The entire Marine was in a frenzy due to the series of events caused by Ian's appearance in the East Blue.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku, in particular, hadn't dared to relax for a moment since Ian left the Holy Land, even worrying in his sleep about what major incident Ian might stir up next.
Because the bigger the trouble Ian caused, the more serious the problems within the Marine were revealed to be.
After issuing several major orders and mobilizing the Three Admirals, Sengoku finally breathed a sigh of relief. He then looked up at the Three Admirals standing in front of his desk and said, somewhat wearily, "You may also withdraw. During Saint Ian's return to the Holy Land, you must remain vigilant and not slack off!"
The Three Admirals said nothing, silently leaving the Fleet Admiral's office.
Aokiji's reaction was the calmest. He glanced at Kizaru and Akainu walking ahead of him, and not bothering to bid them farewell, he walked straight to his own office.
Kizaru, who had just returned from the East Blue, habitually raised his hand to check his wristwatch. Seeing that it was already quitting time, he didn't even bother to return to his office, decisively choosing to clock out right on time.
"Borsalino?"
Akainu, who had been walking in front, saw Kizaru suddenly accelerate and walk ahead of him. He was momentarily stunned, then said, "What are you in such a hurry to do? The matters Sengoku assigned require our immediate attention!"
Kizaru continued walking, lazily saying, "No need to rush. It won't hurt to deal with it tomorrow."
"..."
Akainu's mouth twitched slightly. He then glanced at his own office, not bothering to go in and tidy up, and quickly followed Kizaru out of the Marineford building.
"Did you see Saint Ian in the East Blue?"
As soon as they left the Marineford building, Akainu, very uncharacteristically, approached Kizaru and asked, "Tell me, is he as infamous as the rumors say?"
"Infamous?"
Kizaru tilted his head to look at Akainu, slowly saying, "Akainu, you actually describe Saint Ian like that. How terrifying."
"Speak seriously."
Akainu's voice deepened slightly, "You saw it in the office just now. All of Fleet Admiral Sengoku's orders are practically revolving around Saint Ian. This clearly indicates that Saint Ian must have another purpose for leaving the Holy Land this time. We must understand his true intentions for this trip so we can respond in time. You don't want Saint Ian to catch you with something again and get punished, do you!"
"That's true."
Kizaru nodded, "Based on my observations, Saint Ian is not as worthless as the rumors suggest."
At this point, Kizaru suddenly stopped and seriously scrutinized Akainu, then said thoughtfully, "Speaking of which, you two have quite a few similarities. If Saint Ian were to one day take charge of the Chamber of the Five Elders, you could certainly maintain a good relationship with him. If you could gain his support, or rather, have him backing you, then neither Saturn nor Warcury would dare to boss you around so easily anymore!"
"Do you think I'm that kind of person?"
Akainu's brows instantly furrowed, and he said coldly, "Flattery is not my style!"
"It's not about flattery," Kizaru's lazy voice always made people want to punch him, "but based on the methods and style Saint Ian displayed in the East Blue, it's not hard to see that once he takes charge of the Chamber of the Five Elders, he will surely purge the seas with swift and decisive action. To achieve this, he will need the assistance of an Admiral like you."
Upon hearing this, Akainu's heart suddenly trembled.
Purge the seas with swift and decisive action?
Isn't that exactly what he hoped for?
But even though he was now a Marine Headquarters Admiral, he couldn't just do whatever he wanted.
Especially for major events like going to war with the Four Emperors, let alone him as an Admiral, even Sengoku had to apply to the Chamber of the Five Elders.
To put it simply, the existence of the Four Emperors crews had already threatened the World Government. To prevent the situation from deteriorating, the Holy Land would not easily allow departments under the World Government to go to war with them. The Marine could not, CP0 could not, and other departments even less so.
It was precisely because of these restrictions that several times he wanted to lead warships to invade the Four Emperors' territories, but Sengoku always stopped him in time.
The Gorosei in the Chamber of the Five Elders were also very dissatisfied with him because of this, especially Saturn and Warcury, who would constantly seize on his minor mistakes to loudly reprimand him.
If Ian truly were to take charge of the Chamber of the Five Elders in the future and wanted to purge the seas with swift and decisive action, a little flattery might not be out of the question.
Thinking of this, Akainu unconsciously clenched his fists, then looked up at the top of the Red Line, not far from Marineford.
Regardless of whether Ian would take charge of the Chamber of the Five Elders in the future, as long as Ian had the determination to purge the seas, he had to prepare in advance. Even if Ian didn't want to take charge of the Chamber of the Five Elders, he still had to try to win him over.
The Chamber of the Five Elders had been occupied by the ossified Gorosei for so many years; it was time for someone with more courage and means to replace them!
He hadn't dared to think about these things before.
After all, the Gorosei were the supreme authorities of the World Government. Any thought he had in that direction would be a betrayal of his loyalty to the World Government, and even tantamount to rebellion.
But now the situation was different.
The Holy Land had produced a crown prince who held power, status, and wealth. If he were to just stand by and watch this crown prince 'go astray,' allowing him to indulge only in pleasure and enjoyment, while he, as a loyal and unwavering Admiral under the World Government, did nothing, that would be the greatest betrayal of the World Government...
East Blue, Loguetown waters.
On the going merry's deck, under the orange tree.
Ian inexplicably sneezed, scaring Princess Sally, who had just brought an orange segment to his mouth, almost to her knees.
"Princess Sally, you've served this young master for so long, why are you still so clumsy!"
Anna seized the opportunity to lean in and sit in Ian's lap, giggling, "Learn from me, see how this princess serves the young master!"
Saying this, Anna picked up an orange segment, put it in her mouth, and fed it to Ian's lips.
"Anna, you're getting bolder and bolder!"
Ian raised his hand and patted Anna, feigning anger, "How dare you make this young master eat your pre-chewed orange. What is your crime?"
"Yes, this concubine is guilty!"
After Ian took the orange, Anna knelt down on the spot, looking pitiful yet with a hint of anticipation, "Please punish this concubine severely, young master."
Just then, Nami, who had spent a night of harmonious intimacy with Ian, walked out.
Upon seeing Anna's kneeling posture and actions, she, new to such matters, instantly widened her beautiful eyes in surprise, then turned and fled back into the ship's cabin as if escaping.
Watching this scene, Ian's lips curled into an evil, charming smile, his eyes slightly narrowed, "The little thieving cat still needs some training."
"Young master, a Marine ship is approaching."
Just then, Gunko suddenly appeared under the orange tree, bowing and saying, "Through the telescope, it's Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Gion and Captain Hina!"
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