CHAPTER 8

Grand Line, Marineford, Fleet Admiral's Office.

*BOOM!*

"Garp, is everything you say true?" Sengoku's face showed an expression of surprise after listening to all the reports submitted by Garp about the task he was doing.

"Sengoku, we have been friends for years. Do you think I need to lie to you?" Garp's voice behind the Den-Den Mushi said casually and continued back, "Sengoku. We better not make trouble on this island. The inhabitants of this island also have no intention of meddling in the affairs of the outside world. As long as we don't bother them, they won't bother us either."

Sengoku who had just listened to Garp's report also knew Garp's advice was the best. Sengoku also didn't want to antagonize an extremely terrifying power like the power that the Island of the Nine Beast Kings possessed which had Ten mighty powers equal to the Emperor of the Sea.

"I see. I don't want to be their enemy either." Sengoku sighed tiredly. Sengoku himself couldn't imagine that what was hidden behind the mist was something so terrifying, "By the way, Garp. You said Ares will go to sea two years from now, right? Can he be pulled in to—"

"Don't expect it, Sengoku" Garp suddenly cut off the conversation from Sengoku.

"Ha? What do you mean, Garp?" Sengoku frowned as he felt strange about Garp's intentions.

"Don't expect to invite Ares to join the Marines, Sengoku. I've tried it once. However, Ares immediately rejected it."

"Reject it? Why? Does he have the desire to become a Pirate?" Sengoku's face immediately showed seriousness along with signs of fear. Because according to a report from Garp, Ares is currently still very young at 15 years old and Ares currently has a very terrible combat power even Garp himself is not sure of winning against Ares.

"Hahahahahaha....." Garp didn't answer right away but laughed at Sengoku's question which was similar to his question.

"Garp!" Sengoku immediately roared in annoyance at being laughed at by Garp, "Garp! Do you think this is a trivial matter? With the level of strength that Ares has according to your report. If Ares becomes a Pirate, do you think this is an easy matter?"

"Hahahahaha…. As for that matter, Sengoku. You don't worry. Ares himself is not interested in being a pirate. Even Ares hates Pirates" Garp said happily.

"Hate Pirates?" Finally Sengoku's emotions subsided a little.

"Yes. According to the story told by him, Ares' hometown was destroyed by the pirates. I guess that's what made him hate pirates."

"I see" Sengoku nodded and then continued again, "Then what does Ares intend to do at sea two years from now?" Sengoku asked curiously.

"Ares wants to be an adventurer"

"An adventurer? Why be an adventurer? By the way, Garp. Why don't you try asking him again? Why doesn't he want to be a Marine? With a background like that, you can try to persuade him to become a Marine, Garp" Sengoku tried again.

"No way, Sengoku. Ares still doesn't want to be a Marine. The concept of justice that he has is different from the concept of justice that the Navy has. Besides, I'm even wondering if this concept of justice that the Navy has is a true concept of justice" Garp said seriously.

"Ha? What do you mean, Garp?" Sengoku asked curiously.

"Sengoku, you think. What is the concept of justice?" Garp suddenly asked seriously.

"The concept of justice? I think the concept of justice is to help and look after the weak citizens" Sengoku stated his opinion.

Garp sighed, "Sengoku, we have the same concept of justice. However, our concept of justice is also not a real concept of justice."

"Isn't the real concept of justice?" Sengoku started to become more curious.

"Um…. Yesterday when I offered Ares an offer to join the Marines. Before Ares answered his question, Ares asked me first about the issue of the concept of justice. Bogart and I answered it which was almost the same as yours. However, according to Ares, the concept of justice that we have is not a concept of justice but a concept of helping."

"Not a concept of justice but a concept of helping?" Sengoku muttered under his breath, "Then Garp. What is Ares' concept of justice?" Sengoku became even more curious.

"Ares's own concept of justice is a concept of justice that does not discriminate about status, honor, and also the level of position held. As long as that person commits a crime, that person must be punished according to the same punishment as what he had done. Ares said in his concept, Ares doesn't care whether it's a good person, bad person, official, noble, Marine, even if it's a Tenryuubito. As long as that person did something wrong, that person should be punished. The example given is when someone steals 500 million in the bank and that person is a good person, that person still has to be punished with the same punishment as his actions, namely that person must return the 500 million money where the person stole it. That's Ares' concept of justice. And in my opinion, Sengoku, this concept of justice is a real concept of justice and our current concept of justice is not a real concept of justice but a helping concept. Because according, Ares. If the Marines used the concept of justice like hers, there wouldn't be any special rights possessed by the Tenryuubito."

