Mary Geoise — The Holy Land, Seat of the World Government
The Supreme Marine Headquarters — Roundtable Conference Room
The highest‑ranking officers of the Navy were gathered here. A civil servant standing behind Kong was currently delivering a report:
"What I have just outlined is the global reaction to the incident involving Grimm. Generally speaking, the defeat of such a notorious pirate has greatly enhanced the prestige and authority of our forces."
It had been half a month since the great battle at Trabia Island in the New World. Kong, Garp, and all others who had participated in the campaign had now returned to Headquarters.
Similarly, Sengoku and "Truck Driver" Sakazuki — who had remained in the first half of the Grand Line to prevent the other two Emperors from running rampant — had also returned to attend this meeting.
Once their reports were finished, all officers would return immediately to their posts.
"Over these past two years," Tsuru asked, narrowing her eyes, "what is the current situation regarding the nations that have hoisted the flag of the Grimm Pirates, aside from Dressrosa and the Sanctuary?"
"Ah, yes — this is the central issue we face today," the civil servant nodded and continued.
"Excluding his two main strongholds, the Holy Light Pirates conquered a total of twelve nations. Led by the Kingdoms of Altdimir, Refal, and Ragna, these countries have, following warnings issued by the World Government, already taken down the fox‑head emblem of the Holy Light Pirates. Their governments have also publicly declared to their citizens that they have been 'liberated from the threat of piracy.'"
"Hah!" Kuzan, who usually slept through meetings, was surprisingly alert today.
"Grimm only cultivated his popular support in these territories. It is said that the masses who worship the 'Holy Light' are making quite a fuss, causing disturbances. But honestly… they aren't much of a threat. Great in numbers perhaps, but they are merely ordinary people without weapons."
"Or rather… they are the ones currently in grave danger," Kuzan added softly. "Grimm's subordinates have remained perfectly still and silent. But if Grimm isn't actually dead…"
"Kuzan! Don't say such unlucky things!" someone snapped.
However, Kong — as Fleet Admiral — spoke up: "Actually, Kuzan is right. This isn't about luck or superstition. If Grimm truly survived, then those twelve kingdoms are in mortal peril."
Hearing this, Kizaru couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. Dead? You must be joking… didn't we establish that this guy has eternal life?
Out loud however, he drawled: "So we send troops to protect them? Based on the ratio from the last operation, that would be… 15,000 men per nation? That's simply preposterous~"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Sakazuki crossed his arms, his voice sharp.
Fifteen thousand per country… multiplied by twelve nations… that's 180,000 soldiers total!
Kizaru, you really drive a harder bargain than even I do… the entire Marine Headquarters doesn't have that many personnel right now.
Yet, they couldn't very well abandon those twelve nations to their fate.
Kong issued his command: "Kuzan! Issho! Sakazuki!"
"Present!" the three officers answered immediately.
"You three are being reassigned from the first half of the Grand Line to the New World. Your primary focus will be these twelve nations. You will patrol the surrounding waters constantly. The moment you detect any irregularities or trouble, report it back immediately!"
These three had been the main pillars guarding Paradise, but given the current crisis, they were the only ones capable enough to be sent into the New World.
"Understood!"
Kong gave a few further instructions, then slammed his hand on the table. "Alright — meeting adjourned. Tsuru, Sengoku, Garp… the three of you — remain behind and come to my office. Everyone else, return to your stations at once!"
Two hours later
Fleet Admiral Kong's Office — Marine Headquarters
The atmosphere inside was incredibly heavy and solemn. Sengoku, Kong, and Tsuru stood rigidly with respect and gravity. Garp, however, sat comfortably on a sofa to the side, completely unbothered.
From somewhere, he had produced a pack of rice crackers and was munching away happily, scattering crumbs everywhere.
Kong twitched an eyebrow but deliberately ignored Garp's behavior.
