Grandpa Sengoku, When Can You Abdicate The Soonest? (3/5)

Back at Naval Headquarters, Sengoku summoned Finn for a private conversation.

"Finn, you came back alone?" Sengoku asked, his tone probing.

Finn rolled his eyes dramatically. "Grandpa Sengoku, let's cut to the chase. We both know you're dying to ask me about the super battleship."

Sengoku blushed slightly, embarrassed but unwilling to back down. "You little rascal! You went chasing after the Sword Immortal, and what do you know? You're back, but the battleship isn't. So, where is it?"

Finn grinned mischievously. "If I tell you, you'll keep bugging me about it. Let's just say, the super battleship is exactly where it needs to be."

Realizing he wouldn't get an answer, Sengoku sighed. "Fine! I can see that ship is out of my reach. And to think you even managed to swipe 2,000 female soldiers on top of that. You're worse than a monkey, Finn!"

"Now, now, if you had just thought like that earlier, we'd both be better off!" Finn said with a chuckle as he made himself comfortable on the sofa, pulling out a top-tier hamburger and taking a bite.

The delicious aroma wafted through the room, catching Sengoku's attention immediately. "What are you eating? That smells incredible! Give me one too!" Sengoku demanded, his eyes wide.

"Since you're not pestering me about the battleship, sure!" Finn tossed the half-eaten hamburger to Sengoku, who caught it eagerly and took a huge bite without hesitation.

"Wow! This is amazing!" Sengoku exclaimed, his mouth full of food. "This is way better than those pork buns from last time!"

As he munched happily, Sengoku couldn't help but envy Finn's carefree lifestyle. "You really know how to live, don't you?"

Finn stood up, dusting his hands. "Alright, Grandpa Sengoku, if that's all, I'll be on my way."

"Hold on!" Sengoku said quickly, raising a hand. "There's something else I need to talk to you about."

Finn paused but didn't sit back down. "What now? Can't you just say everything at once?"

Sengoku finished his burger and wiped his hands, eyeing Finn suspiciously. He had noticed Finn was picking his nose—probably with the same hand he had just eaten with. Sengoku suppressed an urge to smack him.

"Anyway," Sengoku continued, "In three months, we have the World Summit coming up."

"And that concerns me how?" Finn asked, wandering aimlessly around the room. He suddenly noticed a peculiar dog in the corner—a husky.

"Huh?"

Sengoku noticed Finn's interest and quickly barked, "Don't even think about it!"

Finn waved his hand dismissively. "Relax, I'm not like Kizaru or Aokiji." He approached the dog, which was gnawing on a piece of paper. "Grandpa Sengoku, why is your dog eating paper?"

Sengoku explained, "That's a result of Vegapunk's research. He managed to integrate Devil Fruit abilities into objects. The lamb and this husky are both paper shredders in animal form, thanks to Zoan Devil Fruits."

Finn grinned. "So, Kizaru and Aokiji ate paper shredders?"

Sengoku shook his head. "It's not quite like that, Finn. They're fully-fledged animals now."

"Alright, enough about the dog," Finn said, petting the husky. "What did you want to tell me about the World Summit?"

Sengoku's tone grew serious. "I'm planning to have you attend the World Summit."

Finn's face twisted into disbelief. "What?!"

Sengoku nodded. "Yes, you."

"You want me to attend? Are you sure you're not going senile, Grandpa Sengoku?"

Sengoku chuckled at Finn's stunned expression. "Yes, you. Attending the World Summit is a prestigious honor, Finn. It's a chance for you to grow and experience global leadership."

Finn, still processing, asked suspiciously, "Wait... does this mean you're giving me a promotion?"

Sengoku's expression shifted. "Finn, ever since you arrived at Naval Headquarters, I've been watching you closely. Your growth has been extraordinary—far beyond anyone's expectations. But it also makes me nervous."

"Nervous? Why?"

"Because your father was an outstanding Marine too. But, as your grandfather must have told you, things changed. Now, you've surpassed even him. Your potential is immense, and your strength—unimaginable."

Sengoku's gaze sharpened. "If one day you're swayed by the Revolutionary Army, it would be devastating for both me and your grandfather."

Finn raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Grandpa Sengoku, relax. I promised Grandpa I'd be a Marine, and I won't break that promise."

Sengoku's face softened, relieved. "Good. That's what I wanted to hear. You're Garp's grandson, and in a way, my grandson too. We have high hopes for you—greater than you realize."

"How high? Are we talking about Admiral level?" Finn asked.

Sengoku smiled knowingly. "Even higher."

"Higher? What's higher than Admiral?" Finn frowned.

"We believe you have the potential to be the next Fleet Admiral. If we can prepare you for that, it would mark a new era of greatness for the Marines."

Finn's eyes widened. "Are you serious?!"

Seeing Finn's shocked expression, Sengoku laughed. "What, don't want it?"

Finn's eyes gleamed. "Of course I want it! I'm going to be the Marine King, after all! But first, I've got to be Fleet Admiral!"

Sengoku, realizing where the conversation was going, quickly interjected. "Now hold on! The old man isn't retiring just yet!"