Navy Admiral's office.
Sengoku the Buddha had to summon Akihara Kagura in advance, ordering him to head straight to Water Seven to assist the CP9 department in capturing Nico Robin of the Straw Hat Pirates.
This kind of task...
Is quite suitable for Akihara Kagura.
Because when Akihara Kagura was in Alabasta, he and Aokiji released the Straw Hat Pirates, to prevent Sengoku's old friend Garp from facing the fate of losing a grandson in his twilight years.
"This mission is extremely important."
When Sengoku issued the order, he specifically mentioned the Five Elders: "This is entrusted by the Five Elders, and it's imperative to capture Nico Robin alive, because the Five Elders plan to use Nico Robin's status as the last remaining archaeologist from O'Hara to overthrow Alabasta's false history..."
"..."
Akihara Kagura furrowed his brow.
The development of these events is often unexpected.
This was unknown to Akihara Kagura; he never expected the World Government to have declined to such an extent, with operational capabilities even more lackluster than his old supervisor Danzo's Root!
Akihara Kagura himself had already orchestrated three major incidents targeting the Heavenly Celestial Dragon, and three of the Five Elders had died under his manipulation, yet the remaining two had only begun to address the aftermath of the first Alabasta incident...
"So..."
"What should I do during this mission?"
Akihara Kagura looked at Sengoku the Buddha and had to remind this Navy Admiral: "We've collaborated with the Konoha Pirates with the aim of overthrowing the Heavenly Celestial Dragon's rule..."
"..."
That's truly a good question!
Sengoku was momentarily silent, unable to answer, and sometimes even he couldn't quite distinguish whether he was the Navy Admiral under the World Government, or a conspirator with the Konoha Pirates as a rebel, which also accounted for his feeling that his brain was increasingly insufficient...
After all...
Sengoku now needs to consider many factors when issuing each Navy order, considering how to appease the Five Elders, preserve the Navy's strength, and not hinder the gradual downfall of the Heavenly Celestial Dragon...
"This..."
Sengoku clasped his hands together, set down the documents in his hand, and said softly: "The O'Hara incident back then was orchestrated by the Navy..."
"Even today, I still believe it was a necessary sacrifice to maintain world stability, a group of scholars pursuing the truth without regard for the bigger picture..."
"However..."
"Some mistakes are ultimately mistakes."
"Whether this mission is to rectify past mistakes or eliminate the Navy's oversight, it's up to you to handle it as your final assessment..."
Sengoku raised his eyes, directly assigning this tricky task to Akihara Kagura, and said solemnly: "I only have two requirements: First, do not fail the name of justice you bear; Second, preserve the bigger picture..."
"Only these two requirements?"
Akihara Kagura flexed his fingers.
"Only these two requirements."
Sengoku nodded earnestly and seriously.
This kind of matter...
Often cannot satisfy both.
Generally speaking for the bigger picture, it inevitably involves sacrificing some small figures.
Sengoku had long been clear about everything; he knew that Nico Robin was innocently implicated in the O'Hara incident, yet she would still become a sacrifice for the bigger picture.
"Alright."
Akihara Kagura slowly nodded his head.
Compared to past supervisors who hoped he would embody the Will of Fire and Root Will, Sengoku's requirements were actually quite simple...
It's just...
A bit strange...
Other people, after promotion, go on to confront powerful pirates.
Akihara Kagura reflected on his journey of joining the Navy, becoming a third-class Navy soldier and fighting the Straw Hat; promoted to Navy Lieutenant and still fighting the Straw Hat; now even as Vice Admiral he's still fighting the Straw Hat?
Never mind...
Fighting the Straw Hat is still normal.
Akihara Kagura left Marineford, boarded a warship, and proceeded through the current of the Gate of Justice towards Enies Lobby, planning to gather information there before heading to Water Seven.
Water Seven.
This is a city built on water.
Because this water-surrounded metropolis is connected by sea trains to many other islands, situated at a transportation hub, its trade and commerce are extremely flourishing.
Apart from that...
The shipbuilding industry in Water Seven is also one of the reasons for its prosperity.
The ancient weapon Pluto was once constructed in Water Seven, and Pirate King Gol D. Roger's ship was built by the world's best shipwright Tom, who once resided in Water Seven.
Unfortunately...
Tom paid the price with his life for building the ship for the Pirate King.
However, Tom managed to create the sea train, and his name still influences Water Seven, and now the city's mayor is Tom's apprentice Iceberg, who is also the owner of Water Seven's top shipyard, Carrera Company.
Carrera Company.
The Straw Hat Pirates arrived here.
The reason they came was simple: their ship, the Golden Merry, had become worn and tattered after the journey to Sky Island, and to sail further the Straw Hat Pirates had no choice but to come to Water Seven to repair the Golden Merry.
Repairing ships here is expensive, but fortunately, the Straw Hat Pirates obtained two billion Belly worth of gold on Sky Island, which should be enough to cover this cost...
However...
The repairman from Carrera Company, Kaku, informed them of some bad news, the keel of the Golden Merry was fractured, and no amount of money can repair it...