Warring States returned the Den Den Mushi to its place, his expression becoming even more grave.
He knew that the meaning behind this call was far more profound than it seemed.
The Five Elders' warning clearly indicated their concern and dissatisfaction with Jin, and this attention undoubtedly placed Jin in greater danger.
He rubbed his temples, trying to clear his thoughts.
Jin's strength and ability were beyond doubt, but his style of doing things and his delicate relationship with the World Government worried Warring States.
The Five Elders' attitude had already indicated that any subsequent actions must be more cautious, otherwise, once the bottom line of the World Government was touched, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Alas..."
Warring States sighed deeply, a complex emotion in his eyes.
He knew that the future of the Navy was not just about how to deal with the threat of pirates, but also about how to maintain its position under the heavy pressure of the World Government.
And Jin was clearly a crucial piece in this game.
"Jin..."
He murmured to himself, gazing out the window with a deep look.
The documents on his desk were piled high, but at this moment, his mind was no longer on them.
He knew that every step he took next would determine the future direction, and he had to be more careful than ever before.
After the call with the Five Elders, Borsalino and Sakazuki did not rush to leave the office.
They exchanged a silent glance, and similar doubts and incomprehension arose in their hearts.
The Five Elders' tone was obviously dissatisfied, but what puzzled them was that the target of this dissatisfaction was actually Jin, rather than the Whitebeard Pirates, who should have been of greater concern.
Whitebeard's declaration as Emperor should have triggered a major upheaval in the world situation, but the Five Elders seemed indifferent.
And Jin's quelling of the rebellion in the West Sea, an act that should have solved a problem for the World Government, was instead met with a stern reminder.
This contradictory attitude left both Borsalino and Sakazuki puzzled and confused.
"Fleet Admiral Warring States, what exactly is going on?"
Sakazuki spoke first, his brow furrowed, his tone filled with suppressed questions.
He couldn't understand the logic behind it, why the World Government would handle these matters in this way.
Warring States rubbed his forehead, looking exhausted.
He knew Sakazuki's confusion and understood that it was a difficult question to answer.
But as Fleet Admiral, he had to give his subordinates an explanation.
"The World Government needs balance..."
He said, his voice low and filled with helplessness.
Hearing this answer, Borsalino raised the corner of his mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile.
This was not beyond his expectations.
The longer he stayed in the Science Unit, the more clearly he saw the essence and methods of the World Government.
Balance was indeed the World Government's constant pursuit, but this balance often meant sacrifice and compromise.
"We are just a knife in the hands of the World Government..."
Borsalino's tone was calm, without the slightest emotional fluctuation, as if stating a simple fact.
He stood up, bowed to Warring States, his movements slow and elegant, but with a hint of indifference, "I'll take my leave first."
Warring States looked at Borsalino's back, his heart filled with mixed feelings.
He knew how much helplessness and coldness Borsalino's words contained, which was precisely his long-standing knot.
They were all sharp blades in the hands of the World Government, destined to be tools in the game of power, whether it was Jin, Sakazuki, Borsalino, or himself.
Sakazuki remained seated, silent.
The anger and confusion in his heart had nowhere to vent, and he could only slowly digest it in this silence.
He had always pursued absolute justice and could not tolerate any compromise, but at this moment, he found that the reality he faced was more complex and cruel than he had imagined.
"The World Government's balance..."
Sakazuki murmured to himself, a firm light flashing in his eyes.
He would not waver in his beliefs because of this, but instead strengthened his resolve.
No matter what the World Government did, the justice in his heart would not change.
Warring States couldn't help but feel a trace of comfort when he looked at Sakazuki's firm expression.
He knew that despite the difficult road ahead, these young admirals would still move forward on their respective paths, supporting the future of the Navy.
And all he could do was try his best to protect them, until the day he could no longer bear this burden.
......
Jin stood at the door of his office and suddenly sneezed.
"Who's thinking about me again?"
He said to himself.
Hearing the familiar voice, Toki Amatsuki in the office immediately put down the documents in her hand and went to the door to greet him.
After a long separation, the warmth between the two instantly filled the air.
Toki gently hugged Jin and asked softly, "What's wrong? Did you catch a cold?"
Jin showed a relaxed smile and shook his head:
"It's nothing, maybe someone is talking about me behind my back."
He looked at Toki in front of him, his heart filled with emotion.
After not seeing her for many days, the faint trace of fatigue in his heart was also comforted at this moment.
Toki's eyes were full of concern. She knew that Jin had been extremely busy recently, but she silently took on many affairs so that Jin could focus more on important decisions and actions.
This was the tacit understanding between them, and it was also Toki's responsibility as Jin's capable assistant.
Jin reached out and gently stroked Toki's long hair, feeling that rare tranquility.
He knew that it was precisely because of Toki's silent support behind him that he was able to handle things with ease in this turbulent world.
The two smiled at each other, as if everything was unspoken.
"It's so good to have you here."
Jin said softly, his words full of warmth and gratitude.
Toki rested her head on Jin's chest, listening to the steady heartbeat coming from his chest, feeling a sense of peace.
She looked up at Jin's face, her eyes twinkling with a gentle light, and asked softly:
"How long can you stay at headquarters this time?"
She understood that the higher the position, the more involuntary she was, and she always felt a little reluctant.
Jin smiled slightly, lowered his head and gently scratched Toki's nose, his tone with a hint of pampering:
"There are no tasks for the time being, so I can spend some time with you."
He knew that such a time was precious to them, and he also understood how much Toki had given for him.
Hearing this, Toki's mouth raised a smile, and a sense of inner peace gradually spread.
She understood that when Jin said these words, he had tried his best to balance his responsibilities and his commitment to her.
The two snuggled together, enjoying this rare moment of peace.
...
...
