The outline of the Red Line was incredibly clear under the sunlight, seemingly close at hand, yet also impossibly distant.
It was the center of the world, a symbol of power, and his greatest opponent in the future.
The Five Elders, the Celestial Dragons, CP agents…
The enormous shadow behind these forces shrouded the entire world, oppressing everyone, but for Jin An, these were just another obstacle on his path to his goal.
“They are strong, but they are also conservative,” Jin An thought to himself, a glint of sharpness flashing in his eyes.
He knew that he had to act cautiously, and that every step had to be flawless.
But similarly, he also deeply knew that only by breaking this giant stone barrier, breaking this center of power that symbolized injustice and oppression, could he truly remove the mountain weighing on his shoulders.
Anyone would feel uncomfortable with a sword constantly hanging over their head.
The wind blew from the sea, carrying a salty, damp scent, stirring the hem of Jin An's clothes.
His mood gradually calmed, but his gaze became even more determined.
No matter how treacherous the road ahead, no matter how powerful the forces behind the Red Line, he would not back down.
Because he knew that only by persevering to the end could he usher in the final victory.
“World Government, Five Elders… you have ruled this world for so long, but one day, it will all end.”
“And I will be the one to witness it all.” He silently vowed in his heart, the light in his eyes becoming increasingly sharp.
Jin An slowly turned around, no longer looking at the Red Line.
He knew that he still had many things to do and many challenges to face.
But he also knew that no matter the outcome, he would never easily admit defeat in this game.
“Let’s see who wins in the end.”
He said softly once again, letting this face that would be torn apart sooner or later be maintained for a little while longer.
......
Just after Jin An and the others left the Fleet Admiral's office, Borsalino and Sakazuki walked into the office together.
Sengoku was sitting behind his desk, his gaze slowly sweeping over the two who had just entered the room.
Borsalino looked as lazy as ever, yawning with a somewhat absent-minded look in his eyes.
In stark contrast was Sakazuki, who maintained his serious expression as always, his gaze like a knife, appearing very sharp.
Sengoku looked at Borsalino's lazy appearance, and his blood pressure, which had just calmed down, began to rise again, but he took a deep breath, trying to maintain a calm exterior, and said lightly:
“You’re here, take a seat first.”
The two sat down as he instructed.
Sakazuki sat upright, his back straight, as if his body contained endless power that could erupt at any moment.
Borsalino, on the other hand, leaned lazily on the sofa, crossed his legs, and gently twirled a small wooden stick between his fingers, with his usual nonchalant smile on his face.
“Cough…” Sengoku coughed lightly, trying to get to the point.
“You probably already know what I want to talk to you about.”
Sakazuki nodded slightly, his eyes still fixed on Sengoku, as if trying to read more information from his eyes.
Borsalino slowly put down the small wooden stick and replied lazily:
“Hmm… pretty much.”
His tone was as casual as ever, but a hint of imperceptible seriousness flashed in his eyes.
Sengoku's gaze moved back and forth between the two, and he was silent for a moment, as if brewing his next words.
Then, he said in a low and steady voice: “It has been a while since my Admiral position has been vacant. The meaning from above is very clear, they have recommended the two of you.”
Sengoku's voice was not loud, but it was particularly clear in the quiet office.
Every word he spoke carried an unquestionable sense of authority, which he had gained from being in a high position for a long time.
His gaze lingered between Sakazuki and Borsalino, observing their reactions.
Although the two had completely different personalities, Sengoku had never doubted their strength and loyalty.
Because of this, he was particularly satisfied with this nomination.
Sakazuki didn't say much, just nodded forcefully, as if tacitly accepting the appointment.
His eyes were still cold and firm, as if he had already engraved the heavy responsibility on his heart.
Borsalino still had that half-smiling expression, as if this matter didn't arouse much of his interest, but Sengoku knew that although Borsalino was lazy on the surface, he was actually more clear-headed than anyone else.
“Akainu Sakazuki, Kizaru Borsalino, you will both immediately take office as Marine Headquarters Admirals.”
Sengoku finally announced, his tone filled with solemnity.
Sakazuki lowered his head slightly, indicating his acceptance.
His fist clenched involuntarily, as if he could already feel the heavy responsibility weighing on his shoulders.
Borsalino shrugged his shoulders, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, and said lazily:
“Oh… it looks like I’m going to be busy now, how scary…”
His tone was still frivolous, but a light flashed in his eyes in an instant, as if he was thinking about something.
Sengoku watched the reactions of the two, and the complex emotions in his heart surged at this moment.
He knew that from this moment on, the future of the Navy would be written jointly by these two Admirals and Jin An.
And he must also be prepared to face the upcoming troubles.
After all, the Navy's three Admirals were all troublemakers, and a slight carelessness might bring him a big surprise.
......
“Brrr… Brrr…”
Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi on the desk rang. Sengoku's expression changed slightly, and then he reached out and picked up the Den Den Mushi.
“I’m Sengoku.”
His tone was as calm and steady as usual, but he felt a faint unease in his heart.
The Den Den Mushi was silent for a moment, and then an old voice came, hoarse and full of majesty.
“Sengoku, regarding what happened in the ‘New World,’ have you… received a report?”
Sengoku's brows furrowed involuntarily. A call from the Five Elders was never simple.
He didn't know which specific matter the other party was referring to, but indeed, many major events had recently occurred in the New World.
“Is it about Whitebeard declaring himself Emperor…”
He said tentatively.
The voice from the Den Den Mushi sounded again, old and with a hint of coldness.
“That’s right. What we are concerned about is this matter. The main purpose of contacting you this time is to inform you that the matters on the pirate side are all under our control.”
The tone carried an invisible pressure, as if declaring an unquestionable authority.
Sengoku was slightly stunned. Although he was already accustomed to the Five Elders' aggressive style, each of the other party's words still made him feel heavy in his heart.
He knew that this was not just to inform him, but more of a warning and hint.
Especially in this era of changing times, any decision could lead to unpredictable consequences.
“Also, keep Jin An in check. We don’t want to hear about the West Blue incident a second time!”
The old voice continued, his tone suddenly becoming more severe.
Sengoku's heart sank sharply, as if a boulder was pressing on his chest.
He had long expected that the West Blue incident would attract the attention of the World Government, but he didn't expect the Five Elders' reaction to be so rapid.
Although Jin An's actions successfully suppressed the pirate forces in the West Blue, this kind of arbitrary style obviously made the people above feel dissatisfied.
“Understood.”
Sengoku replied in a deep voice, trying to keep his voice steady.
He knew that at this time, any emotional fluctuations would be captured by the other party, thereby affecting their trust in the Navy.
There was another silence on the Den Den Mushi, as if waiting for Sengoku to express his position further.
However, Sengoku didn't say much, just gripped the Den Den Mushi tightly, quietly waiting for the other party's next instructions.
“...That’s all.”
The voice on the other end of the Den Den Mushi finally calmed down, seemingly no longer having more to say.
Immediately afterwards, the old voice slowly disappeared, and the Den Den Mushi returned to silence.
...
