"So, Sengoku... how feasible do you think it is to apply the North Blue Fleet's model to our headquarters?"
In the Base Commander's office, the military Den Den Mushi transmitted the deep, commanding voice of Fleet Admiral Kong.
Sengoku frowned and paused for a few seconds, then responded carefully,
"Reporting to Fleet Admiral Kong, it's hard to say at this stage. I'll need to wait until that brat Daren wakes up before I can get an accurate estimate of the cost of the North Blue Fleet's equipment and weaponry."
Over in Marineford, inside the Fleet Admiral's office, Kong stood with his arms crossed, speaking in a low tone.
"I've heard a lot about Germa's high-tech weapons. With gear like that, a military force can see massive improvements in combat capability in a very short time. But Sengoku... you should know better than anyone—the North Blue Fleet's real strength isn't in its weapons."
"It's Daren," Sengoku said slowly.
"That's right. The key to the flying fleet lies in Daren's Devil Fruit ability... Without him, no matter how many high-tech weapons they have or how elite their troops are, the North Blue Fleet is just a powerful force—nothing more."
Kong let out a heavy sigh.
"But with Daren's Devil Fruit ability, the strategic value of that fleet..."
He paused, his expression turning solemn as he said clearly:
"Is immeasurable."
Sengoku nodded in agreement.
The terror of a flying fleet had already been proven by Shiki the Golden Lion. Though his Flying Pirates were vast in number—far more than an average pirate crew—and he commanded dozens of ships, his crew wasn't particularly strong. They lacked the core fighters that could hold a front like the captains under Whitebeard's Moby Dick, and were no match for the elite composition of Roger's crew.
Yet, to Marine Headquarters, if there was one pirate in this sea who was the hardest to deal with, it would undoubtedly be Shiki the Golden Lion.
His sheer personal strength and large fleet were threats, but those weren't the biggest concerns.
What made him truly dangerous was his Fuwa Fuwa no Mi.
With the ability to lift an entire fleet into the sky, granting unmatched mobility, he could strike anywhere at will and retreat just as easily. It was nearly impossible to defend against.
"And you need to understand, Sengoku..."
"The stronger Daren gets, and the more he develops his Devil Fruit, the more ships he'll be able to carry."
"With the talent he's shown, that's inevitable."
Kong lit a cigar, took a deep drag, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Maybe in the not-too-distant future, the world's forces of justice will have a flying Admiral."
Sengoku remained silent for a while.
"But Fleet Admiral Kong... about control over the North Blue Fleet, and Daren collecting taxes in the North Blue... are we really just going to turn a blind eye?"
"In the past two days I've observed the North Blue Fleet closely. Their devotion to Daren has reached a peak."
"To the point that, in the North Blue, the orders of an Admiral like me hold less sway than a simple word from Daren, a mere Captain from HQ."
"And the investigation results from Gion and Tokikake are in—Daren's been using the tax revenue he collects to equip his men with top-tier weapons, the most advanced ships, and pay and benefits far beyond HQ standards..."
"If we don't put a stop to this, the North Blue Marines might eventually break free of Headquarters' control altogether—and become Daren's personal army."
Hearing this, Kong suddenly laughed.
He said something that seemed completely unrelated:
"Sengoku, it's time you grew up."
Sengoku frowned, clearly displeased.
"Fleet Admiral Kong!!"
Kong chuckled.
"I've reviewed Daren's file... Sharp, ambitious, capable, ruthless—and skilled at winning people over."
"Do you really think that, without his approval, those two hotheaded rookies Gion and Tokikake would've uncovered that much intel?"
Sengoku was taken aback.
His eyes widened slightly, as if something had clicked.
"Fleet Admiral Kong... you mean..."
Kong exhaled a cloud of smoke, eyes gazing out toward the sea beyond Marineford.
The waves crashed and surged. The vast blue sea stretched endlessly into the horizon, swallowing all in its depth.
"For this operation against Byrnndi World, Daren could've easily kept the North Blue Fleet hidden."
"The time and place of the deal were known. Risky, yes—but with your strength, plus Borsalino's, as long as you blocked World's escape route, it wouldn't have been hard to take him down."
"But Daren didn't do that..."
Kong's voice carried a subtle undertone.
"He sent out the North Blue Fleet anyway."
Sengoku's body trembled. He murmured in disbelief,
"He was making a show of force...!"
Kong nodded.
"Exactly. He's forcing Headquarters to make a choice."
"He's shown his value—his strength, his talent, the potential of his Devil Fruit, and... the future possibility of building a flying armada for the Marines."
"And what he wants—is the North Blue."
"He wants full control and leadership over it. He wants HQ to stay silent about his actions there. He wants to be recognized as the rightful..."
Kong narrowed his eyes.
"...King of the North Blue."
...
"Do you think HQ will agree to this?"
At the same time...
Branch 321, Military Hospital.
In the quiet high-grade ward, the hallway was stacked with all kinds of flower bouquets and fruit baskets.
The air carried a faint mix of blood and disinfectant.
Momonga sat straight and serious on a wooden stool by the bed, his expression grave as he asked.
"They'll agree. I revealed my ability voluntarily... It's an offer they can't refuse."
Daren leaned back against the hospital bed, a lit cigar between his lips. His narrowed black eyes looked through the glass window toward the harbor, a confident smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Both arms were in casts, and his bare upper body was wrapped in bloodstained bandages. His face was pale from the heavy blood loss.
"Let's wait and see. I can't say it outright, but Sengoku and Kong are smart. They'll get the message."
"The death of Byrnndi World, the potential of a flying fleet, my future development... All of it is enough to secure at least twenty years of peace in the North Blue."
"It won't be long before your commission arrives."
Daren's gaze settled on Momonga's composed, resolute face. He grinned.
"Congratulations in advance—North Blue's new Admiral."
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake