No matter how you look at it, Diarmuid's capture of Roger was a huge accomplishment. Nobody could take the credit from him, and no one could pretend it didn't happen. If the Marines didn't acknowledge it, how could they expect their officers to fight so bravely in the future?
Sengoku clapped Diarmuid on the shoulder and said, "Once we're back at Headquarters and all the business with Roger is sorted out, I'll fight for your promotion."
"Yes, Admiral," Diarmuid replied, nodding.
Sengoku paused, then added, "You should think about a base you'd like to command in the meantime. When we get back, I'll send you out to get some experience."
Diarmuid's eyes lit up. This was a clear sign of a significant promotion. Marine bases in the Four Seas typically demoted officers from Headquarters by two ranks, making them part of a branch, which wasn't very prestigious. However, for bases on the Grand Line, officers were directly dispatched by Headquarters.
Therefore, the base commander would retain their Headquarters rank. These commanders were powerful figures in the Marines, and it was normal for a prominent base to have tens of thousands of troops.
Usually, these bases were responsible for suppressing pirates and protecting their allied nations. The base commanders were almost always elite Vice Admirals on rotation.
Based on the fact that Diarmuid had only been a Vice Admiral for less than six months, it was too soon for him to be a commander of an entire region, leading tens of thousands of Marines. But Sengoku was making an exception, which proved just how valuable capturing Roger was.
At the same time, Diarmuid felt his earlier plea for an Admiral position had paid off. A Marine Admiral not only had to be a powerful fighter but also a capable commander.
Putting Diarmuid in charge of a base would be a way to train him. He could gain experience in independent command, and once he showed results, Sengoku would have an even more solid reason to promote him. Nobody could object to that.
For Diarmuid, while it meant leaving Marine Headquarters, Marineford, for a while, it was an excellent opportunity. Besides, with modern Den Den Mushi and video conferences, he could still participate in matters at Marineford. More importantly, as a base commander, he would have a lot of authority, and he could do many things at his base that would be difficult to do at Headquarters.
Suppressing his excitement, Diarmuid looked at Sengoku and said, "Yes, I won't let you down, Admiral."
"Good. Be more mature and don't be so reckless next time," Sengoku instructed.
"Hehe, I know!" Diarmuid replied with a smile.
After they finished talking, Sengoku boarded Diarmuid's warship to speak with a dejected-looking Garp.
Diarmuid didn't follow. His part was done; Roger was in custody, and with Sengoku and Garp both here, there was nothing more he could do.
As for Roger's wife, Rouge, Diarmuid had done his part to help. Whether Garp could protect her was up to him now. It was no longer Diarmuid's problem. If Garp succeeded, things would proceed as they were meant to. If he failed, Diarmuid would lose nothing.
He spoke briefly with Kuzan and learned that Sakazuki was on a different ship and didn't seem interested in coming over. Diarmuid didn't pry.
Soon, Sengoku finished his conversation with Garp and came back over. "Diarmuid, prepare to set sail. We'll form a defensive formation around your warship and return to Marineford," Sengoku said.
"Yes, Admiral," Diarmuid replied, then asked, "What about Vice Admiral Garp?"
"The Roger matter isn't settled yet. He will remain here to guard the island and await further orders," Sengoku said after giving Diarmuid a meaningful look.
He could sense that something was wrong with Garp, and it was likely related to Diarmuid. But Sengoku didn't want to pry. Although Garp was a rascal at times, Sengoku never doubted his loyalty to the Marines.
Diarmuid nodded and accepted the order. Sengoku and the others left to board their own ships. Soon, all the warships except for Garp's dog-head ship began to depart from the island in an orderly fashion.
On the port, Stussy smiled at a disgruntled-looking Garp. "It was a pleasure to work with the famous Marine Hero, Vice Admiral Garp. I hope you'll guide me in the future."
Garp was already annoyed. He had to handle not only the Marines but also figure out how to keep CP from causing problems. Seeing Stussy's cheerful expression, he grew even more irritated. He waved his hand dismissively. "Got it."
Stussy was taken aback. What does he mean by that? Does he look down on me? But then she remembered Diarmuid's warning and didn't take it to heart.
Garp was probably preoccupied with his worries. She didn't feel the need to explain that she was on his side. Stussy didn't want anyone else to know she had cooperated with Diarmuid, and judging by Garp's reaction, Diarmuid probably hadn't told him, either.
