67. Sakazuki And Kuzan, Go Fight, Don't Hold Back!

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Marine Headquarters

Tread Tread.

"Hello, Chief Staff Officer!"

"Chief Tsuru!"

Vice Admiral Tsuru walked briskly into her office, her mind racing with ideas she couldn't afford to lose. She barely nodded to her subordinates who greeted her, too focused on her task to stop.

As she disappeared into her office, the Marine staff exchanged puzzled glances.

"What's going on with the Chief Staff Officer? She seems really anxious."

"I don't know, but I haven't seen her this on edge in years."

"She did just come from the Fleet Admiral's office after delivering the terms from the search bureau."

"But that was over an hour ago. Why is she still so tense?"

The Marines whispered among themselves, speculating on what could have rattled the usually composed Tsuru.

Then, someone spoke up, "Could it be that the Fleet Admiral has new plans?"

The room fell silent.

Everyone paused, their eyes widening as they considered the possibility. It made sense. Akira, the new Fleet Admiral, was known for his unconventional strategies. Whether it was the "Honey Plan" or the "God of Wealth Plan," his ideas always caught everyone off guard.

If Tsuru had received a new directive during her visit to Akira, it could mean the entire Marine force was about to get busy again.

"Quick! Everyone back to your stations and be ready for orders!" The deputy staff officer, freshly returned from recuperation, called out.

"Yes, sir!"

The Marines scrambled back to their desks, grabbing paper and pens, ready for whatever was coming. They sat at attention, eyes fixed on Tsuru's closed door, waiting.

Time dragged on, each second feeling like an eternity.

Finally, the door opened.

Tsuru, now calm and composed, stepped out.

"Rosinante, Robin, come here," she called.

Two figures quickly rose from nearby workstations and hurried over.

"Deputy Staff Officer, summon Sengoku, Garp, and Sakazuki," Tsuru continued.

"Yes, ma'am!"

That's five in total... Should I also call Borsalino and Kuzan? the deputy staff officer wondered as he quickly left to relay the orders.

"Come in with me," Tsuru instructed Rosinante and Robin as she led them back into her office, closing the door behind them and shutting out the prying eyes of the staff.

"Rosinante, you're in charge of the News Department now, correct?" Tsuru asked, her sharp gaze fixed on him.

Rosinante, the adopted son of Sengoku, was no stranger to Tsuru. But this was work, and the task at hand was too important for personal feelings to interfere.

At this moment, Tsuru's face was full of seriousness.

Seeing this, Rosinante knew the Chief Staff Officer had something important to discuss. He straightened up, giving a precise salute, and responded firmly, "Yes, Chief Staff Officer. I was specially appointed by the Fleet Admiral to take over as the General Manager of the News Department."

Tsuru nodded, her expression softening slightly. "I've seen all your reports, and I must say..."

She paused, recalling some of the more unconventional headlines, and had to stifle a smile. Regaining her composure, she continued, "They're truly innovative, capturing people's attention and making them want to learn more."

Rosinante responded with humility, "You're too kind. It's all under the Fleet Admiral's command."

"Don't be modest. Being chosen by Fleet Admiral Akira shows you've earned his trust."

Tsuru waved her hand, getting to the heart of the matter. "Fleet Admiral Akira has devised a new plan, and we'll need the News Department to help publicize it globally when the time comes."

"Understood. What is the plan?" Rosinante inquired.

Tsuru hesitated for a moment, realizing she hadn't asked for the plan's official name. The previous ones were dubbed the "Honey Plan" and the "God of Wealth Plan," so she was curious about what this new plan might be called.

"I'll have Gion check with Fleet Admiral Akira about the name later. For now, here's the general outline of the plan. You two can review it."

She handed over the documents she had meticulously organized, containing Akira's proposed plans, including the process and core ideas.

Rosinante and Robin, who had been quietly observing, took the documents and began to read them attentively.

"Wow, big brother has gotten even stronger," little Robin exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with joy. As a fellow Devil Fruit user, she understood the significance of a power breakthrough, knowing it meant her beloved brother Akira had become even more formidable.

Tsuru looked at Robin with a gentle smile, reaching out to stroke her hair. She remembered when Robin, while still young, had impressed her with her intelligence and resourcefulness during the operation to escort the Golden City back to Marine Headquarters from the Grand Line. Robin had been instrumental in liaising with the CP department and designing the plan to seize the pirates' treasure.

