After outlining the operation's objective, Lloyd immediately issued the deployment orders. He commanded Akainu and the six Admirals to lead the main forces toward the Red Line, while Zephyr, Sengoku, and Tsuru would remain stationed at Navy Headquarters to oversee the rear.
Akainu and the others accepted the orders without hesitation, each expressing their determination to carry them out without fail. The sight stirred the veteran Marines present. They could not help but sigh with emotion, believing that the current Navy Headquarters had become more united than ever before, a stark contrast to the divisions that had existed during Sengoku's era as Fleet Admiral.
However, Sengoku suddenly stood.
"Celestial Dragon Marshal, may I accompany the expedition to the Red Line this time?"
Every pair of eyes in the conference room turned toward him.
The veins on Sengoku's forehead bulged violently, and an overwhelming killing intent filled his eyes. The fury raging within him caused the power of his Devil Fruit to surge uncontrollably. A brilliant golden radiance spread across his body, making him resemble not the compassionate Great Buddha, but a wrathful divine guardian prepared to crush everything before him.
Crack, crack, crack.
The armrests beneath Sengoku's hands split apart under the immense pressure. A moment later, they shattered completely into fine dust.
He seemed oblivious to the destruction as he clenched his teeth.
"Damn Joy Boy! Even if it costs me my life, I'll personally send him to hell!"
Ever since learning that Joy Boy had completely taken over Luffy's body, the hatred inside Sengoku had become impossible to suppress. Never in his entire life had he despised someone so completely.
In his mind, the truth was already settled.
The one responsible for Garp's death was Joy Boy.
No matter how reckless or foolish Luffy might have been, Sengoku refused to believe the boy would ever murder his own grandfather.
Now Joy Boy had also erased the last remaining bloodline Garp had left behind.
How could Sengoku possibly forgive such a monster?
He wanted nothing more than to tear Joy Boy apart with his own hands and reduce him to nothing.
Standing beside him, Tsuru understood exactly what he was feeling. She gently placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke softly.
"Sengoku, this is still a meeting. Control yourself. The deployment will be decided by the Celestial Dragon Marshal."
Hearing Tsuru's voice, Sengoku slowly drew a deep breath and forced the violent emotions back under control.
He stood upright, faced Lloyd, and bowed his head slightly.
"My apologies, Celestial Dragon Marshal. I lost my composure."
Lloyd simply waved a hand dismissively.
"Sit down, Sengoku. I approve your request. You may accompany the expedition to the Red Line."
For a brief moment, Sengoku froze.
Then his face lit up with unmistakable excitement.
"Thank you, Celestial Dragon Marshal!"
He immediately raised his hand in a crisp military salute.
It was the first time Sengoku had ever saluted Lloyd.
The scene deeply moved everyone present. Even Tsuru, who rarely displayed her emotions, quietly wiped away the tears gathering in the corners of her eyes.
The truth was, she also wanted to stand on the battlefield against Joy Boy.
Her feelings toward Garp were no weaker than Sengoku's.
Unfortunately, she understood her own limitations.
Although she remained one of the Navy's most respected Vice Admirals, this war had reached a level where even someone of her caliber would struggle to influence the outcome.
Unlike Linlin, whose monstrous physique had defied age, Tsuru could clearly feel the weight of her years. Rather than forcing herself onto the battlefield, she believed her talents would be better used maintaining order within Navy Headquarters and ensuring everything continued operating smoothly as the Navy's greatest strategist.
As for the battlefield itself, she entrusted everything to Lloyd.
He was the Navy's Celestial Dragon Marshal.
He was also the Navy's strongest warrior, the man everyone believed could win any battle.
After offering Sengoku a few reassuring words, Lloyd looked across the conference room.
"Our objective is simple. We will eliminate Joy Boy and bring this Great Pirate Era to its end. Is that understood?"
The instant he finished speaking, every officer present rose simultaneously.
Each gave a military salute.
"Understood! Justice will prevail!"
With that, the meeting came to an end.
Akainu and the other Admirals wasted no time. Possessing full authority to carry out the operation, they immediately departed to prepare the fleet. Orders spread rapidly throughout Navy Headquarters as warships assembled at the harbor, awaiting the arrival of the remaining forces before sailing toward the Red Line.
Lloyd, meanwhile, activated Kamui and returned directly to the Figarland Family estate.
The sun had nearly set.
The moment he emerged from the swirling spatial distortion, he heard a commotion coming from outside the estate.
Frowning slightly, Lloyd summoned one of the Golden Armored Guards.
"What's happening outside?"
The guard immediately bowed respectfully.
"Saint Lloyd, the heads of numerous Celestial Dragon Families have gathered outside the estate. They've been waiting for both you and Saint Garling to return and have remained at the entrance since this afternoon."
Lloyd considered it briefly before understanding the situation.
The announcement of Garling's appointment as one of the Five Elders had undoubtedly spread across the Holy Land. These Family heads had come to offer congratulations while also seeking an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the Figarland Family.
After all, even Celestial Dragons were driven by status and influence.
The reaction was hardly surprising.
The guard respectfully asked,
"Saint Lloyd, shall we allow them inside?"
Lloyd turned and continued walking.
"No. Let them wait. We'll deal with them after the Family Head returns."
"Understood."
After taking several more steps, Lloyd suddenly stopped.
He turned back toward the guard.
"Is Saint Rosward among them?"
"Yes, Saint Rosward was the very first to arrive."
Lloyd nodded.
"Let him in. Escort him directly to the reception room. I'll be there shortly."
"Yes, Saint Lloyd."
The guard immediately departed to carry out the order.
Lloyd remained silent for a moment before making his way toward his private residence.
Inside, Sharlia, Monet, Hancock, and the others were gathered around the sofa, chatting together. As soon as Lloyd entered, they all stood to greet him.
His gaze settled on Sharlia.
"Sharlia, were you aware that Saint Rosward has been waiting outside?"
She blinked before nodding.
"Yes. Someone informed me this afternoon."
Lloyd raised an eyebrow.
"And yet you didn't invite your father inside? He's been standing outside the gate the entire afternoon."
Sharlia hurriedly shook her head.
"That wouldn't be appropriate. Without permission from Saint Lloyd or Saint Garling, Father would never dare enter the estate."
A faint smile appeared on Lloyd's face.
"You're my fiancée now. You have the authority to make that decision. Besides, he's your father. You don't need to be so restrained in the future."
Warmth filled Sharlia's heart.
She smiled obediently.
"Okay."
Lloyd lightly tapped her smooth forehead with a finger before walking toward his bedroom.
Monet and Hancock immediately followed behind him.
"I've already had Saint Rosward brought inside. Wait while I change clothes, then the two of you will accompany me to the reception room to meet him."