"…" Sengoku was silent after listening to Garp's explanation regarding the concept of justice. Sengoku himself is an intelligent person, only listening to the concept of justice that was just conveyed by Garp, Sengoku knows that his current concept of justice is not the concept of justice but the concept of helping as Garp said.

" Looks like it's impossible to invite Ares to join the Navy. Huuuu…. Too bad, if only Ares can join, then the Navy's strength will become even stronger. However…. It's not a bad thing for him not to join the Marines as long as Ares doesn't become a pirate." Sengoku breathed a sigh of relief.

"By the way, Sengoku. I won't be back for now until next month" Garp suddenly woke Sengoku from his thoughts.

"Ha? What's the reason, Garp? Hurry back! You have completed all your tasks. You still have a lot of work to do right now" Sengoku said annoyed.

"Impossible! Isn't there still time for the current assignment you gave me, Sengoku? There's still more than a month left. I want to use that time. In addition, I have been invited to battle Goku one of the Beast Kings on the Nine Beast Kings Island. There's no way I'd miss this battle after watching the previous two battles." Garp said casually.

"What?! W-wait! W-what did you say last?" Sengoku asked with a surprised face.

"Didn't you hear it? Sengoku? I was just challenged by Goku one of the Kings of Beasts on the island of the Nine Kings of Beasts. The battle will take place next month. I don't want to miss this battle especially after watching yesterday's two very interesting battles." Garp paused for a moment and continued again, "The stint time you gave me was two months, right? I've finished the current task and there's still time left. I want to use the remaining time on the task."

Sengoku took a deep breath trying to calm himself then said, "Okay, Garp. You can do it. However, can you broadcast the battle you are having next month?"

"Broadcast it? Do you want to watch it?" Garp asked.

"Isn't it obvious? Apart from that, I also want to see the fighting strength of the Beast Kings and also see the environmental conditions around the island."

"Oh I see. In that case, you just ask Ares whether this can be done or not."

"Ask Ares? Wait Garp! Are you with Ares at the moment?" Sengoku was surprised to hear Garp's words.

"Yes. I am currently with him. Ares is right beside me right now."

"Then Garp. Give him this Den-Den Mushi. I want to try to communicate with him."

"Okay" Garp replied casually and suddenly Den-Den Mushi's face suddenly changed to that of a younger and energetic man, "Hello…. Is this Fleet Admiral, Sengoku-san?"

"Yes. With me here. Nice to meet you, Ares" Sengoku said in a friendly tone.

"Nice to meet you too, Sengoku-san. By the way, Sengoku-san. I've been listening to all your talk with Garp-san. It's actually fine to broadcast the battle. It's just, you know right? The fog that covers the island is blocking Den-Den Mushi's lines of communication. Therefore, it is impossible to broadcast it live."

"....." Sengoku finally remembered the matter that Garp had just reported.

"However…. If you want to watch the battle. I can help by recording the battle that Garp-san, and Goku will have. You can watch the battle later after Garp-san returns to Marineford. How?"

Sengoku's eyes immediately lit up at the thought of it, "No problem. Can you help to record the battle?"

"No problem. Only, I don't have Den-Den Mushi to record it. You need to prepare everything so I can help you."

"It's just a small thing. Later I will inform Garp about this matter" Sengoku said casually.

"Okay" Ares just nodded.

"…..By the way, Ares. Aren't you going to consider joining the Navy again?" Sengoku again tried to invite Ares.

"Sorry, Sengoku-san. That's not possible. As long as your concept of justice is still the same as it is today. It's impossible for me to join the Navy." Ares immediately refused.

"So. Too bad you can't join." Sengoku sighed in disappointment that someone like Ares couldn't join the Marines.

"That's how it is. Sengoku-san, I will return this to Garp-san"

Den-Den Mushi again changed his face to Garp.

"Hahahahahaha….. Didn't I tell you before, Sengoku? There was no way Ares would join the Navy. I want to know how the public will react if they know that someone has rejected the Fleet Admiral's request?" There was an immediate burst of laughter the moment Den-Den Mushi returned to Garp.

"Garp!" Sengoku's face immediately turned black and embarrassed.

"Hehehe… Sengoku, don't be so low-minded."

