To be honest...
Griffin quite enjoyed the feeling of being the center of attention.
The allure of power lay in the posture of "creating something out of nothing."
When you occupied an absolute high position, you didn't need to speak—naturally, there would be people trying to decipher the shifts in your thoughts from the furrow of your brow.
When your strength was impossible for anyone to ignore, even so-called "inevitable rules" could be twisted according to your will.
Your very existence was a coordinate—an abyss that enemies had to cross, a pillar for allies in times of crisis.
This was the origin of the term "mainstay."
...
Griffin had long known that there were many admirers of his within the Marines, but he rarely interacted with them.
Because he was dissatisfied.
Their reverence for him wasn't complete; it was more like a "celebrity worship" kind of admiration.
He had told Doctor Marie that he hated how Sengoku had molded him into some sort of Marine idol.
This superficial pursuit disgusted Griffin.
Now, it was different.
The gazes of the thousands below as they looked at him were the same as when they looked at those Admirals.
This was the kind of look he needed!
The look of subordinates toward someone who could dictate their lives!
...
The kid who once had to fight stray dogs for scraps had finally come this far...
What he despised wasn't the decision-makers—he just hated not being the one making the decisions!
——
Griffin descended the gangway step by step, yet it felt as though...
He was walking step by step toward a throne.
Spreading his arms, he gladly accepted the cheers of the crowd, the congratulations of his colleagues, and savored his moment amidst countless ceremonial cannons.
...
Griffin gazed at the figure high up in the building, a thought stirring in his heart.
Sooner or later, there will be a place for me there!
It's not enough—I will go even higher!!
The sea may have its limits, but ambition knows no bounds.
——
——
"Come to think of it... this is actually the first time I've seen this kid in person."
"He's the type who likes to show off. He seems to really enjoy the welcome ceremony you arranged."
High up in the building, Garp leaned against the railing and spoke over his shoulder.
Sengoku, his eyes fixed on the port, said calmly, "Who doesn't like fame and power?"
"You think refusing the Admiral title makes you some unique, power-indifferent figure? That's also a form of privilege."
"Tsk... At least I'm not as obsessed with positions as you are, promotion maniac!"
...
Many years ago, after the God Valley incident, the two had fought over this very topic.
Garp had accused Sengoku of being able to tolerate the Celestial Dragons' atrocities just for a promotion.
Sengoku had argued that without a position, you couldn't protect anything.
Neither had convinced the other, but both chose to trust one another, each protecting the Marines in their own way.
Yes, if you separated the two of them from the Marines, it was the Marines who were being protected.
Because of their existence, the Marines weren't entirely a tool of the World Government—something to be used and discarded at will.
...
After a pause,
Garp spoke up, "That thing you mentioned before... can it still be done?"
A few months earlier, the two of them had discussed with Tsuru the idea of secretly establishing a Marine unit.
A force completely detached from World Government orders, one that would decide which factions to engage with based on its own will.
Some actions prohibited by the World Government for Marines, such as actively engaging with Pirate Emperor-level crews, could be handed over to this unit.
Sengoku shook his head: "Let's talk about that later. In any case, he's no longer suitable."
Originally, in the public perception, Marine Commodore Griffin had been missing for over two years, no different from being dead.
As long as Griffin returned secretly, Sengoku planned to form a special unit around him.
If you like playing role-playing games, I'll let you play to your heart's content.
…
He never expected Griffin's return to become known to everyone, nor that he would later stir up so much trouble without settling down.
Now, asking him to do something like undercover work would be a joke.
Fortunately, Sengoku was a man extremely adept at adapting to circumstances and going with the flow.
If what you want is power, then I'll give you power.
Whether it's a sense of responsibility or a lust for authority, it will push you forward!
…
Garp propped his stubbled chin, grinning as he watched the bustling scene at the port: "Hehe, my two grandsons will join the Marines too. When they grow up, they definitely won't be worse than this kid!"
Seeing Garp's hopeful expression for the future, Sengoku felt somewhat conflicted.
He knew exactly what Garp's two grandsons were made of—one was the son of the Pirate King, the other the son of the world's most wanted criminal.
Garp, you must make them join the Marines…
…
"Putting strength aside for now, their looks definitely won't compare to Rear Admiral Griffin."
Sengoku chimed in on his old friend's topic: "Haha… Perhaps by then, they'll be competing for the position of Fleet Admiral. How exciting."
"Tch, Ace and Luffy aren't promotion maniacs like you. They just need to be righteous Marines!"
…
…
"You're not allowed to steal senbei from my office anymore."
"Hah? No way!"
…
Bored, Garp stood up, hesitated for a moment, and spoke to Sengoku with a slightly serious expression.
"I can't hear a single sound from that kid… This feels a bit like talking behind someone's back…"
"Anyway, be a little careful."
Can't hear…
Sengoku knew Garp had a special ability—the Voice of All Things—that allowed him to understand the voices of all things: Sea Kings, plants, even the sound of stones.
What Garp meant by this was…
He couldn't understand Griffin.
…
Hah… You rely too much on that ability, which is why you can't understand reality.
Under the tide of events, most people's actions don't follow their own thoughts; they simply shift with the changing situation.
Just like now, I don't need your ability to know Griffin's next move.
He saw me.
After the welcome ceremony ends, he'll definitely come to the Fleet Admiral's office to report and thank me for everything I've prepared for him!
Then I'll reprimand him a bit for disobeying orders, and he'll…
…
Wait, that's not the direction of the headquarters building!
Watching Griffin walk off in another direction without looking back, Sengoku waited two minutes before losing his patience.
Buru buru buru…
"Why are you calling me? If you just stood there and shouted, I'd hear you. Den Den Mushi feed isn't free, you know."
…
"Um… Rear Admiral Griffin, you're going the wrong way. My office area is to your left. If you don't know the way, you can ask someone at the reception to guide you."
…
"Huh? Why would I go to your office?"
…
"You're a Rear Admiral of the headquarters! Shouldn't your first priority upon returning be reporting to me?!"
...
"Annoying. You were like this back at Whitebeard's place too, acting like some lonely old man."
"I'll come find you tomorrow. Have the bounties for Red Hair and the others ready for me. Hanging up."
...
...
Sengoku stared at the disconnected call, lost in thought.
Could it be... that I haven't done enough somewhere?
No!
It's just that this brat's personality is too terrible!
He's never once shown respect for me, the Fleet Admiral!!
Why can't I get a Marine combatant without personality flaws?!
Are there no reliable Marines like Zephyr anymore?!
...
The person Sengoku was thinking of and the one Griffin went to see were the same.
Just like three years ago, it was still the training ground.
The Marine soldiers in training halted their movements.
Zephyr turned around, a faint, almost imperceptible smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
"You brat..."
...
Griffin also smiled.
He took off his Justice Coat, tilted his head, and stretched his muscles.
"I'll skip the pleasantries like 'long time no see'..."
"You took your medicine, right? Don't make excuses when I knock you down."
...
"Hah... You're still far from my level, kid!!"
Boom————!!
Two dark figures collided violently!!
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