But when it came to exterminating pirates more effectively, Sakazuki couldn't care less about such trivial details.
"I accept your terms, but I think they're too modest. I'll give you some additional compensation." Sakazuki nodded, sealing the deal.
Gion, however, spoke with visible indignation, "Raleigh, why would you keep such a valuable thing for yourself instead of handing it over to headquarters? Are you betraying the Marines?"
Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Raleigh exchanged glances and burst into laughter.
Only an irritated Gion remained, baffled by their amusement.
Borsalino kindly explained, "Little Gion, this is a tactic Raleigh developed himself. In theory, he legally owns the rights to it. Besides, even the officers at headquarters each have their own training methods. Headquarters is well aware of this."
After the laughter subsided, Sakazuki seemed to be in high spirits.
He asked Raleigh, "I'd like to hear your thoughts on a certain matter."
Raleigh found this curious, as he viewed Sakazuki as a man of strong convictions—the type who rarely sought others' opinions.
"Go ahead, Sakazuki-senpai."
Sakazuki handed a piece of intelligence to Raleigh, who took it and read it slowly.
"A few years ago, the Rocks Pirates were defeated at God Valley. I don't know the exact details—the Marines issued a gag order. But the fall of Rocks has thrown the New World into chaos. Are you aware of this?"
Raleigh nodded.
He had known since his military academy days that Rocks was defeated at God Valley.
It was precisely because he knew what would follow that he chose to flee to the East Blue.
When a dominant leader falls, more ambitious figures emerge to vie for that position.
The Rocks Pirates controlled the largest territories in the New World—like prime cuts of meat attracting hyenas.
(Much like how Whitebeard's territories were divided after his death in the original storyline.)
Countless bloodthirsty pirates fought daily over territories, compounded by the remnants of the Rocks Pirates, such as Golden Lion Shiki, Whitebeard, Big Mom, and the still-developing Kaido, all recruiting forces.
These pirates in the New World were fighting like wild dogs.
Faced with such a major event, Marine Headquarters decided to retreat to the first half of the Grand Line, completely ceding the New World.
However, the Marines' strength still fell short.
Many pirates, defeated in the New World, returned to their home seas to recruit and prepare for another assault.
This was why Raleigh encountered Coleridge Roy in the East Blue.
Sakazuki lit another cigar. "My transfer this time is also to deal with the issue of pirates returning from the Grand Line. If it were you, what would you choose?"
Raleigh grumbled inwardly—asking a slacker like him to make a choice? He'd definitely choose to slack off.
"Given your rank, it's unrealistic to be transferred as a commander to the other three seas. If it were me, I might apply to be stationed at Reverse Mountain, taking on guard duty to block defeated pirates from entering the four seas."
Sakazuki nodded. "And if that doesn't work?"
Raleigh continued: "If that doesn't work, then I'd apply for patrol and pirate suppression duties in the Grand Line. Though riskier, with your strength, you shouldn't run into any trouble."
Sakazuki nodded again.
"The most dangerous posts would be at the junctions between the first and second halves of the Grand Line—Sabaody Archipelago and Fish-Man Island," Raleigh added.
"As long as those choke points are secured, no defeated pirates can slip through. Fish-Man Island isn't welcoming to humans, so that leaves controlling Sabaody. By stationing forces there, we can definitely curb their return. The only downside is the likelihood of running into World Nobles, which could bring unnecessary trouble."
Sakazuki raised an eyebrow, as if recalling some unpleasant memories.
He pulled out a map, circled all the locations Raleigh had mentioned, then exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"Raleigh, your suggestions were very useful, so I've decided to take up the position of base commander at G-5."
Raleigh was baffled.
'So, Sakazuki hadn't listened to a single one of my proposals in the end?'
How could he not know about G-5? It was practically the most forward-deployed Marine base, an isolated enclave far removed from Headquarters.
In the current situation, anyone assigned to G-5 might as well write their will in advance.
"Sakazuki-senpai, didn't I give you plenty of options? What's the meaning of this?" Raleigh was utterly confused.
Sakazuki laughed heartily. "Raleigh, you're someone who prioritizes safety, so your suggestions are always the safest options."
His expression shifted, revealing a resolute gaze. "But I, Sakazuki, have never feared any pirate—it's always them who fear me."
Raleigh's head swarmed with question marks.
"I'd actually already considered this," Sakazuki said, "but since you were here, I could use your options as references and rule them all out. What remains is the most dangerous post."
Though Raleigh didn't fully understand, he was awed by such determination.
Perhaps this was Sakazuki's conviction as a Marine—this very belief forged his iron will, driving him to always charge at the forefront.
Setting aside factional allegiances, this was precisely why Sakazuki would achieve the highest accomplishments.
"Well... then I wish you great success in your military endeavors, Sakazuki-senpai."
That was all Raleigh could say.
"Don't worry. I'll return alive to repay my debt to you and to mentor your disciple," Sakazuki chuckled, unconcerned about his impending assignment.
"It's fine. I believe Sakazuki-senpai will surely accomplish great things."
Raleigh wasn't worried.
Given Sakazuki's current strength, unless several powerful figures joined forces, they wouldn't be able to keep him at G-5.
The sound of a warship's siren came from outside.
Sakazuki rose from his seat, walked over, and patted Raleigh on the shoulder.
"Raleigh, I'll be waiting for you at Marine Headquarters."
After exchanging a few words with Borsalino, he left alone, boarding his designated warship under the gaze of thousands.