The Akatsuki Organization and World Government's Water 7 war ended in a stalemate, but Kizaru's death caused a global "tsunami."
Holy Land Mary Geoise.
Three days had passed since the great war at Water 7, and the Gorosei were in a headache discussing the new Admiral candidate and redefining the Akatsuki Organization.
The Gorosei had always publicly designated only three Admirals for Marineford, though there were many Vice Admirals, with the eighteen most famous.
The Gorosei were currently considering only two individuals, but they couldn't decide who was most suitable for a while.
The first person the Gorosei considered was named Kake, codenamed "Tokikake" by the Marine, and currently a Marineford Vice Admiral.
Tokikake was short, always wore a lewd smile, couldn't open his eyes when he laughed, and would freeze in his tracks when he saw a beautiful woman, his eyes turning into hearts—quite similar to Sanji.
Tokikake's image gave off an impression of lewdness and cowardice; he was so scared by the commotion in "Golden City" that he fled in disarray, but perhaps Tokikake was just hiding his true self.
Tokikake possessed Intermediate Observation Haki and Armament Haki, but in combat, Tokikake appeared to be a very lewd existence.
Tokikake had confessed to Momousagi 100 times, all of which failed, which showed what a lewd man Tokikake was.
Tokikake might be the next Kizaru, but Tokikake didn't have Kizaru's strength, and the Gorosei were also troubled about what abilities to bestow upon Tokikake if he were chosen, as the Gorosei had a stock of very powerful Devil Fruits.
However, Tokikake's image was the reason the Gorosei hesitated, fearing that Tokikake's image would bring disrepute to the World Government.
The other Admiral candidate was Momousagi, who possessed a good image and formidable strength, but her safe return after falling into enemy hands left four of the Gorosei very puzzled, and they began to worry about Momousagi's loyalty.
Just as the Gorosei were discussing and hesitating, the appearance of Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru interrupted their conversation.
"Gentlemen... may this old woman say something?"
Although Tsuru and Garp only held the rank of Marineford Vice Admiral, they had the right to freely enter and exit Holy Land Mary Geoise.
The reason was simple: the Gorosei never put on airs in front of them, always treating them as peers, and given the great contributions they had made to the World Government, although they were Vice Admirals, they received the treatment of Admirals.
Sengoku and the others' appearance was no coincidence; they knew the Gorosei would be discussing the next Admiral candidate and the future positioning of the Akatsuki Organization.
Therefore, the three directly came to the Holy Land to consult with the Gorosei and offer some useful suggestions.
"Staff Officer Tsuru..."
"Speak directly; we also need your advice."
The Old Man with Swallowtail Mustache heard that it was Tsuru speaking and, on behalf of everyone, allowed Tsuru to speak.
"Regarding the Admiral candidate... I suggest considering Momousagi."
"It's not because I have a good relationship with Momousagi that I actively recommend her, but because there are other more important reasons."
"Although Vice Admiral Momousagi was captured by the enemy and then released, she had spent some time at the enemy organization's headquarters."
"Due to her encounters with the enemy and her stay in the enemy's lair, Momousagi has gained a clear understanding of the Akatsuki Organization's personnel and strength."
"From this perspective, Momousagi has already surpassed Tokikake, who knows nothing about the enemy."
"Coupled with Momousagi's strength and image, I believe everyone can understand that Momousagi would never tarnish the World Government's reputation."
"As for the Gorosei's concerns about Momousagi's loyalty, I guarantee with my life that Momousagi will absolutely not do anything detrimental to the World Government."
"Therefore, I recommend Vice Admiral Momousagi to you all."
Tsuru spoke eloquently to the Gorosei, recommending Momousagi, with the aim of ensuring Momousagi had her place in the World Government and the fundamental ability to survive in chaotic times.
Because once Momousagi was confirmed by the Gorosei, she would surely be allowed to choose a Devil Fruit that matched her strength to consume, thus enhancing her power.
The same would apply if Tokikake were chosen.
"Staff Officer Tsuru... we will seriously consider your words..."
"Sengoku... Garp..."
"Since you're here..."
