Now that the shadowy financier of the New Marine, Mike, had officially struck a deal with Whitebeard, the conversation among the three admirals naturally shifted.
As they enjoyed their post-bath desserts, they began to discuss how to subtly, and not-so-subtly, influence the course of the coming Summit War.
"Click—"
The delicate sound of silverware on porcelain clinked rhythmically in the quiet dining room.
Mike elegantly sliced off a piece of exquisite mousse cake, savoring its silky, sweet texture.
"In my deal with Whitebeard, one of the conditions was saving Ace," he said, pausing as if choosing his words carefully.
"Out of respect for the old man, I want to give Ace a chance. We save him."
"..."
Akainu grunted, stuffing a piece of spicy-coated mochi into his mouth.
"Saving Ace isn't difficult," he said, his voice a low rumble. "But his identity as Roger's son must never be made public. Once that's out in the open, there's no room for negotiation."
"Sakazuki is right," Kuzan agreed, leisurely picking up a delicate wagashi. "This matter ultimately comes down to Fleet Admiral Sengoku. This entire war was meticulously planned by him from start to finish. His strategy includes revealing Ace's identity to the world for maximum impact."
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku…" Kizaru lightly stroked his chin, his eyes narrowing.
"Getting him to change his mind won't be so easy~"
"Hmm," Mike nodded.
Sengoku the Buddha, the highest authority in the Marines, was a man who upheld the "Supreme Justice" of the World Government.
Pulling him into the New Marine's camp would be a monumental task.
Convincing him to abandon his own grand strategy at this critical juncture to save the son of the Pirate King was, frankly, unrealistic.
"If Sengoku is a hard sell, what about Vice Admiral Garp?" Kuzan suggested.
"He's Ace's grandfather and has no love for the Celestial Dragons. Could we win him over?"
"Difficult," Akainu shook his head. "Garp and Sengoku have been comrades for decades. Their bond runs deep. We might be able to convince him to hold back in the battle, but getting him to fully join our camp… that won't be easy."
"Indeed," Kizaru added. "And we can't forget Chief of Staff Tsuru. Her influence is immense."
The atmosphere in the room grew tense.
Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru.
They were the three pillars of the old guard, their fates and loyalties intertwined.
To move one was to move them all.
"If we can't win them over…" Mike's voice cut through the tension, his tone suddenly turning sharp and dangerous, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"Then let them… retire."
He let the word hang in the air for a moment.
"The seas will forever remember their contributions. But now… it's time for them to step aside."
"???"
"!!!"
Three pairs of eyes snapped to Mike, filled with shock and a trace of incredulous scrutiny.
Kizaru, who had been lazily reclining, shot up straight as if propelled by a spring.
'Is this kid planning a coup?! If they don't join, he'll just force them out?'
Kuzan's eyes widened slightly, his languid expression replaced by a new gravity.
'He's preparing to completely subvert the old Marine structure…'
'A drastic measure, but perhaps the most thorough solution.'
"..."
"I agree," Akainu was the first to speak, his voice a low, resolute growl.
He took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with the fire of revolution.
"A new era should have new rules! This sea doesn't need the hypocritical Justice of the World Government, nor the rotten Justice of the Celestial Dragons! If they refuse to join, then let them retire. No one can stop the march of the New Marine."
"Haa—" Kuzan exhaled a puff of warm mist and slightly raised his hand.
"I agree, too."
"Hey—" A dazzling golden light flashed as Kizaru raised his own hand. "My, my, you two beat me to it."
"In that case, it's settled," Mike clapped his hands crisply.
"Next, we need to plan carefully how to ensure these esteemed seniors… 'retire with honor.'"
The "Old Marine Subversion Plan" was swiftly finalized.
Step one: attempt persuasion.
Step two: if persuasion fails, enforce mandatory retirement.
With the three admirals—the leaders of the three largest factions within the Marines—working in concert, seizing control wouldn't be difficult.
If they could also recruit the legendary Zephyr, his prestige would accelerate the allegiance of the lower ranks exponentially.
Soon, Sengoku's orders wouldn't even be able to leave Marineford.
....
After the meal, the three well-fed and thoroughly relaxed New Marine Admirals bid Mike farewell.
Under the night sky, they headed off together for the new recruits' training camp—their first joint mission: recruiting Admiral Zephyr.
The night was deep, the moonlight casting a silver glow over the grand structures of Marine Headquarters.
"Ha—" Mike leisurely tied his yukata and stretched contentedly.
All the crucial pieces for the Summit War were now in place.
All that was left was to wait for the curtains to rise.
He stepped onto the hot springs' terrace, leaning against the railing as the cool night breeze brushed past.
"Captain," Kuro appeared behind him like a ghost.
"Mihawk and the others have arrived."
"So soon? Let them come over!"
A wide, carefree grin spread across Mike's face.
He turned back towards the lavish resort, his voice echoing in the night.
"Keep the music playing! And keep dancing!"