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The man with the Sand-Sand Fruit, Crocodile.
One of the former crew of the Pirate King Roger, the Devil's Heir, Douglas Bullet.
Garp recognized both of them at a glance. What surprised him was that Kyle had actually managed to bring people like these under his command.
And then he remembered how this kid had already taken in an entire crew of Supernova pirates before.
"You really have gathered one hell of a rebellious bunch under you," Garp said with a sigh of amazement.
"They're all good partners," Kyle replied with a smile.
Crocodile and Bullet said nothing. They both understood perfectly that, in a situation like this, silence was the best response.
"Is that so?"
"Then make sure you lead them properly."
Garp chuckled and withdrew his gaze.
As a teacher, he was more than happy to give his student room to grow freely. In his eyes, everyone had the right to choose their own path, and they also had to bear the consequences of that choice.
Since Kyle had decided on this road, he must have his reasons.
As for what kind of future this disciple would create, or what sort of world he would shape, that was not something he, as a teacher, needed to worry about.
Just like the bloody incident involving the Celestial Dragons at Sabaody, he had never doubted his student for a second.
How could a Marine destined to inherit his title as a hero do something so reckless?
The group continued up the stairs toward the main headquarters building. Along the way, Kyle spoke quietly with Kuzan.
After a short while, guided by a beautiful female officer, they entered the conference room.
This meeting room had clearly been prepared in advance. It was spacious and imposing, with a long table at the center and neatly arranged seats surrounding it.
The generals took their seats one by one. The vice admirals sat at the long table itself, while Kyle, Kuzan, and the others took seats around it.
The room was quiet, so quiet that someone started snoring not long after sitting down.
Kyle glanced around as more officers arrived, took their places, and waited in silence for the meeting to begin. Every face wore a different expression. Some were stern, some tense, others openly yawning.
About half an hour later, Kong finally entered with his aide, his expression serious and heavy.
"Looks like everyone's here," he said."Let's begin."
The opening was brief, perfectly reflecting the Navy's decisive and efficient style.
This was a habit Kong had developed over many years of commanding operations. On the battlefield, time was life. There was no room for long-winded speeches. If something could be said in one word, there was no reason to waste ten.
"Recently, the Roger Pirates reached the final island and Roger became the Pirate King. This event has had an enormous impact on the world," Kong said briskly.
"We have already issued a number of emergency orders in response."
"Operations to suppress and eliminate disruptive pirates have been carried out, and the results are clear."
He paused slightly.
"However, the influence Roger has caused still exceeds our expectations."
"The entire sea is boiling because of him. Chaos continues to spread. Pirates like Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom, and many others are constantly igniting new wars."
"The Four Blues are no exception. New pirates are flooding into the seas without end."
"And most importantly, Pirate King Roger himself must be captured and brought to justice, in order to quell the massive upheaval caused by his rise."
Kong's expression grew even more severe.
"Therefore, in response to the recent situation, I will now assign missions to all officers present."
"There are two primary objectives."
"First, conduct a worldwide search for Pirate King Roger and his crew, and arrest them."
"Second, focus your efforts on suppressing piracy across the entire sea. Crush these newly emerged troublemakers with everything we have."
As he spoke, Kong slammed his hand down on the table, his gaze sharp and piercing.
The conference room remained silent. Every general listened intently.
"Now," Kong said after taking a breath, "we will begin mission assignments."
What followed was an orderly and calm distribution of duties.
"Sengoku, remain stationed at headquarters and oversee the waters around the Sabaody Archipelago."
Sengoku nodded.
"Zephyr, you will be responsible for Water Seven, Long Ring Long Land, and nearby islands."
Zephyr inclined his head.
One assignment after another was given. Soon, Kong's eyes turned toward Kyle's side.
"Kuzan, head to the North Blue and eliminate pirate activity."
Kuzan stood. "Yes, sir!"
"Kyle, you will go to the South Blue."
"You are to suppress pirates there and search for Roger."
Kyle paused briefly, then nodded.
The pace of the assignments was fast. One by one, the officers accepted their orders and began leaving the room. Before long, Kyle heard Garp's name as well.
Naturally, the two of them were assigned to different regions. Garp was sent to the East Blue.
Many of the officers silently offered their condolences to the pirates of the East Blue. Everyone knew that the sea once known as the strongest in the world might very well become the weakest in the future.
Sakazuki and Borsalino were assigned soon after, each receiving their own missions.
"You may wait until your warships are fully modified before crossing the Calm Belt to the Four Blues," Kong said, "or you may depart immediately and undergo modifications later."
At first, many officers did not understand what he meant. Once it was explained, expressions of surprise spread through the room.
It was no wonder headquarters was launching such a large-scale, aggressive suppression campaign. If the Navy could cross the Calm Belt freely, support between regions would be faster and far more efficient.
"Dismissed," Kong said.
The Marines in the room immediately stood.
Kyle, however, wore a serious, slightly heavy expression.
"What's wrong, Kyle?" Kuzan asked."The South Blue should be pretty easy, right? The North Blue is the real headache. Too many strong guys over there."
He sighed.
In truth, the missions in the Four Blues were not difficult. The real problem was the sheer size of the area. If pirates were determined to run, there was only so much the Navy could do.
"My South Blue might be even worse than yours," Kyle said quietly.
"How bad could it be?" Kuzan joked. "Don't tell me you'll run into Roger himself."
Kyle's mouth twitched, and he didn't bother responding.
Because he knew all too well that, judging by the timeline, Roger was very likely in the South Blue right now.
As they left the conference room, Sakazuki quickly caught up to him.
"Something you want?" Kyle asked flatly.
"Next time, I won't lose to you again," Sakazuki said through clenched teeth.
"Heh."
Kyle only chuckled once and strode past him.
Right now, Roger was the real problem on his mind. He had no time to deal with someone wearing that stubborn, defiant look of a man deep in his most hot-blooded, childish phase.
Stepping out of the headquarters building, Kyle faced the sea breeze blowing against his face and murmured to himself:
"Do I let him be?"
"Or do I make my move and bring him in?"
"..."
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