After settling the mess Smoker had caused, Finn reached down beside the sofa and retrieved a briefcase. He tossed it onto the table between them. "The Gold-Gold Fruit you asked for."
Smoker looked genuinely surprised. "So soon! I thought we'd have to wait much longer."
"Do you think I'm like you? Causing problems that make everyone worry?" Finn shot him a glare.
Smoker smiled awkwardly. "That's good. After this war, if I can reach a higher position, Tesoro should be able to utilize this Devil Fruit's power even more effectively."
"Don't let me down again." Finn nodded but didn't elaborate further.
Smoker's execution ability was actually quite good, and Tesoro was talented as well. There shouldn't be any accidents. This incident had simply been genuinely unexpected.
"Don't worry, Admiral." Smoker's nod was serious.
Finn took another sip of tea, then pulled out his Den Den Mushi. "In the end, I still have to clean up your mess."
Stussy glanced at Smoker with a teasing smile. "Are you really going to do something this big this time?"
Over the years, Smoker had cooperated extensively with Stussy. Their relationship had grown close. He'd long known that Stussy was absolutely one of Admiral Finn's most loyal supporters, so there was no need to worry about her CP agency identity.
Smoker sighed helplessly. "I don't want this either. Being on the sea, you can't always control your circumstances. Ever since I started this pirate journey, I've been unable to back down."
"Oh, you don't know." Stussy's tone turned playful. "When Finn arrived, he was furious. He almost wanted to tear you apart."
While Stussy chatted with Smoker, Finn walked to the window. He pushed it open, letting in the cool breeze. At the same time, the Den Den Mushi call connected.
"Admiral?" A simple, honest voice came through.
"Is this Jinbe?" Finn asked softly, leaning on the windowsill.
"It's me," Jinbe responded quickly.
"Time's almost up. How are things progressing on your end?" Finn's voice was quiet but pointed.
Jinbe was silent for a moment. "I've hinted at it several times. Even tried to reason with him a few times. But Brother Tiger hasn't wavered at all. It's difficult for me—"
"Don't explain so much to me, Jinbe." Finn cut him off. "You know I just want results. Time is running out, and this is a turbulent period. You're in the New World, so you should be able to feel how dire the situation has become, right? That bastard Smoker caused me trouble. Soon there may be a war in the New World, and our Marines will be involved. I estimate this war will be carried out under Fleet Admiral Sengoku's command. Do you understand what I mean?"
He'd used the title 'Fleet Admiral Sengoku' instead of 'Admiral Sengoku.'
Jinbe naturally understood. Finn wanted him to handle Tiger quickly, before the Marines became involved in the war.
"I understand." Jinbe's tone was extremely heavy.
"Stop hesitating." Finn's voice hardened. "If he won't cooperate, deal with him first. Tie him up and send him back to Fish-Man Island for imprisonment, whatever. I need him to disappear from this world, and disappear clearly. He must die at the hands of the Marines. I'll say it again: if you can't handle this properly, I'll do it for you. I'll tell Borsalino about this matter and have him coordinate with you. Try to get it done as soon as possible. Understood?"
On the other end, Jinbe gritted his teeth and steeled himself. He knew Admiral Finn was showing him great consideration by giving him this much time. If he couldn't handle it properly, when Borsalino arrived, Boss Tiger would be dead.
"Yes, I understand, Admiral. I'll pick a time in the next few days to deal with Boss Tiger." Jinbe forced the words out.
"Good. I trust you." Finn's response was simple.
He didn't say anything more to Jinbe. Soon, Finn ended the call.
After thinking for a moment, he contacted Borsalino next.
At that moment, Borsalino was drinking tea in his office at Punk Hazard. A leisurely day was always so ordinary and pleasant.
Just as Borsalino was considering whether to leave work early, the Den Den Mushi on his desk began ringing. He glanced at it, somewhat surprised. "Finn..."
Then he picked it up.
"Borsalino?" Finn asked.
"It's me, Admiral. Do you have instructions?" Borsalino's tone carried his characteristic laziness.
"Hahaha, are we being so formal again?" Finn laughed.
"This is my respect for an Admiral from a Vice Admiral of the Marines," Borsalino said with mock seriousness.
After a brief pause, he asked, "You usually don't contact me without reason. Do you have a task for me?"
"I should say, I have credit to give you." Finn smiled.
"Taking care of me like this? How thoughtful..." Borsalino's drawl carried amusement.
"Fleet Admiral Kong is going to change positions. You should be aware of that," Finn said quietly.
"Of course. Hasn't that rumor been circulating since the Mary Geoise incident? What about it?" Borsalino asked.
"It's happening soon. The Fleet Admiral is getting promoted, and Admiral Sengoku will definitely fill his position. The Marines will be missing an Admiral again. I already asked Admiral Sengoku before, and he indicated you should fill the vacancy."
Currently, there were four people in the Marines who could potentially replace an Admiral.
One was Borsalino. This guy was a veteran Admiral candidate. He'd been in the Marines longer than Sakazuki. His qualifications went without saying.
Another was Kuzan, who'd also obtained the Admiral candidate position. In terms of strength, qualifications, and other aspects, he was qualified to be an Admiral.
However, this guy had been very low-key in recent years. He seemed to be competing with Borsalino to see who could be more inactive. He only became energetic when Admiral Sengoku was trying to motivate him. It seemed he had no real intention of becoming an Admiral.
