The three Vice Admirals stood in silence, absorbing the harsh reality that had just been laid bare before them.
They had known that the Marines were facing financial strain, but they had never expected it to be this dire.
Doberman, in particular, felt the weight of his previous words pressing down on him like a lead weight. He lowered his head, finally grasping the full extent of the situation.
Looking at the massive budget deficit displayed in bold numbers on the document Sengoku had slammed onto the table, he realized how shortsighted he had been.
Without hesitation, Doberman straightened his posture and bowed deeply in apology.
"I'm truly sorry, Fleet Admiral. I was inconsiderate in my remarks.
Please forgive my rashness and my lack of foresight."
Seeing Doberman acknowledge his mistake so sincerely, Sengoku sighed heavily. His previous frustration faded, leaving only the exhaustion of a leader burdened with too many responsibilities.
"There's no need to apologize. You spoke up because you care about the Marines. I don't fault you for that," Sengoku admitted.
"But none of us could have predicted that the World Government would go to such extremes this time.
They completely disregarded the difficulties we face, cutting our funding without a second thought and forcing us into this predicament."
He picked up the budget report once more, glancing over the depressingly large funding gap. Another sigh escaped his lips.
"It's one thing for us to endure humiliation," he continued, his voice firm, "but we cannot let the Marines—our soldiers, our men and women—suffer because of it.
We can't send them into battle armed with rusted weapons and expect them to fight against pirates with their lives on the line. That would be irresponsible, both to them and their families!"
Sengoku's declaration struck a chord with the three Vice Admirals. They clenched their fists, their expressions hardening.
The Marines had dedicated their lives to maintaining order and justice in the world, yet the very government they served treated them as nothing more than expendable tools.
The sheer injustice of it all was infuriating.
But before resentment could fester, Sengoku waved a hand dismissively.
"Enough of those long faces," he said. "Luffy managed to secure this opportunity for us, and we should make the most of it.
If it weren't for his girlfriend's company, we wouldn't have even been considered for such a deal."
The three Vice Admirals exchanged bewildered glances, as if sensing something amiss in Sengoku's phrasing.
Still, none of them dared to question him outright, not when the Fleet Admiral had already made his decision.
"As long as this arrangement doesn't interfere with our primary duties, it's a small price to pay for ensuring our Marines are properly equipped," Sengoku reasoned.
"Besides, by handling some financial matters ourselves, we reduce our dependency on government funding. That way, the next time they try to pull something like this, we won't be completely at their mercy."
The logic made sense.
The three Vice Admirals nodded, accepting their orders without further protest.
After formally saluting the Fleet Admiral, they turned and departed, heading straight for the hospital to receive treatment for their previous injuries.
The room fell silent once their footsteps faded into the distance.
Tsuru, who had been quiet the entire time, finally broke the silence.
She remained seated, deep in thought, before speaking.
"Have you made up your mind?" she asked, her tone unreadable. "You're certain it's that kid?"
"Ah," Sengoku responded without hesitation. "Unless something unexpected happens, yes."
The vague nature of their conversation made it impossible for outsiders to understand what they were truly discussing.
But Tsuru understood.
Sengoku wasn't just talking about Luffy's deal with the Marines.
He was talking about succession.
Sengoku began pacing slowly around the office, his hands clasped behind his back as he mulled over his own reasoning.
"Sakazuki is too extreme in his ideology," he muttered. "Kuzan is too shaken by what happened in O'Hara.
And as for Borsalino… well, let's not even talk about him."
A small scoff escaped Tsuru's lips at that remark, but she said nothing.
Sengoku continued, his voice carrying a quiet determination.
"The current generation of Marine leaders is flawed. None of them are suitable to lead the organization into the future.
If I have to, I'll hold on for a few more years and wait until the next generation produces someone truly worthy."
His pacing stopped as he turned to Tsuru.
"Luffy may have emotional flaws, but there's no doubt about his dedication to the Marines.
He has his own understanding of justice—one that isn't built on blind obedience or political games.
He's willing to fight for it, and more importantly, he's willing to lead others in doing the same."
Tsuru remained silent, her gaze unreadable.
Sengoku chuckled, shaking his head as he continued.
"The world isn't kind to idealists like him. He'll suffer setbacks, and there will be times when he questions himself.
But I believe in him. He'll endure it all and come out stronger.
Of course, his combat strength is already impressive, but that's not even my main concern.
To have achieved so much at this age… he has far surpassed you and me back in our youth."
Tsuru still did not respond, seemingly weighing the pros and cons in her mind.
Seeing her hesitation, Sengoku smirked.
"Of course," he added, "he's still young. His temper is impulsive, and his methods are sometimes reckless.
But isn't it the responsibility of our generation to guide and temper the next?"
He leaned back in his chair, his confidence unwavering.
"As long as he doesn't give up, we'll be here to support him.
And besides," Sengoku's lips curled into a teasing grin, "there's also your granddaughter, Kujaku…"
"Shut up, old man."
Tsuru shot him a glare, interrupting him immediately.
"Don't drag Kujaku into this. Whatever your plans are for Luffy, I don't care.
But don't use her as a bargaining chip, and don't regret your choice later on."
Despite her harsh tone, Sengoku only laughed heartily.
"You're always so cold, Tsuru," he teased. "What, no interest in playing matchmaker?"
Tsuru scoffed, standing up and preparing to leave.
"If you want a stress-free life like Garp, you should hurry up and train a successor, then retire already, you old bastard."
Sengoku let out a full-bodied laugh as she walked away.
It was rare to see Tsuru rattle like that.
But deep down, he knew she understood.
This wasn't just about reputation or influence.
This was about the future of the Marines.
And with that thought in mind, he turned his gaze toward the horizon.
With the headquarters' orders dispatched, Admiral Akainu, Alternate Admiral Momosagi, and the three Vice Admirals, including Comil, immediately mobilized for action.
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