Chapter 288: The Five Elders' Open Plot

After Sengoku left, the bald old man snorted coldly.

"Sengoku is becoming more and more annoying."

Jaygarcia Saturn, the old man wearing a black suit, white curly hair, fluffy white beard, flat cap, and a scar on his left face, said calmly.

"After all, he has resigned, so he no longer has any scruples when speaking. However, the Navy's reputation has indeed been soaring recently, and I'm afraid it's not just because of Karl."

"Do you think there's a possibility that the Navy wants to break away from the World Government?"

The middle-aged blond man frowned: "Hiss~ now that you mention it, there really might be such a possibility."

"The reason why the Navy didn't dare to break away from the World Government and operate independently before was, first, they couldn't afford the high military expenses, and second, they were wary of that person's existence."

"Now..."

The old man with a handlebar mustache and a birthmark on his forehead said in a deep voice: "The key is this Karl. He controls the business of Holy Light Shells behind the scenes, which is an industry worth nearly a trillion Berries. The money he has saved over the years is probably enough to buy half the world."

"If he is willing to support the Navy's independence, we really have no way, unless we wake up that person to put pressure on the Navy."

"No, it's not time yet. If we wake up Imu-sama, how can we explain it to Imu-sama?"

"Yes! Roger's appearance wasn't enough to make Imu-sama take action, let alone the Navy?"

"Then what should we do? We can't let the Navy shit on our heads, right?"

Jaygarcia Saturn coughed and looked into the distance with narrowed eyes: "Now we only have one way."

"What way?"

"Sakazuki. As long as he becomes Fleet Admiral, we still have room to maneuver. If we let Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan become Fleet Admiral, things will be very difficult to handle."

"I'll send someone to call Sakazuki over immediately."

"No! Just notify him by phone. Under the current situation, our bias cannot be too obvious."

First half of the Grand Line.

"Brrr, brrr, brrr~"

"I am Sakazuki, speak directly!"

"Sakazuki, how have you considered the matter mentioned before? If you agree, we will overcome all opposition and let you have the capital to compete for Fleet Admiral. As for whether you can become Fleet Admiral, it depends on your ability."

Sakazuki slowly closed his eyes and said after a long silence: "I... agree."

"Hahaha, congratulations on making the right choice."

The next day.

The news of Sengoku's glorious resignation as Fleet Admiral spread across the sea, making people feel a burst of regret. But what they were more interested in was the candidate for the next Fleet Admiral. Was it Admiral Aokiji or Admiral Akainu?

As for Kizaru, sorry, no such person.

This kind of thing had nothing to do with Kizaru.

Marineford. The situation in Marineford was a bit better than a few days ago, but not much better, because the "foundation" had been ruined by Whitebeard. I'm afraid it won't be long before Marineford sinks into the sea. The Navy Headquarters will have to move sooner or later, it's just a matter of time.

Temporary conference room.

"I called you three here today, you should know what I'm going to say, right?"

Kizaru yawned: "I know, Mr. Sengoku. Unfortunately, this matter doesn't seem to have anything to do with me! Should I leave first?"

Sengoku shook his head helplessly and waved his hand, signaling Kizaru to get out.

Kizaru didn't stand on ceremony and flashed away.

"I have resigned from the position of Fleet Admiral. Now is the handover period. The candidate for the next Fleet Admiral will be produced between the two of you."

"To be honest, with your abilities, you are more than qualified to be Fleet Admiral. After all, I watched you grow up."

"However, I also have my own considerations."

Afterward, Sengoku fixed his gaze on Sakazuki.

"Sakazuki, your strength is beyond doubt; I am well aware of this. However, you also understand that when it comes to becoming the Fleet Admiral, strength is not the deciding factor."

Sakazuki’s expression remained calm, almost to the point of wanting to laugh.

"Sengoku, just say what you have to say! Stop with all that nonsense. I only want to know, who exactly is the candidate for the next Fleet Admiral?"

Sengoku frowned, slightly dissatisfied with Sakazuki’s attitude—he hadn't even left yet, and the tea was already going cold! But considering Sakazuki’s mood, he didn't say anything.

"The specific candidate hasn't been decided yet, but considering Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan’s reputation and support within the Navy, I have already recommended him to the World Government to succeed as Fleet Admiral. Do you have any questions?"

Akainu snorted coldly: "Questions? Do you think I am inferior to him?"

Hearing this, Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan’s gaze turned serious, and he stared straight at Sakazuki.

"I’m sorry, Sakazuki. It’s not that you are inferior to Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan, but rather that he is more suitable for the Navy. To be honest, if Karl’s seniority were sufficient, I would have bypassed both of you without hesitation and recommended Karl to the World Government as the next Fleet Admiral, for no other reason than..."

"Simply because he is more suitable to be the commander of the Navy."

To summarize in one sentence: those who win the hearts of the people win the world.

Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan’s reputation within the Navy was far better than Sakazuki’s. One must realize that the hardline faction led by Sakazuki would even kill their own people, and often for ridiculous reasons, yet they spoke constantly of justice.

Such a philosophy was destined to never gain the support of the majority, which is why the vast majority of the Navy’s top brass were moderates, not hardliners.

Or perhaps, Sakazuki’s emergence was merely an anomaly.

In Sengoku’s vision, the Navy would only need a commander Move Move Like Sakazuki under one condition: if the Navy were to become the weaker side, it would need an iron-blooded, radical leader to guide it out of its decline.

But since the founding of the Navy... such a situation had never occurred.

The current Navy only needs stability; being overly aggressive might actually lead the Navy astray.

*Swoosh~*

Sakazuki stood up from his seat and looked coldly at Sengoku: "You are wrong, Sengoku. The current Navy needs me more than it needs Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan. Only I can lead the Navy to eliminate all pirates!"

Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan also stood up, his body radiating a chilling frost: "Sakazuki, what do you mean by that?"

"Nothing special. The current Navy needs toughness, and I can make the Navy tough. You? You can't!"

"No, you are wrong. Toughness is not everything for the Navy! What the Navy needs more is a human touch!!!"

The atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Even Sengoku felt a sense of helplessness; a clash of ideologies could not be resolved by a few words. With no other choice, he had to call Karl. Just as the line connected...

"Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Admiral Kuzan, I challenge you. Whoever wins will be the next Fleet Admiral!"