However, just as everyone eagerly awaited Fleet Admiral Sengoku's decision, Lancelot waved his hand and decisively rejected the offer on their behalf.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, with all due respect, I do not believe these two are suited for the role of Marine officers. Instead, they would be more suitable as members of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
He paused briefly before continuing his explanation. "As you know, although we are considered allies with the Warlords, this alliance is unstable. Based on my interactions with the three I have encountered, it is difficult to call them reliable allies. Therefore, it is necessary for us to send two trustworthy individuals to infiltrate their ranks so we can better control the situation."
At this point, Lancelot turned his gaze toward Basil Hawkins and Urouge, who stood nearby.
"Basil Hawkins possesses the abilities of the Paramecia-type Straw-Straw Fruit. Not only can he launch powerful attacks by manipulating straw dolls, but he can also use substitute straw dolls to nullify damage.
Urouge's Paramecia-type Karma Karma Fruit is equally formidable, allowing him to amplify his attack power based on the damage he receives. His ability is unique; as long as he is not defeated instantly, he has the potential to turn the tables and emerge victorious.
Their bounties are 320 million Berries and 108 million Berries, respectively. Moreover, they are among the Supernovas personally designated by you, members of the Worst Generation, which is enough proof that their strength should not be underestimated. In terms of both strength and reputation, they are nearly qualified to take up positions as Warlords."
"Nearly qualified?"
Upon hearing this, Sengoku's eye twitched.
He glanced at Basil Hawkins and Urouge standing before him.
Internally, he pondered: 'There is no denying that these two possess considerable strength, but compared to the renowned Warlords, there is still a noticeable gap. If they were to become members of the Warlords, they would need more time to mature.'
Thinking carefully, these two have not had their Devil Fruit abilities for very long.
If given two or three years, with their innate talent, fully developing their abilities would not be difficult.
By then, placing them in Warlord positions would feel natural and well-deserved.
At this moment... Sengoku fell silent.
Nevertheless, he was no fool.
Lancelot proposing such a suggestion—was his intention not to obtain some form of compensation?
Not long ago, he had assigned Lancelot to another location for a mission.
Encountering a tricky situation, he had no choice but to summon him back for assistance, and this time the circumstances might involve life-threatening dangers.
If they could not offer appropriate compensation in return, it seemed unreasonable no matter what.
"Hah..." Sengoku let out a long breath, as if releasing all the inner turmoil and pressure along with that exhale.
His tightly furrowed brows relaxed, and his gaze became resolute and decisive.
After careful consideration, Sengoku had made his mind up. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment and spoke.
"Mm, that is acceptable. However, whether they ultimately obtain the position of Warlord will depend on their specific performance in this war. If they can demonstrate exceptional strength and remarkable achievements, the position will naturally be theirs."
Standing nearby, Lancelot glanced at Basil Hawkins and Urouge, scolding them softly.
"You two have no sense of awareness at all! Why aren't you hurrying to thank Fleet Admiral Sengoku?"
Basil Hawkins and Urouge exchanged a glance, detecting a trace of unconcealed shock in each other's eyes.
They had not anticipated that things would proceed so smoothly, nor had they expected Lancelot to hold such a lofty status and wield such significant influence within Navy Headquarters.
He could even directly sway Fleet Admiral Sengoku's decision regarding the appointment of the Warlords.
After a brief moment of astonishment, the two snapped back to reality as if waking from a dream. Not daring to delay any further, they stepped forward.
Plastering ingratiating smiles on their faces, their backs bent like shrimp, they spoke with extreme respect.
"Thank you for your recognition, Fleet Admiral Sengoku! We will spare no effort and will live up to your expectations!"
Seeing the proper attitude displayed by Basil Hawkins and Urouge, Fleet Admiral Sengoku nodded with satisfaction.
He could not help but admire Lancelot's methods. Every pirate he had recruited and brought under his command was invariably well-behaved.
These pirates would carry out Lancelot's orders and tasks without hesitation, never daring to overstep their bounds. Such a high degree of obedience was astonishing.
Crunch crunch...
Just then, Garp plopped himself down casually to the side. Everyone looked at him curiously, unsure where he had produced a bag of fragrant rice crackers from.
As if no one else was around, he began munching on them with great relish, absorbed in his snack as if everything around him was irrelevant.
Seeing this, Lancelot wore an expression of speechlessness, momentarily at a loss for words, Basil Hawkins was stunned, his mouth slightly agape and Urouge stared wide-eyed, dumbfounded at Garp.
The entire scene fell into an eerie silence.
This was the highest seat of power in the Marines.
Acting so casual... was it not a bit disrespectful?
Seeing this, Sengoku's eye twitched with anger as he roared, "Garp!"
Garp, still enjoying his snack, looked up.
His mouth was still full of rice crackers as he mumbled in response, "Just eating some rice crackers, no need to shout."
"What's the matter now?"
A slightly helpless inquiry came from the doorway.
Swish…
Hearing the sound, everyone turned their gazes toward the entrance.
Two figures—one tall and one short—walked in from outside.
Lancelot focused his eyes, brightening his gaze, as he recognized the newcomers.
The shorter figure was the legendary Marine—Vice Admiral Tsuru, while the other tall, beautiful woman was the enchanting Gion, also known as Momousagi.
