One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 300: Sengoku – Being a Fleet Admiral is So Boring

In the Fleet Admiral's office at Marine Headquarters in Marineford, Fleet Admiral Sengoku had just finished his work for the day.

For several days in a row, he had been working overtime under intense pressure, but today, he finally had a brief moment of respite.

Setting down the last of the paperwork, he happily picked up his teacup, took a sip of the hot tea, and felt his entire body relax.

Turning his gaze outside the window, he saw seagulls—the symbol of peace—flying in flocks against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. White clouds drifted lazily, and the warm sunlight bathed everything in a comfortable glow.

"It's been a long time since I had such a leisurely moment huh? Maybe His Highness was right that day. I'm getting old, what am I still fighting for? Why don't I just retire after the war is over?" Sengoku muttered to himself as he sipped his tea.

Thinking about it, he was around the same age as Zephyr.

And yet, while Zephyr's hair was still jet black, Sengoku had already begun dyeing his own hair to maintain his authoritative presence.

That's right. Sengoku's hair had long since turned completely white, but to uphold the dignity of his position and maintain a strong image, he constantly dyed it black, giving him the appearance of a man in his fifties rather than someone older.

On the other hand, Zephyr, despite losing an arm and suffering from asthma, seemed to be growing younger in spirit.

What caused such a stark difference between them?

Was it strength? No, that wasn't the issue.

It was lifestyle and stress.

Zephyr became an instructor because he wanted to, not because he had to. Teaching wasn't just a job for him, it was something he enjoyed.

But Sengoku?

As Fleet Admiral, he bore the burden of overseeing the entire Marine force.

He commanded over a million soldiers, but that authority came with immense responsibility.

For a moment, he recalled Claudius's previous joke about retirement.

This time, Sengoku seriously considered it.

If given the opportunity, should he really just step down?

He didn't have to leave the Marines entirely, he could follow Zephyr's example and take a position in the background.

"Speaking of which... there is a position for Chief Inspector, isn't there?" Sengoku mused aloud.

The role of Marine Chief Inspector was essentially a retirement position, similar to being the head of the Marine Training Camp.

It was an honorary title, reserved for high-ranking veterans who had made significant contributions.

A perfect post for fishing if he wanted to.

After pondering for a moment, Sengoku chuckled to himself. "I'll keep that in mind. When I step down as Fleet Admiral, I'll take up the Chief Inspector position, hahahaha."

With that settled, his thoughts naturally turned to a crucial question:

"Who should become the next Fleet Admiral?"

In the past, Sengoku had strongly favored Kuzan for the position.

Kuzan had always seemed like the ideal candidate for Marine leadership.

If Kuzan became Fleet Admiral, Sakazuki would be furious, but he would probably stay as an Admiral.

But if Sakazuki became Fleet Admiral?

There was no way Kuzan would accept working under him.

That was precisely why Claudius had predicted this conflict.

After all, Kuzan had previously spared Nico Robin and even let the Straw Hat Pirates go.

Sakazuki, on the other hand?

He never showed mercy. To him, absolute justice meant eliminating all threats.

"Kuzan's relationship with His Highness Claudius is still good... Maybe Claudius has other plans for him?" Sengoku pondered aloud, rubbing his chin.

Years ago, Kuzan had saved Claudius's life on that island alongside Zephyr.

Since then, Kuzan and Claudius had maintained a distant but amicable friendship.

And knowing Claudius's personality, Sengoku believed he wouldn't let someone like Kuzan go to waste.

"Perhaps... Claudius already has a position in mind for him?"

But that was something Sengoku couldn't predict, nor was it his concern.

"Forget it... I should focus on the upcoming war. Have I overlooked anything?"

Sighing, Sengoku reached for another document on his desk.

Then, he chuckled bitterly.

"I really am a workaholic, aren't I? Can't even enjoy a break properly..."

Just as he was about to start reviewing the paperwork for the following day, the door to his office suddenly swung open.

With a loud, boisterous laugh, Garp strolled in, holding a bag of rice crackers in one hand.

"Ahahahaha! Sengoku! Let's go out for a drink!"

Sengoku glanced up at his longtime friend and let out a helpless sigh.

Lifting the document in his hand, he said, "Can't you see I'm busy? Why don't you do something serious for once?"

Garp pouted in mock indignation. "Oi, what do you mean I don't do anything serious? I'm inviting you out for a drink! Even Tsuru is coming."

Hearing that, Sengoku hesitated for a moment.

Then Garp smirked. "Oh, and I'll pay."

The moment those words left his mouth, Sengoku immediately tossed the document onto his desk, stood up, and said,

"Let's go! Let's go! It's not every day a cheapskate like you offers to pay, this is a historic event! I have to be there!"

**

This book is completed so you can read all chapters on: /Blownleaves.