Of course, Finn had captured Roger this time, so regardless of anything else, the credit belonged to him.
No one could take it away. No one could pretend not to see it.
Otherwise, would Marine officers still work so hard in the future?
Therefore, Admiral Sengoku reached out and patted Finn's shoulder. "When we return to headquarters and all Roger-related affairs are handled, I'll work to secure your rewards."
"Yes, Admiral," Finn nodded in response.
After a brief pause, Admiral Sengoku continued, "You should think about it during this time and see if there's any base you'd like. Then I'll arrange for you to go train there."
Finn's eyes lit up when he heard this.
This was obviously one of the promotional rewards. In Marine bases across the Four Blues, most Headquarters officers and captain had to be directly demoted two ranks. Having a "branch" title prefixed was meaningless.
Of course, there were also a few like Smoker in the future, who, though fishing in the East Blue, still retained Headquarters Captain rank.
But within the Grand Line, whether the first half or second half, Marine bases were all commanded by people directly sent by Headquarters.
Therefore, base commanders wouldn't hold branch rank, but would retain Headquarters rank.
The commanders of each base were all powerful figures in the Marines.
It was very normal for a stronger Marine base to command tens of thousands of troops.
Usually, these bases were responsible for suppressing pirates in surrounding waters and protecting member nations within their range from invasion.
Most of the time, base commander positions rotated among elite Vice Admirals of Marine Headquarters.
Judging from when Finn had been promoted to Vice Admiral, it had been less than half a year, so it normally wouldn't be his turn for such a position.
Commanding tens of thousands of Marines, becoming a genuine flag officer, guarding a region.
But Admiral Sengoku was going to give him special treatment this time. It seemed Roger's contribution was indeed tremendous.
At the same time, Finn also felt his words about "wanting to be an Admiral" had produced some effect.
A Marine Admiral, of course, couldn't just be able to fight. They must also be able to command Marines.
There was no need to mention Fujitora and Ryokugyu recruited through the World Military Draft in the future, but requirements for Admirals at this stage were still quite high.
Letting Finn serve as base commander was naturally training him and allowing him to accumulate experience independently managing a base. Once he achieved results and combined merit, it would be reasonable for Admiral Sengoku to promote him again. No one could object.
For Finn, though he'd have to leave Marine Headquarters and Marineford temporarily, this was indeed an excellent opportunity.
What's more, Marine communication technology was quite good now. If he wanted to participate in Marineford affairs, he could also use Den Den Mushi, video conferences, etc.
More importantly, becoming a Marine base commander meant he'd have tremendous authority. He could do many things at the base that were difficult to accomplish at Marineford.
Suppressing his excitement, Finn looked at Admiral Sengoku. "Yes, I won't let you down, Admiral."
"Well, be more mature when the time comes and don't be so reckless," Admiral Sengoku nodded with warning.
"Yes, I understand," Finn said with a smile.
After handling Finn's matters, Admiral Sengoku boarded Finn's warship and began communicating with the depressed Garp.
Finn didn't join the discussion. He'd already done what needed doing. Roger was also in custody. Admiral Sengoku and Garp were both present. Even if Roger wanted to struggle now, he couldn't.
As for his wife Rouge, Finn had done all the help he could. Whether Garp could protect her in the future depended on his capabilities.
It had nothing to do with Finn anyway.
If she could be preserved, things would probably continue developing as before. If not, Finn wouldn't suffer any loss.
After chatting with Kuzan briefly, he learned Sakazuki was also on the warship behind, but apparently had no intention of coming over, so Finn didn't pay much attention.
Soon, Admiral Sengoku finished discussing matters with Vice Admiral Garp and walked over.
"Finn, prepare to set sail. With your warship as center, we'll form a guard formation and return to Marineford," Admiral Sengoku said.
"Yes, Admiral," Finn replied, then asked, "What about Vice Admiral Garp?"
"Roger's matter isn't finished yet. He'll remain here on guard and await further orders," Admiral Sengoku said, looking at Finn.
He keenly sensed something was off with Garp, and this might be related to Finn.
But Sengoku didn't want to ask too many questions. Though Garp was somewhat lazy, Sengoku never doubted his love for the Marines.
Finn nodded and agreed. Then Admiral Sengoku and others left the warship and returned to their own ships.
After a while, except for Vice Admiral Garp's dog-head warship which remained at the island, the rest of the warships began departing in orderly fashion.
At the port, Stussy smiled at Vice Admiral Garp, who looked somewhat unhappy. "I'm very pleased to cooperate with the famous Marine Hero on this mission. Vice Admiral Garp, please provide guidance."
Garp felt upset at this moment. Next, he not only had to stabilize the Marines, but also find ways to prevent CP personnel from causing problems.
Seeing Stussy's smiling face, he became annoyed and waved his hand. "I know."
Stussy looked stunned momentarily. What does this mean? Looking down on me so much?
But remembering Finn's advice, she didn't take it personally. She guessed Garp was worried.