Sengoku tried to calm himself back down and said, "Okay, Garp. about your proposal, I will agree. However, you should come back with footage of the battles you did. Understand?"

"Hi… Hi… I understand. All right, Sengoku. Then, I'll turn it off." Garp without waiting for Sengoku's response, immediately turned off the Den-Den Mushi which made Sengoku's face blacken again.

"Brannew!" Sengoku shouted to summon one of his aides.

The door to the Fleet Admiral's room opened and Brannew came straight in while saluting, "Is there an order, Sengoku-san?"

"Call all the top Marines who are at Marineford into the meeting room. There are some things I want to tell them."

"I see." Brannew immediately saluted back and immediately walked off to carry out his duties.

********

Some time passed.

Marineford, Meeting Room.

Inside the meeting room, there were a large number of high-ranking Marines. People who can participate in this meeting have at least the position of Rear Admiral of the Navy. There was seen Sengoku as Admiral Armana Marine occupying the front seat while beside Sengoku was seen Vice Admiral Tsuru who served as Chief of the Navy Staff. Beside Tsuru, there are two people who serve as Marine Admirals, namely Borsalino with the code name Kizaru and Kuzan with the code name Aokiji. And others are the ranks of Vice Admiral and Rear Admiral of the Navy.

At this moment everyone who took part in this meeting had serious faces after listening to Sengoku's report regarding the report Garp had just presented to him.

"So scary~ East Blue which was declared the weakest sea actually hides such terrifying power. Even a 15 year old child has extremely frightening combat power" Borsalino responded in a slow tone.

"Arara ~ Garp-san is very lucky to have the opportunity to enter the island" Kuzan who usually sleeps in a meeting this time didn't do it because he felt this meeting was very interesting to follow.

"Sengoku, according to the report submitted by Garp. Ares is a boy who has a clean background and also has a dark past with the Pirates. Why don't we try to get him to join the Navy?" Tsuru asked while looking at Sengoku and continued again, "If he joins the Navy, our Navy's combat strength will increase even more and maybe we can get a chance to use the island as our Navy training base."

"I also agree with Vice Admiral Tsuru's opinion, Sengoku-san. How about we get Ares to join the Marines? We can't just ignore the power of Ares. If he goes down the wrong path, our Navy will definitely get into a lot of trouble going forward." Vice Admiral Momonga immediately voiced his opinion.

"Right, right, Sengoku-san. We have to attract Ares to join the Navy. That way, our fighting power will increase even more. We will be easy to rule over the New World" Vice Admiral Stailess also voiced his opinion.

Sengoku sighed, "Do you think you are the only ones who want Ares to join the Marines? I myself also want Ares to join, it's just that Ares himself refuses to join the Navy."

"Refuse? What's the reason, Sengoku?" Tsuru frowned.

"Ares's concept of justice is very different from our current concept of justice" Sengoku said seriously. Actually one of the reasons why Sengoku held this meeting was because he wanted to discuss the concept of justice that the Navy currently has.

"What do you mean this concept of justice that we have is different from the concept of justice that Ares has?" Tsuru asked curiously. Not only was Tsuru curious but all the Marines who attended this meeting were curious about the concept of justice.

"Ares himself has a concept of justice that does not look at the status and position held by a person. Ares thinks whether it's a good person, a bad person, a leader of a country, a noble, even a noble of the world itself as long as that person commits a crime or an unlawful act. The person must be punished according to the applicable punishment. Ares sees that the justice that the Navy currently has is not justice but the concept of helping. The concept of justice owned by Ares himself emphasizes justice as the highest law. That's the concept of justice according to him" Sengoku sighed and then said back, "To be honest, after I think about Ares's concept of justice, his own concept of justice is the true concept of justice. While the concept of justice that we adhere to so far is as stated by Ares, our concept is the concept of helping. Where we only help enforce the law for people who need it and not for people who act criminally "

"....." Everyone who followed the average fell silent. Everyone in this room themselves are navy veterans and have seen the darkness of this world for a long time and even know the dark side of the Navy and the World Government.

"Arara~ Interesting child" Kuzan's face revealed a small smile. Kuzan himself, after listening to Ares' thoughts on the concept of justice, began to be a little interested in Ares and even had the desire to meet this child.

Tsuru sighed, "I see. It seemed impossible to invite Ares to join the Marines. With his concept of justice, it is very likely that Ares will immediately punish the Tenryuubioto the moment he sees them committing a crime."

