Chapter 102: The Art of the Deal
"Everyone from Marine Headquarters!" Saint Jaygarcia Saturn's voice was like cracking ice. "With your actions today, have you forgotten your positions? Have you forgotten who granted you that authority?"
The other Elders joined in, their voices a chorus of cold fury, denouncing the Marines' unprecedented insubordination.
CRACK!
Who said only Garling could break a chair?
Garp stood up with such force that the sound of his chair splintering dwarfed Garling's. "Hahaha! I've muddled through my whole life," he boomed, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Always thought things would get better, that it would all work out. Are the Elders telling us old men today that we can't even protect the new buds? The next generation?"
Aokiji, representing both the absent Akainu and Kizaru via the Den Den Mushi, stood firmly beside his mentor. An era of defiance seemed to be dawning right there in the conference room.
Throughout this, Ian's senses remained locked on Pangaea Castle. Im's figure had not reappeared since entering that "dream space." Even with the tension in the conference room reaching a boiling point, Im showed no sign of intervening. The patience was staggering. Or perhaps... it was simple apathy. He simply did not care about the lives of anyone present. If they died, new ones would be appointed. The Five Elders themselves were replaceable, let alone the officers of the Marines.
Ian's mind raced, remaining analytical. Now was definitely not the time for an all-out rebellion. They couldn't topple the Celestial Dragons, not yet. They simply weren't strong enough. Five terrifying Mythical Zoan users, their Haki undoubtedly maxed out... could all the Marines present even withstand them? And Im? His abilities were still a complete mystery. Before fully understanding Mary Geoise's secrets and Im's power, he had to bide his time.
But even if today ended here, it wasn't a total loss. The seeds of rebellion had been openly sown. And for that, they had the late, unlamented Saint Charlos to thank.
If the Five Elders continued to press, or if Tsuru decided to reveal more, the situation would spiral completely out of control.
"Elders! Leaders of the Headquarters!" Ian's voice cut through the tension, cheerful and disarmingly casual. He raised a hand as if calling for quiet at a friendly gathering. "How about I say a few words?"
All eyes turned to him, making him the temporary center of gravity.
"Everyone, let's not be so angry," he began, his tone placating. "After all, the tragedy we all feared didn't actually happen, right? In this matter, there's really no absolute right or wrong." He then turned his gaze to Garling. "As the Commander of the God's Knights, is it wrong to discipline those who have failed in their duties? He, Figarland Garling... he is right!"
The Five Elders: "..."
Everyone at Marine Headquarters: "???"
Figarland Garling: "???"
Ian's bizarre defense not only confused his allies but also baffled his adversaries. What was he playing at? Wasn't he the one who had stirred this entire pot?
"Continue," Saint Saturn said, his voice wary.
Ian looked around the room, meeting the confused gazes of the Marine leadership and giving them a subtle, reassuring look. Trust me, it seemed to say. If he didn't de-escalate this now, they might all die here today.
"From the Marine perspective," Ian continued, "we have fulfilled our duties today. We have no regrets. We would die with honor and dignity. Therefore, the entire unit under my command is not at fault. We fought pirates, saved civilians, and warned the Celestial Dragon to retreat... Aren't our actions commendable? Doesn't this prove we are on the side of justice?" He gestured magnanimously towards Garling. "Even when Commander Garling's methods were... overly enthusiastic, I still stood up to save him—no, I mean, I'm speaking up for him now. I've done such a good deed!"
He paused, spreading his hands in a gesture of innocent confusion. "So, who is actually at fault here? There must be a source of this error. Let me summarize... it was a procedural error! No trial, no inquiry, direct execution. This is acceptable for dealing with enemies, but not for our own colleagues." He fixed his gaze on Garling, his expression one of mild admonishment. "Commander Garling, haven't you realized it yet?"
He waved a hand dismissively. "It's no big deal. Just apologize, and this will all be over. Be sincere about it. Explain yourself to Marine Headquarters and my superiors. Assure them this won't happen again." His tone became almost pleading. "Please, be considerate of those of us working on the front lines. Don't break our hearts! That's all I have to say. I yield the floor. My final suggestion: an apology from Commander Garling." He turned to the Five Elders. "Elders, what do you think?"
He finished with a pointed look at Garling, as if to say, Stop wasting everyone's time.
The Marine brass stood a little straighter. They had no objection to Ian's proposal. Expecting the Five Elders to punish Garling was a fantasy. An all-out rift with Mary Geoise was unthinkable. But if Garling could be forced to apologize... it would be a first. A psychological victory for the Marines over a Celestial Dragon.
"Apologize? Me?" Garling spat, his face a mask of thunderous disbelief. "Apologize to you people? Are you out of your mind, you little brat?!"
A vein throbbed on his forehead. From the moment Ian started speaking, he'd known it was a trap. Since when was this whelp ever on his side? The punchline was a demand for him to apologize to the Celestial Dragons' own servants!
However...
Before Garling's rage could fully erupt, Saint Saturn, leaning on his cane, spoke in a measured tone. "Garling. I believe Rear Admiral Jock Ian's proposal has merit." He looked directly at the fuming Knight. "You will apologize for your recklessness. To our colleagues at Marine Headquarters."
The words hung in the air.
Then, Akainu's voice crackled from the Den Den Mushi. "Garling. And thank Ian while you're at it. Louder, so Borsalino and I can hear you clearly."
Kizaru's weary sigh was audible through the snail. "Sakazuki... must you always drag me into these things?"
Saint Garling stared at Saint Saturn in utter astonishment. Ian's treachery was one thing, but for one of the Five Elders, a pinnacle of Celestial Dragon authority, to side with him? To demand an apology to a group of servants?
Saint Saturn's expression remained impassive. "Apologize, Garling. That is the most expedient way to resolve this. I have made my decision."
A cold smile touched Ian's lips as he watched the internal conflict play out on Garling's face. He laughed inwardly at the man's ignorance. In the hearts of the true rulers, the Five Elders and Im, they alone were the supreme gods. A Commander of the God's Knights was, in the end, just another tool. When that tool became more trouble than it was worth, even a prized instrument could be discarded. Preserving the overall stability of the World Government and the facade of Marine loyalty was far more important than Garling's pride. An apology was a cheap price to pay.
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