One piece: I,Akaino will not die easily

Head quarters of the Navy do not have fixed holidays. As a soldier, Sakazuki has never complained or regretted this. However, unlike a usual deployment, the highest officer of Marine Headquarters—the supreme commander of the navy overseeing all seas and routes—Fleet Admiral Kong is also aboard the warship.

Sakazuki is traveling on the fleet admiral's flagship, escorted by three other warships, heading toward the highest authority of the World Government—the Holy Land of Mary Geoise. Meanwhile, his own warship, under the command of Onigumo, is sailing toward the Sabaody Archipelago, awaiting the conclusion of negotiations.

The Five Elders—five leaders who hold the highest power within the World Government—are the supreme authorities over all government-affiliated institutions, allied nations, and various other complex divisions, including the secret intelligence agencies directly under the World Government and the Marines, which serve as its public face.

This is considered Sakazuki's first time seeing the Five Elders with his own eyes.

"Hmm... does this involve the Celestial Dragons?" A white-haired elder muttered to himself. He had a thick, bushy white beard, and a scar on the left side of his cheek. Even while seated on the sofa, he habitually rested both hands on a wooden cane carved with intricate spiral patterns.

Another elder slowly turned around to face Kong. Throughout the fleet admiral's explanation of his plan, this elder had been standing with his hands clasped behind his back, staring at the massive world map mural behind Kong.

His custom-fitted deep blue suit appeared even more structured due to his upright posture. It was he who had represented the government in discussions with the scholars during the Ohara Incident.

His pure white, neatly combed long hair cascaded down to his waist, and even his beard was meticulously groomed. He cast a glance at the marine standing behind Kong, who had maintained a listening posture the entire time. The rank of vice admiral represented the backbone of the Marine forces. If Kong had brought this officer here, he must hold him in high regard.

"Even this proposal seems to be inseparably linked to this man before us," the elder pondered silently.

"From a strategic and long-term perspective, this proposal does indeed show considerable foresight." His response was neutral as he shifted his gaze toward another leader standing with arms crossed.

Unlike his sharply dressed colleague, the blond man in a wine-red suit had a more casual appearance—he wore no tie, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a dark scar across his chest. He reached out, rubbing his chin, where short, golden stubble grew.

"If the valuable aquatic combat forces of Fish-Man Island could be utilized by the World Government... that wouldn't be a bad outcome."

"Indeed, a win-win situation."

A short and stout elder in a dark green suit, sitting on the sofa, picked up the conversation. He had a distinct handlebar mustache and a birthmark on his forehead that resembled a world map.

However, his tone suddenly changed.

"But what right do you have to dictate to the Celestial Dragons what the Marines want them to do? You are nothing more than the face of the government!"

"Exactly! If we allow the privileges of the Celestial Dragons to be trampled upon by our own people, where would that leave the dignity of the World Government?"

A bald elder in a kimono, who had been casually tapping a katana resting on his shoulder, now fixed a sharp gaze on the two marines before him.

Facing the highest authorities of the World Government, Kong nodded. "If we set aside the matter of the Celestial Dragons, I have already discussed this with Sengoku and others. This plan is highly feasible. All that is required is for the World Government to issue a formal decree guaranteeing the personal safety of Fish-Man Island's citizens."

The kimono-clad elder adjusted his slipping glasses and spoke in a stern voice, "And what about the Celestial Dragons, Kong? Do you realize that once this decree is issued, the Marines will become a prime target—not just for the pirates seeking entry into the New World, but also for a mass of slave traders and black-market figures? Not to mention the Celestial Dragons who see these fish-men as mere pets—you would be making an enemy of them all!"

Before the Fleet Admiral could respond, a deep voice sounded from Kong's side.

"If we station troops along the Sabaody-Fish-Man Island route, the old veteran pirates closest to Laugh Tale, as well as the rapidly growing up-and-coming pirate crews, will find it much harder to receive reinforcements from their backlines. Additionally, pirates have never been a unified force. Given time, their numbers will dwindle. Within two or three decades, the government will be able to deploy forces directly into the New World to eradicate those pirates who are closest to the Poneglyphs."

"You are... Sakazuki, correct?" The blond elder with a tanned complexion massaged his temples. "If I remember correctly, Sengoku holds you in high regard. He mentioned you in his report on the Buster Call at Ohara."

Reminded by his colleague, the long-haired elder finally recalled where he had seen this vice admiral's photo before. Among the five, he exuded the most refined aura. Already holding a position of significant authority, he always gave off a sense of cultured elegance.

"Capable of executing orders decisively and making rational tactical adjustments in emergency situations. Sakazuki, was this plan your idea?"

Kong frowned slightly. He worried that the Five Elders might direct their anger toward Sakazuki, so he quickly explained, "He did propose the initial draft, but it was reviewed and approved by me, Sengoku, and Garp before finalization."

The long-haired elder's voice softened. "We are not here to reprimand him, Kong. You don't need to shield him from this matter."

After the Buster Call, the Five Elders had thoroughly inquired about those involved in the operation. So far, they were satisfied with the actions and conduct of this vice admiral, who had carried out the orders flawlessly.

"As of now, you are still just an ordinary vice admiral. Naturally, you lack access to top-secret information. Given that, we can consider your strategic proposal as an innocent oversight. However, let me warn you—

The dignity of the Celestial Dragons is not to be trampled upon!"

The stout elder with the birthmark stood up, approaching Sakazuki, and gave him a hushed reprimand.

Yet, Sakazuki showed little concern. "I truly fail to understand this. On one hand, this plan would reinforce the World Government's stability, bolster our forces with fish-man troops, and strike at those seeking to reach Laugh Tale. On the other hand, for the sake of preserving mere appearances, you choose to prioritize the Celestial Dragons' superficial dignity over the peace of the world and the strength of our government?"

"Insolence! Sakazuki!" The kimono-clad elder roared.

"Sakazuki!" Kong raised his voice as well, warning his subordinate not to overstep his bounds.

"Do not mistake our tolerance for indulgence!" The elder with fluffy white curls pressed down on his flat-brimmed hat, his tone displeased. "Sakazuki, with your current rank, you are in no position to lecture us on these matters!"

Sakazuki understood the importance of hierarchy and protocol, but this time, he deliberately chose to speak bluntly. The relationship between the Five Elders and the Celestial Dragons remained an enigma. They were the highest authorities of the World Government, yet they were constantly bound to uphold the prestige and interests of the Celestial Dragons.

They fabricated false reports at Doflamingo's request, acting like mere puppets of the Celestial Dragons. Yet at the same time, they subtly restricted the power of those very same nobles, vying for greater control in the shadows.

"It's like a fusion of Britain's constitutional monarchy and Japan's Meiji Restoration," Sakazuki mused inwardly.

If the Five Elders were akin to a supreme council, then they were obligated to protect the honor and prestige of their monarchs. But at the same time, they were also striving for more power themselves.

The irony was that these monarchs were not mere figureheads—they held hidden cards that even the elders feared.

Sakazuki did not expect a single statement to drive a wedge between the Five Elders and the most elite of the Celestial Dragons. In politics, there could only ever be one winner.