104. Interlocking Rings - Part 3

"Hm? Has it already turned bright?" Kuzan tilted his head, his face full of drowsiness.

The three old geezers, all past their fifties, were absolutely furious. Though their strong physiques allowed them to endure a night or two without sleep, at the very least, this brat who was giving the main presentation should have shown some effort!

They were elderly men still working tirelessly for the navy, yet this kid, who was supposed to lead the discussion, had actually slept through it??!

"Hold him down, Sakazuki." The great Buddha took the tray of coffee from Kuzan's hands and signaled for Sakazuki, standing behind the sleepyhead, to make a move.

"What are you guys trying to do... Mmph! Mmph... Gulp! Gulp! Gulp!"

A swift and precise cross armlock restrained Kuzan firmly, while the great Buddha, with a kind smile, picked up the coffee and poured it straight into Kuzan's mouth.

It was only at that moment that Kuzan, in terror, noticed that Garp and Zephyr were each holding a cup of coffee, standing on either side of Sengoku.

"The Den Den Mushi is ringing! Garp-san! Zephyr-sensei!" Kuzan was on the verge of tears, pinning his hopes on the sudden and timely ring to save him.

The Buddha revealed a benevolent smile that seemed to bring salvation to all beings. "I'll take the call."

He turned around and walked toward the constantly ringing Den Den Mushi on the desk.

"Sengoku?" A weary voice came from the receiver.

The Admiral of the Navy asked anxiously about the issue that concerned them most:

"Kong-nii, has your meeting with the Five Elders concluded? Has the World Government approved our proposed modifications?"

The group, who had been horsing around just moments ago, instantly fell silent and returned to work mode.

The proposal to revise the Shichibukai system was of immense importance to the navy. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the Fleet Admiral's response.

Kong was silent for a moment before finally informing them of the unanimous decision:

"The Five Elders have agreed to the proposal that the Shichibukai may only plunder pirates."

"That is undoubtedly great news!"

Even Sengoku, with his usual composure, couldn't contain his excitement. Garp and Zephyr, standing beside him, raised their muscular arms to their chests and firmly clasped their hands together.

The Fleet Admiral's voice carried a solemn undertone:

"Is Sakazuki in your office?"

"Sakazuki is here."

Sengoku glanced at Sakazuki, who was ruffling Kuzan's hair, and confirmed his presence.

"?"

Hearing himself being specifically named, Sakazuki was momentarily taken aback, unable to comprehend the reason.

"Put him on the line. Also, have everyone else leave. I need to speak with him alone."

Kong quickly realized that apart from Sakazuki, there were others in Sengoku's office, all awaiting updates.

"Understood."

Sengoku did not press for an explanation. He gently set the receiver down on his desk, turned around, and left the office with Garp and the others, shutting the door behind them.

Sakazuki picked up the receiver, having no idea why Kong wanted a private conversation with him.

"Fleet Admiral..."

"Are they all gone?"

Kong cut him off directly. He needed to ensure that no third party within Marine Headquarters knew about this information.

"Yes, I'm the only one here."

Sakazuki scanned the empty Admiral's office. Given Kong's emphasis on confidentiality, this matter undoubtedly involved classified operations.

Kong got straight to the point:

"Do you remember the proposal you submitted half a year ago regarding the navy's stationing at Fish-Man Island?"

"Of course. Has there been progress?"

Hearing that it concerned Fish-Man Island, Sakazuki immediately grasped the direction of the conversation.

"The Five Elders intend for you to carry out this top-secret mission, but the World Government and Marine Headquarters will not issue any official documentation. Do you understand what I mean?"

Kong lifted his head and glanced at the five esteemed guests seated around the sofa, offering no further explanation.

Sakazuki slowly repeated the words he had just heard, carefully dissecting the message hidden within the Fleet Admiral's statement.

Then, suddenly, he let out a cold laugh.

When he had first proposed the plan, he had found it strange that, despite knowing that an official decree for the navy to station at Fish-Man Island was impossible, the Five Elders had never explicitly rejected it. In fact, they had even praised his strategic thinking.

It seemed that the Five Elders and the Celestial Dragons of the Holy Land were not entirely aligned.

A mission not officially sanctioned, one that must be carried out solely under personal authority… A classified operation.

"May I speak directly with the Five Elders, Fleet Admiral?"

Sakazuki requested.

"Of course."

A somewhat unfamiliar voice suddenly interjected.

"The Five Elders?"

Sakazuki asked knowingly.

The white-haired elder took the receiver from Kong's hands and asked in a straightforward manner:

"So? Are you interested in carrying it out?"

Sakazuki probed further:

"If I agree to execute this mission, what is the maximum level of support the World Government and Marine Headquarters can provide me?"

"The World Government will not issue an official order. As for Marine Headquarters, you will be allowed to deploy only your direct subordinates and warships."

The white-haired elder's voice remained unhurried.

Sakazuki gave a slight nod.

"And the Celestial Dragons?"

The white-haired elder furrowed his brows. He did not wish to state things so bluntly.

"You will have the highest level of executive authority. Conversely, everything you do on Fish-Man Island will have nothing to do with the World Government or the navy. You are a smart man; you should understand what I mean."

Sakazuki fell silent for a moment, then suddenly posed an unrelated question:

"The article labeling me as the 'Hawkish Leader' of the navy—was that information leaked by you?"

"Yes."

The Five Elders answered bluntly.

"Are you dissatisfied?"

Sakazuki did not respond immediately.

It was only at this moment that he fully pieced everything together.

Even with his level of political cunning, he couldn't help but draw a sharp breath.

He had finally seen through the Five Elders' setup.

From the moment the proposal for stationing troops at Fish-Man Island was brought up six months ago, rather than calling it a clumsy ploy to manipulate him, it was more accurate to say that the World Government was using him as a chess piece.

The Five Elders had, in fact, been tempted by his idea of stationing the navy at Fish-Man Island.

Tied together with their revisions to the Shichibukai system, this plan, in theory, could have brought unparalleled stability and prosperity to the first half of the Grand Line.

Fish-Man Island was a strategic chokepoint: an ideal base to launch a fleet into the New World, while also serving as a natural fortress to block enemy incursions.

Both plans had their flaws, but the Five Elders had devised corresponding solutions.

They had actively supported the navy's recruitment campaign for former Giant Warrior Pirates and Elbaf warriors to pave the way for the Shichibukai system. At the same time, they used policy adjustments to appease the navy's dissatisfaction with the World Government.

The only obstacles to the Fish-Man Island plan were its impact on the rights of member nations and the Celestial Dragons' "livestock" resource. Otherwise, it would have been a near-perfect proposal.

For half a year, the Five Elders had meticulously set up this trap.

Through media and newspapers, they had deliberately built up Sakazuki's reputation as a "hawkish strongman" in the eyes of the public.

And now, regardless of the outcome, Sakazuki was the one being played.

Yet, he had no choice but to swallow the bait.

"When do I depart?"

Sakazuki gave the answer the Five Elders wanted.

"Prepare immediately. At the latest, you act the day the Shichibukai system is officially announced to the public."

The Five Elders were very pleased with Sakazuki's "cooperation."

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