"This is a decision made by the Five Elders, even if he is the Navy Admiral, he has no authority to change it. But who would have thought that guy was actually Roger's child, and he actually escaped the search back then, unbelievable..."
The intelligence on the desk made him incredulous. They went to great lengths to eradicate Roger's bloodline, but unexpectedly, the bloodline survived, and it seems some very special people got involved in it.
"Let's not consider that kind of thing. How do we deal with the Seven Warlords of the Sea? Hawkeye is fine; he keeps his promises, and there's still some time before the war, enough for him to arrive.
What about the remaining three?"
The combat power of the Seven Warlords of the Sea is one thing; their attitude is another issue. This is the first group summons since the organization of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. These Warlords enjoy the privileges brought by their status and can't possibly refuse to participate in the battle.
If they refuse the summons, then removing their titles needs to be considered.
"Doflamingo is likely seeking a greater benefit, as he always does. He's not hard to deal with. The attitude of the Pirate Empress is said to be very peculiar; it's almost impossible to make things clear over the phone. Let the Navy send someone to handle this issue.
As for Sea Hero Jinbe... he has an ambiguous relationship with the Whitebeard Pirates, so there's a possibility of defecting on the battlefield. We must eliminate this hidden danger."
"There's still time. How's the Navy mobilization going over there?"
"Fifty thousand elite troops have already arrived at the headquarters, and another twenty thousand are on the way. Thirty thousand more are being transferred from other regions, and the defense work in other areas is complete, and surveillance ships have been deployed. Beyond this, there's nothing more we can do."
A few people put down their pens and papers. They were also high-ranking in the World Government and, despite their various dealings usually, hoped the World Government would develop more stably.
They reached this position not because they were particularly honest but because they were the most capable among that group.
The World Government needs talented individuals, and the Five Elders understand this. Pure trash can only reach a limited position; Spandine and Spandam's father can only reach an extremity.
"On the topic, didn't Moriah recently lose to a rookie?"
"Don't bother with such small matters, just update the bounty, and that's it. This year, the number of Super Rookies has exceeded 10, truly a tumultuous era."
"It doesn't matter; even if you add these people together, they are not as important as the Whitebeard issue. The New World will reduce their numbers."
While they were discussing specific affairs, Sengoku was also protesting in the room of the Five Elders.
"I don't agree! Five Elders, isn't this war too rash? You know Whitebeard's nature. He won't remain indifferent to Fire Fist Ace's identity. If you truly want to extinguish Roger's bloodline, a secret execution would suffice. The consequences of a public execution..."
Whitebeard would do anything for family still alive, but if the family member were already dead, he would reconsider many things.
In the original timeline, he didn't attack Wano Kuni for this reason. Wano Kuni's terrain is easy to defend and hard to attack, and he wouldn't easily risk more lives for those already dead.
Executing Ace publicly is an open scheme, a scheme that would drive Whitebeard insane.
"Sengoku! Stop pretending to be naive. You, known as the Wise General, can't see the purpose of this war? Fire Fist Ace is just a catalyst; Roger is already dead, and his bloodline or subordinates are irrelevant.
But Whitebeard needs to take his curtain call. This turbulent sea doesn't need so many powerful pirates anymore."
The Five Elders with the sword, the sword scabbard tapped on the ground, sternly reprimanding Sengoku.
"Kaidou, Whitebeard, Charlotte Linlin, Red Hair Shanks—if these four collaborate, it would form a force no less terrifying than Rocks once was. Before they unite, we need to reduce their numbers."
"If they've already united, wouldn't that be even more troublesome?!"
"These four can't possibly work together in harmony. If we proactively attack the New World intending to annihilate them, they might unite under external pressure.
But this time is different. Whitebeard will definitely come to rescue Ace. If he doesn't, Whitebeard Pirates lose face, and we won't lose anything.
But pirates are greedy. As long as he comes, the others won't miss the chance to attack his now-empty territories. This is a benefit presented right in front of them. When the Sea Emperor becomes three, they will establish a triangular relationship, stable yet wary of each other.
Killing Whitebeard will also boost the Navy's morale, although there will be casualties, it is certainly worth it.
The headquarters' Three Great Admirals plus the Seven Warlords of the Sea, you have enough power to face him."
The Five Elders' judgment is reasonable to some extent, but the problem is, they don't know how many actors are actually in the Navy.
The factions in the Navy are much more complicated than they think. The justice in the eyes of the World Government doesn't align with the views of some of its officers.
"Is there really no room for negotiation..."
"Sengoku, you are the Navy Admiral, but you are just the Navy Admiral, do you understand?"
"I need the full support of the Science Corps. If such a war is to be launched, the current headquarters is insufficient. You know the extent of Whitebeard's destructive capabilities."
Sengoku didn't want to initiate a war at such a time, but he couldn't interfere with the decisions made from above. As the Marshal, when orders are issued, all he can do is fully execute the task.
"Of course, you can mobilize all resources. The World Government will cooperate with you in this regard. However, Sengoku, we can turn a blind eye to Garp's actions, but don't let him do anything odd. You understand our intent."
"Understood."
Planning tactics and coordinating subordinates, many tasks have to be arranged personally by Sengoku, and he also has a bigger problem to solve.
...
After leaving the Red Earth Continent, he quickly returned to Marinfanto and saw Garp already waiting in his office. The senbei on the table remained untouched, indicating Garp's poor mood.
"How did it go?"
Facing Garp's questioning, Sengoku merely shook his head. As old comrades for decades, Garp understood Sengoku's meaning.
"Why! There are so many pirates on the sixth floor, and their crimes are worse than Ace's! They can be imprisoned in Impel Down, why can't Ace? Just because of his identity? Roger had so many crew members, why target Ace?!"
"Garp, don't act like a child. This is about the sea's situation and Ace's relationship with Whitebeard. From the day he set sail as a pirate, this situation was always a possibility."
Speechless for a moment, after a brief silence, Garp silently walked towards the door...