She didn't intend to go up and explain they were allies or anything. Stussy didn't intend to let more people know about her cooperation with Finn. Judging from Garp's expression, Finn probably hadn't told him either.
Just cooperate secretly and demonstrate value.
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, Marineford, Fleet Admiral Kong ended his Den Den Mushi call with Admiral Sengoku.
He felt relieved. Regarding the Roger incident, Finn had suppressed it for two days, and Sengoku had rushed out hastily. Now things were finally settled.
After taking a breath, Fleet Admiral Kong dialed the World Government's Den Den Mushi.
After a while, the Five Elders picked up. Before Fleet Admiral Kong could speak, the Den Den Mushi asked, "Kong? How's Roger's situation?"
Finn had kept the news secret for two days, but the Marines didn't dare pressure the World Government. As soon as Fleet Admiral Kong had received the news, he'd reported the matter.
However, he hadn't mentioned Finn suppressing information, and Stussy hadn't mentioned it either. Therefore, the World Government didn't know about the many twists and turns. They only knew Roger had been captured by Finn.
"Yes, Sengoku has arrived and is escorting Vice Admiral Finn's warship back to Marineford. Roger has been confirmed in custody. In fact, our Marines have already captured Pirate King Gold Roger. We simply need to wait for his return to headquarters, then we can transfer him to Impel Down," Fleet Admiral Kong said seriously.
"Impel Down?" The Five Elders were silent momentarily, then ordered, "That's unnecessary. Roger is the Pirate King. His capture will be a tremendous blow to pirate morale. We should capitalize on this to establish authority. Kong, prepare to arrange an execution. We must bring Roger to justice!"
Roger might know Raftel's secrets, so they couldn't let him live under any circumstances.
Whether for public or private reasons, he must die.
Fleet Admiral Kong had no objection. He'd wanted to make an example of Roger anyway, but hadn't thought it through yet.
Now the World Government had issued orders to execute Roger publicly. Fleet Admiral Kong thought it absolutely correct. Capturing the Pirate King and executing him publicly, using the Pirate King's death to shock the seas and enhance Marine prestige, would also benefit conquering the New World.
Therefore, Fleet Admiral Kong responded seriously, "Yes, we'll begin preparing for Roger's execution immediately. As for public relations, is there anything you can coordinate?"
The Five Elders pondered momentarily before speaking. "Your previous report stated Roger was terminally ill, so he wasn't able to mount strong resistance before being captured by Finn, correct?"
"To be precise, he surrendered because he was left with no other options," Fleet Admiral Kong clarified.
"It's roughly the same concept. This isn't good. It doesn't reflect the power of our World Government and Marines. Let's arrange things in this regard and announce to the outside world that the Marines tracked Roger's whereabouts through detailed planning and arrangements, and Vice Admiral Finn courageously attacked and forcefully captured Pirate King Roger. Proceed according to this general concept," the Five Elders arranged.
At the Battle of Edd War, the Marines had promoted themselves to the heavens. Though they'd fired no shots, it was as though the Marines had crushed Shiki's massive fleet in one breath.
Now, with genuine merit, Roger was truly in their custody.
The Five Elders asking Marines to publicize it this way, Fleet Admiral Kong felt no guilt whatsoever. This kind of public relations was very necessary.
On one hand, it could boost Marine morale. On the other, it could deter pirates. Finally, it could build greater confidence among people at sea.
Fleet Admiral Kong originally had favorable impressions of Finn. This guy was capable and far more reliable than that bastard Garp. It had been almost twenty years since the God Valley incident.
The Marines did need a new standard-bearer to boost morale.
Originally, Fleet Admiral Kong had held high hopes for Dragon, but that bastard had fled and defected.
Looking down, there were Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan. Now, at their level, he had to include the newly promoted Vice Admiral Finn.
If selecting new role models for cultivation from the new Marine generation, he could only choose from these four people.
Sakazuki and the others were strong enough, no doubt, and their qualifications were higher than Finn's. These were their advantages.
But the disadvantage was also obvious. None of them were as accomplished as Finn.
No one was as fortunate as Finn. Now that he'd caught Roger, it was Finn's opportunity to take off.
Fleet Admiral Kong also resolved to use this opportunity to establish Finn as the role model for the younger Marine generation!
"Yes, I understand," Fleet Admiral Kong responded.
"Well, we think Finn is excellent. You Marines should train him well and not bury this talent. CP has mentioned this to us many times. If your Marines don't nurture him, CP will become very eager," the Five Elders smiled.
They even had leisure to joke.
Clearly, they were quite pleased Roger had been captured.
As for Finn, they genuinely admired him, especially because Finn didn't display the "rebellious" attitude many young people had. This political mission in the South Blue was proof.
This showed he still approved of the World Government and could be properly nurtured.
Fleet Admiral Kong smiled. "Please rest assured, my five lords. Finn is the apple of Sengoku's eye. He won't treat him unfairly."