"It's scary~ If Ares does something like that, our Navy will get in a lot of trouble" Borsalino immediately added Tsuru's opinion.

"Looks like you still have something to tell us, Sengoku." Tsuru who was very familiar with Sengoku immediately knew after seeing Sengoku's face that there was still something to say.

"Um…" Sengoku nodded and continued, "Next month, I would like all the top Marines to attend because there is a battle video that we will be watching at the same time."

"Battle videos? whose battle is Sengoku-san?" asked Vice Admiral Cancer.

"We will watch the battle video from Garp."

"Vice Admiral Garp's battle video?"

"Boy, the battle that Vice Admiral Garp fought? This battle must be very interesting."

"Sengoku-san, which battle video are we going to watch?"

"Why can't we watch it now, Sengoku-san?"

"Garp himself has obtained an invitation from one of the Beast Kings to battle next month. Previously I had asked Ares to be able to broadcast the battle live. However, due to communication problems caused by the security fog surrounding the island, the communication network would not be possible. Therefore, I asked Ares for help to record the video of the battle. I want everyone who doesn't have next month's assignment to come to watch the video of the battle. We were able to learn various things related to the environment as well as the fighting styles of the creatures that live there."

"Vice Admiral Garp is going to battle one of the Beast Kings?"

"Wow, this battle must be really amazing"

"Gion, who do you think will win in that battle?" One of the Vice Admirals, Vice Admiral Tokitake, asked Vice Admiral Gion who was sitting beside him.

Gion frowned, "I can't confirm this. Based on the explanation given by Sengoku-san, the strength of this Beast King is very strong even on par with the Emperor of the Sea. It will be very difficult to predict who will win in that battle."

Kuzan's eyes immediately showed excitement after hearing this, " Garp-san is going to fight? Hopefully I can be invited to watch the battle live."

"By the way, Sengoku. Have you shared information regarding the Island of the Nine Beast Kings to the Gorosei?" Tsuru suddenly asked which made everyone in the meeting silent.

"Not yet. I have no intention of telling them this. After all, this kind of thing also poses no threat to the Navy and the World Government. We don't need to tell them this just yet" Sengoku analyzed the question then answered.

"I also agree. In addition, it is better for us not to share this information with others. Because it would be very dangerous if this information was known by many people, more specifically known by pirates like Kaido. If Kaido got to know this information, he would definitely go there and throw a tantrum. it might make the inhabitants of the island angry and start interfering with the affairs of the outside world" Tsuru said seriously.

"I know" Sengoku frowned as he looked at the people attending the meeting, "The information here will be classified as top-level information. No one can disclose this information to outsiders unless with my permission. If anyone violates, that person will be punished according to military punishment, understand?"

"We understand, Sengoku-san" Everyone nodded. However, Sengoku himself did not know that in one of his subordinates there was a spy who was infiltrated by a pirate, namely the Donquixote Pirates, namely Vice Admiral Vergo. Vergo, who has the position of Vice Admiral, has the right to participate in this meeting.

" Interesting. I must immediately contact and report this to Young Master" Vergo thought seriously. Vergo was sure Doflaming would be happy to hear this information provided by him.

"Alright, today's meeting is over. You can go back to your respective duties."

Everyone nodded and immediately stood up from where they walked out of the meeting room to continue their respective duties. At this time only Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Naval Chief of Staff Tsuru, Admiral Kizaru, and Admiral Aokiji were there.

"Sengoku-san, I want to ask for leave until next month" Kuzan suddenly asked while looking at Sengoku.

"Ha? Paid leave? What is the reason?" Sengoku asked seriously. As an admiral or the highest fighting force belonging to the Navy, they are indispensable to maintain the consistency of the current sea. Especially now that there was a commotion in the New World due to the power struggle over territory.

Kuzan was silent for a while while thinking of a good reason to ask for leave. Tsuru who saw this immediately asked, "Do you want to go watch the battle live?"

Kuzan was immediately surprised to hear his wish was known by Tsuru.

"Wah~ Kuzan, I didn't expect someone like you who is always lazy to do something would have the interest to go watch the battle" Borsalino said as a glint flashed across his eyes.

"Aren't you the same, Borsalino. You must be interested in watching the battle live, right? Moreover, it's rare to be able to watch a battle with this level of power" Kuzan asked while raising his brow to look at Borsalino.

