"Borsalino… you might want to consider running."
After a long silence, Sengoku's low, grave voice finally came through the Den Den Mushi.
Kizaru's relaxed expression froze instantly. Deep lines creased his forehead as he dropped his usual careless demeanor, his tone turning uncharacteristically serious.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, is it really that bad?"
On the other end of the line, Sengoku sighed heavily. "What Eli Winters did this time crossed a line. He didn't just kill Celestial Dragons, he dragged their faces and the World Government's authority through the mud in front of everyone. If there's no retaliation, the government's deterrence will collapse."
Vice Admiral Momonga frowned in confusion. "But hasn't Eli killed Celestial Dragons before? Why is this time different?"
"The circumstances aren't the same," Sengoku explained. "Before, there were very few witnesses. And Eli's strength was overwhelming, so the World Government chose not to pursue him openly. This time, he killed Celestial Dragons in full view of the public. That's a direct challenge to the World Government's authority."
"But that still doesn't mean I need to run," Kizaru muttered bitterly. "I couldn't beat him anyway. That's not my fault."
Sengoku was silent for a moment before speaking again. "Come back first. Momonga, take the fleet and continue toward the Sabaody Archipelago, but do nothing for now. Wait there for my orders."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral," Momonga replied, snapping to attention.
As for Kizaru, he transformed into a streak of yellow light and flew back toward Marine Headquarters with a miserable expression.
Eli Winters, you really ruined me this time.
Sengoku set the Den Den Mushi down and rubbed his temples. Why did it always have to be that man?
At this point, Eli was the last person Sengoku wanted to deal with. Every move he made was enough to give someone a heart attack. Worse still, his strength was absurdly overwhelming, leaving no real way to deal with him.
"Looks like I'm destined to get scolded," Sengoku muttered. With a resigned sigh, he dialed his former superior.
Something like this absolutely required dragging the boss out to take the hit. Otherwise, what was the point of being the boss?
As soon as the Den Den Mushi connected, Sengoku launched straight into the explanation without giving Kong a chance to speak. When he finished, he deliberately set the Den Den Mushi a little farther away.
Just as expected, Kong's face on the shell was twisted with fury as he roared, "Sengoku, you idiot! Why are you telling me this? I'm practically retired! Can't you let an old man rest? Are you trying to get me killed? I may be your superior, but I don't manage Marine affairs anymore! Can't you report this yourself?"
"I will always be your subordinate," Sengoku replied solemnly.
"Get lost. Just looking at you annoys me," Kong snapped.
Sengoku rubbed his hands together and grinned. "So… about this matter?"
"Wait," Kong replied irritably, then hung up.
"I just hope things won't turn out the way I'm thinking," Sengoku muttered, scratching his iconic afro anxiously.
What he did not know was that the situation was far worse than he imagined.
After hanging up, Kong wasted no time heading straight for the Five Elders' chamber.
Though he had cursed nonstop, he knew this was something only he could report. Sengoku's seniority simply was not enough to shield Kizaru if things went bad.
Not long after Kong entered the chamber, five terrifying waves of pressure erupted from within, sweeping across the entire Pangaea Castle. Furious roars echoed through the halls.
"Eli Winters has gone too far. We will kill him."
"Kill."
"Kill."
"Kill."
"Kill."
Only after a long while did the oppressive presence finally subside.
Kong stepped out of the chamber with a grim expression.
"This time, it's really going to explode," he muttered darkly.
Soon after, a series of orders were issued directly by the Five Elders. They had made up their minds to eradicate Eli Winters, no matter the cost.
Back at Marine Headquarters, Sengoku paced back and forth in his office, waiting for Kong's response. Kizaru had already returned and was lazily leaning against the wall, watching Sengoku's restless movements.
On the way back, Kizaru had thought things through. If the World Government dared to dump all the blame on him, he was done. To hell with it. Every mission lately ended with him running into Eli Winters anyway. What kind of life was that? Better to quit early. No paycheck was worth dying for.
The Den Den Mushi suddenly rang.
Sengoku grabbed it instantly. "Old man, how did it go?"
Kong let out a long sigh.
That sigh made Sengoku's heart sink. Was Kizaru really going to be the scapegoat?
"The Five Elders have decided to take action personally against Eli Winters and his group," Kong said gravely. "On the Marine side, you, Garp, and Kizaru will accompany them. Also, the World Government will soon send you a list. The Marines are to apprehend everyone on that list as quickly as possible."
"What? The Five Elders are acting in person?" Sengoku exclaimed. Kizaru's eyes widened as well.
Those five had not personally taken action since becoming the Five Elders. It had been centuries. And now, all of them were moving because of Eli Winters.
"If that were all, it would be fine," Kong continued grimly. "They've also decided to launch a Buster Call on the Sabaody Archipelago."
"What?" Sengoku slammed his hand on the desk, furious. "How can they do that? There are countless civilians there!"
Kizaru's expression darkened as well. He had not expected the World Government to be this ruthless. Sabaody had hundreds of thousands of people. Were they really going to wipe them all out just to vent their anger?
"Sengoku, for the sake of the Marines, we have no other choice," Kong said heavily.
"That doesn't justify killing innocent people," Sengoku snapped. "If we do this, how can we face the word justice on our backs?"
"Sengoku!" Kong roared suddenly, jolting both Sengoku and Kizaru.
"Know your place," Kong said coldly.
Sengoku collapsed back into his chair, drained.
Looking at him, Kong sighed deeply. He saw his former self in Sengoku, the hot-blooded man who had once taken this position with unwavering faith in justice.
But reality was like icy water poured over a burning flame. The Marines had strength, yes, but compared to the World Government, they were nothing. More importantly, every bit of Marine funding came from the World Government. If that support was cut off, the Marines would collapse and disband entirely.
"Think it over carefully," Kong said slowly, his voice tinged with regret. Then he hung up.
Kong believed Sengoku would understand eventually. He himself had struggled with the same ideals before accepting the cruelty of reality. He only hoped Sengoku could find a path that preserved justice without destroying the Marines.
Watching Sengoku sink into silence, Kizaru felt an unfamiliar sense of helplessness.
Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "What if we warn Eli Winters? His spatial abilities might be able to move people away."
Sengoku froze. Then his eyes gleamed.
That's right. That bastard caused this mess. He should be the one to clean it up.
"Hahaha, Borsalino, you're finally smart for once," Sengoku laughed.
Kizaru shot him an annoyed look. I just don't like thinking too much, alright?
Then Sengoku's gaze sharpened as he stared straight at Kizaru.
"…You're not planning to make me be the one to tell him, are you?"