Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office.
Having just returned from the North Blue, Sakazuki, Darren, and Borsalino stood at attention, the first two still carrying the heavy scent of blood and exhaustion from battle, while Borsalino merely lounged with his hands in his pockets, casual as ever.
With arms folded across his broad chest, skin a deep bronze, Steel Bone Kong regarded them with a gaze that held nothing but undisguised approval.
"This mission… you've all done well."
He closed the detailed report he'd been reading.
Sakazuki's expression was grim, his voice hoarse as he spoke.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, this was my mistake. My judgment was lacking. I failed to capture that traitor Dragon—I'll accept any punishment, any consequences."
Kong gave a faint, reassuring smile.
"The failure of this mission isn't on you alone, Sakazuki. You needn't blame yourself."
"Dragon's strength and talent are known to us all. His abilities at sea give him a tremendous edge—no one could have foreseen that he would awaken Conqueror's Haki."
"You did all you could."
Sakazuki's fists clenched tighter. His jaw worked as he said, teeth bared:
"Fleet Admiral, I want to continue leading the pursuit of Dragon. Just give me enough time, and I swear I'll bring that traitor—"
Before he could finish, Kong cut him off with a wave of his hand, his voice firm.
"That's enough for now, Sakazuki."
"Your priority is to recover from your wounds, to make sure there's no permanent damage. As for pursuing Dragon, I'll choose someone else for that task."
Then Kong turned to Borsalino, his expression softening into a smile.
"Borsalino—how is the development of the laser cannon project in the newly established Marine Science Division?"
Borsalino gave a long, lazy sigh, sounding almost apologetic.
"Ah, I'm sorry, Fleet Admiral. The laser cannon project is still stuck at a critical stage… They're trying to solve the power supply issue."
Hearing this, Darren's eyes flickered ever so slightly.
Kong didn't seem to notice, only nodding thoughtfully.
"Hmm. Dr. Vegapunk is a genius five hundred years ahead of his time. With his vision and intellect, I'm sure he'll find a solution soon enough."
"Make sure they move quickly. If we can equip our battleships with these weapons, it will mean an unimaginable boost to the Marines' power."
Borsalino nodded slowly, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"I'll see to it."
"Good," Kong said. "You two can leave now. I'd like to speak with Darren alone."
Sakazuki hesitated briefly, glancing at Darren before raising his hand in a crisp salute and turning to go.
Borsalino gave Darren a knowing smile, then followed.
The door clicked shut behind them.
Now it was just Darren, standing before Kong's massive desk, facing the giant plaque on the grey wall that read "Justice."
"Darren, you handled this very well. I'm very pleased."
Kong's calm eyes met his, a rare smile creasing his weathered face.
Darren gave a small nod, his voice modest.
"It was all thanks to Admiral Sengoku's support, Fleet Admiral. I only did what I could. All in the name of justice."
Kong chuckled softly and shook his head.
"Sengoku was right—you're a clever one, Darren."
He tapped the report he'd just closed.
"'In fierce battle against the notorious criminal Dragon, Commodore Rogers Darren displayed extraordinary courage and skill, preventing the target's escape…'"
"'Over a thousand witnesses saw Commodore Rogers Darren, gravely wounded, resolutely maintain the battle in an uninhabited area…'"
"'The clash was so intense that it destroyed at least eighty buildings…'"
His smile turned cold, his tone suddenly biting.
"I hadn't expected this from you—not just cleverness, but real acting talent."
The cold edge in Kong's words carried a weight, an oppressive pressure that could chill the blood.
A lesser man would have cracked under it, would have faltered in an instant.
But Darren's face showed no trace of fear. His eyes only held a mild confusion as he asked:
"Acting, Fleet Admiral? I don't understand."
Kong's cold smile widened as he leaned forward, broad hands braced on the desk.
"Is that so?"
"Don't think I don't know exactly what you did, boy."
"You let Dragon escape on purpose, didn't you? Rumor has it you and he were close."
Darren blinked, his brow furrowing in genuine confusion.
"Dragon and I were merely colleagues, sir—nothing more."
"As for our personal philosophies… we couldn't be more different. He's the hero everyone worships—the blood of a Marine 'Hero' in his veins, unwavering in his sense of justice."
"Me? I've always been known for my questionable methods, my ambition. I was just lucky enough to kill a legendary pirate, and that's it. Nothing more."
"I crave power, rank, recognition… Dragon killed a Celestial Dragon, making him the enemy of the entire world. Capturing him would guarantee me a promotion. Why would I ever let him go?"
Kong's eyes narrowed, searching Darren's face for even the faintest crack.
He found none.
Every word, every gesture was impeccable—calm, reasonable, and perfectly aligned with the picture of an ambitious officer.
After a moment, Kong gave a small, satisfied smile.
"Good. If the World Government sends CP agents to investigate, that's exactly what you'll say."
A brief flicker of tension tightened Darren's mouth—he almost flinched.
Almost.
He kept his expression smooth, his voice even.
"Understood, Fleet Admiral. I'll report the same story, exactly as you said."
He hesitated, then asked with a hint of curiosity:
"But… will the Government really send someone to investigate?"
Kong's brow furrowed, a faint sigh escaping him.
"You're starting to enter the real core of Headquarters now, boy. Some things… even if I don't say them outright, you can see them for yourself."
---
To be continued…