Sengoku leaned back in his chair, studying Issho's weathered face as the blind swordsman sat with perfect posture across from his desk. The conversation had been flowing naturally, discussions of justice, the nature of power, and the responsibility that came with it. Issho's calm demeanor and thoughtful responses had impressed him greatly.
BANG!
A Marine lieutenant stood breathless in the doorway, his uniform disheveled and sweat beading on his forehead, clearly having sprinted the entire way to headquarters from the docks.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, sir! Urgent news!"
Sengoku's eyebrow twitched slightly, and his fingers drummed once against his desk, showing his subtle irritation at the moment. "Lieutenant Kowalski, what have I told you about knocking? And proper protocol when entering my office?"
The lieutenant's face flushed red as he remembered the other person present in the room, now facing him with varying degrees of amusement. "S-sorry sir, but this couldn't wait! World Government agents have just arrived with another recruit, Aramaki, sir! They're bringing him up now!"
The room fell silent, the only sound the ticking of the large clock on Sengoku's wall and the distant noise of Marines training in the courtyard below. Sengoku's expression remained perfectly neutral, but internally, his mind raced with calculations and implications.
So soon? The Five Elders are more concerned about my growing influence than I anticipated. Sending Aramaki with their agents rather than allowing me to recruit him naturally, they're making a statement.
"Ah," Sengoku said calmly, setting down the report he had been reviewing. "How convenient. It seems our recruitment efforts are bearing fruit faster than expected. Send them in immediately, Lieutenant. And next time, knock first, report second. Urgency is no excuse for abandoning protocol."
"Yes sir!" The lieutenant saluted crisply before hurrying away, presumably to escort the new arrivals.
The wait stretched for nearly ten minutes, during which Sengoku continued his conversation with Issho as if nothing had happened, though both men were clearly aware of the tension building in the room. Finally, the door opened again, this time with proper ceremony, the knock sharp and professional.
Two stern-faced CP agents entered first, their black suits immaculate despite the journey. They moved with the predatory grace common to all Cipher Pol operatives, their eyes quickly scanning the room and cataloguing every person present, every potential threat or escape route. Between them walked a tall, lean man who immediately commanded attention.
Aramaki was an intimidating figure, nearly three meters tall with wild green hair that seemed to defy gravity, flowing behind him like grass.
His face bore a perpetual scowl that spoke of someone who found the world consistently disappointing. Unlike Issho's humble arrival earlier that morning, Aramaki strode into the room with the confidence of someone who not only believed he belonged there, but that everyone else was privileged to witness his presence.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku," the lead agent said crisply, his voice carrying the bureaucratic precision that marked all World Government officials.
"As per direct directive from the Five Elders, we present Aramaki. Our extensive intelligence gathering suggests he possesses the qualifications for immediate integration into Marine leadership structure."
The formal phrasing wasn't lost on Sengoku. Direct directive from the Five Elders. Not a request, not a suggestion, a directive. They're not even trying to hide their involvement.
Aramaki's unusual eyes, swept the room with predatory interest before settling on Sengoku. "The legend himself," he said, his voice carrying a rough quality that suggested he rarely bothered with pleasantries. "Gotta say, you're exactly what this world needs, someone willing to crush pirates completely and bring real order to this chaos."
There it is, Sengoku thought, his insight allowing him to read the man's character like an open book. Devotion to absolute justice and genuine admiration for the World Government's vision. A perfect little spy wrapped in Admiral-level power. But also... something else. A hunger that goes beyond mere duty.
"Aramaki," Sengoku said warmly, rising from his chair. "Your reputation precedes you. Please, have a seat."
The CP agents exchanged glances, clearly having expected to remain for the entire briefing. The lead agent cleared his throat diplomatically. "Fleet Admiral, we were instructed to provide a full debriefing on Aramaki's capabilities and.."
"To deliver him safely to Marine Headquarters, which you have done admirably and with your usual efficiency," Sengoku interrupted with a smile that managed to be both warm and absolutely final. "Please convey my compliments to your superiors on their excellent work. You may report back that Aramaki is now officially under Marine jurisdiction and will be integrated into our command structure immediately. Thank you for your exemplary service to both the World Government and justice itself."
The dismissal was polite, professionally courteous, and utterly non-negotiable. The agents hesitated for perhaps three seconds, long enough to consider whether pushing the issue was worth the potential consequences of crossing the Fleet Admiral who had just decisively won the war that had reshaped the world's power structure.
Wisdom prevailed. They bowed precisely and left without another word, though Sengoku noted the way the second agent's hand had instinctively moved toward his weapon during those three seconds of hesitation. They're nervous about me. Good.
Aramaki settled into the chair beside Issho with the casual ease of someone accustomed to taking what he wanted.
The contrast between the two men was striking, where Issho embodied quiet dignity and controlled power, Aramaki radiated barely contained hunger and predatory energy. "Nice to meet ya, blind guy," he said to Issho with casual disregard for propriety before turning back to Sengoku. "Heard you put on quite the show at Marineford. Whitebeard, Blackbeard, even Red-Hair Shanks, all dealt with properly. That's exactly how justice should work."
