Chapter 269: Volume 2 – Chapter 171: Don't Think I Don't Know What You Did

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

Fleet Admiral's Office.

Sakazuki, Rogers Daren, and Borsalino stood in a line, freshly returned from the North Blue. The first two were still reeking of blood from their injuries, faces haggard from the long journey. Borsalino, as always, stood lazily with his hands tucked into his coat pockets.

Kong, with his signature mohawk, stood with arms crossed, his bronze skin and thick, muscular arms visible under his uniform. His gaze held open admiration as he looked at the three of them.

"You've done well on this mission."

As he spoke, he slowly closed the detailed battle report in his hands.

Sakazuki's voice was low and hoarse as he stepped forward.

"Fleet Admiral Kong, the failure to capture the traitor Dragon was due to my misjudgment and incompetence. I'm prepared to accept any punishment you see fit."

Kong chuckled softly, waving it off.

"This mission's failure isn't on you, Sakazuki. You don't need to blame yourself."

"We all saw what Dragon is capable of—his strength and talent are undeniable. And at sea, his abilities are even more potent, giving him a tremendous advantage."

"Besides, no one expected him to awaken Conqueror's Haki."

"You did well, all things considered."

Hearing that, Sakazuki clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.

"Fleet Admiral, I request permission to continue leading the mission to hunt down Dragon!"

"Just give me enough time, and I swear I'll bring that traitor—"

Before he could finish, Kong raised a hand to stop him, shaking his head.

"That's enough for now, Sakazuki."

"Your priority is to recover. Don't let your injuries leave lasting damage... As for the pursuit of Dragon, I'll appoint someone else more suitable for the job."

He then turned to Borsalino with a smile.

"Borsalino, how's the laser cannon research coming along in the newly established Naval Science Division?"

Borsalino let out a dramatic sigh, sounding a bit regretful.

"I'm terribly sorry, Fleet Admiral. The laser cannon development is still stuck at the final critical phase. We're still working out the energy system."

At that, a subtle flicker passed through Daren's eyes—so fast it was almost undetectable.

Kong nodded, seemingly unbothered by the update, and muttered thoughtfully,

"Hmm... Dr. Vegapunk is a genius five hundred years ahead of his time. With his intellect and foresight, he should be able to solve that problem."

"We must speed up the development of those weapons. If we can deploy them widely on our warships, it would be a tremendous boost to Marine combat power."

Borsalino nodded slowly in agreement.

"I'll do my best to expedite it."

"Good. You two can go now. I'd like a word with Daren—alone."

Sakazuki paused, a slight frown on his face. He gave Daren a quick glance, then saluted Kong, turned on his heel, and left without another word.

Borsalino followed, wearing a faint, knowing smile.

The office doors shut once more.

Daren remained alone, standing in front of the desk, facing the massive "Justice" plaque mounted on the gray wall ahead.

"Daren, you handled this beautifully. I'm very pleased."

Kong looked up calmly, smiling faintly as he met the eyes of the commodore standing before him.

Daren gave a slight nod, his tone modest.

"It was all thanks to Admiral Sengoku's support. I only did what I could—everything for the sake of justice."

Kong chuckled and shook his head.

"Sengoku wasn't wrong. You're a sharp one."

He raised the battle report in his hand and read off excerpts with a smirk.

"'In a fierce battle against the vicious criminal Monkey D. Dragon, Commodore Rogers Daren displayed courage and strength, successfully preventing the target's escape.'"

"'Over a thousand eyewitnesses saw Commodore Rogers Daren seriously injured, yet he firmly kept the battle zone clear of civilians.'"

"'The battle between the two destroyed no fewer than 80 buildings.'"

Kong's smile turned cold, a trace of mockery in his voice.

"I never expected it… Not only are you clever, but your acting skills are top notch."

The icy edge in his voice carried an undeniable weight, enough to chill any ordinary officer to the bone.

But Daren showed no hint of panic. His gaze was steady, his tone slightly confused.

"Acting? Fleet Admiral Kong, I'm not sure I understand."

Kong sneered, his large hand pressing down on the desk as he leaned forward, his presence overwhelmingly forceful.

"Oh really?"

"Don't think I don't know what you've done, Daren."

"You let Dragon go on purpose, didn't you? Rumor has it you and he had a good relationship."

Daren blinked, his expression even more perplexed.

"Dragon and I were just colleagues. Aside from that, we didn't have much interaction."

"I'm a new graduate of the Officer Training Camp—he finished long before I enrolled."

"And in terms of personality, we couldn't be more different. There's no common ground between us."

"Everyone knows he's a symbol for countless young Marines, an icon who carries the blood of a hero and an unparalleled sense of justice."

"Me? I've got a record full of stains, a notorious reputation. I just happened to get lucky and took down a legendary pirate... There's nothing admirable about that."

"I'm ambitious. I want power and promotion. Dragon killed a World Noble—he's a threat not just to the Marines, but to the entire world. If I captured him, I'd be guaranteed a promotion. Why would I ever let him go?"

Kong narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing every inch of Daren's face, hunting for even the slightest crack in his performance.

But he found nothing.

Daren's posture, tone, and logic were flawless—airtight from every angle.

Finally, Kong gave a satisfied grin.

"Good. If the CP agents from the World Government come knocking with questions, that's exactly how you'll answer."

Daren's lips twitched.

That almost scared me.

Keeping his composed smile, he nodded politely.

"Understood, Fleet Admiral. I'll report just as I've said."

He paused, then asked with genuine curiosity,

"But will the government really send someone?"

Kong's brows furrowed slightly, and he let out a sigh.

"You're already stepping into the core decision-making circle of headquarters. Even if I don't tell you, I'm sure you can see it for yourself."