After dealing with the trouble Smoker had stirred up, Diarmuid took a briefcase from beside the sofa and tossed it onto the table. "Here's the Gold-Gold Fruit you wanted."
Smoker looked surprised. "That fast? I thought I'd have to wait a long time."
"You think I'm you, having people constantly worry about getting things done," Diarmuid glared at Smoker.
Smoker gave a slightly awkward laugh and then said, "This is perfect. After this war is over, if I can step up, Tesoro should be able to make even better use of this Devil Fruit's power..."
"Just don't disappoint me again," Diarmuid nodded, offering no further comment.
Smoker's capacity for getting things done was actually quite good, and Tesoro was also a talent. There shouldn't be any unexpected issues. This whole large-scale incident Smoker had created was truly an exception.
"Rest assured, Admiral," Smoker nodded.
Diarmuid took a sip of tea, then pulled out his Den Den Mushi. "In the end, I'm the one who has to clean up your mess..."
Muttering to himself, Diarmuid stood up and walked toward the window.
Only then did Stussy look at Smoker and say, "You're playing with such high stakes this time?"
Over the years, Smoker had cooperated with Stussy extensively, and their relationship had grown very close. He had long known that Stussy was a staunch supporter of Admiral Diarmuid, and there was no need to worry about her status as a CP agent.
Smoker spoke with a hint of helplessness. "I didn't want to either. But out here on the Grand Line, one is constantly swept up in things beyond one's control. Ever since I set foot on the path of a pirate, there's been no room to back down."
"Hmph, you don't know the half of it. When Diarmuid arrived, he was absolutely furious, almost ready to tear you to shreds," Stussy teased.
While Stussy and Smoker were chatting, Diarmuid had reached the window. He pushed it open, let the cool breeze hit him, and at the same time, his Den Den Mushi was answered.
"Admiral?" a dull, earnest voice came from the other end.
"Jinbe?" Diarmuid leaned on the windowsill and asked softly.
"It is I," Jinbe quickly replied.
"Time is almost up. How are things on your end?" Diarmuid inquired.
Jinbe was silent for a moment, then said, "I've tried probing several times, and even offered counsel a few times, but Fisher Tiger-aniki is completely unwavering. It's very difficult for me..."
"Don't give me so many explanations, Jinbe. You know I only want results. Time is running out, and it's a period of great upheaval. You're in the New World, so you should be able to sense how unstable the situation there is, right? That bastard Smoker has caused a lot of trouble for me. Soon, there might be a major war in the New World, and the Marines will get involved. I estimate that this war will be conducted under the command of Fleet Admiral Sengoku... You understand what I mean, don't you?" Diarmuid said with a heavy voice.
He used the title "Fleet Admiral Sengoku," not Admiral Sengoku.
Jinbe naturally understood that Diarmuid wanted him to quickly resolve the issue with Tiger before the Marines got involved in the war.
"Understood," Jinbe said, his voice grave.
"Stop being wishy-washy! If he's unwilling, then take care of him yourself first, whether you tie him up and send him back to Fish-Man Island for detention or whatever, but I need him to disappear from this world, and his disappearance must be clear-cut. On the surface, he needs to 'die' at the hands of us, the Marines. I'll say it again: if you can't handle it, I'll handle it for you. I will brief Borsalino and have him coordinate with you. Make it fast, got it!?" Diarmuid increased the intensity of his tone, fearing Jinbe might continue to hesitate.
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Jinbe gritted his teeth and stamped his foot. He knew that Admiral Diarmuid had already been very accommodating by giving him so much time. If he failed to handle it, Fisher Tiger would be absolutely doomed once Borsalino arrived.
"Yes, I understand, Admiral. I will choose a time in the next few days and take care of Boss Tiger!" Jinbe bit out.
"Good. I trust you," Diarmuid simply replied.
He didn't say anything more to Jinbe and quickly hung up the Den Den Mushi.