"What I said earlier were all the positive aspects of the situation," Kong began, his expression grimmer than ever, his legs tapping restlessly beneath his desk. "Now let's speak about the bad."
"Many people are asking: 'What happens if Grimm isn't dead?' I intend to explain exactly what kind of consequences we would be facing… if that turns out to be true."
"In our attempt to exterminate him, we lost 14,222 Marines. Among the dead were one Vice Admiral, five Rear Admirals, and dozens of officers of lower ranks — to say nothing of the wounded."
Kong paused, gathering his thoughts, then continued: "I take full responsibility for this."
"Failure is always a possibility in any mission," Sengoku started gently, trying to console him. "Kong, you needn't blame yourself so…"
Kong raised a hand to stop him. He turned his gaze toward Tsuru. "Tsuru… tell them again the advice you gave me before we set sail for battle. Say it here, now."
Tsuru hesitated for several seconds, a look of conflict crossing her face. Finally she spoke: "I… I advised the Fleet Admiral that we should thoroughly investigate and understand Grimm's abilities… before we engaged him in combat."
"EXACTLY!"
Kong shouted, striking the table violently with his fist. "If only I had listened… but there are no second chances or 'do‑overs' in this world!"
He stood up from his admiral's chair. "You all understand now, don't you? The blood of those thousands of men is on my hands. Had I known from the start that this single man possessed the power of an entire army, we could have devised a completely different strategy… and kept casualties well below five thousand!"
Kong let out a heavy, weary sigh and sat back down. He pointed a finger at the insignia of rank on his own coat.
"I have already submitted my report to the Five Elder Stars. If it turns out that Grimm is still alive — meaning our campaign was a failure — I will resign my post as Fleet Admiral and withdraw from frontline duty."
"Fleet Admiral!" Tsuru and Sengoku exclaimed in shock. Even Garp stopped eating his crackers and looked over, interested.
"My mind is made up. I acted too rashly… too impatiently."
Kong gritted his teeth. Slowly he lifted his head and met Sengoku's gaze — a gaze that clearly said: "Don't look at me to clean up your mess!"
Yet Kong spoke with absolute formality and resolve.
"As my successor, I recommend… you, Sengoku."
Sengoku felt a massive headache coming on. Just as I suspected… dumping the whole rotten mess on me. Why is life always so unfair…
He shook his head firmly. "That will not do, Fleet Admiral Kong! If you leave, we will have not a single Admiral remaining. And that idiot Garp would never commit his full effort to administrative work! Even though you made a grave error, looking at the current state of the world… you must endure this and remain in your position. Regardless of whether Grimm lives or dies… you must remain Fleet Admiral!"
Sengoku's stance was crystal clear: I don't want to wipe your backside, thank you very much!
"Hey! Don't drag me into this!" Garp mumbled with his mouth full. "Strategy and politics are your business. My only job is… hitting things!"
Kong stared at Sengoku for a long moment, and Sengoku stared right back, refusing to yield.
Finally, after several tense seconds, Kong suddenly broke into loud laughter.
"HAHAHAHAHA! Rash action… yes, I acted rashly yet again!"
He turned serious and issued orders: "Sengoku — increase the workload and mission difficulty for Issho, Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Kizaru… and also for Tsuru and Chameleon. Especially for Chameleon, Kuzan, and Kizaru — drive those three lazybones absolutely crazy! Push them until they get used to the heavy responsibilities of being Admirals!"
"Aye aye, Fleet Admiral Kong!"
Sengoku let out a breath of relief. Thank goodness… I don't have to take over this disaster zone just yet.
Then he paused.
Wait a second…
Why am I the one who has to go and give them orders?! Basically, I'm still stuck here cleaning up your mess, even if I'm not Admiral yet!
Damn it, Kong! You might as well have just handed me the position outright!
Meanwhile, Garp crammed another cracker into his mouth and spoke casually.
"So basically… what you're saying is… that brat Grimm is still alive, isn't he?"
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