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Chapter 46: Wisdom, But Not Much
"So... what are you going to do? Are you really going to investigate Marine?" Flying Squirrel frowned into a "chuan" shape, subconsciously lit a cigar, and looked at Colonel Marine with some concern.
This was an order directly issued by the highest authority of the world government. However, the investigation target, Marine, was one of their own. Flying Squirrel couldn't help but feel some resistance to this so-called order in his heart.
"Check? Why not check?" Darren lifted the wine glass to his lips with ease, took a sip, and said with a mocking smile, "That's a direct order from the great and venerable Lord Five Elders, and of course, it must be carried out beautifully for them."
"It's just that now that the Celestial Dragons' attack investigation is in my hands, we can take the initiative." Flying Squirrel looked at him and couldn't help but smile a little.
It has to be said that Lord Damocles, known as "the most resourceful in a century," was able to keenly perceive the clues of this attack and indeed possessed extraordinary wisdom. But not much. The idea of letting the murderer catch the murderer made Flying Squirrel's mouth twitch.
"However, this matter should not be delayed any longer. We must conclude this investigation as soon as possible." Darren took a deep drag on his cigar, his deep eyes sparkling. "After all, CP0 and the investigation team won't leave North Blue until this case is over. I don't like the feeling of being watched." Flying Squirrel nodded in agreement.
The arrival of the investigation team had stalled many recent actions on their part. With Admiral Sengoku's headquarters here, many things were difficult to handle too openly.
The next day, in the office of the Municipal Government of Bhatia Island's meeting room, Sengoku looked at the government order document CP0 presented, his face filled with astonishment as he exclaimed, "What!? The Celestial Dragons attack will be handed over to Darren to investigate!?"
Gion and Kake turned to stare at Darren, dumbfounded as if they had heard something absurd. CP0, masked and clad in a white silk robe, read the government's order in an indifferent tone:
"In light of the heavy military affairs of the Admiral of Headquarters Sengoku and the imminent pursuit of the great pirate Byrnndi Waldo, the investigation of the 'Celestial Dragons attack' will be handed over to North Blue Marine's highest officer, North Blue Admiral Rogers Darren, effective immediately."
After reading the document, CP0 gave Darren a cold look. "The task is urgent. Colonel Darren, please start the investigation as soon as possible."
Darren smiled and nodded, "Do not worry."
As CP0 prepared to leave, Sengoku expressed his dissatisfaction, "Haven't I already submitted the results of my investigation? This incident was a complete accident. The one who attacked Hildes Saint was… Mr. Sea Kings..."
He hesitated as CP0 gave him a cold, disdainful look. Seeing Sengoku sit back calmly, CP0 said nothing more, his figure gradually turning into nothingness and disappearing from the room.
In the conference room, only the Marines were left in quiet and silence. Kake and Gion exchanged cryptic glances.
"Why did the investigative powers fall into Darren's hands?" exclaimed Kake, his eyes wide.
"How do I know? This is a direct order from the government," Gion frowned.
Kake raised an eyebrow, "Could it be that he wasn't responsible for the murder of Celestial Dragons' Hildes Saint?"
"I always feel that things are not that simple," Gion narrowed his eyes.
The room fell silent.
"Hey, hey, hey, what are you two doing with such weird expressions and grinning?" Sengoku said angrily. Gion and Kake immediately sat up straight.
"Perhaps Major Gion and Major Kake have new perspectives on the investigation of the attack?" The two shuddered at the words and looked up to see Admiral North Blue, who was smoking a cigar, staring at them with a half-smile. They felt a little panicked for no reason.
"No, no," stammered Gion, while Kake offered a sarcastic smile. After addressing the two, Darren turned back with a smile.
"Darren, what do you think about this matter? Why did the government give you the right to investigate?" asked Sengoku, fixing Darren with a serious gaze, his voice deep and authoritative.
After pondering for a moment, Darren replied calmly, "Admiral Sengoku, I believe the decision from the government is quite reasonable."
"Oh?" Sengoku raised his eyebrows.
"The investigation into the attack on the Celestial Dragons has gone on for too long. As the Admiral of Headquarters with heavy military affairs, it is not suitable for you to continue leading this investigation. It would be a waste of time," Darren explained.
Sengoku massaged his temples and sighed. "In that case, they should just accept the old man's investigation results so the case can be closed sooner." His gaze turned suspicious as he looked at Darren, "Or is it that you have some new information and clues?"
Darren raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Of course not. Personally, I am in agreement with Rear Admiral Borsolino." He smiled and nodded to Borsolino. "The attack on the Celestial Dragons was essentially an accident."
Sengoku squinted, a flicker of doubt in his eyes, and muttered, "If there are no new clues, the government has no reason to take the investigation away from me..."
"That's great, I've saved a lot of trouble now..." Borsolino, casually clipping his nails, commented with a smile.
The remark might have seemed offhand, but it caught Sengoku's attention. A lightbulb went on in his head. This was indeed a good development! He had not wanted to get involved in this matter, which was a thankless task. Now with the investigation fully under Darren's authority, could he not continue with his own duties? Whether returning to Marineford or hunting Byrnndi Waldo, anything was better than dealing with the issue of a deceased Celestial Dragon. Thinking of this, Sengoku smiled with satisfaction.
He coughed lightly and faced Darren. "Well, since the government trusts you so much, Darren, you must perform well and not let them down."
"I will definitely need plenty of guidance from you, Admiral Sengoku," Darren replied with humility.
Sengoku's smile broadened as he stood, patted Darren on the shoulder, and said, "Then I'll leave this matter in your capable hands."
That evening, Darren finished his daily training and walked to his private mansion on Bhatia Island, drenched in sweat. As the sun set, his military uniform hung off him, tattered like rags. His muscles were well-defined, and his sweaty skin bore superficial craters and scorch marks from bullets and artillery fire.
"You really haven't changed at all," a slow voice sounded from behind him. Darren paused, smiled, and turned around. A tall figure stood in the slanted rays of the sun, leaning against the wall with arms crossed, the cloak looking blood-red in the light. Dark glasses obscured the eyes, which flashed a sly smile.
"Living like a wild animal each day, aren't you tired?" the figure asked.
Tossing aside a spent cigar and lighting a fresh one, Darren replied, "Not everyone has the talents of a monster like you, Rear Admiral Borsolino."