After pondering for a bit, he contacted Borsalino.
At that moment, Borsalino was in his office on Punk Hazard, sipping tea.
A leisurely day, always so uneventful.
Just as Borsalino was wondering whether to leave work early, the Den Den Mushi on his desk rang.
Borsalino glanced at it, a little surprised. "Diarmuid..."
He then picked up the Den Den Mushi.
"Borsalino?" Diarmuid asked.
"It's me. Do you have an order for me, Admiral?" Borsalino replied in his usual peculiar tone.
"Hahahaha, getting so formal again?" Diarmuid burst into laughter.
"This is the respect I, a Marine Vice Admiral, show to a Marine Admiral," Borsalino quipped.
After a slight pause, he asked, "You don't usually contact me when there's nothing going on. What is it? Do you have a mission for me?"
"I'd say I have a promotion being handed to you," Diarmuid said with a smile.
"Taking such good care of me? Heheheh..." Borsalino continued to chuckle.
"You must be aware that the Fleet Admiral is about to move positions," Diarmuid said softly.
"Of course. Hasn't there been talk about it ever since the Mariejois incident? What about it?" Borsalino asked again.
"It'll be happening soon. The Fleet Admiral is moving up, and Admiral Sengoku will surely fill the vacancy. The Marines will then be short one Admiral. I already asked Admiral Sengoku, and he intends for you to fill the spot," Diarmuid said.
Currently, there were four individuals in the Marines who could potentially fill the position.
One was Borsalino. He was a veteran Admiral candidate, and he had been a Marine for even longer than Sakazuki. That went without saying.
Another was Kuzan. Kuzan had also earned the Admiral candidate position. In terms of strength, qualifications, and all other aspects, he was qualified to be an Admiral.
However, in recent years, this guy had been very low-key, seemingly competing with Borsalino to see who could be lazier. He only became active when Sengoku disciplined him, and he didn't seem to have much desire for the Admiral position.
Then there was Gion. Gion was also an Admiral candidate. While her seniority was less than Kuzan and Borsalino, her strength was undeniable, being a great swordswoman with the Rumble-Rumble Fruit. Moreover, she had Diarmuid's support, and her connections within the Marines were excellent.
Finally, there was Tokikake. That's right. Back then, Diarmuid supported him for the Admiral candidate position, but he refused in a huff. However, after some time, he still ended up in the position of Admiral candidate.
However, Tokikake didn't have the same strong competitiveness as the other three. His prestige within Headquarters was slightly inferior. Furthermore, he had picked up a lot of bad habits from hanging around Garp. Personally, he didn't actually aspire to become a Marine Admiral. The only reason he was willing to be an Admiral candidate was because he didn't want to fall too far behind Diarmuid, and nothing more.
Diarmuid actually favored Gion for the Admiral role, but with Borsalino and Kuzan ahead of her, it was genuinely hard for her to compete. When the qualifications, strength, and merits of the candidates are nearly equal, seniority truly matters.
Gion was a rank behind them.
As for Admiral Sengoku, he was about to become the Fleet Admiral, so it wasn't appropriate for Diarmuid to argue with him further. Compared to Gion, Sengoku preferred Borsalino to become the new Marine Admiral.
This was because Borsalino had a degree of personal connection with Sengoku, having served as Sengoku's aide for several years.
Once Sengoku moved up to the Fleet Admiral position, it would be easier to work with Borsalino.
Listening to Diarmuid's words, Borsalino was silent for a moment, then asked, "You support me too?"
"How could I? I support Gion," Diarmuid said with a smile.
"I knew it..." Borsalino laughed too.
"But I can't help it. My direct superior is about to change. He supports you. Why would I argue with him? Hahahaha," Diarmuid said straightforwardly.
After a pause, Diarmuid added, "Of course, if you're willing to withdraw, I'd be happy."
