The Marine generals shook their heads one after another, indicating that they had no objections to the newly proposed bounty adjustments presented by Vice Admiral Tsuru.
Just as Tsuru was about to continue speaking, a voice suddenly came from directly across the table.
"If it's about the crusade… why not let me handle it?"
The speaker was none other than one of the Marine's highest combat authorities—Admiral "Aokiji" Kuzan.
At this time, he was the only Admiral currently present at Headquarters.
Spread out before him on the conference table were the files on the War Pirates, including photographs and background information on their primary members—Kaito Arisawa among them.
As Kuzan lifted his head to speak, he casually placed a photograph he had been holding face-down onto the stack of documents.
If one looked closely, the photo showed Robin.
More precisely, it showed Robin in disguise.
The sudden proposal caused the generals around the table to exchange surprised glances.
Even Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru showed faint traces of astonishment.
"The matter of suppressing the War Pirates does require swift action," Sengoku said after a brief pause. "However, dispatching an Admiral is unnecessary."
He rejected the proposal without hesitation.
At the same time, a trace of doubt surfaced in his mind.
Had Kuzan shared some special bond with Vice Admiral Henry?
Otherwise, why would he show such unusual initiative?
Kuzan was not known for being particularly proactive.
Perhaps in his younger years—but certainly not now.
As for Sengoku's refusal, it was only natural.
At present, only Admiral Kuzan was stationed at Headquarters.
As one of the Marine's ultimate combat forces, each Admiral bore specific responsibilities.
Their primary duty was to maintain presence at three critical locations:
The G1 Branch guarding the entrance to the New World.
The Holy Land Mariejois.
And Marine Headquarters at Marineford.
With Admiral "Akainu" Sakazuki and Admiral "Kizaru" Borsalino currently assigned elsewhere, Kuzan could not simply leave his post without compelling reason.
That was Sengoku's logic in declining.
Kuzan tapped his fingers lightly against the table.
"Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures," he said in his usual languid tone, though his words were far from careless.
"Since the Red-Haired Pirates successfully rose to become one of the Four Emperors, the seas have grown increasingly unstable. Many pirates are deluded into thinking they can become the so-called 'Fifth Emperor.'"
"Under such circumstances, is it not necessary to make an example?"
He leaned back slightly.
"From the intelligence gathered, this War Pirates crew is expanding rapidly. Their captain, Kaito Arisawa, defeated the successor of the Eight Treasures Navy and killed Vice Admiral Henry."
"If I personally handle this matter, first, it guarantees there will be no mishap."
"Second, it sends a clear message to the world about our stance toward piracy."
"It will serve as deterrence."
His expression remained relaxed—almost sleepy—but his intent was unmistakable.
The room fell into thoughtful silence.
He was not wrong.
The seas were increasingly chaotic.
A decisive show of strength might indeed suppress rising ambitions among pirates.
Though sending an Admiral to eliminate a West Blue pirate crew might appear excessive, the symbolic impact would be undeniable.
"Perhaps Admiral Kuzan's proposal is worth considering."
"I agree. If Admiral Kuzan takes action, the matter will be resolved swiftly."
"If Kuzan is willing to go, I have no objections."
"Admiral Kuzan, if permitted, I request to accompany you to West Blue as your adjutant."
Vice Admiral Dalmatian, a staunch hardliner, spoke without hesitation—even volunteering to go personally.
Sengoku folded his hands, deep in thought.
He had to admit, Kuzan's reasoning carried weight.
And as for Headquarters—Marineford could function without Kuzan for a limited time.
A short absence would not destabilize operations.
He turned to Tsuru.
"What do you think?"
Tsuru remained quiet for several seconds before replying.
"It can be done. But the timeline must be tightly controlled."
"If Headquarters remains without an Admiral for too long, it may embolden reckless elements."
An Admiral's presence was not merely about combat power.
It was deterrence.
Like a strategic weapon.
It might never be used—but it must exist.
Sengoku nodded slowly.
"Very well."
"Kuzan, I'll entrust this mission to you."
"The War Pirates must be eliminated as quickly as possible."
Kuzan inclined his head slightly.
"Leave it to me."
Yet even as he responded, his gaze drifted—almost unconsciously—to the photograph he had set down earlier.
It's you… Nico Robin.
Even with her disguise, her eyes had not changed.
For those who knew her well, her eyes were unmistakable.
Combined with the name "Robin" and the Flower-Flower Fruit ability, the identity became nearly impossible to ignore.
She was the sole known survivor capable of reading the Poneglyphs.
And she was the one he had once allowed to escape from Ohara.
It would be false to claim Kuzan had not kept quiet watch over her.
Even if he did not actively track her every movement, any trace of her inevitably drew his attention.
His volunteering was not solely about Henry.
Nor solely about deterrence.
It was also about her.
…
…
"Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please!"
The host's voice boomed across the open-air plaza.
In the center stood a circular arena-like stage—but instead of weapons, rows of cooking counters had been arranged atop it.
The square was packed shoulder to shoulder with spectators.
"Next up, we present one of West Blue's most celebrated culinary beauties—Miss Karina!"
"She is famous across West Blue for her exquisite hot dishes! People from other seas even travel here just to taste her cuisine!"
As a man and woman in chef uniforms stepped onto the stage from a designated entrance, the crowd erupted into cheers.
"Miss Karina!!!"
"She's gorgeous! Not only is she an incredible chef, but she's stunning too!"
"Hah! This isn't a beauty pageant! This is the annual King of Cuisine competition! Only the most renowned chefs in West Blue qualify to compete here!"
"I wonder who will claim the title of 'King of Cuisine' this year!"
"That's the highest honor in West Blue's culinary world!"
The square buzzed with excitement.
Voices overlapped, laughter and debate filling the air.
Each time a chef appeared on stage, waves of cheers followed.
It was clear—
This was no ordinary cooking contest.
It was a prestigious annual event.
And its outcome would determine the most celebrated chef in all of West Blue.
-------------------------
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