(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Aokiji felt a lingering melancholy—this trip hadn't gone as he expected at all.
He had only come to check on Robin's new ally but had ended up being dragged into something much bigger than he had expected.
What he and Colt had discussed was entirely true, though.
In this world, few people appreciated the Celestial Dragons' existence. And those that did, might be brainwashed.
For someone like Aokiji, soft-hearted and principled, he had an almost instinctual aversion to those parasites.
Still, after so many years as a Marine, it wasn't easy to change his mindset.
He couldn't simply ignore the duties ingrained in him over time.
Now, he had somehow found himself as an undercover agent for Colt.
Aokiji couldn't help bring himself up to go to Marineford, so he kept moving around for a few days in the seas…
After wandering for a few days, Aokiji received a call from Sengoku:
"Stop slacking off. Get back your ass back to Marineford—we're holding an important strategic meeting!"
Aokiji hung up and, after some thought, called Colt.
He was now an undercover agent he should act like it.
"What do you want?" Colt's voice was clipped, straight to the point.
"Sengoku is holding a strategic meeting. It seems pretty important," Aokiji informed him.
"What does that have to do with me?" Colt's voice dripped with surprise.
"I'm not interested in the Marines internal affairs. Do what you need to do; I've got more important things to handle here."
With that, Colt hung up.
However…
Just before the line went dead, Aokiji caught a faint sound of laughter from the other end.
"Come on, Colt, you haven't even finished putting sunscreen on Robin's back!"
"Right away!"
More important tasks indeed...
Three question marks appeared on Aokiji's forehead as he sighed.
'What a peculiar man…'
Returning to Marineford on a nearby warship, Aokiji soon found himself in the midst of the Marines top brass gathered for the meeting.
He noted Naruto, who was animatedly describing the greatness of ramen to Garp.
If Colt hadn't mentioned that Naruto was also part of their circle, Aokiji would never have imagined it.
It seemed that Colt's influence ran deep, extending across the Marines, Four Emperors, and Shichibukai alike.
Sengoku's face was stern as he addressed the room.
"The World Government has decided that the growth of the Whitebeard Pirates needs to be stopped."
"With Uchiha Sasuke and Portgas D. Ace on board, Whitebeard remains a formidable threat despite his age."
After his words, Sengoku directed a scowl toward Kizaru, who was only half-listening.
Akainu, his face hard and focused, extinguished his cigar.
"I suggest deploying all three Admirals, along with Uzumaki Naruto. Even the Whitebeard Pirates won't stand a chance with this line-up."
As ever, Akainu was relentless in his pursuit to crush piracy, but Sengoku knew better than to be rash.
Sending the Admirals and Naruto into the New World could force the Four Emperors to unite against the Marines.
Fortunately, Vice Admiral Tsuru stepped in to smooth things over.
"The World Government's CPO will be handling this, not the Marines. We are merely supporting their operation."
Kizaru leaned back, crossing his fingers and flashing a wry grin.
"Oh? So scary. It sounds like Whitebeard's time is truly running out if they're sending the big guns."
CPO, an elite intelligence division under the Celestial Dragons, was known as their strongest shield, and its agents were so highly trained that it was rumored that some could even rival Admirals in power. Even the Marines knew little about them.
The mere mention of CPO silenced Akainu, who huffed and folded his arms.
"All right, the head of CPO will arrive at Marineford soon," Sengoku continued.
"Naruto, Garp, I want both of you on standby until further notice."
Sengoku's gaze turned to Naruto.
"Can you deal with Uchiha Sasuke?"
Naruto's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"I'll definitely win!" he replied, pounding his fists together. He hadn't seen Sasuke in a long time and was eager to catch up.
"Good." Sengoku nodded approvingly.
He then turned to Garp. "This time, don't slack off. Whitebeard is yours to handle. Hold him back at all costs."
Garp simply shrugged, though he gave a subtle nod of agreement.
Alongside Naruto and Garp, three elite Vice Admirals— Doberman, Momonga, and Onigumo—would also be participating in the operation.
After the meeting, Aokiji approached Naruto, his mind brimming with questions.
Once they were alone and he'd ensured no one could eavesdrop, Aokiji finally spoke up.
"I've met Colt."
Naruto's expression instantly changed, and powerful chakra flared around him as if he were ready for battle.
Seeing Naruto's intensity, Aokiji quickly clarified.
"Calm down—we're on the same side now."
Naruto's energy faded, replaced by a look of surprise.
"Really?"
Aokiji nodded and handed him a silver feather.
"Colt asked me to give this to you. He said you'd understand."
Naruto studied the feather before breaking into a broad grin.
"Didn't expect you'd join us too, Uncle Aokiji! Sorry about that earlier."
Aokiji shrugged it off, understanding Naruto's caution.
"It's fine. But… can you tell me a bit more about Colt?"
Naruto's face turned serious.
"Sorry, I can't share that information. If Colt hasn't told you, it's not something you need to know yet."
"But don't worry," Naruto added warmly.
"We're here to make this world a better place. Trust in that, and everything will be fine."
Aokiji looked at Naruto thoughtfully, a mix of emotions in his heart.
After a long silence, he nodded.
"I understand."