As the commander of the operation, the CP0 leader faced a dismal outcome: they failed to capture the Fish-Men, didn't secure the blueprints of the Pluton, and even allowed the Navy traitor Wood to escape right under their noses. To make matters worse, they not only obliterated Enies Lobby, an important government facility, but also lost three warships in the process.
Such a disastrous mission report left the CP0 commander at a loss for how to present it to the World Government's top brass. Not only had they achieved nothing, but the massive losses also made it likely that he would be severely reprimanded—perhaps even forced into early retirement.
Looking for someone to share the blame was natural, but trying to pin it on Garp or Momousagi would be a futile effort. After all, the World Government had only tasked the Navy with apprehending the rogue Marine Wood. The matters concerning Fisher Tiger and the Pluton blueprints were not directly the Navy's responsibility, making it inappropriate to shift the blame onto them.
"Commander, I believe that neither the Navy nor the CP organization should bear the primary responsibility for this mission's failure," Momousagi said. "The blame lies entirely with Spandam, the highest-ranking official at Enies Lobby."
The CP0 leader, who had been brooding over the mission's failure, suddenly perked up at Momousagi's words. If he could avoid taking the blame, he certainly wouldn't hesitate. After all, as a high-ranking official, he wasn't eager to relinquish his position.
"Please elaborate, Momousagi," the CP0 leader said, a newfound hope in his voice.
"The Marine Headquarters was well aware of Wood's strength, which is why they sent Garp and me to assist in this operation. Initially, everything was proceeding smoothly, but Spandam refused to share crucial information with us. His poor decision-making led to the unexpected appearance of the Sun Pirates. Furthermore, the insufficient defense of Enies Lobby itself contributed to this disaster."
Momousagi continued, "The failure to capture Wood and Fisher Tiger wasn't due to the World Government's reinforcements arriving too late. Rather, Spandam's arrogance and delay in requesting backup were the true causes. By the time CP0 arrived, it was already too late to salvage the situation."
She added, "Additionally, the person who pulled strings within the World Government to get Spandam to request assistance bears significant responsibility. Had this person not concealed vital information, Fleet Admiral Sengoku would have undoubtedly sent more reinforcements than just Garp and me."
The more the CP0 leader listened, the brighter his eyes shone. He had been reminded that, while the Navy couldn't take the fall, Spandam could. And if Spandam alone wasn't enough, his influential connections within the World Government, like his father Spandine, could also be implicated.
This was precisely why Momousagi and Wood had spared Spandam's life. It would have been difficult to pin the blame on a dead man, especially one who died in the line of duty. By doing this, Momousagi not only cleared any lingering doubt over the Navy's involvement but also gained the gratitude of the CP0 leader.
"You're every bit as astute as the rumors suggest, Momousagi," the CP0 leader said with newfound admiration. "Not only are you an exceptional warrior, but your keen insight and wisdom set you apart. I wouldn't be surprised if you were to be considered for the position of admiral soon."
Momousagi's words had indeed inspired the CP0 leader. If Spandam wasn't sufficient to shoulder the blame, then implicating his backers within the World Government was a viable solution. This also aligned with why she and Wood had spared Spandam: the move was calculated to clear the Navy of any responsibility and secure a powerful ally within the CP0.
And now, the CP0 leader was more than willing to reciprocate by supporting Momousagi's future candidacy for the admiral position. Although the three current admirals—Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji—were already seen as the top candidates, having the backing of a key figure in the World Government could pave the way for a potential fourth admiral.
As for the unfortunate Spandam, who remained unconscious, he was blissfully unaware that he had been saddled with a monumental burden of blame. Even if he were conscious, there would be little he could do to defend himself, given that much of what Momousagi said was indeed true.
"You've got some skill there, Momousagi," Garp said, finally speaking up. "I didn't expect you to be even more devious than Tsuru. I thought you'd be seething with anger at the CP0 leader for bombing Enies Lobby, but here you are, cutting deals."
"It was Wood's suggestion," Momousagi admitted. "He said that while the soldiers of Enies Lobby may have died unjustly, confronting the World Government directly would get us nowhere. By handling it this way, we not only sidestep the issue but also secure compensation for the fallen soldiers."
As a by-the-book Marine, Momousagi did harbor resentment towards the CP0's actions. However, she had to concede that Wood's approach, pragmatic as it was, offered a better resolution.
"I'm starting to wonder just how sharp Wood's mind really is," Garp mused. "From getting the Sun Pirates involved, to sparing Spandam, to predicting CP0's arrival—it seems he had everything planned from the start."
Garp continued, "It's one thing to have talent and strength, but to have a brain like that on top of it all? Zephyr sure found a real gem. I've heard that Wood was just an ordinary lumberjack on his island. How does a kid like that have such extraordinary abilities? Could his parents have been someone important?"
Garp, who had secretly taken care of the Pirate King Roger's son, couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Wood's lineage. After all, the idea that great bloodlines produce great individuals wasn't entirely unfounded. Wood's background information indicated that he was from Maple Island in the first half of the Grand Line, and as an orphan, his parents' identities were unknown.
But if someone with Wood's potential turned out to be an orphan, it raised intriguing questions about his true heritage.
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P/S: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 320+ at p@treon.com/Betek and change @ to a