Among the Marine Headquarters officers with an average age of at least forty, the presence of a single young man was already strikingly conspicuous.
That such an important meeting and such a crucial position would be proposed by this young brat left many feeling dissatisfied.
As mentioned before, most of the high-ranking officials at Headquarters belonged to the "Garp faction" and were deeply displeased with the recent idolizing trend within the Marines, having taken measures to suppress it.
...
"Hmph! A brat who hasn't even grown all his feathers—do you think you're qualified to participate in matters like this?" a giant Vice Admiral wearing an iron mask coldly interjected.
His thick, long hair cascaded like a waterfall down his back, and his crossed arms accentuated the iron epaulets on his shoulders.
This was Navy Headquarters Vice Admiral, Giant Unit—Ronz.
...
Griffin lifted his gaze.
Ah... so the King of Weak Spots has arrived.
"Just a pirate leader who was defeated by Vice Admiral Garp! Don't think that just because you pleased the higher-ups with your pretty face and got promoted to officer, you can act recklessly!"
As these words left his mouth, several figures in black suits shifted slightly in the corner of the meeting room.
...
Before Griffin could respond, a Rear Admiral with a fierce expression, smoking a cigar and wearing a helmet adorned with a double-headed dragon emblem, coldly retorted, "Ronz, for a giant, your head is so big, yet it seems to lack a brain..."
"Commodore Griffin was promoted based on solid, undeniable military achievements. Should I take your words as questioning the decisions of the Five Elders and Fleet Admiral Sengoku?"
The speaker was Navy Headquarters Rear Admiral—Onigumo.
"What did you say?!" Ronz roared as he stood up, his massive frame causing the meeting room to tremble.
Swish—
Onigumo's hair spread out like spider legs behind his head, complementing his already menacing face to resemble a legendary demon.
"I said you're a fool, what about it?!"
...
...
"Is this amusing to you?"
Sengoku's calm voice cut through the tension.
His sharp gaze fell on Ronz, freezing the giant's raised fist mid-air. "Just because Garp isn't here, do you think no one can keep you in check?"
"During an ongoing meeting, did I say you were free to discuss as you please?"
"Sit down!!"
...
The cold command startled Ronz, who sat down so abruptly he nearly crushed the specially made giant chair.
Sengoku's eyes then turned to Onigumo, whose hair immediately fell limp and smooth, not daring to meet the Fleet Admiral's gaze.
"And where are your manners? Ronz is your superior. Do you know the punishment for insubordination? Report for disciplinary action after the meeting ends."
...
"Yes, sir..."
After sitting down, Onigumo shot Griffin a look that roughly meant... 'Don't worry, I've got your back.'
Griffin originally had no connection with this man, but upon reflection, he understood why Onigumo had spoken up for him.
It was because of Instructor Zephyr.
...
Unlike the Giant Unit, which had joined midway, most other Marine officers were Zephyr's students.
A quick glance around confirmed that any officer who had graduated from the training camp regarded him with goodwill.
So this is what it feels like to have allies... not bad at all.
...
The meeting room fell into a brief silence, broken only by the soft tap of Sengoku's fingers on the table.
After a moment, he flipped through the pages before him and began to speak:
"I've had people investigate Chin Jao's current situation. The injuries Garp inflicted on him have healed, and his strength isn't much weaker than it was back in the day."
"The core of the Seven Warlords system isn't just about combat power, but also controllability."
"What we need are allies who can serve the Marines at critical moments, not someone who might turn their back and leave at any time."
"Compared to Hanafuda who makes demands despite being a lone wolf, I personally lean more toward Chin Jao who commands the formidable Happo Navy."
...
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, may we ask a few questions?"
When Sengoku paused his speech, a voice came from the corner. Everyone turned to look at the men in black suits in one corner of the conference room.
This attire...
They were World Government agents, members of the CP Organization.
The Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea weren't subordinate forces of the Marines, but rather an organization established under the World Government's leadership.
The Marines had recommendation rights, and the Fleet Admiral's intentions would be considered by higher-ups, but the final decision rested with the World Government's Five Elders.
These CP members' task was to record the meeting's content and report to the Five Elders.
...
"Go ahead."
The lead black-suited agent stepped forward and said indifferently: "The prerequisite for becoming one of the Seven Warlords is having deterrent power against ordinary pirates."
"Even if a pirate famous from twenty years ago still maintains his strength, do you think he still has competitiveness now?"
Indeed, compared to Ronz's random ramblings, this CP agent had raised the core issue.
Could Chin Jao's reputation still intimidate pirates of the new era?
...
Sengoku smiled faintly: "Back then, to defeat Chin Jao, Garp had to shatter eight mountains through rigorous fist training."
"Do you think releasing this true information could deter pirates?"
Without the slightest hesitation, Sengoku directly sold out his old friend to boost Chin Jao's value.
...
This counterquestion left the CP agents stunned.
They were relatively young and didn't know much about Chin Jao, but who didn't know Garp?
There was an unwritten rule within the CP organization.
Even when facing Admirals, CP agents could choose not to show respect when appropriate, but with Garp...
Don't provoke him, or you'll die with no one to collect your body.
He was the Marine legendary hero who repeatedly refused promotions, showed no deference even to the Five Elders, and captured the Pirate King!
...
One doubt was resolved, but a bigger question emerged.
The CP agent's voice trembled slightly.
"But that can't be right..."
"If he was an opponent that even Vice Admiral Garp found troublesome, such a terrifying great pirate - after he becomes a Warlord, could we really command him?"
According to Sengoku's description, this Chin Jao sounded exactly like the extremely powerful legendary pirates like Whitebeard and Shiki!
...
Sengoku smiled lightly: "There won't be any problems."
He looked at Griffin and raised his hand: "Not long ago, Commodore Griffin returned to his hometown and fought Chin Jao for several days without either gaining advantage."
"One might say they became acquainted through combat. Chin Jao admires Commodore Griffin's courage and strength, and influenced by him, proposed joining the World Government's camp."
...
It was a clever explanation. He didn't mention Chin Jao's defeat to avoid raising doubts about his suitability as a Warlord.
At the same time, it indirectly explained why Griffin had recommended Chin Jao, and that the two had established rapport, making future cooperation easier.
...
...
Griffin hadn't spoken a word since the meeting began, but this was already countless times he'd become the center of attention.
Sengoku's words revealed a terrifying reality.
This young rising star of the Marines has grown to a level where he can contend with legendary Pirates!
Six months ago, the power he displayed had already far surpassed his peers. Has this monster evolved yet again?
...
A wary look rose in Ronz's eyes behind his iron mask.
The Giant Unit was established because of Garp. Garp held far more weight in their hearts than even the Fleet Admiral.
Garp still needed rigorous training to defeat Chin Jao, and Chin Jao fought evenly with Griffin... This equation was too much for Ronz's already inflexible brain to process.
What the hell?
Is this kid really that terrifying?
Did I use the wrong tone earlier? Is he going to kill me?
Probably not, right? We're colleagues, aren't we?
...
The CP members accepted this faster than the Marines.
"If that's the case, Chin Jao's strength is fully qualified."
He bowed respectfully to Griffin: "We shouldn't have questioned someone you recommended in the first place. But this matter is of great importance, and we bear the responsibility, so please understand."
"Fox and Leopard asked me to send their regards. Please contact them w
henever you have time."
Stussy and Lucci, huh...
...
...
Now it was Sengoku's turn to look displeased.
Those CP bastards still have the fantasy of poaching Griffin? Damn it!
...
Griffin spread his hands and looked helplessly at Sengoku.
"I didn't say a word. Is this meeting over yet? I'm hungry."