Chapter 81: Taking Command
At some point, the cabin of the warship had fallen silent. Even Borsalino stopped picking at his nails, looking up with interest, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
This guy Daren… he just directly asked the Marine Headquarters admiral for command?
"You want command of this mission, Daren?"
Sengoku raised an eyebrow, his expression stern.
"Yes, Admiral Sengoku."
Daren's voice held no hesitation—firm and resolute.
"I have full confidence."
"The situation in the North Blue is complicated. I know the waters around the target island inside and out—the shipping routes, the nearby towns, troop deployments, everything."
"I was the one who arranged this deal through intermediaries. I have every reason to lead the operation myself."
"And more importantly, since the North Blue Fleet will serve as the main force in this mission to eliminate Byrnndi World and the World Pirates, placing them under my command will ensure they perform at their best."
Daren knew there was no room for retreat here.
Having spent years in the North Blue, he understood one truth well—power and status aren't granted; you fight for them.
Make the right request at the right time... Sometimes, the best way to earn your superior's respect is to challenge their authority.
Sengoku's deep-set eyes gleamed slightly at Daren's words.
"Daren, do you understand Byrnndi World's true strength?"
He suddenly changed the question.
"Yes, Admiral Sengoku. I'm well aware."
"Byrnndi World is a pirate on par with Roger and Whitebeard. His strength is not to be underestimated. But this is a war—and the outcome of a war isn't decided by strength alone."
Sengoku paused in thought, then asked again.
"Are you also aware that if your command leads to mission failure, the consequences will be severe? It could ruin your political future in the Marines."
"I understand completely, Admiral. If the mission fails, I'll accept any punishment from Headquarters."
That response made the glint in Sengoku's eyes grow even brighter.
He turned slightly, looking at Borsalino.
"Rear Admiral Borsalino, what's your take?"
Borsalino stroked the stubble on his chin, pretending to think deeply. Then, in his usual lazy drawl, he replied:
"Hmm… I don't see any harm in letting Captain Daren give it a shot."
"His performance as North Blue Admiral has been excellent—both in administration and battlefield command…"
That final sentence was enough to dispel the last of Sengoku's hesitation.
If it were anyone else, Sengoku would never consider handing over command of such a crucial mission against Byrnndi World.
But Daren was different.
His record and service history spoke for themselves. Even though he hadn't gone through the formal officer training program, his tactical mind and leadership had consistently stood out in the Marines.
Most of all, Daren had guts.
Offering to lead the main force of the fleet into battle against Byrnndi World—that kind of boldness wasn't something every officer possessed.
"Very well. I'll grant you temporary command of this mission."
After a moment's thought, Sengoku gave his decision.
"But remember—the battlefield can change in an instant. If anything unpredictable happens, I'll take back control immediately and command the operation myself."
"No problem, Admiral Sengoku."
...
On the other end of the line, Daren stood at the bow of a warship, the cloak of justice billowing behind him in the wind. His half-lidded eyes carried a faint smile.
He slowly put away the military Den Den Mushi and turned his gaze toward the harbor.
One by one, warships sailed steadily in from the waters beyond the 321st Branch, forming an arrowhead formation exactly as he had ordered.
On the docks, heavily armed Marines were loading crates of supplies onto the ships with steely focus.
Every soldier moved with quiet discipline—checking artillery, polishing the barrels, preparing the fleet for deployment.
"Sengoku really said yes?"
A shocked voice sounded behind him. Daren turned to see Tokikake's face frozen in disbelief.
"He actually gave you command? For a mission as important as taking down Byrnndi World!?"
Daren chuckled, lit a cigar, and winked.
"Headquarters knows how to recognize talent."
"Damn it! Why not me!?"
Tokikake growled through gritted teeth.
For some reason, seeing Daren bask in the spotlight stung more than taking a punch to the gut.
This was Byrnndi World!
A legendary pirate with a bounty of 400 million Berry!
Over the years, countless Marine heavyweights—former Admiral Black Arm Zephyr, Admiral Sengoku, Vice Admiral Garp—had tried to take him down.
Now, with Byrnndi World trapped in the North Blue and the Grand Line sealed off, they finally had a chance to finish the job.
And the one in charge… was Daren!?
"Daren, are you sure you want to lead this operation? Byrnndi World isn't like the usual North Blue pirates."
Gion's voice was calm but laced with concern.
Daren gave her a sideways glance and grinned.
"No need to worry about me. I'm a scumbag and a rogue. What's that saying again? Ah, right—'villains always live the longest.'"
Gion bit her lip, fuming.
"I'm not worried about you! I'm worried your poor judgment will get the North Blue Fleet wiped out by Byrnndi World's world-ending power!"
"...And worse, undo all the hard work Admiral Sengoku has put in!"
Daren shrugged.
"Who knows?"
"This is Byrnndi World we're talking about. No matter who's in charge, there's a chance the mission could fail."
"Of course, if you're confident, Gion… I'll gladly hand the command over to you. How about it?"
Gion pressed her lips together and fell silent.
The North Blue Fleet wouldn't follow her orders.
And the truth was, when it came to the World Pirates, even she had no confidence.
The Moa Moa no Mi… its power was enough to make anyone despair.
That kind of force wasn't something strategy or formations could solve.
She glanced sideways at Daren's profile.
He was staring calmly at the sea, a faint, relaxed smile on his lips.
Could it be… he actually had a plan to deal with Byrnndi World?
Gion couldn't help but feel a growing curiosity.
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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