Basil Hawkins and Urouge stared with eyes as wide as bronze bells, their faces filled with disbelief.
They never imagined they would encounter two high-ranking Marine officials again so soon.
Although Vice Admiral Tsuru held the same rank as Garp as a Marine Vice Admiral, her status within the Marines was far from ordinary.
Just as Garp was hailed as the "Hero of the Marines," Tsuru was revered as the "Great Staff Officer."
This respected female officer had fought alongside Sengoku and Garp long before the Great Pirate Era began, jointly supporting the entire Marine force.
In the eyes of countless soldiers, Tsuru was not only a powerful commander but also a deeply admired figure.
With her years of accumulated combat experience and vast knowledge, she had become a true tactical genius.
Notably, the Devil Fruit she consumed was the Paramecia-type Wash-Wash Fruit, allowing her to transform into a "Laundry Person."
Her relationship with Donquixote Doflamingo could be described as that of archrivals. In every confrontation, Tsuru managed to leave the arrogant Doflamingo in a humiliating state, with a pursuit so relentless it could only be described as devastating.
This dynamic was as intense as Garp's relentless chase of Roger in the past.
Of course, comparing these two scenarios was like comparing heaven and earth—incomparable.
Yet, her ability to pursue Doflamingo proved she was far more than just exceptionally intelligent. She possessed astonishing combat prowess.
Though she might pale in comparison to the legendary Pirate King Roger and the Marine Hero Garp, she clearly surpassed Doflamingo by a significant margin.
Her strength had at least reached the level of a Warlord, making her a force to be reckoned with.
As for Gion, even less needed to be said.
Like Lancelot, she was considered a candidate for the position of Admiral.
Her demonstrated combat prowess and the lofty prestige she held within the entire Marine system were top-tier, placing her in a league few could hope to reach.
While Basil Hawkins and Urouge were observing them, they too were discreetly observing the two.
These "Supernovas" had been making a stir recently, each causing more trouble than the last.
Because of this, Gion and Vice Admiral Tsuru recognized Basil Hawkins and Urouge's true identities with a glance, and a wave of intense surprise surged within them.
This was the Fleet Admiral's office!
In the past, such a place would never have traces of pirates. Yet today, these two notorious pirates had appeared here so brazenly, leaving Gion and Vice Admiral Tsuru bewildered.
Both frowned slightly in unison, their eyes revealing clear displeasure along with a hint of confusion.
Their attention was soon drawn to Lancelot.
In an instant, everything seemed to become clear.
Lancelot had a habit of recruiting pirates for his own use, which was no secret within the Marines.
Regarding his actions, there were two completely opposing attitudes within the Marines: some firmly opposed it, believing it damaged the Marines' dignity; others supported the view, feeling it might bring new strength and strategies to the Marines.
Gion was one of the key figures in the opposition camp.
At this moment, her frosty gaze fixed directly on Lancelot, the hostility within it almost tangible, as if sternly warning him.
Lancelot bringing pirates to the Marine Fleet Admiral's office had crossed her bottom line.
In Gion's eyes, pirates would always be pirates, regardless of their explanations or experiences.
These pirates had innocent blood on their hands, and sending them to Impel Down for punishment was already considered an act of leniency and mercy.
If such villains were to transform and join the Marines to become commanding officers, it would be the most unfair and intolerable thing in the world for those who had suffered under their brutality.
Meanwhile, Lancelot instantly detected Gion's hostile gaze, and a trace of confusion arose in his heart.
He searched his memories but could not recall when or where he had offended this person before him.
After careful consideration, Lancelot realized an astonishing fact—they had never even met before!
If that was the case, then where did this inexplicable hostility come from?
Thinking this, Lancelot could not help but frown deeply.
The friendly light in his eyes underwent a dramatic transformation in an instant, as if covered by a layer of frost, with a piercing cold gleam flashing through them like lightning.
Indeed, Gion possessed breathtaking beauty, like a delicate flower blooming in an icy wilderness, moreover, she was a prominent candidate for Admiral, backed by formidable power that commanded awe.
But even so, what did it matter? Would Lancelot fear these things? The answer was clearly no.
The person he was now had long been different from the weak existence who used to be submissive and yielding to everyone.
No one could make him submit or retreat anymore.
When their gazes met in the air, Lancelot unflinchingly met Gion's eyes.
Gion was slightly taken aback, having keenly detected the dissatisfaction evident in Lancelot's eyes.
The cold glint in Lancelot's eyes was fully noticed by Vice Admiral Tsuru standing nearby.
Her expression shifted slightly, the calm and placid face instantly rippling with a barely perceptible disturbance, while an involuntary wave of faint displeasure surged within her.
However, the experienced and unflappable Vice Admiral Tsuru regained her composure.
She knew full well that Lancelot was not usually impulsive, though not the type to be particularly steady and reserved, neither was he the kind to act recklessly.
Thus, she swiftly began to ponder the reason behind it.
After a brief moment of thought, Vice Admiral Tsuru realized that Lancelot and Gion had never met before. Logically, it was impossible for Lancelot to display such a hostile gaze without cause.
Since there must be a reason for this, the issue most likely lay with the person Lancelot was currently staring at.
Thinking this, Vice Admiral Tsuru turned her head, her sharp gaze following the direction of Lancelot's line of sight.