Chapter 81: Dragon's devil fruit
Inside the Marine Headquarters near Sabaody Archipelago.
"Bulu Bulu! Bulu Bulu!"
The Den Den Mushi on the desk suddenly rang, and Kong leaned over, furrowing his brow, and picked up the Den Den Mushi.
"This is Kong."
"I am the head of the World Government's Material Management Department. Three Devil Fruits allocated by the World Government have been transported to the Marine Headquarters by CP0. We hope you are prepared to receive them."
A solemn voice came from the other end, causing Kong to become serious as well.
Apparently, the issue of Devil Fruits had also been discussed with the Five Elders.
Kong nodded. "Understood. The Marines will be ready to receive them."
After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Kong pondered for a moment before picking up another Den Den Mushi to make a call.
"It's me, Kong. Notify Sengoku, Zephyr, Garp, and Tsuru to come to my office together."
"Understood."
As the Den Den Mushi was hung up, the office fell back into silence, and Kong looked out over the Marine harbor through the window, furrowing his brow as he considered some issues before a smile slowly spread across his face.
Soon, Sengoku, Garp, Zephyr, and Tsuru appeared in Kong's office together.
Looking at the disciples standing before him, Kong felt a sense of satisfaction in his heart.
"I've called you here today because I want to hear your advice on a couple of matters," Kong said, addressing them directly.
"Elder, what's the matter? Why all the secrecy?" Garp asked nonchalantly, not knowing why he was summoned. Normally, they would simply follow the action plans laid out by Kong.
Ignoring Garp's remark, Kong continued, while Sengoku, Zephyr, and Tsuru looked on curiously, wanting to know what Kong had to say.
"There are two matters at hand. The first is regarding the next Marine Admiral. The World Government has already provided information. My position as Fleet Admiral will soon be formalized, and the other two admirals will step down due to age. I've put forward Zephyr, Garp, and Sengoku for consideration."
After speaking, Kong's gaze swept over Zephyr, Garp, and Sengoku's faces. Zephyr heard the news with calmness, seemingly unaffected by such announcements. Sengoku was surprised but then showed excitement. The position of admiral was of significant importance to him.
As for Garp, seeing him standing there, asleep and snoring, Kong felt his blood pressure rise instantly.
Bang!
With a punch, Garp was knocked to the ground.
"You! Can't you pay attention when I'm talking?!" Kong exclaimed, then, after a moment, he calmed down and continued, "Apart from the Admiral appointment, the World Government will be sending three Devil Fruits, and one will go to Dragon."
Upon hearing Dragon's name, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Tsuru all looked at Garp. As Kong spoke, Garp became serious as well.
"Old man, you really are..." Garp couldn't help but smile wryly.
After all, Dragon was his son, and because of his mother, Garp always felt indebted to Dragon. Now that Kong had spoken, it was clear that he needed to contribute more to the sea.
"This time, Garp, you'll be in charge of coordinating with the World Government. Although it's not far from Mariejois to Marineford, it's a significant matter. Pay attention, Garp."
Back in his office, after contemplating for a while, Garp eventually dialed Den Den Mushi.
"Dragon, it's Garp."
"Old man, what's up?"
Wearing his Marine uniform and Justice cloak, Dragon stood on the deck, watching the distant fleeing pirate ships while holding the Den Den Mushi, asking as he saw Garp's Den Den Mushi.
Since joining the Marines, he has seen the good and the dark sides of the Marines and the world. Especially with his increasing strength and rising position, he realized that the relationship between the Marines and the World Government was not as simple as a superior-subordinate relationship. Even the Marines, and even himself, had to compromise at times.
"Nothing major, just letting you know that after you finish your current task, come to headquarters."
Garp understood Dragon's current situation in the chaotic New World, pursuing pirates, but he knew Dragon's strength wasn't yet on par with those monsters. Still, compared to ordinary pirates, Dragon was in a different league.
"Understood, I'll be busy for now."
After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Dragon turned back to his duties.
"Captain, we've located the target and can fire at any time. However, there are a large number of women aboard the pirate ship who were plundered from the town they raided."
After Dragon hung up Den Den Mushi, his subordinate approached.
"Speed up and get closer!"
"Yes, sir!"
…
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Hearing the distant blasts, a figure suddenly appeared on the deck of a cargo ship.
Watching the Marine warship follow closely behind the pirate ship, along with the explosions and flames erupting from the pirate ship, Nicholas became interested.
"Are these the elites from Marine Headquarters? I wonder who it is. Well, I'll go take a look. Maybe I can hitch a ride to the Sabaody Archipelago."
With that, he put on a mask that only revealed one eye, paired with a cloak, adding to the mystery.
"Has the situation been assessed?"
Standing amidst a sea of pirate corpses, Dragon asked his subordinate.
"We have 73 pirate corpses, 120 prisoners, and 34 women who were captured from nearby islands by these pirates. Additionally, there are 20 slaves on board, and as for confiscated supplies..."
Listening to the report, Dragon nodded.
"I understand. Take the pirates to the brig under the ship and guard them carefully. Return the women to their homes, provide money for the slaves, and issue them Marine certificates. Send them to the nearest islands. Also, see if we can get a good price for the pirate ship in the vicinity."
As Dragon walked towards his ship, he instructed his subordinate, realizing that selling the pirate ship would be additional income for the Marines.
"Captain..."
Upon hearing Dragon's words, his subordinate hesitated.
"What's the matter? Any problem?"
"Everything else is manageable, but the slaves already bear slave marks. According to the World Government's regulations, anyone encountering such individuals can capture them and exchange them with corresponding merchants for rewards."
Dragon's subordinate explained.
"In that case, ask them if they'd be willing to join the Marines."
"Captain, that may not be possible."
Hearing this, Dragon halted his steps.
"According to Marine regulations, these slaves cannot join the Marines."
"Alright, I understand. Keep them on the ship for now. I'll make arrangements later."
With that, Dragon returned to his ship.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone