"Sengoku, we need to proceed with Ace's public execution."
For a moment, the entire office fell silent.
Sengoku stepped forward and placed a firm hand on his old friend's shoulder. He said nothing, but Garp could feel everything in that gesture: strength, understanding and acknowledgement.
Tsuru quietly set a cup of hot tea in front of Garp. Her gaze was gentle.
After a long sigh, Sengoku returned to the main seat behind his desk.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
The sorrow faded.
In its place rose the cold, cutting tension of a world about to be swept into war.
"Since the decision is made, we start planning." Sengoku interlocked his fingers and leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "That old man Whitebeard is fiercely protective. Once he hears Ace is going to be executed, the entire Whitebeard Pirates will move as one."
"Our goal is not to repel them. Not to fight them to a draw."
"Our goal is annihilation."
"We will erase the name Whitebeard, along with his fleet, from the seas."
Tsuru nodded slightly and continued, "Then we need to bring Sakazuki back from the New World. But doing so will leave a large gap in the New World defense line."
She looked at Sengoku. "Should we consider holding the execution at G-3?"
Sengoku's brows furrowed.
Tsuru continued, "The G-3 base is in Paradise, far from the New World and far from the Holy Land. If any other Emperor crews try to interfere, it will take them much longer to get there."
Sengoku fell into deep thought.
It was a tempting plan.
But the cost was equally high.
Moving the execution to G-3 meant temporarily abandoning Marineford and the New World bases. It would be seen worldwide as the Navy retreating from the New World.
And the Navy's future enemies were not only pirates. The World Government was watching too.
If they could annihilate the Whitebeard Pirates while keeping casualties low, it would be ideal.
With the current Navy strength, with Sengoku, Tsuru, Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, and Renn Hawk after returning from his Impel Down trial…
Forget one Whitebeard. Even if another Emperor crew came, the Navy could handle it.
But if more came?
If all four Emperors moved together?
As Sengoku hesitated, the silent Garp finally spoke.
"I'll go."
His voice wasn't loud, but both Sengoku and Tsuru turned to him immediately.
"I'll take Sakazuki's place and sit in the New World."
They exchanged shocked looks. Followed by relief.
It was the best possible solution.
Letting Garp guard the New World covered the power gap and kept him away from the cruel execution site.
Sengoku nodded respectfully. "If you need backup, contact Marineford immediately. I'll send Borsalino at full speed."
"…Garp…"
Tsuru's voice carried a soft warmth. "This is not your fault."
"Gahaha! Tsuru, you are still as kind as ever!"
Garp laughed and stretched lazily.
"Alright, I'll get ready. I hope those brats in the New World don't bore me."
He turned and strode out of the office.
The door slammed shut.
The moment he stepped into the hallway, Garp's smile vanished. His expression darkened, cold as steel. His fists tightened, knuckles turning white.
"Someone had better be stupid enough to test my patience."
…
Inside the Marshal's office.
Sengoku and Tsuru shared a glance.
Tsuru spoke first. "Bartholomew Kuma has sworn loyalty. Vegapunk has already transferred full Pacifista authority to Marine Headquarters. We can deploy them anytime."
"This time won't allow for upgrades, but after the war, Vegapunk will perform full enhancements. New designs, new attack methods, including Sakazuki's magma and Kuzan's ice."
Sengoku nodded.
"And the remaining Warlords? Do we summon them?"
Sengoku exhaled. "Hawk killed too fast. We still haven't filled the two empty Warlord seats."
"Kuma is already ours. Jinbe is close to Whitebeard. He'll probably refuse the summons or even side with Whitebeard."
"Dracule Mihawk is a lone wolf. Boa Hancock…"
He snorted softly. "Summon them symbolically. If they come, good. If not, no loss."
"The Navy no longer needs unstable outside forces."
"As for Doflamingo…"
"When Whitebeard is dealt with, he's next."
Tsuru nodded. "Aside from Alabasta and G-3's regular forces, I'll personally mobilize elites from all remaining branches."
"Good. And bring Zephyr and his recruits too. Seeing blood will benefit their growth. Place them in the second line and keep them protected."
"Yes, but Sengoku…"
Tsuru looked worried. "I'm concerned about Zephyr's health."
"I am too. I discussed this with Hawk already."
Sengoku continued, "Aside from urging Vegapunk to accelerate the medicine research, Hawk suggested another solution."
Tsuru's eyes sharpened with interest. "What solution?"
"Sleeptown. According to him, there's a Devil Fruit there that can help Zephyr."
Sengoku chuckled. "I don't know where that brat gets all his intel, but he's been right every time."
"I've already added that task to the bounty list. Borsalino has a pile of missions waiting. Once he finishes all of them, plus all the previous rewards, he'll have enough to retire comfortably."
Tsuru smiled faintly. "So you bribed him with a permanent admiral rank and an easy post."
She stood up. "When I finish helping you coordinate everything, I'm heading to the New World too."
Her eyes drifted toward the door, filled with worry. "I need to watch Garp."
Sengoku looked at his partner of decades and nodded slowly. "Alright."
…
Every piece of the plan was now in place.
The Navy's terrifying war machine was wound tight, ready to bare its fangs at the world.
A war capable of shaking the world's foundations had already begun.
Sengoku picked up the Den Den Mushi on his desk and dialed a number.
"Bruru bruru…"
The call connected quickly.
"This is Sengoku."