Crocodile fell silent for a long moment, the swirling sand around his hook slowly settling.
"I want his real intel," he finally grated out, his voice low and dangerous.
"Everything. Strengths, weaknesses, habits, allies. After I deal with those interfering bastards in Mariejois, I will personally pay him a visit. Mr. 1 and the others didn't die for nothing…"
Of course, there was one more thing he didn't say aloud.
Aside from his humiliating defeat at Whitebeard's hands years ago, he had never suffered such a heavy loss, such a public dismantling of his organization.
This debt must be settled.
But the real culprits, the ones who had manipulated him into this situation, were those damned Vice Admirals in the Holy Land.
So, he knew very well which targets to deal with first.
Robin nodded, her enigmatic smile firmly in place.
"I understand, Mr. 0. I'll make the arrangements right away."
....
In the Fleet Admiral's office at Marine Headquarters, Sengoku's usually stern eyes sharpened.
"You're saying there's such a force operating in the first half of the Grand Line?" he asked, his voice laced with astonishment.
He was currently on a Den Den Mushi call with Smoker, who had just relayed Lancelot's report about Baroque Works and the clash in Loguetown.
Smoker's gruff voice came back. "Yes, Fleet Admiral! Baroque Works. They sent three Devil Fruit users after Lancelot in Loguetown alone. And Lancelot claims he encountered even more at Whiskey Peak."
Sengoku raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Three Devil Fruit users making a move at once, targeting a Marine Captain... It seems we need to investigate this 'Baroque Works' thoroughly."
Then, recalling Smoker's earlier, more glowing report, he pressed further.
"And you said this Lancelot... he not only has mastered Rokushiki, but has also awakened both Armament and Observation Haki? And his swordsmanship has even reached the level of a swords master?"
Smoker: "Yes, Fleet Admiral! And from what I've personally observed since he came to the East Blue... although the kid is a bit of a shameless pervert, his fundamentals are solid. He's solid on the big picture—ruthless against pirates, protective of civilians. Most importantly, he's highly capable and brutally decisive."
Smoker continued, warming to his topic.
"In just a short time, he's swept through nearly all the major pirates in the East Blue. He even took down Arlong, whose status was... somewhat sensitive. Now, in the entire East Blue, there are only one or two pirates left with bounties over ten million Berries. He even dug out Captain Kuro, who'd been faking his death and hiding for three years."
Sengoku, being a shrewd man, narrowed his eyes slightly as he listened to Smoker continuously, almost enthusiastically, listing Lancelot's achievements.
"Smoker," he interrupted, his voice dry, "are you suggesting I recruit him? Bring him to Headquarters?"
Smoker nodded without hesitation.
"Yes, sir! He's young, exceptionally talented, daring to take action... and most importantly, he seems to genuinely care about civilians. Frankly speaking, aside from being a bit of a womanizer, he's truly suited to become an outstanding Marine."
He then proceeded to recount his conversation with the Logia user Gak, emphasizing Lancelot's condemnation of Akainu's methods.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at Sengoku's lips as he listened.
'What 'outstanding Marine'?' he thought. 'Smoker might as well have outright said he's perfect for the moderate, 'dovish' faction.'
"A womanizer, huh?" Sengoku mused aloud, considering the flaw.
He felt only slight dissatisfaction.
If that was the only major flaw... it wasn't unacceptable.
After all, even someone like Akainu, with his brutal brand of "Absolute Justice," had risen to the position of Admiral—a man who wouldn't hesitate to kill both colleagues and civilians when enraged.
Compared to that, what was a little womanizing? It hardly counted as a serious character flaw in the grand scheme of things.
The only real concern was Lancelot's background, his deep, undeniable connections to the Holy Land through his father, Burns.
At that moment, Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Navy's Great Staff Officer, who was standing nearby reviewing documents, remarked coolly.
"The Five Elders in the Holy Land are growing increasingly dissatisfied with our handling of certain... delicate matters. Perhaps this young man presents a good opportunity."
Sengoku's eyes lit up. "Are you suggesting we use his Holy Land connections to ease tensions with the Five Elders?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru nodded, her expression sharp.
"Why not? After all, if you, Fleet Admiral, proactively promote and empower someone with direct ties to the Holy Land, wouldn't the Five Elders see it as a gesture of submission, or at least cooperation? And, according to Smoker's report, this young man's conduct aligns almost perfectly with our faction's values. Even if we heavily rely on him, it shouldn't cause major political issues. He could be the perfect lubricant, a bridge, between us and the Holy Land. As for his womanizing... it's truly not a significant problem."
She continued, "In this world, many nobles and powerful figures have multiple women. Even among the high-ranking Marine officers, it's not uncommon for some to have several partners. As long as he doesn't make major strategic errors or betray the Navy's core principles, it's hardly an issue."
Sengoku nodded slowly upon hearing her pragmatic assessment, murmuring.
"That makes sense. As long as there are no major strategic mistakes, it's not a real problem."
He then turned his attention back to the Den Den Mushi.
