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.

But now, Sengoku wasn't so sure.

Just as Sakazuki had realized that times were changing, Sengoku could feel the shift as well.

He had already placed his bets on Claudius.

Deep down, he could sense that Claudius was planning something major.

If that was the case, he had to consider the best-case scenario, because if Claudius failed, then Sengoku's opinions on Marine leadership wouldn't matter.

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At that point, he'd be thrown into Impel Down as a prisoner, and whoever became Fleet Admiral wouldn't concern him anymore.

So, assuming Claudius succeeded…

With everything Sengoku knew about Saint Claudius, if Claudius took control of the World Government, there was no way he would let such an advantageous situation go to waste.

Claudius would definitely launch a powerful campaign into the New World.

Now that he thought about it, perhaps the Seven Warlords of the Sea system had been created as a stepping stone for this very purpose…

Once a stable foundation was built and the Warlords started cooperating closely with the Marines, the structure would be in place.

And from there?

Claudius would need major victories to solidify his "new government."

What better way to achieve that than by waging war on the pirate era itself?

To accomplish both of those goals, the Marines would have to become an aggressive, war-ready force.

And the only candidate suited for leading such a Marine force…

Was Sakazuki.

"No wonder His Highness said he was very optimistic about him that day."

"Had he already foreseen this outcome? His ambitions are truly vast..."

"While we're still thinking about war, His Highness is already thinking about the future."

"Is it confidence? Or something more?"

Sengoku found himself chuckling at the thought.

If Claudius came into power, and if Sakazuki showed even the slightest inclination for the role, Claudius would undoubtedly appoint him as the next Fleet Admiral.

At that moment, Claudius would be in a position where no one could challenge his decisions, he would be focused on establishing his absolute authority.

So even Sengoku would be wise not to interfere.

Otherwise, he would likely meet an unfortunate fate.

"In that case... I guess the decision of the next Fleet Admiral isn't really up to me, is it?" Sengoku mused.

"Kuzan... what will happen to you, then?"

That was the next dilemma.

Kuzan and Sakazuki despised each other.

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.