"That actually sounds like something he'd do—fits right in with his twisted sense of humor. I don't find it unreasonable at all."
Zéphyr was the first to respond. Though he had never liked the sinister air around Bryan, he had to admit the man had served the Navy loyally for years. At the very least, Bryan had never once crossed the Navy's bottom line on serious matters. And this time, he truly had done everything he could—standing his ground alone against the Golden Lion.
Garp chimed in next. "I agree with Zephyr. Sengoku, maybe you're just overthinking it. Are you seriously suggesting Bryan intentionally provoked the Golden Lion, made him so furious that he cut off his own legs and escaped? Think about it. The man was shackled with Sea-Prism Stone cuffs, locked in Impel Down—the prison that's never had a single successful breakout."
Tsuru nodded in agreement and added, "Bryan's not foolish enough to gamble with his own career like that."
At this point, three members of the Navy's top leadership had voiced support for Bryan's innocence—including Zephyr, who had been one of his harshest critics.
Seeing this, Fleet Admiral Kong began to lean the same way—there didn't seem to be any reason to doubt Bryan.
However, Sengoku still couldn't let it go. He couldn't forget that look on Bryan's face that day in the office—
Eyes half-squinted.
Corners of his lips curved in amusement.
That smug, knowing smile.
There was definitely something behind it.
Sengoku trusted his instincts. So he pressed on, "I'm just saying if—if Bryan really did provoke the Golden Lion on purpose. What if Gallier was still in the prison? What if the Golden Lion ended up facing the combined strength of Gallier, Bryan, and Magellan?"
He rattled off one hypothetical after another.
Zephyr responded patiently, "I've reviewed the statements from Magellan, Hannyabal, and Shiryu. Their accounts are all consistent. As for Bryan's duel with Gallier—that was because Bryan tried to poach him right to his face. But knowing Bryan's personality, that's perfectly believable. Back at the Naval Academy, he pulled stunts like that all the time. Whatever he wanted, he'd go after it, no matter who stood in the way. So I don't see any basis for claiming he deliberately provoked Gallier or intentionally weakened Impel Down's defenses."
Garp gave a snort. "Sengoku, you may not like Bryan—hell, neither do I—but what would he gain from angering the Golden Lion? Even if he hadn't been there, do you really think the Golden Lion wouldn't have tried to escape? And let's be clear—letting a prisoner break out is a massive dereliction of duty. If you want to make that your excuse, go ahead and strip him of rank. The evidence is all there; he wouldn't even be able to talk his way out of it."
Both Zephyr and Garp spoke firmly in Bryan's defense. Hearing that from them would be shocking to most—but Sengoku understood what it meant. They both recognized Bryan's value.
After all, among the Navy's younger generation, how many could face the Golden Lion in single combat and live? Bryan was undeniably one of the Navy's most promising future powers.
Sengoku rubbed his temples, frowning. "Still… the timing of it all—it's too coincidental. There has to be another motive behind this."
Kong shook his head, then stood abruptly and slammed his palm on the desk.
"Enough. This isn't the time for speculation. Knowing the Golden Lion's temperament, his revenge won't be long in coming. From this moment on, all leaves are canceled throughout Marine Headquarters!"
"Level One Battle Readiness—begin immediately."
"Understood." "Got it." "Mm." "I'll handle notifications."
Zephyr, Garp, Sengoku, and Tsuru all rose to their feet at once.
And just two days later, news arrived—
the Golden Lion had gone on a rampage in Water 7.
—
Two days later, in Impel Down.
Though the Golden Lion had already escaped, the destruction he left behind would take far longer than a couple of days to repair.
Standing atop the shattered watchtower, Bryan pulled out his Den Den Mushi and made a call.
"Spandine, get me in touch with the Five Elders. I want to speak to them in person."
"Director Bryan, I'll do my best to reach Mr. Darso. But I can't promise you'll get a meeting."
Spandine's tone was honest—he had no reason to bluff when speaking to Bryan.
"Just get me an answer as soon as possible," Bryan said curtly, ending the call.
Behind him, Shiryu of the Rain sat cross-legged, methodically polishing his sword. He'd heard the entire conversation but kept silent.
Bryan walked over, producing two cigars and handing one to him.
"Won't be long now—we're heading back to the West Blue soon."
Shiryu raised an eyebrow. "Is Headquarters not assigning you to the Golden Lion suppression operation?"
Bryan gave a cold, sardonic laugh. "You think they'd share that much credit with me? Let's make a bet—before long, I'll be suspended from duty."
Shiryu's eyes flickered with sudden understanding. "So everything's unfolding just as you planned, Lord Bryan."
Bryan smirked. "That's the beauty of a game of chess. They think they can predict my next move, see through my every intention—but all the while, I've had them dancing in the palm of my hand. Sengoku, hah… his self-righteousness gave me the perfect opening. Now I have the excuse I needed to move closer to the Five Elders."
He snapped his fingers with a sharp click, lighting his cigar. But before it even burned halfway down, an urgent transmission came through from Marine Headquarters—
Bryan had been suspended from duty.
And the order bore Sengoku's signature.
—
Holy Land Mariejois — The World Government Building, Small Garden.
Just moments earlier, Darso had finished a call with Spandine.
And the very matter Spandine raised was precisely what Darso—and the Five Elders—had been waiting for.
When Darso relayed Bryan's request, the Five Elders all smiled knowingly, confidence gleaming in their eyes.
"As expected—too young. He's finally lost his composure."
"Well, it couldn't be helped. The Golden Lion's escape is a grave dereliction of duty. With no allies left at Headquarters, even if the Navy dismisses and investigates him, it would be fully justified."
"If not for this incident, that boy wouldn't have bowed to us so quickly. In the end, he can't let go of power—even after pocketing so much money already."
"Ambitious and greedy. He knows perfectly well that without our intervention, his military career is finished."
"Which makes him easy to control, doesn't it?"
"Exactly. And since the West Blue situation can't be delayed any longer—if trade there doesn't stabilize, the World Government won't be able to balance next quarter's fiscal revenues."
"In that case, arrange for Bryan to meet us as soon as possible."
What the Five Elders wanted was simple—
for Bryan to come to them of his own accord, cornered and desperate,
to kneel before them…
and swear his allegiance.
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