"Why don't you share your opinions...?"
"I have no opinion; I support Tsuru's proposal."
"Ah ha ha ha..."
"Oh, by the way... bring some refreshments; I'm hungry."
"Ah ha ha ha..."
After Garp finished speaking, he walked to a seat and sat down, waiting for the refreshments to arrive. Although he had some bandages, it didn't affect Garp's appetite.
"Momousagi..."
"I don't think she's quite suitable..."
After Garp spoke, Sengoku also expressed his opinion, offering a suggestion contrary to Tsuru's.
"I think Tokikake is more suitable than Momousagi..."
"Although his image isn't great, Tokikake is smart enough..."
"He knows how to use his intellect as part of his strength when facing enemies; such a person is suitable to become an Admiral."
"Although Vice Admiral Momousagi is strong, however..."
"Last time, when we engaged with the enemy organization's personnel, she hid aside and didn't appear. Why was that?"
"Did she develop sympathy or gratitude towards the enemy?"
"I absolutely do not approve of such a person becoming an Admiral."
Sengoku was still bothered by Momousagi's inaction in the last battle. Although Momousagi was highly recommended by his old friend, Sengoku always handled matters impartially, always being upright and unwavering in the face of "justice."
Tsuru had no way to refute Sengoku's words. After Tsuru returned, she had asked Momousagi for the reason, and Momousagi indeed had other reasons, just as Sengoku had said.
But Tsuru didn't care about these things; Tsuru only hoped that in her lifetime, she could help Momousagi secure enough benefits, so that even if she passed away, she could rest in peace.
Although Tsuru's injuries three days ago were not serious, Tsuru already knew that her physical condition was not as good as before, and she didn't have many years left to live.
Tsuru only wanted to help her younger sister in her lifetime, so that she would have no regrets in her remaining years.
As for the interests of the World Government, they were no longer within Tsuru's consideration. Tsuru had considered too much for the World Government throughout her life, and now she had learned to let go, willing to consider for the important people around her.
Sengoku's opinion made those among the Gorosei who had initially leaned towards Momousagi once again fall into indecision.
"Sengoku..."
"You just overthink things..."
"Little Momousagi is young; it's normal for her to have some doubts about an enemy who released her. Why are you so serious with a young person...?"
"Ah ha ha ha..."
"My refreshments are finally here..."
Garp happily took the refreshments and began to eat diligently.
Garp's rebuke was actually helping Tsuru; he just didn't want to be too obvious, so Garp deliberately brushed it off with laughter.
"Gentlemen..."
"We don't need to argue anymore..."
"Let's decide by vote..."
"I'll cast my first vote..."
"I approve of Vice Admiral Momousagi succeeding as Admiral."
The Old Man with Swallowtail Mustache interrupted the arguments of the other four and directly expressed his stance.
The bald old man followed suit, expressing his approval.
The curly-haired old man in the judicial hat also chose to approve after a brief thought.
The remaining blond old man and the Bearded Old Man were originally opposed, but now they could only submit to the majority.
"Since it's decided..."
"Then select a few suitable Devil Fruits from the vault for her to choose from, and immediately summon her to the Holy Land."
The Old Man with Swallowtail Mustache immediately made the decision, settling the matter.
Staff Officer Tsuru sighed deeply inwardly, but her expression remained calm.
Sengoku's face was somewhat grim, but since the Gorosei had already made their decision, he couldn't say much more.
"The next matter to discuss is the positioning of the Akatsuki Organization."
"For this matter, I think it's necessary to summon Akainu to the Holy Land."
"How about we first handle Momousagi's appointment and then discuss the Akatsuki Organization issue?"
The Old Man with Swallowtail Mustache led the discussion on the upcoming arrangements, and everyone nodded in agreement.
The Gorosei actually weren't going to discuss the Akatsuki Organization's positioning, because Kizaru's death had already caught the attention of the higher-ups. Therefore, the Gorosei planned to finish the Admiral matter and then go directly to meet the higher-ups for instructions.
Summoning Akainu for discussion was merely a facade and an excuse; in reality, the decision of the higher-ups would be the most important.
To be continued...
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