Chapter 36: Orders from Above, Shadows Beneath
Maflindo, Navy Headquarters — Marshal's Office
Several high-ranking figures were seated within the office, all of them prominent figures known throughout the seas. At the center sat the current Navy Marshal, Steel Bone Sora, joined by Admiral Sengoku, Vice Admirals Garp and Tsuru, and the three rising stars of the Navy — Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru, who were future admirals in their own right.
Sora, on the verge of stepping down from his role as Marshal, had just ended a Den Den Mushi call with the World Government. His brows furrowed deeply as he turned toward Sengoku, seated to his right.
"You've all heard by now. The Tenjojin transport was robbed. The Celestial Dragons are furious. Well, it's mostly them — they're enraged that someone dared to treat them so lightly."
"What did they say?" Sengoku asked, his tone heavy.
"The World Government has already dispatched CP agents to investigate," Sora replied grimly. "And they want us to send some of our people to assist."
"How generous of them," Sengoku scoffed. "Anyone below brigadier general can go, but those above can't be spared. The New World's situation is worsening — we don't have the luxury of pulling top officers away."
"Indeed." Sora sighed. "After Roger's death, the New World plunged into chaos. What's left of the Rocks Pirates, and even some of Roger's former crewmates, are stirring things up. The Navy's elite forces are already stretched thin out there."
"The World Government needs to stop indulging every little demand from the Celestial Dragons," Vice Admiral Tsuru said coolly. "Whoever robbed the Tenjojin shipment — it wasn't some common pirate. The timing was too perfect. At the same time the CP units were busy escorting that person to Mariejois, this happens? Suspicious, isn't it?"
"You're right." Sora nodded. "The Five Elders didn't say it directly, but they implied we just need to appear to be investigating for now. Once the New World calms down, they want a full investigation. After all, the Celestial Dragons are the World Government's face — and protecting their face is everything."
Sora turned to Sengoku. "You'll be taking over my post soon. I'll be heading to the World Government shortly. I'll leave this matter in your hands. Understood?"