Chapter 60: Chapter 58: Birth of Revolutionary Army (III)
In the expansive meeting chamber of Marine Headquarters, a gathering of top-tier officials convened. Led by Fleet Admiral Kong, their countenances were grave as they occupied their designated seats.
Sengoku and Zephyr flanked the empty seats, while Garp and his compatriots settled in. A palpable tension hung in the air, particularly evident in Garp's troubled visage.
The cause of Garp's disquiet stemmed from a report received by Marine Headquarters the previous day—news delivered by Sakazuki alleging the rebellion of his son, Monkey D. Dragon, following a fatal altercation.
The revelation had left Garp reeling, grappling with disbelief and a gnawing sense of betrayal. While he harbored doubts about the veracity of Sakazuki's account, he awaited his return to corroborate the narrative.
A resounding knock pierced the silence, prompting the assembly's attention. "Enter," they beckoned, bracing for what lay ahead.
Sakazuki strode in, his countenance inscrutable, betraying no hint of emotion. The Marine Vice Admiral trailing behind him delivered their arrival to Fleet Admiral Kong, who promptly dismissed the surrounding Marine Investigation Department personnel.
Left alone with Sakazuki and Onigumo, the senior officers fixed their gaze upon them, awaiting an explanation.
"Sakazuki, you understand the reason for your summons," they prompted, their voices laden with expectation.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Sakazuki affirmed, "It pertains to the Monkey D. Dragon incident."
Garp, unable to contain his agitation any longer, demanded clarity. "Sakazuki, enlighten me. How could my son, Dragon, turn traitor? This cannot be true."
Sakazuki's response was unequivocal. "Vice Admiral Garp, I assure you, the allegation is accurate. Dragon slew six of our comrades before absconding during a routine resupply mission. Despite my pursuit, he eluded capture."
Garp's disbelief lingered, prompting further inquiry. "Are you certain of this?" he pressed.
Sakazuki's solemn oath left Garp momentarily silenced, grappling with the weight of the revelation.
"Sakazuki, elucidate. Why did Dragon betray us?" Garp implored, seeking understanding amidst the turmoil.
Sengoku intervened, offering insight gleaned from recent intelligence. The emergence of an anti-World Government faction, purportedly spearheaded by Dragon, suggested a deeper intrigue at play.
As the revelation unfolded, the marine recoiled at the implications—an uprising aimed at destabilizing the established order.
The mention of the Revolutionary Army sent shivers through the room, signaling the magnitude of the threat posed by Dragon's insurrection.
Fleet Admiral Kong probed for further details, prompting Sakazuki to recount his confrontation with Dragon. The encounter revealed glimpses of Dragon's formidable strength, hinting at the prowess of his revolutionary cadre.
Despite the clash's inconclusive nature, Sakazuki's account painted a grim picture—a formidable adversary poised to challenge the status quo.
As the meeting adjourned, lingering questions lingered, casting a shadow over Marine Headquarters. The specter of revolution loomed large, heralding tumultuous times ahead.
Kong's demeanor remained composed, unsurprised by Sakazuki's revelations. The mere fact that the enigmatic Revolutionary Army commanded attention from the World Government underscored their influence. And as for Dragon's strength, being the son of the legendary Garp and a member of the enigmatic D family, prowess wasn't unexpected.
However, Sakazuki's assertion that Dragon might lead the Revolutionary Army sent shockwaves through the assembly. Despite Dragon's upbringing within Marine Headquarters, his ascent to leadership within the Revolutionary Army perplexed many.
Garp couldn't contain his bewilderment. "How could Dragon assume leadership when he seldom ventures beyond the headquarters?" His query mirrored the skepticism echoed by others—a sentiment rooted in the logistical challenges of clandestinely organizing such a substantial movement.
Sakazuki's response offered little solace. "I cannot attest to his methods, but it is plausible that Dragon has allies within our ranks."
Kong's brow furrowed at the implication. "Are you suggesting that our Marine base harbors spies?"
Sakazuki's tone grew somber. "It's a possibility we can't dismiss. Dragon's timely defection suggests inside knowledge. The leak could only emanate from within our own ranks."
The enigma deepened as Sakazuki pondered the circumstances. The confidentiality of Marine Headquarters' directives, known solely to him and Claude, was breached by Dragon's precise timing—an unsettling development that implicated an internal informant.
Zephyr's interjection intensified the tension. Accusations of insubordination and dealings hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over the proceedings.
Sakazuki's steadfast denial echoed through the chamber, met with Zephyr's unyielding scrutiny. The discord underscored the gravity of the situation, prompting a reckoning with potential traitors within their midst.
The palpable silence spoke volumes. Today's gathering transcended Dragon's defection—it was an indictment of Sakazuki's conduct and the integrity of Marine Headquarters.
As the confrontation escalated, Kong's intervention forestalled further incrimination. The implicit accord among the senior officers signaled a consensus—a tacit acknowledgment of the need for restraint in the face of mounting uncertainty.
The specter of betrayal loomed large, casting a shadow over Sakazuki's tenure. The weight of suspicion threatened to erode trust and fracture the very foundation of Marine discipline. In this crucible of loyalty and deception, the truth remained elusive, awaiting revelation amidst the fog of war.
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