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### Chapter 96: Mind And Courage
"This is absolutely impossible!"
Sengoku slammed his fist on the desk angrily. "Marshal Kong, the North Blue Marine is not Rogers Darren's property! Once this precedent is set, Marineford, as Naval Headquarters, will lack the majesty to lead the world's righteous forces!"
On the other side of the phone bug, Kong pinched his forehead with some headache. Sengoku is very smart, but he tends to be too rigid when it comes to power. He is a very traditional soldier who takes obeying orders as his duty. So, on some sensitive issues, he will appear cautious. Not brave enough.
Kong thought for a while and asked, "Sengoku, do you think anyone other than Darren can match Darren's level?"
Sengoku was dumbfounded.
Kong smiled, and there was some helplessness and bitterness in his smile. "I wish there were more young people like Darren, but the answer is no. Even Sakazuki and Borsolino, who you have high hopes for, and, well, that kid from Garp's family can't do this."
Sengoku muttered under his breath, "I didn't expect much from Borsolino..."
Kong shook his head, took a deep puff on his cigar, and continued, "Darren is an excellent kid, even better than we expected."
Sengoku admitted reluctantly, "His talent is really outstanding."
"No, not just talent," Kong said in a deep voice. "The report on the campaign against Byrnndi Waldo that you submitted, I've read it. Let's not talk about the North Blue fleet that he built by himself. Just from the deployment of troops, the route of ambush, and the planning of tactics... The talent shown by Darren is top-notch in this sea."
"Using the firepower advantage of the North Blue fleet, he prioritized cutting off Byrnndi Waldo's retreat. He infiltrated in advance and set up traps in the arms transaction. Byrnndi Waldo's every move was anticipated by him. I even think that the process of this action was probably deduced countless times in Darren's mind."
"It is our Marine's fortune to have a young man with such exceptional military talent. If it was Sakazuki, Borsolino, Dragon, or even you, Sengoku, would you be able to do it so easily?"
Sengoku faltered, unable to speak. Borsolino, Sakazuki, and Dragon have boundless talent and potential, like bright stars under the banner of justice. But Darren's political skill, military ability, and strategic wisdom are beyond theirs. Without losing a single soldier, the World Pirates were wiped out.
With this achievement alone, who can match it on this ocean? Byrnndi Waldo is an old rival. Sengoku, Garp, and Zephyr have fought against him countless times in the past but always failed.
It seems Darren has surpassed the three of them to some extent. For a moment, Sengoku felt his face burning. The most outrageous thing is that in this final crusade against Byrnndi Waldo, he couldn't help at all.
"So, you get it, Sengoku," Kong said meaningfully. "Instead of a future Marine Admiral who balances wisdom and strength, why not give him North Blue?"
"The key point is that no matter how bad Darren's reputation is, he still has a true sense of morality. Just look at North Blue under his leadership. The crime rate has dropped significantly, civilian living standards have improved, and the number of pirates has greatly decreased. Isn't this the justice we strive for?"
Sengoku frowned. "Commander Kong, all this is for his personal power and ambition."
"It does not matter!" Kong interrupted without any politeness. "Everyone in this sea has ambition. We all know what Darren wants. If he grows in power and one day leads our Marine to get rid of Whitebeard, Golden Lion, and Roger, then let him have the position of Marine Marshal."
There was a gleam of wisdom in Kong's old eyes. "Sengoku, I know you're worried that North Blue under Darren might become his personal force. I understand your concerns, but the spirit of justice should never be limited. The Marine's capacity is far greater than you can imagine!"
"Let me share one more piece of news. I might soon go to the Holy Land to serve," he said, leaning back on the sofa. Smoke from his cigar lingered around his tough face.
Sengoku's eyes widened. "Marshal Kong... Could it be..."
"Yes, that position is vacant. The previous commander-in-chief passed away due to illness," Kong said plainly. "Sengoku, I have high expectations of you. Among you, Zephyr, and Garp, only you can take over my position."
He continued, "To be in a high position, you must have a broad mind and lofty spirit. As long as Darren is hunting pirates, carrying out Marine's orders, and wearing the cloak of justice, he is one of us."
"What I mean, do you understand?"
Sengoku was shocked. Kong's words hit him like a thunderbolt, causing a wave of thoughts. The phone communication was silent for a long time.
"I understand, Marshal Kong," Sengoku finally said, his tone returning to its usual calmness.
Kong smiled with satisfaction. "So, what about the news release? Have you figured it out?"
Sengoku thought for a moment and then solemnly said, "North Blue Admiral Rogers Darren, in the name of justice, successfully defeated 'World Destroyer' Byrnndi Waldo."
Kong's hearty laughter resounded through the Naval Headquarters Marineford's Marshal's Mansion.