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"It's not that much of a pity, Sengoku."
At that mont, Tsuru suddenly laughed.
When Sengoku looked up at her, he could clearly sense her good mood. After so many years of friendship, he knew her expressions well.
Without waiting for him to ask, Tsuru continued.
"As I ntioned before, Ikki recently used a very special enhancent thod on Gion."
"The process placed an enormous burden on him, and it would be difficult for him to use that thod a second ti."
"Although Gion didn't tell exactly what the thod was..."
"The growth she achieved was trendous."
"She told herself that if she were to fight Sakazuki, Kuzan, or Borsalino now, she wouldn't necessarily lose."
Sengoku's eyes widened.
At that mont, he finally understood why Tsuru was so happy.
Gion was like a younger sister to her. If Gion had truly gained the power to stand on equal footing with the Admirals, then she had reached the very pinnacle of the Marine's combat power.
As her elder sister figure, how could Tsuru not be delighted?
"Gion's growth is indeed excellent news, especially with the war against the Whitebeard Pirates approaching."
"Even before this, her swordsmanship had already reached an astonishing level. She was only a step away from Kuzan and the others."
"Now that she's broken through, perhaps she'll beco the Marine's first sword-wielding Admiral."
Resting his chin on one hand, Sengoku smiled.
He had already decided that after the war between the Marine and the Whitebeard Pirates, he would resign as Fleet Admiral.
At that ti, Kuzan, whom he favored, would likely beco the next Fleet Admiral.
That would leave an Admiral position vacant.
Originally, Gion, despite being an Admiral candidate, had been just slightly lacking in strength.
Now, however, that final gap seed to have been filled.
For the first ti in a long while, Sengoku felt that he could retire with complete peace of mind.
"Sengoku, I have a suggestion."
Tsuru's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Hm? What is it, Tsuru?"
Sengoku asked curiously.
"It's about Doflamingo."
"You know how much trouble the situation in Dressrosa has caused."
"We previously announced that Doflamingo would participate in the war."
"Now he's beco a criminal."
"As a result, many people are mocking the Marine, and civilians are beginning to worry that similar incidents could happen with the other Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"Even within Marine Headquarters, so Marines are questioning whether the remaining Warlords will be reliable during the coming war."
"Doflamingo's absence has also hurt our morale."
"On the other hand, the Whitebeard Pirates will undoubtedly be encouraged by the news."
"So I think we should publicly announce Ikki's participation in the war."
"It would raise our morale while simultaneously suppressing theirs."
As she spoke, Tsuru lightly tapped her fingers against the desk.
Sengoku nodded.
"That's a very good suggestion."
"Although Ikki isn't a pirate, news of him defeating Golden Lion Shiki as a bounty hunter has already spread throughout the world."
"If word gets out that he's joining the war, it will certainly be beneficial to us."
"I'll have the information released imdiately."
Without hesitation, Sengoku picked up a Den Den Mushi and contacted the appropriate personnel.
anwhile, Tsuru glanced toward the Marines entering through the office doorway.
With the support of Marine Headquarters, news of Ikki's participation in the war was rapidly distributed throughout the world via special ergency editions delivered by News Coo.
The various forces of the world reacted differently.
So were worried.
So were pleased.
For ordinary civilians, however, the news was largely welcod.
After all, Ikki's reputation across the seas was exceptionally positive.
Aboard one of the Whitebeard Pirates' ships, the crew stared grimly at the freshly delivered newspapers.
"Ikki isn't even one of the Seven Warlords. Why is he helping the Marines?"
"Damn it! I thought rescuing Ace would beco easier after Doflamingo was removed, but now this guy is joining the battle."
"This is troubleso. He defeated Golden Lion Shiki. He's much more dangerous than Doflamingo."
"Maybe not. He only defeated Shiki because of the strength of his companions. If he's going to Marine Headquarters alone, he might not be more troubleso than Doflamingo."
"That's not necessarily true!"
"People grow stronger. Maybe he's even more powerful now than he was back then."
"Don't forget how quickly he rose to fa."
"What worries most is that he's different from the Warlords."
"The Warlords might not fight seriously."
"But Ikki has always maintained a close relationship with the Marines. He might genuinely go all out."
"If he brings his companions with him, that's even worse."
The crew discussed the matter uneasily.
At that mont, the man seated at the head of the gathering burst into loud laughter.
"Gurararara!"
"My sons."
"There's no need to worry."
"It's rely a replacent for one combatant."
"Have you forgotten who we are?"
"We are the Whitebeard Pirates."
"We're prepared to challenge Marine Headquarters itself."
"So why should we fear a single man?"
As Whitebeard spoke, a powerful aura spread from him.
The crew imdiately felt their anxieties fade.
His confidence alone was enough to steady their hearts.
"That's right! Pops is the strongest man in the world!"
"What's there to fear from Ikki?"
"When he shows up, we'll crush him along with the Marines!"
"Speaking of which, doesn't he possess a lot of famous swords?"
"Maybe we can take them and give them to our own swordsn."
"Captain Vista, what do you think?"
The crew turned toward the commander of the Fifth Division, the renowned Flower Sword Vista.
"Ikki?"
"I've heard he's an incredibly skilled swordsman."
"Even Dracule Mihawk seems quite interested in him."
"It would be interesting to cross blades with soone like that."
Vista smiled.
Unlike the weaker mbers of the crew, who were worried about Ikki's participation, Vista only found the situation exciting.
In fact, he thought it was better for Ikki to appear than Doflamingo.
At least Ikki would provide a worthy challenge.
What Vista didn't realize was just how mistaken that assumption was.
Ikki was far more troubleso than Doflamingo.
As the Whitebeard Pirates continued their lively discussion, Whitebeard himself remained silent.
His gaze lingered on Ikki's picture in the newspaper, and his expression gradually grew more serious.
A man strong enough to defeat Golden Lion Shiki...
Are you going to stand in my way when I rescue Ace as well?
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