Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Sakazuki had already finished deploying his fleet and was preparing to leave headquarters, cross the Red Line, and head for the New World port at Mary Geoise to establish a defensive line.
Just as he was about to step out, a Navy Captain rushed into his office, holding a document aloft as he spoke in a rush.
"Admiral Sakazuki! Admiral Sakazuki! The New World Navy has fully restored contact with Headquarters! Admiral Benn has sent back a response to the Fleet Admiral's order!"
Sakazuki paused, surprise flashing across his face.
"Restored contact? Bring me his response."
Moments later, the document was in Sakazuki's hands. He opened it, scanned the contents, and for a moment, his mind went blank.
"What is this supposed to mean?" Sakazuki muttered, genuinely puzzled.
Ortoren had formally replied to Headquarters' orders, stating that he had received a handwritten command from the Fleet Admiral. In the name of justice and loyalty, he would carry it out. Effective immediately, he would temporarily step down from his position as a Marine Admiral and return to Marine Headquarters to cooperate with the investigation.
"The internal conflict hasn't even started yet, and Ortoren, the commander of the New World Navy, is surrendering?" Sakazuki couldn't read that man at all.
He had no idea what Ortoren was really planning, but given the current state of the Marines, this was at least good news on the surface.
After thinking it over briefly, Sakazuki gave his orders.
"Immediately distribute Admiral Benn's response throughout the entire force. That should calm those New World Navy faction members down for a while."
"Yes, Admiral Sakazuki!" the Captain replied at once.
After a brief hesitation, he asked again, "Then… are you still proceeding to the New World port at Mary Geoise?"
Sakazuki fell silent for a moment before answering.
"Yes. The plan remains unchanged. No matter what Ortoren says, we have to see what he actually does in the end. I won't lower our guard just because of one response letter. That could easily be falling straight into his trap."
Sakazuki didn't know what Ortoren was scheming, but he decided to move according to his own plan, just in case that man was laying a snare.
...
Meanwhile, in the New World.
Aboard Ortoren's warship, he was sitting in the reception cabin, sipping tea as he listened to the man across from him heap on praise.
"Admiral, your strength truly stands above all others across the seas. To be worthy of standing—"
Before Morgans could finish, Ortoren quickly waved a hand and cut him off.
"That's enough, Morgans. No need for the flattery. I called you here today because I have something I need your help with."
At this moment, there was no way Morgans would dare refuse Ortoren.
Therefore, the moment Ortoren finished speaking, Morgans responded without hesitation.
"To be of service to you, Admiral, is my greatest honor. Please, give your orders!"
"Take a look," Ortoren said, casually tossing the dossier already signed by Charlotte Linlin over to Morgans.
Morgans swallowed nervously before opening it. After reading for a short while, his eyes lit up with excitement. He snapped his head up and looked at Ortoren.
"In other words… Totto Land is now legally under the World Government's jurisdiction? It has officially become one of the World Government's affiliated Member Nations?"
"Exactly," Ortoren said in a low, steady voice. "This dossier was jointly signed and ratified by fifty ruling royal families of Member Nations during last year's Reverie. It carries the highest legal authority of the World Government. Charlotte Linlin, as Queen of Totto Land, has signed it. The document is already in effect. From this moment on, Totto Land is an official Member Nation of the World Government. And I need you to publish this immediately. Rush it to newspapers across the world. I want everyone to know."
"Yes, no problem at all!" Morgans answered at once.
"Are you aware of the matter regarding my removal and investigation by Marine Headquarters?" Ortoren asked after taking a sip of tea.
Morgans looked a little awkward, but still nodded.
"It caused quite a stir over at Marine Headquarters. The major Marine bases in the New World have all made moves as well. Of course I've heard some of it. Honestly, those people at Headquarters really have nothing better to do. Admiral Benn, you've accomplished so much in the New World, and instead of rewarding you, they actually—"
Seeing Morgans about to launch into a tirade against Marine Headquarters, Ortoren set his teacup down and cut him off.
"That's enough. No matter what Headquarters is doing, this is still an order issued by our Fleet Admiral. As a Marine, I can't refuse it. You'll also publish this in the paper. State that I've chosen to comply with Headquarters' orders, that I will temporarily step down from my position as a Marine Admiral, and that I will return to Headquarters immediately to cooperate with the investigation."
"Huh?" Morgans blurted out, completely baffled.
Even though he didn't understand it, Ortoren had already given the order. Morgans had no choice but to comply.
"Yes… I understand, Admiral," he replied after snapping out of it.
Only then did Ortoren nod in satisfaction.
"For the time being, don't leave. Stay by my side," Ortoren continued. "I have a strong feeling that something big is about to happen. When that time comes, I may need you."
Morgans was extremely reluctant on the inside, but what could he do? Ortoren had spoken.
Did he really dare to refuse?
Refusing now would probably mean the World News would have a new editor-in-chief within the hour.
"To be able to stay by your side and learn from you, Admiral, has always been my dream," Morgans said, putting on an expression of heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity!"
Ortoren waved his hand.
"Alright. I'll give you more tasks when the time is right. For now, go take care of what I just told you."
"Yes, Admiral. I'll go right away."
Morgans stood up briskly and left the reception room.
After Morgans departed, Ortoren lit a cigarette and picked up the letter from Fleet Admiral Sengoku that lay on the table.
As for the documents detailing the World Government's dark secrets, Ortoren didn't even bother looking at them. There was no rush. When the time was right, he'd simply have Morgans publish them.
Unfolding the letter, Ortoren immediately recognized Sengoku's handwriting.
As expected of a master of calligraphy. The writing was elegant and powerful.
There was no "To be opened by" or anything of the sort.
The opening line contained just eight words.
Ortoren, upon seeing this letter, it is as though we meet.
By the time you receive this letter, the war in the New World should already be settled. I trust you have achieved an absolute victory. From now on, you should have no more worries weighing on you.
The situation within the Marines is complicated, and Marine Headquarters is full of uncertainties. How you will respond going forward is something even I cannot predict, but I trust in your abilities.
There is no need for further words. From this moment on, in the name of Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I issue the highest command of the Fleet Admiral: Admiral Benn Ortoren of Marine Headquarters is hereby ordered to act in the capacity of Fleet Admiral and assume overall command of the entire Marine force.
Reading this, Ortoren felt a chill run through his heart.
He hadn't expected that, even at the very end, Fleet Admiral Sengoku would place such absolute trust in him.
No questions. Just as the letter said.
No further words were needed.
An imperial decree?
After a brief pause, Ortoren's gaze fell to the final line of the letter.
I am imprisoned in Mary Geoise. You need not worry about my safety. Act without restraint. Let the Marines, let justice… rule the world.
"Rest assured, Fleet Admiral," Ortoren murmured softly. "The justice of the Marines will rule the world."
He folded the letter again and tucked it into his coat.
Now was not the time to use it.
But when he did, he would stand as the acting Fleet Admiral, holding the authority to command all Marines.