Sengoku's body trembled involuntarily.
He thought of the Rocks Pirates.
Sengoku had joined the Navy early.
Not long after he enlisted, the Rocks Pirates had swept through the Grand Line without meeting a single rival.
Then they moved into the New World, declaring themselves the undisputed rulers of the New World.
All members of the Navy saw this as a disgrace, vowing to erase the shame of pirates reigning in the New World.
Yet, even such a pirate crew was torn apart by the World Government.
None of the powerful captains under Rocks fought alongside him with their full strength against the Navy.
In the end, aside from Rocks' death, Garp earned the title of Navy Hero, the World Government eliminated a major threat, and the captains regained their freedom.
Kong took out a small, exquisite key and opened the safe behind him.
"I have a piece of intelligence here—a record of the Five Elders' conversation."
Sengoku took the intelligence and quickly read through it.
The content was brief, but the information was staggering.
The World Government had long known about the existence of the Revolutionary Army, but they had yet to uncover the identities and appearances of its leader and key members.
Even the name "Dragon" was only obtained with great difficulty by members of the CP Organization.
Just as Kong had said earlier, the Five Elders felt nothing about the Revolutionary Army mobilizing the people to overthrow corrupt kings.
One of the Five Elders even remarked that it might be better to let the Revolutionary Army overthrow them.
They viewed it from the perspective of the World Government's overall development.
Not long ago, there had been an incident of kidnapping.
A small country called the Kingdom of Tahoma had its capital attacked by a passing pirate crew.
The pirates successfully breached the royal capital and captured five hundred soldiers.
If not for a child from the CP9 organization who suddenly appeared and killed both the bound soldiers and the pirates... Perhaps, the Kingdom of Tahoma would have become the first Pirate Kingdom.
World Government Affiliate Nations, in theory, should only include countries strong enough to join.
However, according to the intelligence coming in, a considerable number of kingdoms have fallen behind the pace of the times.
If the first incident of pirates occupying a kingdom occurs on these seas, then the pirates stirred up by Roger's influence will collectively charge toward the palaces of various underpowered kingdoms.
Whether the One Piece spoken of by Roger before his execution truly exists, no one knows for sure. But the benefits of becoming a king are plain to see.
Once they succeed, pirates from other parts of the world will launch attacks on kingdoms, greatly increasing the workload of the Navy.
Therefore, regardless of the reason, the threat of pirates overthrowing World Government Affiliate Nations far exceeds that of the Revolutionary Army.
"I also have some understanding of the Revolutionary Army," Kong continued. "They are merely citizens within the kingdoms who, under the leadership of the Revolutionary Army, have reached a preliminary consensus. The meaning of the Five Elders is that if World Government Affiliate Nations are no longer strong, it would be a good thing for the Revolutionary Army to step in and resolve the situation."
"After all, even if the Revolutionary Army overthrows them, they would still have to pay the Celestial Tribute on time. Countries unable to pay can then be reasonably expelled from the scope of World Government Affiliate Nations by the World Government."
Afterward, Kong spoke earnestly, "Sengoku, I had similar thoughts when I was young, but I later came to understand. Maintaining the overall stability of the world step by step is the best contribution a Fleet Admiral can make. As for other matters, such as the Revolutionary Army or a certain powerful pirate crew, unless the government issues an order, there is no need for the Navy to proactively wade into these muddy waters. Understand?"
Sengoku's expression turned complicated, but he understood in his heart that Kong said this to help him adapt to his new identity as soon as possible after becoming Fleet Admiral.
Thus, he was grateful for Kong's guidance. "Sensei, I understand."
Only then did Kong nod with satisfaction and continue.
"Garp has always been a headache for me. After you take office, do not show him too much favoritism. Since discordant voices have emerged within the Navy, reduce the opportunities for them to meet. Additionally, once all the other Navy officers have returned, we will officially begin the Fleet Admiral promotion ceremony."
Then Kong looked at Sengoku with hopeful eyes. "The era belonging to us old folks has passed, and you are the new future. I hope the Navy will grow stronger under your leadership, and that in the future, the sole ruler of the seas will be our Navy."
Kong held great hope for Sengoku. He believed that his successor not only possessed formidable combat strength but also exceptional intelligence.
