Chapter 468: A Clever Ploy Backfires
After making his decision, Sengoku, upholding "institutional rationality," officially submitted the nomination file for the Fleet Admiral selection to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise.
The document clearly stated: "Nominee for Next Fleet Admiral: Kuzan (Marine Admiral)"
"Reason: Outstanding meritorious service, a steady and calm demeanor, and excellent relations with the new generation of flag officers."
The Holy Land, Mary Geoise · Room of Authority
Atop the Red Line, clouds and mist rolled, and light flowed over the dome through the cloud layer.
Inside the "Room of Authority," candlelight flickered against the golden walls and reliefs. The air was thick with the scent of aged cigars and burning ancient incense wood.
The marble floor reflected the candlelight as the five old men who controlled the lifeblood of the world gathered once again.
Saint Topman Warcury set down the report in his hand, frowning slightly, his voice carrying a hint of surprise:
"To think Sengoku... would actually submit a document like this."
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter sat to his right, his slender fingers tapping lightly against the tabletop.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro let out a cold snort, his gaze as sharp as a blade. "Hmph! This just proves that our majesty has not yet completely collapsed!!!"
"It's merely that 'new generation' led by Roy developing a bit of an untimely rebellious streak."
"The Marines, ultimately, are just the hounds of the World Government. No matter who becomes Fleet Admiral, the essence never changes."
The air was so quiet that one could almost hear the crackle of the candle flames.
Saint Ju Peter suddenly raised his hand and spoke flatly, "There is no need for anger."
"On the contrary, this is precisely an opportunity."
The other four turned their heads.
Saint Marcus Mars frowned: "An opportunity?"
Saint Ju Peter gently pushed the report forward, the edge of the document catching the glow of the candlelight.
"The document clearly states—"
"The Marines recommend Kuzan for Fleet Admiral."
He paused slightly, a profoundly meaningful cold smirk appearing on his lips.
"Then why don't we do the exact opposite?"
Saint Mars' expression shifted slightly, his tone low: "You mean—"
Saint Ju Peter's voice turned sharp: "Issue the order."
"In the name of the World Government, directly appoint Sakazuki as the new Marine Fleet Admiral."
"We will—take the initiative to create a schism."
In that instant, the air solidified.
Wind seeped in through the patterned windows of the dome, causing the candle flames to flutter and casting five intersecting shadows upon the walls.
Saint Warcury was the first to react, letting out a low chuckle: "Heh... you mean, let them fight amongst themselves?"
Saint Ju Peter nodded, his tone calm: "Kuzan and Sakazuki—"
"One advocates freedom and benevolence, while the other pursues iron blood and Absolute Justice."
"Their ideologies are destined to be incompatible."
"As long as we give them a gentle push, that fissure will turn into an abyss—and the Marines will tear themselves apart."
"When that time comes, we will once again tightly grasp the reins of our strongest violent institution."
As his words fell, a suffocating silence filled the hall.
A moment later, the corners of Saint Mars' mouth slowly curled up, revealing a chillingly delighted smile.
"...How interesting."
Saint Figarland Garling leaned back in his chair. His sunglasses reflected the candlelight, completely obscuring his eyes.
After a moment, he spoke slowly: "If that is the case, then summon both Sakazuki and Kuzan."
"In the name of the World Government, order them to personally come to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise to accept the Fleet Admiral appointment."
His tone grew colder, a hint of disdain at the end of his words: "To be personally 'granted authority' by the Gods."
"—Who would dare refuse?"
The other four exchanged glances for a moment. Without hesitation, they slowly nodded almost simultaneously.
"Seconded."
Saint Ju Peter's lips curled up slightly: "Very well. Then prepare to issue the order immediately."
Just as they were preparing to rise and adjourn, Saint Nusjuro suddenly frowned. His deep voice broke the brief silence.
"However—"
His gaze grew solemn as it swept over everyone present.
"What if the two of them start fighting here?"
The air stagnated slightly.