Sengoku sighed and looked at Kuzan, "It's fine for you to take time off so you can watch the battle. The current Grand Land is also still in a state of calm. However, you must get permission to go watch. As long as you get permission, I will give you leave. However, if you don't, you must stay here."

Kuzan's eyes showed enthusiasm, "Arara~ It doesn't matter, Sengoku-san. I will definitely get it" Kuzan immediately took out his Den-Den Mushi and immediately called Garp. It didn't take long for the phone line to connect.

"Hello, Garp here"

"Garp-san. This is Kuzan"

"Oh, Kuzan? Son, what do you want?"

"We just finished a meeting here and Sengoku-san just gave us a report regarding the task you did. Also, Sengoku-san informed us that you will be fighting against one of the Beast Kings over there."

"Hahahahaha…. What did Bastard Sengoku tell you?" Garp laughed excitedly while Sengoku's face instantly turned black.

"Yes. Sengoku-san told us that. By the way, Garp-san. Can I come with you to watch your battle next month?"

"Come along? You mean to come with me to the Nine Beast Kings Island?"

"Yes. I've asked Sengoku-san a leave on the condition that I can participate to enter the island. Garp-san, can I come along with you?"

"Well, I can't decide. I can only ask—- Oh, is that all right? Hey, Kuzan. Ares said that you can come along to watch."

"Arara~ Am I approved to go watch? Good." Kuzan said in a calm tone but he was very excited.

"Yes. Ares agrees for you to come along. Oh yes? Kuzan, you better come here straight away. Once every seven days, there would be a battle fought by the Beast Kings. There was a battle just yesterday and the next one will be six days from now—"

"Wait! Garp! What did you say? Once every seven days there will be a battle?" Suddenly Sengoku immediately shouted with a surprised tone. Even Borsalino and Tsuru were surprised to hear this.

"Ha? Is that Sengoku's voice?" Garp asked in confusion.

Sengoku immediately got up from his seat and took Kuzan's Den-Den Mushi and said, "Garp! What do you mean by a battle that takes place once every seven days?"

"Ah? The once-seven-day battle was a battle waged by two Monstrous Beast Kings. Every day there is always a battle going on in the battle arena. However, there is such a thing as a seven-day battle. The battle was carried out by the King of the Beasts. Incredible, the battle was extraordinary." Garp said excitedly.

"Bastard! Why didn't you tell me that earlier?"

"Ah? I didn't tell him? Hahahahaha…. Looks like this Old Man forgot. Besides, you didn't even ask me."

"Bastard! How can I find out?!" Sengoku roared again.

"Well, well, don't be angry, Sengoku. Didn't I tell you about that? By the way, I'll turn it off first. I will soon arrive in my hometown and want to see my cute grandson. Also, remember Kuzan, you better get over here soon. Don't miss the battle. We will wait for you in my hometown"

Without waiting for a reply, Garp immediately hung up the call.

"Bastard!" Sengoku immediately roared in annoyance for not sharing this very important information beforehand.

Kuzan slowly took his Den-Den Mushi and stood up from his seat.

"Where are you going?" Sengoku asked with a blackened face.

"Arara~ Didn't I get leave of absence, Sengoku-san? Then, I'll go first. See you next month everyone." With a rare relaxed Kuzan full of happy feelings stepped out of the meeting room and immediately returned to his house to prepare everything.

"Cough~ Cough~ Sengoku-san, can I get a leave of absence?" Suddenly Borsalino raised his voice.

"What leave? Do you want to go watch the battle too? Impossible! One of the Admirals had already taken leave, the others were unable to take it. Just wait until the video footage is there and we watch it together" Sengoku immediately roared in annoyance.

"But… But, Sengoku-san. Isn't that unfair?" Borsalino tried to express his opinion.

"Unfair? How unfair?" Sengoku asked while frowning.

"Can't we only watch one game? While Kuzan himself was calculating the time from now until the battle fought by Vice Admiral Garp, counting him would be watching five battles in a row. Sengoku-san, isn't that unfair to us?"

"I agree too, Sengoku. We should also ask Garp to record the battles of the other Beast Kings so we can also get some viewing time." Tsuru agreed with Borsalino's opinion.

Sengoku thought about the two's opinions and also agreed "I understand. I'll call Garp back to let him know."

They talked for a while then returned to their respective work rooms to continue their work since it was still work time and not yet time to go home.