"No... the more accurate title would be..."
The elder on the other end of the Den Den Mushi seemed to remember something. He slowly corrected himself.
"Aus-sei!!!"
"What!!??"
Even Sengoku—who'd weathered the seas for years—couldn't help but cry out in shock at that title.
What does that mean? That title!
"Who's with you, Kong!!!"
Hearing that exclamation, one of the Five Elders—Saint Saturn—turned cold. He demanded an answer from Kong.
Kong lowered his head. Respectfully reported:
"Reporting to Saint Saturn-sama. Marine Headquarters Admiral—Sengoku the Buddha."
"Sengoku, hmm..."
Hearing that name, Saturn's expression softened slightly.
After all, they'd personally approved him as Kong's successor. The future Fleet Admiral. Learning some intel early wouldn't hurt.
He let it slide.
But for Sengoku, this news hit like a tidal wave.
The sea's overlord was a Celestial Dragon...
Then what were all those preparations the Marines made against Aus? All those meetings? What did they amount to?
But clearly, the two on the call had zero interest in Sengoku's feelings.
"You should be well aware of Sand Crocodile's identity, Kong."
Saint Saturn, Warrior God of Science and Defense, held the Den Den Mushi. His eyes narrowed, gleaming with sharp light.
Facing those eyes, Kong seemed to guess what was coming. Like all strength had drained from his body. His gaze filled with reluctance.
He answered helplessly:
"Yes. Sand Crocodile is a companion of Aus... -sei..."
But he didn't stop there. He thought of countless Marines. His own identity. The sailors on that sunken warship. A sense of duty surged in his chest.
He continued:
"At the same time, she's also the pirate who sank a Marine warship and attacked Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral, Admiral candidate Sakazuki."
"..."
As if they hadn't expected Kong's attitude, the figures on the other end froze.
What followed—
Furrowed brows.
"Watch your tone, Kong!!!"
Saint Nasujuro, cradling the First Kitetsu, white robes flowing, unleashed a cold glare through the Den Den Mushi.
"Even if the Marines suffered losses, that's no excuse for you as a leader to act on emotion!!!"
Beside him, Sengoku—still black-haired, just entering middle age—had never witnessed such a scene. His mouth hung open. No sound came out.
Fleet Admiral Kong was actually... arguing with the World Government's highest authority?!?!
And this was just over Crocodile.
He couldn't imagine—if it were Aus himself, say, another invasion of Marineford—would it be even more absurd than this?
Would they just stand there and let Aus hit them? Would the Marines have to cheer him on?
This world...
He barely recognized it anymore.
But actually, Kong had no intention of arguing.
Just one rebuke from the Five Elders silenced him completely.
Perhaps seeing Kong didn't dare talk back, or perhaps because of their original plan—
After the scolding, the Five Elders' expressions eased.
"Enough. Stop with these childish emotions, Kong." Saint Saturn gripped his cane. Continued: "We didn't call to have you unconditionally release Crocodile."
"What?"
Kong and Sengoku froze.
They exchanged confused glances.
Had the sun risen in the west?
A conflict between the Marines and Aus, and the Five Elders weren't siding with Aus?
That wasn't how it used to work...
In the past, whenever the Marines clashed with Aus, the Five Elders always scolded their own Marines first.
Always said things like:
"What's the Marines' pride worth? You're just dogs the World Government keeps."
Toward Aus, they'd urge him to calm down, calm down, stay calm.
Today, how could...
Unaware of their wild speculation, the Five Elders continued on their own.
Saint Warcury spoke slowly:
"You should remember what we discussed with you before, Kong.
That plan about using pirates to restrain pirates."
Saint Mars stood upright beside him. Added:
"Sand Crocodile possesses the strength, reputation, and... backing forces that meet our discussed standards.
Enough to become one of the pillars suppressing the seas."
Hearing this—
Kong suddenly remembered. Something the Five Elders had discussed with him.
This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment idea. It had been planned for years.
Facing this runaway era, was that plan being moved up?
"Honorable Five Elders, are you referring to...
The Seven Warlords plan?"
"Precisely."
Perhaps considering this plan might officially launch during Sengoku's tenure as Fleet Admiral—
With the Five Elders' permission, Kong explained to Sengoku what the Seven Warlords plan entailed.
"Indeed, as Kong said, this is a means to maintain stability on the seas and bring balance to the situation."
Saint Warcury added:
"When this plan first took shape, we even invited Aus—who'd just left the Roger Pirates—to join. Unfortunately, he had no interest."
As an overlord, the uncrowned king of the seas, failing to recruit him in his youth—
The Five Elders had always regretted it.
But now—
That regret could be resolved through his successor. As Aus's companion, if they could get Sand Crocodile Crocodile, or even Hawkeye Dracule Mihawk to join—
Then through their identities, they'd borrow Aus's influence to suppress this runaway sea.
"What about the other candidates for this plan..."
Sengoku asked curiously. After all, this would likely be an issue he'd handle after becoming Fleet Admiral.
So the Five Elders had nothing to hide.
"Besides Sand Crocodile, the other candidates are tentatively..."
"Hawkeye Dracule Mihawk. Recently fought Dark King Rayleigh. Aus's de facto right hand. World's Greatest Swordsman (disputed)."
"Heavenly Yaksha Donquixote Doflamingo. Major pirate. One of many underworld giants. Aus's subordinate."
"Gecko Moria. Major pirate. Fought one of the Sea Emperors, Kaido of the Beasts. Survived."
"Hanafuda. Major pirate. Allied with one of the Sea Emperors, Kaido of the Beasts."
"Tyrant Kuma. King of Sorbet Kingdom. Terrifying strength. Defeated countless major pirates."
These were only tentative. They hadn't contacted everyone individually yet.
Of course, there was one final position they didn't mention.
Because it once belonged to that man...
If by the time the plan officially launched he still refused, the Five Elders would find another candidate.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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