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The Suna Suna No Mi (Sand Sand Fruit) ability user, Crocodile.
One of the former crew members of the Pirate King Roger… the Devil's Heir, Douglas Bullet.
Garp recognized them both immediately, and he was surprised that Kojin had managed to bring such people under his command.
Then he recalled how this young man had previously overpowered an entire Supernova pirate crew single-handedly.
"You brat... you've really gathered a bunch of rebellious fellows around you." Garp sighed with emotion as he spoke.
"They're all very good companions." Kojin replied with a smile.
Crocodile and Bullet remained silent. They knew that, in a situation like this, silence was the most appropriate response.
"Is that so?"
"Then make sure you lead them properly and get things done!"
Garp chuckled and withdrew his gaze.
As a mentor, he was more than willing to give his disciple the freedom to grow. In his view, everyone had the right to choose their own path and, naturally, to take responsibility for that choice.
Since Kojin had made this decision, he must have had his reasons.
As for what kind of person this disciple would become, or the world he might shape in the future...
...that wasn't something a teacher like him needed to worry about.
Just as he had never doubted his disciple during the bloody incident involving the Celestial Dragons at the Sabaody Archipelago, he had no reason to doubt him now.
How could an exceptional Marine, destined to become a "Hero", ever act so recklessly?
The group continued up the stairs towards the Headquarters building, with Kojin and Kuzan conversing in low voices along the way.
After a while, guided by a female officer, they entered the conference room.
It was clear that this conference room had been prepared in advance, it was spacious and magnificent. A long table occupied the center, surrounded by neatly arranged seats.
One by one, the officers took their seats. The Vice Admirals sat at the long table itself, while Kojin, Kuzan and the others took the surrounding seats.
The atmosphere was so quiet that, not long after everyone had sat down, someone started snoring.
As Kojin looked around, more and more officers arrived and took their seats. They waited silently for the meeting to begin. Each face bore a different expression: some were stern, some tense, and some were actually yawning.
About half an hour later, Kong finally entered the conference room with his aides, looking solemn.
"Looks like almost everyone's here. Then let's begin the meeting."
The opening remarks were extremely brief, reflecting the Marines' decisive and straightforward style perfectly.
This was a habit that Kong had developed over many years of issuing combat missions.
On the battlefield, time was critical and there was no room for long-winded speeches. If something could be explained in a single word, then there was no need for embellishment.
On the battlefield, time was life.
"Recently, the Roger Pirates reached the final island, and Roger became the Pirate King, causing enormous shock across the world."
"We've already made many temporary deployments in response to this. Our suppression and cleansing operations against rampaging pirates have produced noticeable results."
Kong spoke rapidly.
"However. The impact caused by Roger still exceeds our expectations. The seas have been thrown into chaos because of him. Pirates such as Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom continue to ignite wars."
"The Four Seas are no calmer; new pirates are pouring into them without end."
"Above all, Pirate King Roger himself must be captured and brought to justice to quell the massive upheaval caused by his rise to power!"
After a brief pause, Kong's expression grew even more severe as he continued to speak.
"Therefore, in light of the recent developments, I will now deploy missions to all generals present."
"You have two primary objectives."
"First, conduct a worldwide search for Pirate King Roger and his crew and capture them."
"Second: from here on, your missions will focus on suppressing pirates across the entire sea, crushing these newly emerging troublemakers with full force!"
As he said this, Kong slammed his hand down on the table and fixed everyone with a razor-sharp gaze.
The entire conference room fell silent as all the ranked officers listened intently.
"Now, we will proceed with mission deployment."
After taking a brief pause, Kong continued in a deep voice.
What followed was the calm and orderly assignment of missions.
"Sengoku, you will remain stationed at Headquarters and be responsible for supervising the seas around the Sabaody Archipelago."
Sengoku nodded.
"Zephyr, you will head to Water 7, Long Ring Long Land and the surrounding islands."
Zephyr inclined his head in acknowledgement.
One mission after another was assigned. Soon, Kong's gaze shifted towards Kojin.
"Kuzan, you will head to North Blue and eliminate the pirates causing disturbances there."
Kuzan stood up. "Yes, sir!"
"Kojin, you will go to the South Blue and will be responsible for pirate suppression and the search for Roger." Kong said solemnly.
Kojin froze slightly, then nodded.
The pace at which the assignments were given out was extremely fast. One officer after another accepted their orders and quickly departed. Soon, Kojin heard Garp's name too.
Of course, the two of them were not assigned to the same region. Garp was responsible for the East Blue.
This prompted many of the officers to silently mourn the pirates of the East Blue. It was clear to everyone that the region once known as the world's strongest sea might well become the weakest in the future.
The names Sakazuki and Borsalino were called in quick succession, and their missions were assigned.
"You may wait until your battleships have finished being modified and then pass through the Calm Belt to the Four Seas, or you may set off immediately and complete the modifications afterwards,"
Kong announced.
Many of the generals didn't understand what he meant at first, but after hearing the explanation, they were astonished.
It's no wonder that the Marine Headquarters was launching such a wide-ranging and forceful suppression and search operation. If the Calm Belt could be crossed, mutual support would naturally be faster and more convenient.
"Meeting adjourned!" Kong declared.
The Marines in the conference room immediately stood up.
Kojin's expression was serious at this moment, tinged with a hint of heaviness.
"What's wrong, Kojin?"
"South Blue should be a pretty easy region, right? North Blue, the region I'm assigned to, is the real headache, it's full of powerful guys!" Kuzan sighed as he spoke.
In truth, missions in the Four Seas weren't difficult. It was the sheer scope of them that made them troublesome; if pirates were determined to flee, there wasn't much the Marines could do.
"My South Blue is probably going to be tougher than yours." Kojin sighed.
"How tough can it be? You won't run into Roger, will you?" Kuzan joked.
Kojin ignored his old friend, but the corner of his mouth twitched.
He knew very well that, judging by the timeline, Roger was indeed very likely to be in the South Blue.
As Kojin walked out of the conference room, Sakazuki quickly caught up with him.
"Is there something you need?" Kojin asked calmly.
"Next time, I definitely won't lose to you!" Sakazuki gritted his teeth as he spoke.
"Heh." Kojin merely chuckled and strode past him.
Roger's situation was what troubled him now and he had no time to bother with someone still firmly in the throes of their chūnibyō years and wearing a defiant expression.
"Do I let him be?"
"Or do I make a move and capture him?"
As he walked out of the Headquarters building and faced the sea breeze blowing towards him, Kojin murmured softly.
(End of Chapter)