Haggard

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Since the last time Fleet Admiral Sengoku received a report from Akainu, there had been no further updates. Even when he tried to establish contact, there was no response.

In his office, Sengoku sighed heavily. His once jet-black hair now showed streaks of white, reflecting the immense pressure he'd endured these past few days as the newly appointed Fleet Admiral.

Dong dong dong!

A knock came at the office door. Sengoku looked up as Aokiji entered.

As a staunch member of the Navy's Dove faction since his early days, Aokiji had always maintained a relatively relaxed rapport with Sengoku, who had been instrumental in his rise through the ranks.

"Aokiji, how did your mission go?" Sengoku asked, his tone carrying a faint hope. "I trust you're not bringing more bad news."

Aokiji scratched the back of his neck with a wry smile. "Well, Fleet Admiral, it's complicated. During my investigation, I discovered that Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom, and Red-Haired Shanks seem to be consolidating their power. They're being referred to as the 'Four Emperors' of the New World."

"The 'Four Emperors'?" Sengoku repeated, his brows knitting together.

At that moment, a Marine delivered the latest issue of the World Economic Journal. The headline emblazoned across the front page read: "The Rise of the Four Emperors!"

After scanning the article, Sengoku's expression darkened. "This is a blatant challenge to the Navy's authority and the balance of power!"

But even as he voiced his outrage, his mind turned to troubling thoughts of Roja and Akainu.

The establishment of the Four Emperors marked a seismic shift in the world's power structure. Meanwhile, mysterious organizations operated in the shadows, Roja's whereabouts remained unknown, and Akainu was missing and presumed gravely injured.

The Navy's strength was at an all-time low. Even Sengoku, renowned as a "Strategist," found himself overwhelmed by the daunting challenges ahead.

Brring... Brring...

The phone transponder rang, breaking his thoughts. Sengoku frowned. "I hope this isn't more bad news," he muttered before answering.

Before he could speak, an elated voice shouted from the other end, "Fleet Admiral Sengoku! Admiral White Dove and Vice Admiral Akainu have returned!"

The excitement in the caller's voice was palpable, almost stumbling over the words in their haste.

Sengoku froze for a moment, processing the unexpected news. Then, realizing the weight of it, his face lit up with joy.

"What did you say? White Dove and Akainu are back?!"

"Yes, sir! Admiral White Dove appears unscathed, but Akainu's injuries are severe."

Relief washed over Sengoku. "They're back… Thank goodness!"

Without hesitation, Sengoku ordered the medical team to prepare for Akainu's treatment. Disciplinary measures for Akainu could wait—his survival took precedence.

Turning back to the transponder snail, he barked, "Mobilize the troops! Prepare a hero's welcome!"

The entire Marineford sprang into action. The news spread like wildfire, and officers and soldiers alike lined the port in anticipation. Sengoku also notified Kalifa, who had recently joined CP9. She immediately requested leave to join the welcome party.

Meanwhile, Admiral Zefa, now equipped with a mechanical right arm infused with seastone, joined Sengoku at the port. With him were the naval recruits Roja had previously saved, who viewed him as a hero.

On the horizon, Roja's ship approached. At the helm, Roja gazed at the Navy soldiers gathered in his honor. A gentle smile touched his lips as he steered the ship into port.

When the ship docked, Akainu was immediately whisked away by the medical team, leaving Roja to bask in the thunderous applause and cheers.

Sengoku stepped forward; his earlier weariness replaced with vigor. He studied Roja, his tone warm. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Roja replied with a small shrug. "I forgot my transponder snail, the island I was on got destroyed, and I picked up an injured Akainu on the way back. Just the usual."

Sengoku's lips twitched, then broke into a broad grin. "Good! Good! Good!" he exclaimed, clapping Roja firmly on the shoulder. Turning to the assembled Marines, he raised his voice.

"Soldiers, let us give Admiral White Dove the welcome he deserves!"

"Welcome back, Admiral White Dove!" the Marines roared in unison. Their cheers grew louder, reverberating across Marineford as Roja's name echoed in the air.

Amid the celebration, Kalifa suddenly darted through the crowd and threw herself into Roja's arms. Her usual composure melted as she clung tightly to him, tears streaming down her face.

"Roja, you're safe! You're really safe!" she cried, burying her face in his chest.

Before Roja could respond, another figure approached. This time, it was Hina. Though she remained outwardly calm, her eyes betrayed her excitement at seeing him again.

Sengoku, watching the scene unfold, suppressed a sigh. "I suppose it can't be helped," he muttered, shaking his head with a wry smile. Handsome men always seemed to attract attention.

The Marines, however, could barely contain their envy. Kalifa and Hina were widely regarded as two of the Navy's most beautiful officers. Watching both women gravitate toward Roja was a blow to morale.

As if to top it off, Zefa stepped forward, bringing Ain with him. Clearing his throat, Zefa addressed Roja formally.

"Admiral White Dove, I owe you an unpayable debt for saving my life and my recruits. Should you ever need assistance, you have my word—I'll follow you through fire and brimstone."

The Marines gasped in shock. Zefa's statement carried immense weight, considering his status as a former admiral and one of the Navy's most respected figures.

Roja, however, waved it off modestly. "Teacher Zefa, you're too kind. Stopping Whitebeard Jr. was a matter of justice—it was my duty."

Sengoku sighed quietly. Roja's strength was undeniable, but his composure and humility set him apart. If only Akainu could temper his absolutism with the same balance...

Breaking the moment, Sengoku said, "Roja, let's continue this in my office. You've earned some rest."

Roja smiled faintly. "Of course, Fleet Admiral. Though… about that ship I bought—any chance of reimbursement?"

Sengoku sighed again. This was going to be a long day.

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