Another was Gion. She was also an Admiral candidate. Though her qualifications weren't as good as Kuzan's and Borsalino's, her strength was formidable. After all, she was a Great Swordsman with the Rumble-Rumble Fruit. She also had Finn's support, and her connections within the Marines were solid.
Finally, there was Chaton. That's right—Finn had recommended him as an Admiral candidate, but he'd refused out of stubbornness. However, after some time, he'd still taken up the Admiral candidate position.
But Chaton wasn't as competitive as the three mentioned above, and his prestige within Headquarters was slightly inferior.
At the same time, this guy also had issues with Garp. As for himself, he didn't really want to become a Marine Admiral. The reason he was willing to be an Admiral candidate was simply that he didn't want to be too far from Finn. That was all.
Finn actually wanted Gion to become the Admiral, but with Borsalino and Kuzan ahead of her, it was difficult for her to compete. When qualifications, strength, and achievements between candidates weren't significantly different, seniority became very important.
Gion was a generation younger than them.
As for Admiral Sengoku, he was about to become Fleet Admiral. Finn wasn't in a position to argue with him anymore. Compared to Gion, Admiral Sengoku hoped Borsalino could become the new Marine Admiral.
Because Borsalino had a relationship with Sengoku. The guy had served as Assistant to Admiral Sengoku for several years.
Once Admiral Sengoku became Fleet Admiral, Borsalino would be easy to work with.
After hearing Finn's words, Borsalino was silent for a moment. Then he asked, "You support me too?"
"How is that possible? I support Gion." Finn's smile was audible.
"I knew it..." Borsalino laughed as well.
"But there's nothing I can do. My boss is about to be replaced. He supports you, so why should I go against him? Hahaha..." Finn spoke frankly.
After a brief pause, Finn continued, "Of course, if you're willing to withdraw, I'd definitely be happy."
"I already withdrew last time. I can't do it again this time. You know, I have people under me." Borsalino didn't hide anything, speaking very frankly.
Borsalino had now completely become the leader of the Marine neutral faction.
His subordinates all looked forward to his promotion.
After all, only when he advanced could those below him receive better benefits.
This was normal and reasonable.
Last time, facing Sakazuki, Borsalino had taken a step back. That was the end of the road. If he retreated again this time, his subordinates would definitely be unhappy.
Therefore, Borsalino could no longer retreat.
Finn knew this, so he'd just been joking.
"Yes, so if nothing unexpected happens, you'll become an Admiral. I have to build a good relationship with you in advance, right?" Finn said with a smile.
"I don't believe you." Borsalino's tone was sarcastic, then he asked, "So what do you need?"
"Regarding Fisher Tiger. I've already told Jinbe about it. You should go there. I'll give you his contact information. You can reach out to him directly and get things done beautifully. You're a meticulous guy, so don't leave anything unfinished. Just send Fleet Admiral Kong up to Commander-in-Chief smoothly and happily. It'll be good for you, me, and everyone else." Finn's instructions were clear.
At this moment, Finn was an Admiral, but Borsalino wasn't yet.
Therefore, Finn spoke at length to Borsalino out of consideration for their friendship and mutual respect. Borsalino was naturally very understanding and said seriously, "Yes, Admiral. Leave it to me."
"Good. Go drink your tea and get some rest. I'm hanging up now." Finn laughed.
Borsalino glanced around his office and whispered, "Are you spying on me?"
"Hahahaha..." Both men laughed, and the call ended.
Finn had just hung up Borsalino's call and was about to return to the sitting area when the Den Den Mushi in his hand rang again.
Finn glanced at it, slightly surprised.
It was Doflamingo.
Without putting on airs or making Doflamingo wait, Finn picked up directly. "Doflamingo?"
"Fufufufufu, Admiral Finn, it's me." Doflamingo's distinctive laugh came through.
"Are you calling to tell me you've found the Flame-Flame Fruit?" Finn asked with a smile.
Even though it wasn't necessary, Finn was still happy to give Doflamingo some respect.
Doflamingo felt relieved hearing Finn's easygoing tone and attitude. He responded with a smile, "Admiral, you truly are a prophet."
Finn blinked.
Is it really that fast?
It seemed he'd underestimated Doflamingo's ability and resources for finding Devil Fruits.
"I've already obtained the Flame-Flame Fruit. How should I deliver it to you, Admiral? I heard you're in the New World now..." Doflamingo said.
"Keep it with you for now. I don't have time for it. Something big is going to happen in the New World soon. Don't mess around here. Stay in North Blue honestly. I'll contact you after I finish dealing with matters in the New World." Finn considered for a moment before answering.
Doflamingo actually hoped to meet Finn as soon as possible and secure his promise regarding the Warlord position as quickly as possible. Then he could properly handle his affairs as one of the Seven Warlords.
But since Finn had said so, he couldn't push further. At the same time, he was curious about what major events might unfold in the New World.
However, Doflamingo was very sensible and didn't ask more questions. He said obediently, "Of course, no problem. I'll wait for your news, Admiral."
"Good. Since you're so skilled at this, why not see if you can help me find the Dark-Dark Fruit as well? If you can locate it and send it to me, Doflamingo, I can agree to one personal request of yours—as long as it's not excessive." Finn gave another task.
After saying that, without waiting for Doflamingo to respond, Finn hung up the Den Den Mushi.
On the other end, Doflamingo stood frozen for a moment. Then his expression became excited, almost fevered. He quickly shouted orders, "Go! Find me information about the Dark-Dark Fruit immediately!"