Chapter 233: Volume 2 – Chapter 135: I Challenge the Top Seat

Even someone as composed and calculating as Sengoku couldn't help but feel uneasy at that moment.

As the most powerful law enforcement force on the seas, the Marines may have held considerable military autonomy—but at the end of the day, they were still subordinate to the World Government.

Many within the Marines quietly scoffed at the government's authority, but outwardly, they maintained a façade of obedience and respect.

For someone like Sengoku—a high-ranking officer and currently the only serving Admiral at Marine Headquarters—if he lost the trust of the Five Elders, the World Government's highest authority, his career would be finished.

At the very least, his ambition for the Fleet Admiral position—which required the Five Elders' approval—would be dead in the water.

"Admiral Sengoku, do you take me for someone who would betray his comrades, his partners... or his superiors?"

Daren smiled with a lazy squint.

Sengoku: …

Why emphasize "superiors" again!?

"I'm well aware of where I stand,"

Daren continued with a calm smile.

"The orders from the Five Elders are, of course, important—but unity within the Marines matters even more."

"That's precisely why, in the final report I submitted to the Five Elders, I made sure to highlight the support and encouragement you gave me."

Sengoku let out a quiet breath of relief and gave a small, approving smile.

"Hm. I've always trusted you to handle things properly."

Daren nodded.

"My job is to make sure the World Government never loses faith in the Marines. That's something none of us can afford."

He looked up, meeting Sengoku's gaze directly, his tone subtly pointed.

"Wouldn't you agree, Admiral Sengoku?"

Sengoku paused.

As if understanding the deeper meaning behind the words, he stayed silent for a moment, then let out a long breath and nodded.

"You're right."

Daren smiled.

"Well then, if there's nothing else, I'll be heading back now, Admiral."

This "briefing" had clearly just been a pretense. Sengoku had summoned him here to test the waters.

Now that they'd reached an understanding, there was no reason for Daren to linger.

Toki was waiting for him at home for dinner.

"Hm."

Sengoku nodded. After a brief pause, a smile surfaced on his face.

"How's Toki adjusting to life in Marineford?"

Daren replied with a smile,

"She seems to like it here quite a lot."

Sengoku nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly asked,

"That's good. If I'm not mistaken... she's from Wano, isn't she?"

"Yes."

Daren didn't deny it.

The culture of Wano Country was too distinct from other islands and nations in the sea—there was no hiding Amatsuki Toki's origins from someone like Sengoku.

Sengoku fell silent for a moment, then spoke slowly.

"Treat her well... and if possible, try to gather some intel on Wano."

"Yes, Admiral Sengoku."

Daren gave a respectful nod.

"Then I'll be going."

With that, he turned and walked toward the door.

"Daren..."

Sengoku's deep voice came from behind. Daren paused instinctively.

"Let me give you one last piece of advice: the goddess of luck won't always be on your side."

Daren chuckled but didn't look back.

"I don't believe in luck, Admiral Sengoku."

And with that, he pushed the door open and stepped out.

As the heavy office door slowly closed behind him, Sengoku leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and gently massaged his temples.

A long silence followed.

Then, suddenly, Sengoku let out a quiet laugh.

"What a clever brat..."

He understood exactly what Daren had meant with that line—

"We must never let the World Government lose faith in the Marines..."

That sentence exploded like a thunderclap in Sengoku's mind.

"We really can't keep digging into this…"

He sighed deeply, his hand clenching into a fist.

The Celestial Dragon incident—must never be linked to any Marine.

...

It was nearly dusk by the time Daren stepped out of Sengoku's office.

The shimmering sunset over the distant naval port reflected off the waves, and the cool sea breeze brushed against his face. Only then did the tension in his body begin to ease.

He let out a long exhale, reached into the pocket of his uniform trousers, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and lit one.

His thoughts drifted with the rising smoke.

Sengoku wasn't easy to fool—but at the very least, for now, Daren had managed to steady him.

He's a smart man.

He should understand the implication behind what I said.

The Marines can't afford to let the World Government start getting suspicious.

So even if Sengoku did dig up some kind of clue or evidence, he wouldn't dare report it—for the sake of the Marines as a whole.

That's the card Daren was playing.

Because now, Daren's status was far from what it used to be.

Former North Blue Admiral.

Zephyr's direct disciple.

The man who brought down the "World Destroyer," Byrnndi World.

A rising future Admiral. A pillar of justice.

The one who leveled the Beasts Pirates' base...

Fame, achievements, talent, strength—he had it all.

If the World Government tried to move against him, it wouldn't be a simple matter.

Daren killed a Celestial Dragon?

Then what—should Zephyr be investigated too?

Should Admiral Sengoku, who was also stationed in the North Blue at the time, be held accountable?

Would the entire North Blue command need to be interrogated, maybe even sacrificed?

And beyond Daren, what about the rest of the Marines? Would this spark questions about latent hostility toward the World Government or the Celestial Dragons?

...

Once that door opens, it doesn't close again.

The World Government might tear the entire Marine structure apart.

They'd lose all trust, slash funding, maybe even start dismantling the Marine force itself...

That's what Daren was betting on.

He was betting that Sengoku wouldn't dare let that happen.

"Haa..."

The cigarette burned down fast.

He blew out the final puff of smoke, flicked the butt to the ground, and ground it out beneath his boot.

"Time to head home."

He muttered the words quietly, gazing out at the setting sun.

But just as he lifted his foot to leave, a tall figure suddenly stepped into his path.

Bathed in the glow of the sunset, Gion stood with her long sword in hand, slightly out of breath. Her pristine Marine cloak fluttered in the breeze, and her eyes were locked coldly on Daren.

"Gion?"

Daren blinked in surprise.

He noticed the bruises on her arms, the weariness on her face—clear signs of a grueling day of training.

What was she doing here?

"Marine Headquarters, Officer Training Program, Third Term... Rogers Daren."

Gion drew in a deep breath. Both hands gripped the hilt of her golden Meito tightly. Her gaze was resolute.

"I'm here to challenge you—for the top spot."