36 Chapter - 36

Inside the brightly lit, Fleet Admiral's office, Kong sat in front of some thick bunch of documents, dealing with his everyday Marine administrative matters.

The situation of the sea was something that was always on his mind, and evidently, it had been anything but, calm.

Fortunately, part of his old, worried heart had nowadays been getting more and more delighted, because of the new generation of his subordinates — something he was very proud of.

"Sengoku, what can you say about today's battle?" He asked looking at Sengoku, who was similarly buried in a pile of documents, apparently helping him with the official work.

"Hmm..." He pondered while laying down the documents in his hand on the table. "In terms of power, unparalleled."

"Out with it..." Kong spoke, seeing Sengoku's indecisiveness.

Letting out a long *Sigh*, "I'm not sure... What they're 'Justice' is..."

"Oh..." Kong said, and raised a brow before asking, "you're worried we might have our hands full?"

"Aren't you?" Sengoku returned the question.

Kong let out a "Humm", while leaning back, and getting comfortable. "As long as they can follow orders... I don't care whether they're lazy, violent, or..." He paused momentarily before saying with a smile, "ethical..."

"Victor?" Blurted out Sengoku.

"No one in particular..." Kong shrugged, — he simply did not want to mention names.

Sengoku was smarter than that, and seeing no reason to argue, he too added, "You're right. They're soldiers. As long as they can follow orders, the rest matters little."

Sengoku was a man who would prioritize order, over any little chaos. His motto was 'Reigning Justice,' — upholding Justice over all things. And while it's not uncompromising as absolute, he would still, decisively choose to kill one, if it would save 10 in return.

"Still, that doesn't mean we'll let them do whatever they want." Kong said. "After Sakazuki recovers, and before his fight against Victor, I want to have a long talk with him."

"Hmm... The doctor says in two... no more than three weeks... He should be recovered completely." Sengoku said.

"And what of Borsalino?"

"A month, at most." Said Sengoku.

*Sigh* "I need them on the sea... Fast..." Kong said while wrinkling his brows.

"We still have Victor's match against Lionel... What about it?" Inquired Sengoku.

"What about it?" Kong inquired back, seemingly not understanding the problem.

"He asked to cancel his battle against Victor... With his current injuries and all... Plus he probably knows... That he basically has zero chance of victory against the boy..."

"Then cancel it!" Kong gave a decisive response. "We'll do like the boy asked... Saves us time anyways."

"I agree too..." Said Sengoku.

"Right," Kong followed while straightening his back, and his tone sounded more like he had made a decision.

"Spread the word... Via News-Coo... To everywhere... Lionel forfeits due to being heavily injured, and the last battle, Victor versus Sakazuki, to be held three weeks from now!"

"I'll make the arrangements, sir." Spoke Sengoku with a more serious expression.

Kong once again leaned back on his chair. "Shiki, Newgate,and Linlin... These wastes are causing us more and more trouble..."

"I think you forgot one..."

"Roger..." He spoke sharply, — one can hear the anger behind his tone. "This bastard continues meddling with things he clearly should not..."

"We'll catch him, sir..." Sengoku added, seemingly to comfort his now indignant boss.

Kong only gave him a decisive look, and did not comment further. However, for Sengoku, Kong's gaze clearly translated akin to "you better!"

Kong was tired, they both were. There was so much trouble, — all around the world, the four seas, and the Grand-Line, — being accumulated, making their days feel like weeks.

An uncomfortable silence filled the room, as Kong and Sengoku pondered about the trouble that lay ahead of them.

A minute later, "Go... Get some rest..." Kong mumbled, breaking their uneasy silence. "I'll take care of the rest..."

"Right..." Said Sengoku. He got up, gave his frustrated boss one final glance and walked towards the door. "Good night, sir..." He added, before exiting.

At the same time, Zephyr's residence.

*Chip*

*Ting*

Sounds of knives and forks tingling with each other spread inside the dining room where two people sat, enjoying what appears to be some first-class delicacies.

They were, of course, Victor and his uncle, Zephyr.

"...Are you sure?" Zephyr spoke, seemingly responding to a statement made previously.

"Hmm... Sakazuki's Devil-Fruit doesn't threaten me, unless I get swamped directly. And that's not gonna happen... I'm confident about my speed." Victor responded in a tone that sounded neither too arrogant, nor too cheerful.

"Still, I don't want you taking any unnecessary risks... His Devil-Fruit power is dangerous... Even for us. So it's ok... If you feel like you can't win... just call it a day..."

Victor gave a sincere smile in return, before saying, "Sure, Uncle. And besides, aren't you, the Fleet Admiral, and Vice-Admiral Garp always on the ready..."

"Oh... What makes you say that?"

"C'mon, uncle. Surely you all wouldn't sit idle watching the Marines future in danger... "

"Haha..." Zephyr chuckled, his expression spoke of his cheerful mood. "If it weren't you who spoke those words, i would've smacked the person in the head... for sounding arrogant... Hahah"

"Aah... please don't... I've been whacked by that old bastard- *Cough* *Cough*, by Vice-Admiral Garp's so-called iron fist of love, several times the past seven months... I felt everything but love... " Victor made a shivering gesture, portraying the feelings behind his words.

"Hahaha..."

For anyone who would witness this scene inside this dining room, their hearts would too get affected by the genuine, cheerful laughter.

After having spent several months with Zephyr, listening, exchanging stories, even simply having meals together, Victor now had developed sincere care for the man.

Zephyr was truly, a man with the kindest heart. Victor had already strengthened his already determined resolve. To truly care for him, and more importantly, protect this man from fate her self.

After all, this wasn't some fantasy story... This was his life now. The people, and the feelings behind them were as real as it could be.

-Some time later.

"Uncle..." Victor spoke while busying himself with clearing the empty plates.

"Hmm..."

"Can we do some sparring tomorrow..." His back was now facing Zephyr, who was going through some documents, still sitting at the dining table.

Zephyr raised his head, smiled, then went back to reading the papers. "Sure... come six in the morning..." He said while flipping a page.

Victor gave a half smile and did not respond.

Time flew, hours turned into days and before you know it, it had been three weeks,and the very anticipated time of the inevitable battle had finally come.

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AN:

I know I said to post the chapter after three days, but, I had some free time at work, and... Yea here it is.

Something to lighten the mood, and some character development. Words just came to my mind, and I had to get them out.

I literally wrote this in under two hours, on my phone, while at work. I'm sorry for there may be some grammar or slips here and there.

STONES STONES STONES, KEEP SENDING POWER STONES AND UP THIS PIECE TO THE SUMMIT... 🤣

I'm just kidding, but please, do spare those precious stones, and see if we can raise my novel to at least top 20.

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