The candlelight trembled, and the five shadows on the wall seemed to freeze.
They looked at each other; no one spoke first.
A moment later, Saint Garling suddenly burst out laughing.
"Start fighting??? Hahahaha—"
His laughter was booming, carrying a heavy dose of dismissive amusement.
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible—!!!"
He rested one hand on his forehead and waved the other lightly, like a deity looking down on the mortal realm, his voice dripping with contempt:
"Who do you think they are?"
"According to Sengoku's report, Roy and Borsalino—have absolutely no interest in the Fleet Admiral position."
"A mere Sakazuki and Kuzan—"
"They would absolutely never dare to cause a scene at the feet of the Gods!!!"
Four voices echoed in unison: "Seconded!"
The declarations fell like the tolling bells of absolute authority, resounding amidst the flickering candlelight.
Marine Headquarters · Fleet Admiral's Office
In the afternoon, a gentle sea breeze blew.
Outside the window, beneath the military flag, soldiers were lining up in the training ground, their marching chants crisp and powerful.
Inside the office, however, it was dead silent.
On the heavy oak desk lay a newly delivered official document, stamped at the top with the gold-foiled crest symbolizing the World Government.
—Notice of Marine Fleet Admiral Appointment
"By the highest resolution of the World Government, Admiral Sakazuki is hereby appointed as the new Marine Fleet Admiral. Admiral Kuzan is ordered to accompany him to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise to accept the divine appointment."
Sengoku sat quietly behind the desk, his gold-rimmed glasses reflecting the gleam of the gold-foiled seal.
He stared at the document once, then read it again, the veins on his forehead throbbing bit by bit.
Finally, he took a deep breath and looked up at Roy, who was leaning by the window.
"...You brat," Sengoku's voice was low, laced with suppressed fury.
"What exactly is going on inside that head of yours?"
He slapped a hand down on the document. "They—actually followed your 'suggestion' to the letter?!!"
The document slapped loudly against the wood, a few pages fluttering slightly, the gold lettering flashing in the sunlight.
A smile surfaced on Roy's lips. He didn't look surprised in the slightest.
He raised his hand and waved it lightly: "With such a perfect opportunity, how could those five old geezers possibly pass it up?"
Sengoku's brows knitted even tighter.
He leaned back in his chair, his gaze profound, as if he could see the distant, cloud-shrouded Red Line.
"But if things play out like this—"
His tone was deep, "Do you really intend for the two of them to fight it out in the Holy Land?"
"That's—Mary Geoise we're talking about!!!"
Roy chuckled softly. He slowly turned around, his gaze falling on the two figures on the other side of the room.
—Sakazuki and Kuzan.
The two sat on the left and right respectively. They were silent, yet it felt as if the temperature of the entire office had been split in half by them.
On the left, heatwaves steamed;
On the right, frigid air formed frost.
Faint sizzling sounds echoed in the air; it was the silent collision of fire and ice.
"It's fine."
Roy smiled faintly. "Let them go wild to their hearts' content—"
"We needed a fuse, after all."
That sentence brought the air to a complete standstill.
Kizaru lounged lazily in his chair, tapping his fingers against the desk, his cynical smile gradually widening.
"Kowai ne~ (How scary~)"
He chuckled lowly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"Looks like we're in for a good show now."
Sakazuki let out a cold snort and crossed his arms: "Hmph... If those old geezers really dare to play with fire—"
His tone was deep and unwavering, "I'll make them understand exactly what the 'Price of Justice' is."
Kuzan tilted his head, his usual languid expression completely gone.
His tone was uncharacteristically serious. "Arara... This time, it really is quite a daunting mission~"
Sengoku helplessly rubbed his temples. "You guys..."
Sunlight spilled through the window onto them—half blazing hot, half freezing cold.
The wind slipped through the cracks in the window, ruffling the corners of the "Justice" flag.
The flag snapped fiercely in the sunlight—
And that wind was slowly blowing in from the direction of the Holy Land.
♧♧♧
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