Jon and Borsalino’s Mutual Suspicion

"You're right to have such doubts. A soldier must not only follow orders but also think for themselves."

Kong was not angry at Borsalino's question. Instead, he nodded in satisfaction before continuing.

"Like you, we also didn't think he had any reason to betray us, but the facts are clear. There's no point in arguing about it now. The only way to understand why is to find him."

At this moment, Zephyr, who had been silent, finally spoke.

"For the past two years, several nations in the Grand Line and the West Blue have suffered uprisings. Some of these are even World Government member states. After an extensive investigation by the World Government's intelligence agencies, we discovered that a mysterious force was behind these uprisings."

"We haven't yet identified the full extent of this organization, but we have traced several clues—enough to confirm that Dragon is involved. In fact, he may even be one of the leaders."

Upon hearing this, Jon and the others showed visible shock.

Jon was particularly surprised—had Dragon's movement really progressed this fast? Was he already inciting revolts in other countries?

Kong picked up the explanation.

"These reports have been cross-checked multiple times. It is now certain—Dragon is deeply connected to this organization and plays a significant role in it. His actions have crossed the line. He is officially a traitor."

"You six were all classmates with Dragon. Compared to the rest of the Marines, you know him best. That's why you've been chosen for this mission—bring him back alive."

If this were any other person, even an officer, Kong would not have hesitated to order their execution. But Dragon was no ordinary traitor. He was the son of Garp, a pillar of the Marines. Even if Dragon had committed treason, Kong had to consider Garp's position in the organization.

Jon and the others all showed subtle changes in their expressions.

Before coming here, they had considered many possibilities, but they hadn't expected this mission.

It was Vetus who first responded. "Understood, sir! We'll bring him back."

Doberman hesitated for a moment before also agreeing, while Peberton glanced at Jon and nodded silently.

Kong turned his gaze toward Jon, Borsalino, and Sakazuki.

"Sakazuki, Borsalino, Jon—you three were the closest to Dragon. Jon, you probably know him better than anyone here, correct?"

Jon replied carefully, "Fleet Admiral, I did spend a lot of time with Dragon. But to say I truly understand him… I wouldn't be so sure. Dragon is not difficult to get along with, but he's also not someone who reveals his true thoughts easily. I can only say I know him a little, but I wouldn't claim to fully understand him."

"That's enough. I don't care how you do it—just bring him back."

Kong's tone left no room for negotiation.

Under this direct order, the six of them had no choice but to comply.

Zephyr added, "According to our intelligence, the last confirmed sighting of Dragon was in…"

Jon and the others listened attentively as Zephyr provided the details. After receiving their orders, they left Kong's office to begin their mission.

After the group had left, Kong folded his arms, his expression tense.

"Are you sure they can handle this?" he asked Zephyr.

Originally, Kong had planned to send a Vice Admiral with a full battalion for this mission. But Zephyr had suggested otherwise.

Jon and the others were undoubtedly outstanding, but compared to seasoned veterans, they lacked experience. That was why Kong wasn't entirely convinced.

Zephyr, however, remained confident.

"These six were all trained under me. Jon was right about one thing—Dragon is the most secretive among them. Even as his instructor, I could never fully understand what he was thinking. If even I couldn't read him, what chance do the other Marines have?"

"If you needed someone guaranteed to capture Dragon, your best bet would be Garp himself. But… would you really send Garp on this mission?"

Kong scowled, knowing full well that was impossible.

Dragon was Garp's son. There was no way they could send him to bring Dragon in.

"That's why Jon's group is the best option," Zephyr continued. "They've spent time with Dragon. They have some level of insight into how he thinks. And besides—Jon specializes in tracking, Borsalino is the fastest among them, and Sakazuki is the strongest. The other three may not be on their level, but they're also exceptional in their own right."

"Compared to sending thousands of soldiers, using six elites is much more efficient."

This was why Zephyr had personally recommended this team.

If even these six couldn't catch Dragon, then no one could.

Even the World Government's intelligence agency, CP, had failed to track him down. If CP couldn't find him, what chance did ordinary soldiers have?

Rather than sending an army, it was better to use precision and strategy.

Kong considered this and eventually nodded.

"…Fine. I'll trust your judgment."

Truthfully, Kong wasn't all that invested in this mission. If not for the direct orders from the Five Elders, he wouldn't have even bothered launching a full-scale manhunt. After all, Dragon was not a victory they could proudly display.

Especially not with Garp in the picture.

After leaving the Marine headquarters, Jon and his team gathered to discuss their approach.

"I still can't believe Dragon really betrayed us…" Doberman sighed. Though he was a dedicated Marine, he couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.

"What's so surprising?" Vetus scoffed. "People have different ambitions. That guy was always gloomy and secretive. It was just a matter of time."

"Alright, enough of that," Peberton interjected. "We've been given an order. Instead of debating, we need to focus on how to bring him back."

"Do we split up or work together?"

Sakazuki, ever serious, replied, "Let's wait until we reach Dragon's last known location. We'll investigate the area before deciding on our next move."

Everyone agreed.

Thus, the six of them boarded a warship and set sail.

Sometime later, Borsalino found an opportunity to speak with Jon in private.

"Jon… what do you really think about all this?" he asked in a low voice.

Jon glanced at him. "What do you mean?"

"Come on, don't play dumb. Last time we talked, you asked me about Dragon. Did you already suspect something back then?"

Borsalino's eyes were sharp, as if he had already figured something out.

Jon wasn't about to admit anything.

"What are you talking about? I hadn't seen him in a while, so I was just curious," Jon replied smoothly. "But what about you? I've seen you sneaking around with Dragon before. Got something you're hiding?"

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