Chapter 105: Chapter 105: The Centenary Ceremony Begins – Sengoku’s Joy
Today is a day of worldwide anticipation.
The long-awaited establishment of the Seven Warlords of the Sea is finally here.
And it's set to take place over Kuke's grave.
All eyes across the seas are watching.
At Marine Headquarters…
Fleet Admiral Sengoku wakes up early, his face beaming with satisfaction. Ever since Kuke's death, Sengoku's smile hasn't faded, and his once-grayed hair has even been dyed black again. Greeted by his officers, he smiles at everyone he meets.
Full of confidence, Sengoku strides into the conference room, where the Marine higher-ups are already waiting.
"Is everything ready?"
Today's events cannot afford even the smallest mishap. Any slip-up would be a stain on both the World Government and the Marines. The whole world anticipates this, and there are plenty who hope the Marines will fail.
"The Seven Warlords have all arrived at the Marine base in Sabaody Archipelago as required, each coming alone without any subordinates," a marine officer reports.
Sengoku nods approvingly.
Perfect.
As long as these proud, unruly pirates behave, nothing can go wrong today.
"What's the status of the other forces?" Sengoku asks, his tone more serious.
The biggest concern was that the mad pirates of the New World might try to disrupt the ceremony. After all, the Warlords were being established to keep them in check.
"The Whitebeard Pirates have made no moves, aside from Marco, who departed earlier."
"The Big Mom Pirates are also inactive."
Sengoku's spirits lift even more.
As long as Whitebeard and Charlotte Linlin stay put, nothing can happen.
"But Kaido has been stirring up trouble in the New World and clashed with us recently."
Sengoku's brows knit together.
That maniac Kaido.
With Kuke gone, Kaido is now the pirate Sengoku despises the most. Every time they engage, the Marines suffer heavy losses, and even when captured, Kaido simply won't die.
"Don't worry about Kaido. I've already dispatched Borsalino and Sakazuki. They'll make sure he doesn't leave the New World."
Sengoku has everything planned.
Two admirals, leading a massive fleet of a hundred ships, stand guard at the entrance to the New World.
Today, no pirate from the New World is getting through.
If they want to leave, they'll have to break through the blockade, facing an armada led by two admirals—a force equal to any Emperor's crew. Even Kaido wouldn't risk such a confrontation, as the cost would be too high.
"The Red-Haired Pirates are also in the New World," an officer reports.
Sengoku's smile returns.
"The Revolutionary Army remains scattered across the Four Seas with no sign of entering the Grand Line."
Sengoku lets out a laugh.
The powers he feared the most wouldn't be interfering with today's event.
Everything was foolproof.
Sengoku laughs heartily, "They're smart enough to know they can't stop what's happening today, so they won't even try."
"That's thanks to the Fleet Admiral's thorough preparations."
"There's no loophole left."
"Unless every pirate cooperates, there's no way to disrupt this. But pirates are too arrogant to work together," some officers flatter Sengoku.
Sengoku waves them off with a pleased smile. "Alright, this is simply my duty."
A hint of pride graces his face.
"Any news on the Sun and Moon Pirates?"
"None."
"They've completely disappeared."
"They're likely hiding somewhere remote in the New World."
A chill crosses Sengoku's gaze.
One regret from Kuke's death was that he hadn't been able to completely annihilate the Sun and Moon Pirates.
"Maybe they'll foolishly show up today," he muses.
Sengoku would love for them to appear so he could wipe them out over Kuke's grave—a poetic conclusion. But realistically, he doubts they would be foolish enough to come.
After further discussions with the other Marine leaders, Sengoku prepares for departure.
"According to plan, Tsuru and Chaton, you'll come with me to Sabaody Archipelago," he orders.
"Are you sure we're not bringing an admiral?" Tsuru, the Chief Staff Officer, asks again, worried they might be overconfident.
"There's no need," Sengoku assures her with a shake of his head.
Akainu and Kizaru are busy, Aokiji is stationed at headquarters, and Garp—well, Sengoku had no intention of relying on him, as he'd likely cause more trouble. Zephyr was still recovering from his injury.
"The Warlords won't dare cause trouble, and the monsters from the New World won't be here. Bringing too many would only suggest the Marines are afraid."
"If anything does happen, support from Marine Headquarters is just a call away."
"And now that they're Warlords, they're expected to cooperate with us in combat."
With such a robust defense in place, Sengoku is confident no one can disrupt today's events.
Even if something unexpected did happen, he trusts his ability to handle it without the admirals. With himself, Tsuru, and Chaton—two of the strongest vice admirals—and ten seasoned vice admirals, along with thousands of elite marines, they can manage any threat and hold their ground until reinforcements arrive.
"Let's go. Today marks the end of Kuke, once and for all," Sengoku declares confidently. "I'll use his demise to usher in a new era."
Full of vigor, Sengoku departs from Marine Headquarters with ten warships.
On his left is Vice Admiral Chaton, who clenches his hand into a fist, his face shadowed with steely determination.
Ever since Kuke's rise, Chaton had felt a deep-seated resentment toward him, seeing him as a disgrace to justice and a threat to everything he stood for. Even without a personal vendetta, the Marine officer felt an intense satisfaction that Kuke had finally met his end.
"You're dead, and I'm still here," Chaton mutters with a grim smile.
Gion…
Her choice had been a mistake.
By following Kuke and betraying the Marines, she made the worst decision of her life.
Thinking of the ceremony atop Kuke's grave, Chaton is thrilled. Sengoku's plan to sully Kuke's reputation will bring him immense satisfaction, and he's so excited that he barely slept last night.
The Marines won't just erase Kuke.
They'll destroy all the glory he once held.
"Hahaha!"
Chaton's laughter echoes through the air.
Sengoku glances back, understanding the feelings behind Chaton's laughter.
"Hahaha!"
He joins in, his own laughter filling the sky.
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P/S: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 144+ at patreon.com/Emik01.
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