"Justice requires many forms," Issho interjected quietly, his voice carrying the weight of experience and careful consideration. "Sometimes the greatest strength lies in knowing when to show restraint, when mercy serves the greater good better than destruction."
Aramaki snorted, a sound that somehow managed to convey complete disdain for the concept. "Restraint? That's exactly the kind of thinking that let pirates run wild for decades. You know what pirates understand? Power, absolute power that crushes them so completely they can't even dream of resistance. Mercy is just weakness wearing a fancy mask."
The philosophical difference between his two potential recruits fascinated Sengoku. Here sat two immensely powerful individuals with completely opposite approaches to justice, yet both potentially valuable in different ways. "Your dedication to eradicating piracy is admirable, Aramaki. Tell me, what draws you specifically to serve under the World Government? Many powerful individuals choose to remain independent."
Aramaki leaned forward, his unusual eyes lighting up with genuine enthusiasm for perhaps the first time since entering the room. "Simple , —they represent everything civilization should be. Order, hierarchy, structure, purpose. The Celestial Dragons might be..." he paused, clearly searching for diplomatic phrasing, "...eccentric in their methods, but they maintain the fundamental system that keeps complete chaos from consuming everything."
His expression darkened, and for a moment, something genuinely dangerous flickered behind his eyes. "Pirates like Gol D. Roger and Edward Newgate poisoned an entire generation with their romantic nonsense about 'freedom' and 'adventure.' They turned simple criminals into folk heroes, convinced children that lawlessness was something to aspire to." He spat the word 'freedom' like it physically tasted bitter. "Freedom without proper authority, that's not freedom at all."
Perfect, Sengoku mused, He'll be relatively easy to manipulate initially, his devotion to systematic order blinds him to the system's inherent flaws and contradictions. But that same fanatical devotion makes him potentially dangerous if the Five Elders decide to activate him against me. His loyalty is to the concept of absolute order, not necessarily to any individual leader.
"An interesting and well-reasoned perspective," Sengoku said aloud, his tone suggesting genuine appreciation for Aramaki's philosophical position. "And your abilities? The reports I've received suggest you possess capabilities that would complement our expanding operations perfectly."
Aramaki's shark-like grin widened, showing teeth that seemed just slightly too sharp.
"Mori Mori no Mi, Forest Logia. Complete control over plant life in all its forms. I can create entire forests from nothing, manipulate existing vegetation across vast distances, drain nutrients directly from living beings." His expression darkened with predatory satisfaction. "Perfect for tracking down pirates who think they can hide in jungles or remote islands. There's nowhere they can run that plants don't grow."
He paused, and his grin took on an almost disturbing quality. "I don't eat conventional food anymore, haven't for years. I absorb everything I need directly from other living things. Plants, animals, people when necessary. Keeps me focused on what really matters instead of wasting time on mundane requirements."
The casual way he mentioned draining nutrients from people sent a small chill through the room.
"Fascinating and highly practical," Sengoku replied, genuinely impressed despite his concerns about Aramaki's methods. "Your powers would indeed complement our expanding operations perfectly. The ability to establish surveillance networks through plant life alone would revolutionize our intelligence gathering capabilities."
A sharp knock at the door interrupted their conversation, this time properly announced and executed. "Enter," Sengoku called, settling back into his chair.
Vice Admiral Tsuru entered first, her sharp eyes immediately assessing the new arrivals and the atmosphere in the room. Behind her came several other high-ranking officers: each represented different factions and philosophies within the Marine hierarchy.
"Fleet Admiral," Tsuru said, her tone carrying the familiarity of decades of working together, "you requested we gather for an important announcement? The message suggested it concerned new appointments to the Vice Admiral rank."
Sengoku could see the curiosity and concern in their faces. Rapid promotions were unusual in the Marines, where rank was typically earned through years of service and proven competence. But exceptional circumstances required exceptional measures.
"Indeed." Sengoku stood, his transformed presence immediately commanding absolute attention from everyone in the room. The divine energy that now flowed through him naturally projected authority that went beyond mere rank or reputation. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you our newest Vice Admirals, Issho, whom some of you may know by reputation, and Aramaki, recently arrived from independent service."
The reaction was immediate and notably mixed. Vice Admiral Momonga nodded approvingly, his scarred face showing trust in Sengoku's judgment. Vice Admiral Tsuru studied both men with calculating eyes, clearly running through mental assessments of their potential capabilities and loyalties. However, others were less immediately accepting.
Vice Admiral Doberman stepped forward, his extensively scarred face skeptical and his hand unconsciously resting near his sword hilt. "With all due respect, Fleet Admiral, direct induction to Vice Admiral rank without proper evaluation is highly irregular. These men, regardless of their individual abilities, haven't proven themselves through established Marine channels or demonstrated their understanding of our operational procedures."
"Doberman raises valid concerns," Vice Admiral Strawberry added, his distinctive appearance making his serious expression somewhat comical. "Our promotion system exists for excellent reasons, it ensures competence, loyalty, and proper integration into the command structure. Bypassing it entirely sets a concerning precedent."
Sengoku had not only expected this response but had carefully planned for it.
