298. Golden Den Den Mushi
Bonus 9
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At the Marine Headquarters in Marineford.
Inside the office of the Fleet Admiral.
Sengoku was seated at his desk, wearing a stern expression. Above him hung a plaque adorned with soaring dragons and phoenixes, proudly proclaiming "Reigning Justice!"
This was formerly known as Sengoku's office, but the title has recently been upgraded.
He went from being an Admiral to holding the esteemed position of Fleet Admiral.
And now, in the present moment.
The current four Admirals at the headquarters - Kizaru-Borsalino, Akainu-Sakazuki, Aokiji-Kuzan, and Hakuryu-Atlas had gathered to attentively hear Sengoku's upcoming directives.
"Sakazuki and Kuzan are maintaining their posts in the New World. Given the threats posed by Kaido and Big Mom, it's crucial to monitor their actions closely."
"As for the defense of Mariejois at our headquarters, Borsalino's speed allows him to swiftly move between Mariejois and Marineford. The Celestial Dragons have specifically requested his presence there."
"But—"
Sengoku shifted his focus from Kizaru to Atlas and smiled.
"Some Celestial Dragons witnessed the recent battle and insist that you, Atlas, the strongest man in the world, provide them with a reassuring sense of security by going to Mariejois."
"Huh?"
Atlas arched an eyebrow, subtly straightened his posture, and locked eyes with Sengoku.
"You're suggesting I head to Mariejois? I assume I won't be accountable if one of those Celestial Dragons happens to meet an untimely end, right?"
"...."
Upon hearing Atlas's blunt remark, the other three Admirals couldn't help but exchange glances.
Even the typically laid-back Kizaru managed to summon a bit more seriousness, gazing at the indifferent Atlas with an expression that conveyed a sense of 'that's quite intimidating.'
Is this young man subtly threatening the Celestial Dragons?
It appears there's a considerable amount of discontent towards the world's nobility.
"Atlas..."
Akainu couldn't help but utter a sound.
"I'm aware of your temperament, so I turned them down outright. Borsalino is better suited for this task compared to you."
Sengoku waved his hand, cutting off Akainu's attempt to speak, and offered a deep explanation.
Sengoku understands Atlas's mindset well and has no intention of pressuring him into opposition against the Marines, especially not for the likes of the detestable Celestial Dragons. It's not a favorable deal.
"Huh~~ That's a relief!"
Upon hearing this, Atlas feigned a frightened expression and patted his chest.
"But..."
Sengoku shifted the conversation, looking at Atlas with a hint of helplessness. "Can you exercise more restraint when dealing with Celestial Dragons in the future? Try not to mimic that fellow Garp all the time!"
Boom--! ! !
"Bwahahaha! Sengoku, my friend, did I just catch you saying something not-so-nice about me?"
Before anyone laid eyes on him, Garp's distinctive laughter echoed.
"Hey! Next time you barge in, how about knocking on the door first!! Garp!!"
Under Sengoku's stern gaze, Garp cupped his ears, pretending not to hear the other party's admonishment.
"Sengoku, where's your stash of senbei? Hand them over quickly!!"
"Weren't you already on your way to the New World? Why the sudden return?"
Sengoku suddenly had a realization, stood up, and shouted at Garp.
"I did reach the port, but out of nowhere, someone informed me that Luffy got into a brawl, Bwahahaha!"
Garp burst into laughter, seemingly unconcerned that the person in question was his own grandson.
No surprise there.
After all, he was the one who dared to toss Luffy into remote mountains and ancient forests at a tender age, making him fend for himself with wild beasts, subjecting a young kid to perilous situations repeatedly – a truly unconventional, almost wolf-like, approach to education.
How could someone like Garp return just for revenge because his grandson got into a fight? Well, perhaps it was more about enjoying the spectacle and witnessing how badly Luffy got beaten, Atlas speculated in his mind.
"Oh? Who managed to handle your grandson?" Sengoku expressed mild surprise.
Having observed that youngster Luffy, Sengoku knew he not only consumed the Devil Fruit stolen from CP by Atlas but also possessed remarkable fighting abilities. If one were to look for peers capable of defeating him throughout the entire school, his two brothers would likely be the only contenders, right?
"Well, they can't exactly be called peers. He is... the lad who's been residing in Tsuru's place."
Garp scratched his head, struggling to recall the boy's name, but after an extended search, it eluded him.
"Drake?" Sengoku guessed.
Sengoku understood. No wonder, even though the youngster appeared malnourished when brought back by Tsuru, resembling a thirteen-year-old at the age of twenty. Yet, after two years of proper care, the benefits of adulthood became strikingly evident.
Handling that kid Luffy is a piece of cake.
"Bwahahaha! It seems... that's the name."
"So why don't you get going to the New World now!"
Sengoku's expression suddenly darkened, and he promptly ordered Garp out, fearing that the stash of senbei he had managed to conceal might be exposed to Garp once again.
"I want to travel with Atlas. His ability is quite convenient, you know. It saves me from passing through Mariejois, and I might have the misfortune of encountering that kind of rubbish!"
Garp casually picked his nostrils and spoke with nonchalance.
"...."
Atlas observed Garp's actions with a vacant expression.
He didn't concern himself with much else. What mattered to him was whether it was the same finger Garp used to clean his ears just moments ago.
"...Don't pay any mind to his schemes. I've already assigned him other duties," Sengoku ruthlessly crushed Garp's aspirations.
"Bwahahaha, alright then, I'll be on my way!" Garp chuckled, realizing there was no reason to linger any longer, and made his exit promptly.
"Hey! Shut the door."
Boom--! ! !
"Alright, next..."
Click——! ! !
The office door swung open again, abruptly halting Sengoku's words. A mop of white hair entered, grinning at Sengoku.
"By the way, you mentioned giving me senbei just now, but I haven't received any yet!!"
"...."
Sengoku remained silent.
When did he ever agree to give this guy senbei?!
However, gauging by this guy's demeanor, he wasn't likely to leave without getting a share of Sengoku's senbei collection today.
Realizing this, Sengoku reached behind him, grabbed a pouch of senbei, and tossed it directly at Garp's head.
Snapped--! !
Garp caught it effortlessly, shut the door firmly, and departed with contentment.
"Huh~ Finally getting rid of him."
With the troublesome Garp out of the way, Sengoku finally turned his attention back to Atlas and the other four.
"Atlas."
Sengoku's expression turned serious as he retrieved a golden Den Den Mushi from the drawer beside him, placing it prominently in front of the four.
"Now that you've ascended to the rank of Admiral, it's only fitting that you receive the authority that comes with it."
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