Meanwhile, at the Marine Headquarters Fleet Admiral's residence...
Sengoku sat with a grave expression, studying the uninvited guests before him. Unlike their appearance in the courtroom, the three-headed judge had now separated into three distinct individuals: Bass, Kabir, and a third figure whose name even Sengoku didn't know—someone who referred to themselves simply as "Her Highness the Princess."
As Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters, Sengoku had always known the judge wasn't some three-headed monstrosity but rather three individuals maintaining an elaborate facade. Thus, their current appearance caused him no surprise.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I believe you've already deduced the purpose of our visit," Bass began without preamble as he settled onto the sofa to Sengoku's left. "Indeed, we're here regarding Vice Admiral Xayuki. The investigation and trial against him were not forcibly initiated by Enies Lobby, nor did we have direct authority to intervene. After all, both our institutions answer directly to the World Government and hold equivalent standing."
As he spoke, Bass withdrew a document from his coat and placed it before Sengoku. "This is the latest directive from Mariejois."
"Hmm?"
Sengoku's pupils contracted slightly as he fixed his gaze on the document. He had already determined that the Chamber of Authority had authorized Enies Lobby's involvement in Xayuki's investigation and trial. What remained unclear was why they seemed so determined to eliminate the Vice Admiral.
Though Sengoku's personal interactions with Xayuki had been limited, he recognized that the man's rise to Vice Admiral wasn't merely due to his exceptional networking within Headquarters. A significant factor was Xayuki's formidable combat prowess and his truly remarkable service record.
In his first year as a Major, Xayuki had single-handedly captured more than a dozen notorious pirate crews. While he had executed nearly all members on the spot through extreme measures, it was precisely these decisive actions that had ensured no pirates dared resurface in any territory Xayuki had visited in the years since.
As Xayuki himself often stated: "Chaotic times demand severe measures. Imprisonment and rehabilitation are fundamentally ineffective against pirates. When execution is warranted, one must act without hesitation. Otherwise, it's the common people—the most vulnerable—who suffer the consequences."
Most significantly, Admiral Sakazuki's methods were considerably more extreme than Xayuki's, and Sengoku had tolerated those actions. Naturally, he extended the same consideration to Xayuki's approach toward criminal justice.
Regarding the allegations of corruption and bribery, Sengoku viewed them as youthful indiscretions—errors characteristic of Xayuki's generation. As Fleet Admiral, Sengoku believed his responsibility was to provide appropriate guidance and issue warnings when necessary.
What truly mattered was that Xayuki hadn't directed his illicit gains toward personal indulgence. Instead, he had allocated those resources toward accomplishing what the World Government had failed to do—providing assistance to those genuinely in need.
As Fleet Admiral—and one bearing the epithet "The Buddha"—Sengoku was acutely aware of the corruption permeating the Marines. He recognized that while certain forms of corruption required eradication, the variety exemplified by Xayuki could potentially foster positive development within the organization as a whole.
Noting that Sengoku had yet to reach for the document, Bass continued without pause. He extracted another report from within his coat, his expression grave. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, this investigation report doesn't originate from your internal task force—it comes directly from CP0."
"Their findings reveal that five years ago, Xayuki began systematically accumulating wealth through various channels. He distributed all illicitly acquired funds among his colleagues. Within just one year, his embezzlement exceeded one billion Belly."
"The following year, rather than moderating his activities, he intensified them after his promotion to Captain. Through diverse methods, he illegally acquired over eight billion Belly."
"That same year, he achieved promotion to Major and received commendation for capturing and executing more than a dozen pirate crews. He became a hero and idol for younger officers and enlisted personnel. According to CP0's investigation, it was during this period that the situation began to develop beyond control. Using his illegally obtained funds, he systematically cultivated alliances, transforming countless officers and soldiers facing desperate circumstances into his fanatically loyal followers."
"From that point forward, a phrase began circulating throughout Marine Headquarters and branch bases across the Four Blues: 'Major Xayuki—granting all requests.'"
At this juncture, Bass looked up at Sengoku, whose expression had grown increasingly severe. "Need I continue, Fleet Admiral? I believe you understand better than anyone that for Mariejois, the Marines represent the World Government's largest and most effective military branch. However, they also constitute a double-edged sword. To ensure this weapon never turns against the World Government, the only solution is maintaining internal checks and balances among Marine officers at all levels."
"But Xayuki's actions have pushed beyond acceptable boundaries. If not contained immediately, he will undoubtedly become Mariejois' greatest internal threat. You witnessed it yourself in the courtroom today—at least half the officers present completely disregarded your authority as Fleet Admiral and defied our judgment to defend Xayuki."
"This demonstrates that in their eyes, there exists only Vice Admiral Xayuki! I have absolutely no doubt that had Xayuki issued a call to action in that moment, not only would every officer in that courtroom have instantly rebelled, but those stationed outside would have stormed in to support him!"
"Even if Xayuki harbors no rebellious intentions, he already possesses both the capability and influence to execute such an action."
As Bass continued his relentless exposition, Sengoku released a profound sigh.
Bass's message was unmistakable: Xayuki must be eliminated, or Mariejois would never feel secure. His visit wasn't to discuss the matter—it was to warn Sengoku against interference.
After a brief silence, Sengoku lifted the document from the table, examined it briefly, and shook his head with resignation. "Why has Mariejois selected this particular moment? Don't they recognize how precarious the Grand Line's current situation is? If Marine Headquarters experiences internal destabilization, the external threats will become utterly unmanageable!"
"Are you concerned about the New World's stability, Fleet Admiral Sengoku?"
Bass chuckled dismissively. "The current state of the New World centers on two primary developments: the meteoric rise of the Red Hair Pirates' captain, Shanks, who now stands alongside Edward Newgate, Charlotte Linlin, and Kaido as the Four Emperors; and the Elbaf incident. Rest assured, Fleet Admiral, the balance of power among the Four Emperors precisely aligns with Mariejois' strategic objectives. As for the Elbaf incident, it's being orchestrated behind the scenes by the Holy Knights dispatched directly from Mariejois."
"What?"
Sengoku's pupils contracted sharply, his expression betraying profound disbelief as he stared at Bass.
At that precise moment, the Den Den Mushi beside him suddenly came to life.
An urgent voice burst through: "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, a critical situation has developed! Over ten thousand soldiers and more than a hundred officers have assembled in Marineford's central plaza, and the prison holding Vice Admiral Xayuki has been completely overtaken by dozens of Headquarters officers!"
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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