Managing the Marine hierarchy required balancing respect for tradition with the necessity of rapid adaptation to changing circumstances. "Your concerns are not only noted but appreciated. They demonstrate exactly the kind of careful consideration that makes our officer corps exceptional." He paused, allowing his words to register fully. "However, exceptional times require exceptional measures. Both men possess abilities and experience that our current strategic situation demands immediately."
"But the idea this sets.." Doberman began, his voice carrying the weight of decades of military service.
"Will be properly addressed through established Marine tradition," Sengoku interrupted smoothly, raising his hand with practiced authority. "I propose a solution that honors both our respect for proper procedure and the necessity of rapid integration during these critical times." His golden eyes gleamed with anticipation, and those who knew him well recognized the expression that preceded his most masterful strategic moves.
"Any Vice Admiral who wishes to formally challenge either Issho or Aramaki's qualifications may do so through sanctioned combat. Win your challenge, and their promotion will be delayed pending comprehensive review through normal channels. Lose, and their competence is established beyond any reasonable question."
It was a viable solution, it respected Marine tradition while potentially providing immediate validation for his new appointments.
Vice Admiral Momonga was the first to break the silence, scratching his distinctive mohawk thoughtfully. "A formal duel system... it's certainly unorthodox for promotion, but it does follow established tradition for resolving questions of competence and strength."
"Exactly what I was thinking," Vice Admiral Tsuru added, though her sharp eyes suggested she was calculating multiple layers of implication behind Sengoku's proposal.
"I volunteer," Doberman said immediately, his scarred hand moving instinctively to his sword hilt. "Nothing personal against either candidate, but rank must be earned through proven capability, not granted through convenience."
Aramaki's response was a laugh, harsh and filled with genuine delight. "Finally! I was starting to think all Marines had become politicians instead of warriors. This should be entertaining." He turned to study Doberman with predatory interest. "Which one of us do you want to test first, scarface?"
"I'll face you," Doberman replied coldly, apparently unbothered by the casual insult.
"Gentlemen," Tsuru interjected with a slight smile that suggested she was already mentally preparing medical reports, "perhaps we should establish some comprehensive ground rules first? We don't want to accidentally destroy headquarters during what amounts to a job interview."
Her comment drew nervous chuckles from several officers, though everyone present knew that with Devil Fruit users involved, the concern was entirely legitimate.
Sengoku nodded approvingly. "Excellent point, Tsuru. The duel will take place in the main training courtyard in exactly one hour. Standard Marine dueling rules apply, victory achieved through surrender, unconsciousness, or clear inability to continue fighting. Destruction of Marine property will result in the responsible party covering repair costs from their personal salary." His tone turned slightly more serious. "Are there any other challengers?"
Vice Admiral Strawberry stepped forward hesitantly, his colorful appearance contrasting sharply with the serious expression on his face. "I... would like to test the blind swordsman's capabilities. No offense intended, but I need to see his skills firsthand."
Issho inclined his head with perfect respect, his blind eyes focused somewhere beyond the physical realm. "I accept your challenge graciously, though I hope you'll forgive an old man if the demonstration proves briefer than you might prefer."
"Brief?" Strawberry sputtered, clearly taking the comment as a challenge to his abilities. "I'll have you know I've been training with a blade for over twenty years!"
"And I've been listening to swordsmen make similar boasts for nearly fifty," Issho replied with such gentle humor and complete lack of arrogance that even the stern Vice Admiral Tsuru chuckled softly.
Aramaki grinned wickedly, showing those slightly-too-sharp teeth again. "This is going to be much more fun than I expected."
The silence that followed was broken by Sengoku's hearty, genuine laugh. "Gentlemen, I believe we have our entertainment for the afternoon. Vice Admiral Tsuru, please ensure the medical bay is fully prepared and staffed, just as a reasonable precaution."
"Of course," Tsuru replied, though her expression clearly indicated she was already thinking which Vice Admirals would likely require the most extensive medical attention.
As the various officers began filing out to prepare for the afternoon's duels, Sengoku gestured for his two new recruits to remain behind. The moment the heavy door closed and they were alone, his expression shifted to something more calculating and direct.
"Now then," Sengoku said, settling back into his chair and studying both men with his enhanced perception, "let's discuss the real situation we're facing. Aramaki, I trust you understand that loyalty within the Marine hierarchy supersedes all other considerations, including any previous arrangements or understandings you might have had?"
Aramaki's unusual eyes sharpened with something that might have been respect for Sengoku's directness. "Naturally. The chain of command is sacred, when it's properly established and maintained. I serve the cause of absolute justice.
"Good. And Issho, your thoughts on this afternoon? I hope you won't hold back simply to avoid embarrassing a colleague."
The blind swordsman was quiet for a long moment, his weathered hands folded calmly in his lap.
"I hope these duels serve their intended purpose of validation without causing unnecessary harm to men who are, ultimately, our allies in the cause of justice."
"Wise words, as I've come to expect from you." Sengoku stood, moving to the large window that offered a view of the training courtyard where crowds were already beginning to gather in anticipation of the unusual spectacle. "Now then, shall we observe how well our new Vice Admirals integrate with their future colleagues?"