"I already withdrew last time. I can't casually withdraw this time. You know I have subordinates to consider," Borsalino said honestly, without hiding anything.
Now, Borsalino had completely blended into the leader of the Marine Neutral Faction.
His subordinates, including Vice Admiral Cancer and Rear Admiral Strawberry, along with a series of other Neutral Faction generals, were all eagerly anticipating his promotion.
After all, only with his advancement could his subordinates gain better benefits.
This was a very normal and reasonable matter.
Last time, Borsalino backed down when facing Sakazuki. That was his limit. If he withdrew again this time, his subordinates would certainly be displeased.
Therefore, Borsalino could no longer back down.
Diarmuid, of course, knew this, which was why he was only joking.
"That's right. So, assuming no surprises, you're going to be an Admiral. Shouldn't I get a head start and establish a good relationship with you?" Diarmuid said with a smile.
"I'd be a fool to believe you," Borsalino scoffed, then asked, "So, what's the actual matter?"
"It's about Fisher Tiger. I've already briefed Jinbe. You take a trip there. I'll give you his contact information; you can liaise with him directly. Handle the matter cleanly. You're meticulous, so don't leave any loose ends. Let's smoothly and happily send the Fleet Admiral up to his new position as Commander-in-Chief. It'll be good for you, good for me, good for everyone," Diarmuid instructed.
At this moment, Diarmuid was the Admiral, and Borsalino was not yet one.
So, Diarmuid speaking to Borsalino in such detail was a courtesy to their friendship and to save face. Borsalino was naturally tactful and replied very seriously, "Yes, Admiral. Leave it to me."
"Good. You go back to drinking tea and sleeping. I'm hanging up," Diarmuid said with a chuckle.
Borsalino glanced at his office and said softly, "Are you watching me?"
"Hahahaha..." Both of them laughed, and then Diarmuid hung up the Den Den Mushi.
Just as he finished the call with Borsalino and was about to go back to his seat, before he could even turn around, the Den Den Mushi in his hand rang again.
Diarmuid glanced at it, a little surprised.
It was Doflamingo.
He didn't put on any airs or make Doflamingo wait. Diarmuid answered the Den Den Mushi directly. "Doflamingo?"
"Fufufufufufufu, Admiral Diarmuid, it's me," Doflamingo cackled evilly.
"Don't tell me you found the Flame-Flame Fruit?" Diarmuid asked with a smile. When unnecessary, Diarmuid was quite happy to treat Doflamingo with some respect.
Doflamingo breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Diarmuid's easygoing tone and attitude. He then said with a chuckle, "Admiral, you truly have foresight..."
Diarmuid: "???"
It was really that fast?
It seems I underestimated Doflamingo's ability and skill in finding Devil Fruits.
"I've got the Flame-Flame Fruit in my hands. How should I deliver it to you, Admiral? I hear you're in the New World now," Doflamingo said.
"Keep it with you for now. I don't have time yet. Something big is about to happen in the New World. Don't mess around in the New World. Stay put in the North Blue, and I'll contact you after I've dealt with the New World situation," Diarmuid replied after thinking for a moment.
Doflamingo actually hoped to see Diarmuid as soon as possible and quickly secure his promise, so he could arrange his own Warlord of the Sea business.
But since Diarmuid had said as much, he couldn't rush him. He was also a little curious about the big event in the New World...
However, Doflamingo was prudent and didn't ask any more questions. He obediently replied, "Of course, that's no problem. I will await your call, Admiral."
"Good. Since you're so good at this kind of thing, could you also try to find the Dark-Dark Fruit for me? If you can find it and deliver it to me, Doflamingo, I can grant you one private request that isn't excessive," Diarmuid instructed, adding a condition.
After speaking, before Doflamingo could reply, Diarmuid hung up the phone.
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Doflamingo was first stunned, then his expression became a little excited and fervent. He quickly commanded, "Go! Find me any information about that Dark-Dark Fruit!"
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