"You're very smart."
An appreciative gleam flashed in Sengoku's eyes.
From any perspective, Akihara Kagura's plan was nothing short of perfect. It allowed the Navy, the organization that maintains peace on the seas, to learn the truth about the world, even stepping onto the path of protecting the world, though it was difficult to fully judge the rights and wrongs of this path.
Moreover...
Even how to wrap things up was well considered.
Now, all that needed to be done was to pin everything on Crocodile. At this point in time, when the World Government was still needed, the Navy did not have to worry about excessive blame from the World Government and the Five Elders, nor did the Navy suffer any significant losses during this event.
Sengoku looked at Akihara Kagura and mentioned his future plans for this Navy Lieutenant: "When the Alabasta event concludes, come back with us to Marineford. I will arrange for you to spend some time in the Navy Training Camp…"
"I want to acquire a Devil Fruit first."
Akihara Kagura quickly voiced his thoughts, candidly saying, "The Konoha Pirates promised me they would help me acquire a Logia-type Rumble-Rumble Fruit, making it easier for me to stand firm in the Navy and provide them with more internal Naval intelligence…"
Worried that Sengoku might get angry, Akihara Kagura softly explained, "Back when they needed me to be a spy in the Navy, I brought up my lack of strength. They offered to provide a Logia-type Devil Fruit. Since I didn't have much power to resist anyway, I might as well take advantage of them to get the Rumble-Rumble Fruit…"
"…"
A look of sudden realization appeared on Sengoku's face.
This Navy Admiral was not upset about Akihara Kagura's dealings with the Konoha Pirates because this lieutenant's heart was aligned with the Navy's.
Otherwise, this young fellow wouldn't have so straightforwardly disclosed the intelligence about his trades with the Konoha Pirates.
If he wanted to hide the matter of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, this young fellow could easily claim in the future that he had acquired it by other means, instead of telling his admiral about it even before obtaining the Rumble-Rumble Fruit…
This matter…
was beneficial to the Navy.
Because a powerful Logia-type Fruit user, especially one with the terrifying ability of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, could potentially provide the Navy with a Vice Admiral or even an Admiral level combatant!
"Alright."
This Navy Admiral heeded Akihara Kagura's suggestion, speaking in a deep voice: "The Rumble-Rumble Fruit is of utmost importance. If it proves too troublesome, I will have Kuzan and Borsalino assist you…"
"That was the promise of the Konoha Pirates."
Akihara Kagura shook his head, softly continuing, "This way, we can also test their capabilities. Those pirates seem to know everything, even having detailed information about Sky Island…"
"Very well."
Sengoku seriously nodded, waving his hand and saying, "I agree to everything you've said. Once you've obtained the Rumble-Rumble Fruit ability, quickly return to Marineford for training. Your intellect is more valuable than your strength…"
"Yes."
After accepting, Akihara Kagura directly left.
Sengoku watched the departing figure of the Navy Lieutenant, his gaze becoming gradually profound: "A clever little fellow."
Sengoku once again praised Akihara Kagura, softly stating, "Despite Kuzan mentioning that his strength isn't particularly formidable, he was still chosen by the Konoha Pirates to become one of theirs, and even allowed to single-handedly manipulate the events in Alabasta. Indeed, he possesses quite precious wisdom…"
"This little guy has calculated all of us into his plans..."
Vice Admiral Tsuru couldn't help but nod slowly, sighing as she said, "From Clown Buggy's attempt on the Celestial Dragon, passing through the East Sea, Log Town, and Drum Island, each step triggering the major event in Alabasta, Clown Buggy, Crocodile, Kuzan, Borsalino, and all of us old folks became parts of his plan…"
"No…"
"Not only so…"
"Even the Five Elders were part of it."
Sengoku shook his head, speaking in a deep tone: "From the start of the Alabasta incident to how it concluded, he had considered it all in advance…"
On this point...
The Navy didn't have many who could think this far.
Just the planning and execution of this operation alone showed that this Navy Lieutenant named Akihara Kagura was not to be underestimated, destined to become the brains of the Navy…
"There's also one more thing…"
Sengoku contemplated the last pondering test he set before Akihara Kagura, speaking softly, "If I were executing his plan, I would ensure there was some bloodshed in this great incident to prevent the Five Elders from suspecting us, but he didn't plan for any Navy sacrifice…"
"Kuzan was mistaken."
"This little guy isn't that unscrupulous."
"Perhaps it's because he feels that colluding with pirates means justice is no longer spotless, given that this time the Alabasta incident entangled the Navy with pirates..."
Sengoku took a deep breath, his gaze was sharp, akin to Buddha's, seemingly able to see through people's minds: "However, speaking on the basis of outcomes, his plans actually served the Navy, as at least we suffered no major losses, and even gained a pirate crew potentially useful in the future. A few minor injuries to Garp and I are barely worth mentioning…"