.
Was that really necessary?
But this made them realize Sengoku wasn't lying.
The room fell into stunned silence.
What on earth was going on!?
"How is this possible? Does this new Admiral possess some kind of replication ability?" one of the Five Elders frowned and asked.
Another thought for a moment. "But I've never heard of such a Devil Fruit—or even an ability like that."
The second Elder stroked his beard. "There is something somewhat similar. Do you remember?"
"The Yami Yami no Mi (Dark-Dark Fruit) that can steal others' abilities."
The fourth Elder nodded, then said thoughtfully, "But the Dark-Dark Fruit requires you to kill the other user. Good, on the other hand, doesn't even need to do that. He can just… copy the ability directly. That's far beyond what we've seen."
Silence again.
Even the most powerful figures in the world—the Five Elders—were baffled by this man named Good.
The information was too shocking.
After a long pause, the Elder finally said slowly, "Regardless, Good having such an ability—and being able to fight Whitebeard to a draw—is a good thing for us."
The others all nodded in agreement.
The second Elder smiled. "Indeed. He's a Marine Admiral, under our direct command. His power is the World Government's power."
"And more importantly…"
He glanced meaningfully at the others. "Shouldn't we be happy?"
"Compared to the other Admirals—Akainu, Kizaru, Aokiji—Good is far easier to control."
After all, the CP reports had made it clear… Good wasn't the brightest.
Which made him the perfect pawn for the World Government. A pure, obedient weapon.
A round of laughter erupted within the chamber.
…
…
Due to Good having wrecked a Marine warship earlier, their return journey was significantly delayed.
It would take several days.
But even without a full report from the others, Sengoku couldn't wait.
The very next day, he issued a global announcement.
To the world, he declared: The remnant of the old era, Shiki, had been captured by the Fourth Admiral—Admiral Reckless Maniac—and would be returned to Impel Down.
In truth, the capture had been largely thanks to Luffy.
But there was no way the World Government would credit a pirate. Instead, they gave all the glory to Good.
This announcement alone changed public perception of him. People began to think this new Admiral was no joke.
But that announcement was quickly overshadowed by another.
And this second announcement sent shockwaves across the world.
It was about Whitebeard's defeat.
Defeated by none other than the newly appointed Fourth Admiral—Reckless Maniac.
Shiki was just an old relic of the previous age. After Roger's death, he'd attacked Marineford and was beaten by Garp and Sengoku after a three-day, three-night battle. He was then imprisoned in Impel Down, vanishing from public view.
So for many who hadn't lived through that time, Shiki didn't seem that terrifying.
But Whitebeard… was different.
Whitebeard had been famous long before, and was known globally as the strongest man in the world.
Everyone knew how terrifying he was.
So this second announcement was like a nuclear bomb.
The entire world erupted.
"Whitebeard, the strongest man, actually lost!?"
"Unbelievable! Is that Admiral Good really that strong?"
"Not only did he capture Shiki, but he even went into the New World and picked a fight with Whitebeard? This guy's a total maniac!"
"…."
(End of Chapter)
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