As long as he managed things well, there would be no problem in strengthening the Navy under his leadership.
"By the way, have you made any progress on selecting the new Three Admirals for the Navy? Tell me, and I can help you vet them."
At this point, Sengoku's brow furrowed.
This was a matter that gave him a headache.
Speaking of this, the candidates within the Navy had largely been determined.
There were many who met the qualifications, but balancing the factions within the Navy had become a major issue.
Kong's fingers tapped on the office desk.
"Let's hear it."
Regarding the selection of the new Three Admirals for the Navy, Kong did not intervene, as this was also a test for Sengoku.
Currently, there were four individuals qualified to serve as Admirals, but there were only three positions.
"Christian Raleigh, with sufficient strength, achievements, and prestige, is one of the new Three Admirals I have confirmed."
"Sakazuki, with sufficient strength, achievements, and prestige, is the representative figure of the young radical faction within the Navy."
"Borsalino, with sufficient strength and achievements but lacking in prestige, has good relations with the World Government. Moreover, his reputation within the Navy has always been positive, with no negative evaluations."
"Kuzan, with sufficient strength but lacking in achievements and prestige, grew up under the guidance of Garp and Tsuru. He has been on our side from the very beginning."
"Among these four, Raleigh and Sakazuki have essentially secured Admiral positions, but the choice between Borsalino and Kuzan is difficult," Sengoku laid out his dilemma.
After listening to Sengoku's words, Kong weighed the options in his mind.
Both Borsalino and Kuzan were suitable candidates for promotion, as their strength was undeniable.
The only shortcomings—experience and prestige—could be remedied with time.
However, Kong understood Sengoku's dilemma. Borsalino represented a moderate faction and maintained good relations with the World Government, while Kuzan was a representative of the doves and a steadfast ally to Sengoku.
The choice was difficult.
After pondering for a moment, Kong spoke. "Sengoku, if a choice must be made, I suggest selecting Borsalino."
"First, Borsalino is Raleigh's older brother, and he has Raleigh's support. Additionally, he was Sakazuki's classmate at the military academy, and their relationship is quite good. Sometimes, directly stating your intentions may not yield the best results. In such cases, you often need a sufficiently influential intermediary. Borsalino, having served as your adjutant for a long time, is unlikely to refuse your requests. Although Kuzan is strong, he has limited interaction with Raleigh and Sakazuki, making him less suitable as an intermediary."
"Second, you know Kuzan's character well. He admires Garp's free-spirited and unrestrained nature, so whether he becomes an Admiral or not makes little difference to him. Moreover, Kuzan is your trusted subordinate, so you can grant him authority comparable to that of an Admiral. This will also serve as a check on the Admirals. If they fail to heed your commands, you can always promote Kuzan to replace them."
"Of course, these are merely my own thoughts as your teacher. You are the next Fleet Admiral, and your considerations are what matter most."
After expressing his views, Kong picked up his cup and began drinking tea. He had shared all his thoughts with Sengoku, and the rest was no longer his concern.
As an old-timer about to step down, he could offer advice but should no longer dictate Sengoku's actions.
Sengoku looked gratefully at Kong.
Some of these points he had considered, while many others he had not.
Regardless, Kong had shown great respect for his opinions.
Sengoku had made up his mind internally. That was to follow Kong's suggestion and give Borsalino the title of Admiral.
This identity would bind Borsalino, keeping him connected with the World Government.
At the same time, he would grant Kuzan authority no less than that of an Admiral.
This way, he could ensure he wouldn't lose his voice.
Although he knew that Raleigh, Sakazuki, and Borsalino had a good relationship, it wasn't enough for them to form a small power circle that could sideline the Fleet Admiral.
"Sensei, I still have some ideas I need to discuss with Garp and Tsuru."
After making his decision, Sengoku needed others to consult on specific arrangements.
It was no longer appropriate to bring these matters to Kong for answers.
The Fleet Admiral also had his own advisory group. In the future, it wouldn't be possible to discuss everything with Kong.
Kong nodded and said, "It's better for you to discuss matters within the Navy more with Tsuru. But remember, you must make the final decision on everything discussed. As for that blockhead Garp, you don't have to call him. In any case, inviting him would only cause trouble."
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