"Such a good child, so adorable!" Tsuru mused. "I wonder when I'll have a grandchild as cute and smart as you."

As a strategist, Tsuru had a soft spot for intelligent and kind-hearted individuals, and she had always taken special care of the bright young Marines. Six-year-old Robin had quickly become one of her favorites.

Robin beamed up at Tsuru, her smile full of warmth. "Grandma Tsuru, you'll definitely have one in a few years."

With that, she returned to reading the document.

Rosinante, on the other hand, remained composed. As he skimmed through the content, his eyes widened slightly before he returned to his usual calm demeanor. 

He was unfazed—used to it, even. It didn't surprise him at all that Akira would come up with another bold and eye-catching plan. After all, Akira had managed to devise the Honey and God of Wealth Plans when he was just a candidate for Fleet Admiral. Now that he had fully secured his position, wielded great authority, and had the backing of powerful allies, it was only natural for him to push boundaries further.

Indeed, here was another unprecedented plan for the Marines—something that hadn't been attempted in 800 years.

But this time, Rosinante was careful. He had learned his lesson. Even if he didn't know how it would turn out, he was determined not to make any hasty judgments.

After a moment, Tsuru asked, "You've both read through everything, right? So, you should have a clear understanding of what needs to be done."

Tsuru glanced at the two of them and began giving orders: "Next, I need you both to work with me to carry out the task assigned by Fleet Admiral Akira. Are you ready?"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

Rosinante's confident voice was accompanied by Robin's cute, yet determined reply, creating an odd but endearing contrast. Both stood at attention, their seriousness evident.

"Since you're in charge of the News Department, Rosinante, I'm entrusting you with the job of spreading the news. We need to ensure that the powerful and pirates around the world hear about it," Tsuru instructed.

Rosinante nodded, his expression firm. "Understood. I'll draft several versions so Fleet Admiral Akira can choose the best one."

"Rest assured, I'll make sure it shocks the whole world!"

His enthusiasm was clear, and his serious demeanor would have been almost comical if not for the gravity of the task.

Tsuru's mouth twitched slightly at his response, but she didn't object. After all, sensational news had proven to be both effective and in line with Akira's preferences. More importantly, it had been well-received by the public, so there was no reason to push back.

Turning to Robin, Tsuru spoke kindly, "Robin, I need you to help me compile the abilities and combat power of the individuals mentioned in the plan. Afterward, you'll join me in strategizing. Can you do that?"

"Yeah!" Robin nodded enthusiastically, though she nervously fidgeted with the hem of her skirt. She was determined to do her best.

Just then, outside the door, Sengoku, Garp, and the others arrived. Even before entering, they could be heard.

"Tsuru, what's so urgent that you called us all here?"

"Tsuru, we're here. What's going on?"

"Hello, Chief Staff Officer."

"Oh, Aunt Tsuru!"

One by one, they filed in, filling the small office with their presence.

"Hey, Rosinante, you're here too. Why didn't you say hi?" Garp's sharp eyes immediately caught sight of Rosinante. He walked over and gave him a hearty slap on the shoulder.

Rosinante winced in pain but quickly saluted, "This subordinate greets Vice Admiral Garp."

"Hey, that's boring!" Garp frowned, losing interest. He shook his head and grumbled, "You're starting to sound like the old Sengoku. No fun at all."

"Stupid boy, there's no need for formalities here. Call him Uncle Garp!" Sengoku chimed in, sounding like a lecturing father.

"Well, Mr. Sengoku's adopted son, you can call me Brother Kuzan," Kuzan added with a smirk.

"And you can call me Uncle Borsalino. I can handle it," Borsalino quipped, clearly teasing.

"You brat, don't think I can't hear you trying to take advantage of me!" Garp growled, grabbing Borsalino by the collar.

"Ahrara, why are you all arguing suddenly? Let's not be cowards, senpai!" Kuzan chuckled, adding fuel to the fire.

The Chief Staff Officer's office turned into a chaotic scene, more like a noisy marketplace than a meeting of the Marines' top brass. Tsuru sighed, rubbing her forehead in exasperation.

These were the five highest-ranking officers in Marine Headquarters, but in private, they acted like a group of unruly children. If the public ever saw them like this, it would shatter their image of the Marine.

Even though she had witnessed this scene countless times, Tsuru still found it hard to accept.

Knock knock knock!

She tapped on the desk, trying to get their attention, but it was futile.