She decided she'd just help him secretly when she needed to.
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, Marineford, Fleet Admiral Kong hung up the Den Den Mushi with Admiral Sengoku. He felt a sense of relief.
Because Diarmuid had held the news for two days and Sengoku had rushed to get there, the Roger matter was finally under control. He took a deep breath and called the Den Den Mushi for the World Government.
A short while later, one of the Gorosei answered. Before Kong could speak, he asked, "Is that Kong? What's the status of the Roger situation?"
Diarmuid had held the news for two days, but the Marines couldn't hide it from the World Government. As soon as Kong received the news, he reported it. However, he didn't mention that Diarmuid had delayed the message, and Stussy hadn't either. As a result, the World Government didn't know about the various twists and turns, only that Diarmuid had captured Roger.
"Yes. Sengoku has arrived and is now escorting Vice Admiral Diarmuid's warship back to Marineford. Roger has been confirmed to be in custody. We have successfully captured the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. We will place him in Impel Down once he arrives at Headquarters," Kong said seriously.
"Impel Down?" The Gorosei were silent for a moment before giving an order. "Don't do that. As the Pirate King, his capture will greatly demoralize the pirates. We should use this opportunity to establish our authority. Kong, prepare for his execution. Roger must be publicly executed with Justice!"
Roger likely knew the secret of Laugh Tale, and he couldn't be allowed to live. Regardless of whether it was for the public good or for their own, he had to die.
Kong had no objections. He had planned to make a statement with Roger, but he hadn't decided on the details. Now that the World Government had ordered a public execution, Kong felt it was a good idea.
Capturing the Pirate King and publicly executing him would shock the world, strengthen the Marines, and benefit the conquest of the New World.
"Yes, we'll begin preparing for Roger's execution. As for the public opinion, is there anything we should do?" Kong asked seriously.
The Gorosei thought for a moment before speaking. "The report you gave us said that Roger was terminally ill and was captured by Diarmuid without a struggle, correct?"
"More accurately, he surrendered after realizing he had no escape," Kong added.
"It's more or less the same thing. That's not good enough. It doesn't reflect the authority of the World Government and the Marines. Arrange for this matter to be handled. Publicly announce that the Marines, through meticulous planning and a fierce pursuit, tracked down Roger's whereabouts, and that Vice Admiral Diarmuid bravely fought to capture the Pirate King, Roger. Something along those lines," the Gorosei ordered.
The Marines had already managed to talk up the Edd War, making it sound like they defeated Shiki's fleet in one blows even though they hadn't fired a single cannon. Now, they had a real achievement—they had actually captured Roger.
The Gorosei's orders for this kind of propaganda didn't faze Kong at all. This kind of public relations was necessary. It would raise Marine morale, deter pirates, and instill greater public confidence. Why wouldn't he do it?
Kong had always been fond of Diarmuid. The boy was reliable, unlike that bastard Garp. It had been almost two decades since the incident at God Valley. The Marines really needed a new figurehead to boost morale.
Kong had placed his hopes on Dragon, but Dragon had defected. Looking at the others, there were Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan. Now, Diarmuid had to be included as a new Vice Admiral at their level.
If they were to choose a new figurehead from the new generation, it would have to be one of those four. Sakazuki and the others were strong, and they had more seniority, which was their advantage. But their disadvantage was also clear: they weren't as cunning as Diarmuid, nor were they as lucky.
Now that he had captured Roger, it was Diarmuid's time to take off. Kong was determined. He would use this opportunity to make Diarmuid the new symbol of the young Marine generation!
"Yes, I understand," Kong replied.
"Good. I think this Diarmuid is very promising. You Marines should train him well and not let his talent go to waste. CP has been asking for him a lot. They're very eager to have him if you Marines don't train him," the Gorosei said with a laugh.
They even had the time to joke. It was clear they were very happy about Roger's capture. They truly admired Diarmuid. He hadn't shown any of the rebellious tendencies often seen in young people, and his handling of the political mission in the South Blue was proof. It showed that he was a loyal asset to the World Government and could be properly groomed.
Kong laughed. "Don't worry. Diarmuid is the apple of Sengoku's eye. He won't mistreat him."
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