Red Line, Holy Land Mary Geoise.
Inside the highest conference chamber of Pangaea Castle.
"Spandine, you're late."
Looking down at the tall man in a black suit, sweating nervously below, the burly elder with a thick beard and noble flat cap spoke slowly.
Without paying further attention to the man's panic-stricken expression, he shifted his gaze to the document in his hands.
"Mo Wu? A strange name. Does he have any connection to Wang Zhi?"
Hearing this, Spandine ignored the sweat running down his forehead and hurriedly explained to the elder seated above.
"From what we can see, no. The emergency investigation report sent by CP9 indicates that he suddenly appeared in the South Blue."
"I heard he was determined to execute Roger. Why?"
The elder sounded puzzled. The files did not show that Roger had left any surviving descendants among the enemies he had destroyed.
"According to letters from Colonel Milenko of the South Blue's 32nd Branch and Admiral Zephyr, he is the child of an unnamed soldier from a national army Roger once wiped out."
When those words fell, the conference room fell silent.
The elder sank into thought.
"You may leave, Spandine."
With a dismissive wave, he sent away the man who looked as though he had just been granted amnesty. Then he turned toward the four silent figures around him.
"This era lacks a deterrent. How about letting him fill that role?"
"Saturn, you're moving too quickly."
Opening his eyes, the elderly man in white robes leaning on a long blade spoke with mild confusion.
"Even if we praise him as the man who executed Golden Lion and publicly executed Roger…"
"His strength doesn't support those achievements."
The white-robed elder shook his head. He clearly didn't think highly of Mo Wu.
"Nasujuro, strength isn't important. What matters is his record."
Another elder with a distinctive moustache spoke, agreeing with Saturn.
"The lower classes don't need to know the truth. Have CP9 find an opportunity to contact that bird and publicize this man. Once the deterrence is formed, send the other Admirals with him to tour the Four Seas."
"So you mean… let him borrow the tiger's might and parade around the seas?"
An elder with a long white beard flowing like a waterfall, standing with the air of a dignified butler, thought for a moment before speaking.
"Yes. As long as the deterrence is established…"
Saturn smiled faintly, his thick beard shifting slightly with the motion.
"Enough. This matter can wait."
Before Saturn could finish his sentence, the thin man with short golden hair interrupted.
"First, arrange Roger's execution as soon as possible."
His voice was low. A trace of unease flickered through his eyes, and even his tone trembled slightly.
"That person said… he has grown tired of this era."
"Hiss—"
The other four elders sucked in a breath, cold sweat appearing faintly on their foreheads.
"You went to see that person again without telling us?"
Their brows furrowed as they stared at the blond man, tension evident in their expressions.
Looking around at the four of them, Saturn wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Then we proceed according to the original plan."
"The balance of this era is becoming unstable."
"Kid, don't be so nervous."
After circling around the room and deliberately passing Mo Wu, Borsalino lightly patted him on the shoulder, a teasing smile on his face.
Before Mo Wu could respond, Borsalino flicked his finger. A light bullet shot into the sky.
In the next moment, his figure flashed and vanished.
I was actually about to thank you for your concern.
Watching the fading streak of light, Mo Wu's lips twitched slightly.
Just what kind of person did that man think he was?
"Major Mo Wu of Marine Headquarters!"
A stern shout pulled Mo Wu's attention back.
"Ahem."
Clearing his throat, Kong looked at Mo Wu's puzzled expression. For a brief moment, his face shifted into something almost… kindly.
Unfortunately, when that terrifying face tried to look gentle, the effect was even more frightening.
Mo Wu shuddered slightly under the two intense gazes directed at him and scratched his head.
"Fleet Admiral, did you leave me here for some instructions?"
"Tell us everything from beginning to end."
Kong tried his best to maintain his friendly expression while staring straight at Mo Wu.
"Stop pretending."
Sengoku sighed from the side.
"Shiki… how exactly did he die?"
Mo Wu wasn't surprised by the question.
After all, Golden Lion had died right in front of him, and Borsalino had even arrived in time to witness the entire scene.
If the Marines hadn't questioned him thoroughly, he would've started wondering whether he was secretly a Celestial Dragon.
Fortunately, he had already prepared his explanation in advance.
"After Admiral Sengoku left, I didn't dare wander around and stayed in the office."
"And then… this happened… I encountered Rosinante… and after that…"
"Shiki died right in front of me."
Mo Wu calmly recounted everything that had occurred to the Fleet Admiral and the Admiral.
Not a trace of nervousness appeared on his face.
After all, the anger in his heart had been genuine.
And the blade in his hand had not been swung for nothing.
Everything he said was the truth. Where could any flaw possibly appear?
The temporary meeting room fell silent.
After hearing the entire story, Sengoku and Kong said nothing.
Instead, Zephyr suddenly slammed his fist onto the table.
"That bastard Sakazuki! Didn't I say the civilians had to be evacuated as well?!"
"Hm?"
Mo Wu looked at Zephyr with surprise—and then understanding. His gaze toward the man gained a noticeable measure of respect.
Among the Marines, the number of Admirals who truly cared about civilians could be counted on one hand.
And among them, Zephyr was unquestionably the first.
Truly deserving of the title of the Admiral Who Refused to Kill.
Glancing briefly at the large hand Zephyr had slammed onto the table, Mo Wu couldn't help feeling a little regret.
What a fine arm.
"Enough, Zephyr. After all, he's still your student."
Sengoku rubbed his braided beard and gave a helpless smile.
He understood how deeply Zephyr despised Sakazuki's methods.
But from the Marines' perspective, the sacrifice of civilians had allowed many soldiers to continue carrying out justice.
If Shiki hadn't unleashed that final slash before dying…
Then Sakazuki's decision had undoubtedly minimized Marine casualties to the greatest extent possible.
"A disobedient child just needs a beating. Zephyr, when did you become so soft?"
At some point, the snoring had stopped.
Rubbing his sleepy eyes, Garp yawned and looked at the furious Zephyr in confusion.
If a child didn't listen, you just beat them once. Wasn't that enough?
"Heh."
Zephyr didn't get angry—instead he laughed.
Looking at the Marine Hero picking his nose, he blurted out instinctively:
"And your son Dragon listens to you, does he?!"
"…."
Garp scratched his head and fell silent.
Thinking about his beloved son who had gone off to start some kind of rebellion…
The old man sighed and pulled out a bag of rice crackers, stuffing them into his mouth one after another.
Seeing even the cheerful Garp turn like that, Zephyr suddenly felt a bit guilty.
Did I go too far?
Every family has its own troubles. Dragon had always been the thorn in Garp's heart.
Walking over and patting Garp's shoulder, Zephyr spoke sincerely.
"Sorry. I really did go too far."
"Hm?"
Surprised that Zephyr would actually apologize, Garp quickly finished his rice crackers and waved it off.
"Still… still…"
"Ah!"
As if suddenly remembering something, the Marine Hero's eyes lit up. His iron fist gleamed black with Haki.
"Zephyr, I think you're right."
"I haven't beaten him enough. Next time he comes home, I'll beat him until he gives up that path."
With determined eyes, the Marine Hero made his decision!
Sengoku: …
Zephyr: …
Kong: …
Mo Wu: I bet Dragon never stays in one place.
After slapping Garp on the head to make him shut up, Kong maintained that strange, almost-kind expression.
"Major Mo Wu, your performance has been outstanding."
His gaze swept across Mo Wu's face. A trace of regret flickered through his eyes.
"So, congratulations."
"You are hereby promoted to Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters."
"Codename: Cease War!"
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