Garp was busy wrestling Borsalino over seniority, while Sengoku and Kuzan continued to bicker. Only Sakazuki remained silent, standing stoically in the background, his face as unreadable as ever.

Tsuru's frustration was evident as veins began to throb on her forehead. Rosinante noticed and felt a shiver run down his spine. He knew that when Tsuru, normally so kind and gentle, lost her temper, the consequences were severe.

Memories of a "scary" childhood incident flashed in his mind, spurring him into action. He immediately shouted, "Fleet Admiral Akira has a new plan, targeting this era of great pirates!"

Silence.

The room went completely quiet, as if time itself had stopped. Sengoku, Garp, and the others froze in place, processing what Rosinante had just said.

Then, in the blink of an eye, they snapped back to attention, standing at their original positions, ready to listen.

"..Great Staff Officer, please announce!" Sengoku declared, his tone serious as he adjusted his cloak of justice.

Even Garp, usually so carefree, wore a serious expression, waiting quietly. Sakazuki's intense gaze focused on the documents on Tsuru's desk, while Borsalino and Kuzan remained silent, their curiosity piqued.

"This is the entire plan. Take a look," Tsuru said, regaining her composure as she handed over the document.

Sengoku was the first to take it, reading each word with utmost care. As he read, his eyes widened, and he subconsciously held his breath.

"Let me see it too," Garp said eagerly, leaning in to read over Sengoku's shoulder.

Soon, three more heads joined in from different angles, all reading the document with growing astonishment.

"Hiss..." Five simultaneous gasps filled the room.

Sengoku pointed at the file with a trembling hand and asked, "Can Akira really produce unlimited transformation leaves?"

"That's right, I saw it with my own eyes," Tsuru confirmed, nodding.

"But how is that possible? Those leaves are incredibly rare. If they could be produced in batches, why hasn't it been recorded in history?"

Tsuru shook her head, expressing her own disbelief. "I don't know either. Fruit development is dependent on the user, after all."

Even after reviewing the Devil Fruit encyclopedia, there was no mention of such an occurrence. If Tsuru hadn't witnessed it firsthand, she would have been just as skeptical as Sengoku.

Garp stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I've heard that Mythical Zoan fruits have their own consciousness, and they might choose their users in secret."

Borsalino raised an eyebrow. "So, it finally found the right user, allowing him to fully harness its power?"

Sakazuki snorted. "Those who previously held the fruit can't compare to Fleet Admiral Akira."

Kuzan nodded in agreement. "On that point, I agree with you."

As everyone began to accept the truth of Tsuru's words, she continued, "So there's no need to doubt. You must understand that all future plans hinge on Akira's ability to supply unlimited transformation leaves."

"If that premise fails, then this plan is meaningless."

The five officers nodded in unison. Indeed, whether it was duplicating abilities within the Marines, organizing three shifts for Impel Down prisoners, or using berries to attract powerful fighters from the sea, all of it depended on a massive supply of transformation leaves. Without them, the entire operation would collapse.

"Before we roll this out globally, we need to test it domestically first," Tsuru suggested. "To fully duplicate each other's abilities, the five of you..."

She paused, then proposed, "Why don't you find an island and have a serious fight? Only after battling each other can you fully replicate your opponent's power."

"Whether it's magma, light, or ice, these are abilities that can decimate pirates."

Her suggestion hung in the air, and while Sengoku and Garp seemed fine with it, the faces of Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan showed signs of reluctance.

They realized that this would likely mean getting beaten up by Sengoku and Garp, something none of them were particularly keen on. But, knowing it was a crucial step in the plan and beneficial for the Marines, they couldn't refuse.

"Alright, it's been a while since I've had a good fight with Mr. Garp," Kuzan sighed, smiling at Garp.

Garp clenched his fists, grinning broadly. "The old man also wants to see if your strength has improved."

"Mr. Sengoku, please don't go too hard on us later. Your Buddha form alone is terrifying!" Borsalino and Sakazuki exchanged nervous glances.

Sengoku nodded, unfazed. He knew that to fully harness the power of these duplications, he couldn't afford to hold back, even if the two of them were known for their laziness.

"If there's nothing else, get to it! I have plenty to do here," Tsuru said, dismissing them.

"Right. Oh, Tsuru, what's the name of this project?" Garp asked as they prepared to leave.

"I don't know. I didn't have time to ask," Tsuru admitted.