"Smoker! Prepare yourself!"
"Prepare for what, sir?" Smoker looked puzzled.
Sengoku retorted gruffly, "Haven't you had enough of languishing in the East Blue?"
Smoker was taken aback for a moment before understanding dawned on him. A wide, incredulous grin split his face.
Overjoyed, he exclaimed, "Enough, sir! More than enough! Hahaha!"
Sengoku ordered, "Get back to headquarters. Immediately."
With that, he ended the communication.
Vice Admiral Tsuru couldn't help but smile faintly.
"Finally willing to let him return to headquarters?"
Sengoku allowed himself a rare smile as well.
"This kid, Smoker... he's learned to recruit talent for us now, even if it's unconventional talent. It seems he's finally matured and is no longer the reckless young hothead he used to be. It's time for him to gain experience in the New World. After all, as a Logia Ability User, he's destined to become a cornerstone of the Marines' future."
Vice Admiral Tsuru then asked, "So, you plan to have Lancelot take Smoker's former position here at headquarters?"
Sengoku shook his head. "No. Smoker's old post isn't enough. If we're going to recruit Lancelot, truly bring him into our fold despite his background, we must offer substantial benefits. Real power. Besides, a significant promotion will appear even more sincere in the eyes of the Five Elders."
Vice Admiral Tsuru raised an eyebrow.
"What position did you have in mind? The highest command in the East Blue requires at least the rank of Commodore."
Sengoku's smile widened. "Then we promote him. After all, he caused quite a stir at Whisky Peak yesterday, dismantling a significant Baroque Works operation. Combined with his actions against Arlong and his suppression of pirates throughout the East Blue... it's more than enough justification."
"Whisky Peak?" Vice Admiral Tsuru looked surprised, clearly unaware of this latest incident.
Sengoku explained, "This kid has made quite a name for himself already. Not only did he wipe out all the bounty hunters at Whisky Peak, but according to the initial reports, he even killed and captured several Devil Fruit Ability Users from Baroque Works. Among them were some with bounties exceeding tens of millions, with the highest confirmed kill being Daz Bonez, Mr. 1, bounty 75 million Berries."
"Oh?" Vice Admiral Tsuru was genuinely surprised now. "In that case, his strength is indeed at least at the level of a Rear Admiral, possibly even touching Vice Admiral, as Smoker suggested. No wonder Smoker said he might not be a match for him anymore."
She then changed the subject, her mind already moving ahead.
"But in that case, the rank of Commodore might be a bit low, Sengoku. It doesn't quite match the authority we'd be giving him. How about we make a real exception? Promote him two ranks at once... straight to the rank of Rear Admiral. What do you think?"
Sengoku paused, considering. "Rear Admiral? That... might be too much. He hasn't even been a Captain for long. Promoting him two ranks at once... I'm afraid some people, even within our own faction, might not accept it."
Vice Admiral Tsuru's lips curled into a rare, sharp smile.
"Not convinced? If they have what it takes, let them achieve this many military merits in such a short time too!" Her tone turned cold.
"The military merits are undeniable, Sengoku. Who can truly disagree? Who dares to defy a joint recommendation from us? Besides, anyone with a brain will understand why we're doing this."
After pondering for another moment, weighing the political benefits against the potential internal friction, Sengoku finally nodded.
"Alright then. As you suggested. Lancelot will be promoted to Rear Admiral and appointed as the Governor-General of the East Blue. Lina, under his command, will be promoted to Lieutenant Commander and serve as his adjutant. Roronoa Zoro will be promoted to Lieutenant Commander and appointed as the East Blue Naval Sword Instructor. Gin will be promoted to Lieutenant Commander and appointed as the Base Commander of Loguetown, responsible for the defense of that critical island. As for the position of East Blue Inspector General... let the Holy Land deal with that mess themselves!"
.....
"Buru buru... Buru buru..."
Another day passed at sea.
Lancelot was leisurely sunbathing on the deck of the Going Merry, enjoying the calm before the inevitable storm his father was brewing.
Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi in his pocket rang – the private line to his father.
Lancelot was somewhat surprised.
'So soon? Could it be that something's happened with the old man again?'
When he answered, sure enough, the excited, booming voice of his cheap old dad, Burns, came through.
"Lancelot! My boy! You did an excellent job! Truly magnificent!"
Lancelot raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance.
"Has the news about Whisky Peak reached the Holy Land already?"
"Hahaha!" Burns laughed heartily, a sound full of genuine pride.
"More than that, son! Due to your outstanding performance, Fleet Admiral Sengoku himself has directly made an exception! He's promoting you two ranks at once! Furthermore, he has appointed you as the Governor-General of the East Blue, putting you in charge of all naval affairs in the East Blue from now on!"
"Effective immediately, you are Rear Admiral Lancelot, Governor-General of the East Blue!"
"This time, kid," Burns's voice cracked slightly with emotion, "you've really made your old man proud! Even the Celestial Dragons... they've been asking me about you."