The next day, before the sun had even risen, stacks of newspapers produced overnight were loaded into News Coo bags.
This time, the Navy mobilized its own propaganda forces, reaching agreements with mainstream newspapers.
They utilized massive promotional resources to publicize the event.
Kong, Sengoku, Garp, and the others had already returned to Marineford.
The operation against the Red Count resulted in almost zero casualties for the Navy, except for Garp's serious injuries.
With Garp's physique, those injuries would only require a few days of rest before they no longer affected his combat capability.
Kong used this opportunity to present a satisfactory retirement answer to the world.
For the purpose of establishing authority, Garp and Raleigh weren't included in this promotion—only Kong and Sengoku appeared in the newspaper photos. Kong was quietly building momentum for Sengoku.
Even the news headline was the undisguised.
"Two Generations of Navy Join Forces!"
Anyone who read this news could understand Sengoku's impending status from between the lines.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, here's the report on this month's global situation."
Sengoku entered the Fleet Admiral's office carrying thick stacks of documents.
Kong appeared quite leisurely at the moment, sipping tea and smoking a premium cigar.
If not for the pristine uniform he wore, one might mistake him for a retired old man.
"Sengoku, didn't I tell you? You can handle these matters yourself from now on. I'm old, and the burden of the Navy must be passed to you."
Kong had no willingness whatsoever to sign documents.
He never liked this kind of paperwork to begin with. He was a tough man who had fought through fire and water, becoming Fleet Admiral through iron fists and determination.
If you asked him to capture pirates, he wouldn't fear any pirate, no matter how powerful.
But whenever he saw documents requiring signatures and approvals, he felt his head was about to explode.
"Fleet Admiral, you are still in position. I cannot overstep my authority." Sengoku placed the documents on Kong's desk, speaking with complete calmness.
He wasn't in any hurry to seize control of the Navy's power early.
After all, his current authority was already no less than Kong's—only the power to sign documents remained with Kong.
In the Navy, no one could compete with Sengoku for the position of Fleet Admiral.
Among the current Admirals, only Sengoku remained active.
Zephyr, who once had some prestige, had become disillusioned after suffering setbacks and chose to enter the military academy, teaching Navy recruits while caring for his only son.
Garp was a Vice-Admiral and a staunch supporter of Sengoku.
Moreover, his personality made him unwilling to stay in an office for long periods handling logistics.
So Sengoku didn't need to rush; he only had to ensure he made no mistakes and left no openings for political criticism.
Kong rubbed his temples, encouraging himself inwardly.
'It's fine. I have already reported my retirement to the Five Elders. In a few days, Sengoku will take over completely. I have endured over a decade like this—what's a few more days? I just have to hold on.'
But then he thought of a new plan.
"Sengoku, review these documents right here in my office. Write down your proposed solutions as you finish each one and show them to me."
Kong had already made up his mind—no matter what comments Sengoku made, he would approve them directly.
"Guards! Move Admiral Sengoku's desk into my office."
Without waiting for Sengoku to refuse, Kong called the guards stationed at the door to bring Sengoku's heavy wooden desk over.
He didn't want to wait a moment longer.
Sengoku sighed but said nothing.
After all, this was the Fleet Admiral and his superior—what could he say? If it was moved in, then so be it. Sengoku didn't care where he worked.
And so, a peculiar scene unfolded.
In the Fleet Admiral's office, an additional desk now stood beside Kong's.
Sengoku, known as the "Resourceful General," was scribbling furiously at this desk.
Every time Sengoku finished annotating a document and handed it to Kong, Kong would sign his name without hesitation.
The rest of the time, Kong spent reading his favorite books.
Sengoku shifted his focus from Kong back to the documents.
He needed to process this pile of files quickly, or new ones would soon arrive!
...
Meanwhile, on Raleigh's side.
He was leading his soldiers, escorting Patrick Redfield to Impel Down.
After the battle ended, Kong and Sengoku had to return to Marineford to handle affairs, and Garp was severely injured and unable to assist.
That left only Raleigh qualified to deliver Redfield to the great underwater prison.
Redfield's abilities were too dangerous—anyone whose thoughts he eavesdropped on could have their mental defenses broken through.
Only Raleigh had the strength to suppress the injured pirate.
Raleigh paid no attention to Redfield's physical condition.
Once assigned to the escort duty, he unhesitatingly broke all four of Redfield's limbs.
He didn't know how other Marines handled prisoner transport, but in his book, as long as the prisoner arrived at Impel Down with a breath left, the mission was accomplished.
Now, he was back to slacking off, lounging contentedly on a deck chair.
"Raleigh-sama, this Redfield is something else."
Enel returned to the deck after feeding Redfield and ran over to Raleigh.
His talent was also Observation Haki, granting him the ability to read minds.
Meeting Redfield, the two could communicate without even speaking.
"Yeah, his abilities are similar to yours, but he is stronger than you." Raleigh, familiar with Enel's skills, spoke frankly.
"This guy keeps trying to tempt me into resetting his limbs. What a terrifying person," Enel said, adjusting his beanie. "If I couldn't read his thoughts too, someone else might have fallen for it already."
Enel chattered on.
Raleigh said with annoyance, "That is precisely why you were assigned to deliver his meals. If it were anyone else, who could guarantee they wouldn't be swayed by Redfield?"
Enel grinned widely. "But there is still you, Raleigh-sama. The only person on this ship who can't be turned."
Raleigh didn't question it.
He wasn't afraid of Redfield reading his mind anyway.
On the contrary, if Redfield knew what Raleigh was thinking, he might wish he hadn't read it.
The secrets in Raleigh's mind regarding the plot and the future were too terrifying—even a passing thought could frighten Redfield.