However, no matter how agitated Garp became this time, he could not change the final outcome. He could rely on his seniority and past achievements to act willfully on certain occasions, but Dragon did not have that privilege.
Kong felt equally helpless and could only try to calm him.
"Garp, settle down," he said in a heavy voice. "In truth, this escort mission is not a bad thing. Look, the overall commander is Admiral Lloyd. With him present, shouldn't you feel reassured?"
As he spoke, Kong glanced toward Lloyd.
Lloyd sat upright in his seat, his posture relaxed yet dignified. A faint smile appeared on his lips, but he said nothing, his calm silence carrying more weight than words.
Sengoku folded his arms across his chest and nodded slowly.
"In previous years, the overall commander for the heavenly tribute escort was always from CP9," he said in a deep, steady tone. "The fact that this authority has been handed to the Navy this time proves that the World Government places greater importance on us now."
Hearing this, Kong looked at Sengoku with clear approval, thinking to himself that his chosen successor truly lived up to expectations.
Tsuru followed up calmly.
"Since that is the case, we must seize this opportunity properly. If handled well, it could allow the Navy to gain more influence within the World Government."
As she finished speaking, both Sengoku and Tsuru cast apologetic glances toward Garp.
Garp did not care about political implications or strategic benefits. To him, there was only one reality. His two old comrades were not going to help him this time.
Still, he refused to give up and slammed his palm against the armrest.
"I don't trust them at all," he said angrily. "Those Celestial Dragons are nothing but trouble."
"Enough!"
Kong's expression darkened as he struck the table with his massive hand, the sound echoing through the room.
"Garp, have you forgotten who you are?" Kong barked. "Have you forgotten what responsibility you bear?"
Garp clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned pale. Tsuru, seated beside him, reached out and tugged lightly at his sleeve, shaking her head.
"Damn it…"
With a heavy sigh, Garp finally slumped back into his chair.
Kong no longer paid him any attention. Instead, he turned his gaze toward Lloyd, who had remained silent throughout the exchange.
"Admiral Lloyd," Kong said solemnly, "this mission concerns the heavenly tribute. It is of utmost importance. You must ensure that nothing goes wrong."
Lloyd straightened slightly and responded with measured calm.
"Rest assured, Fleet Admiral Kong. I will personally ensure that the heavenly tribute is delivered safely to Mary Geoise."
Compared to Garp's earlier outburst, Lloyd's composed demeanor was deeply reassuring. Kong nodded in satisfaction.
"Very well. Then I'll leave this matter in your hands."
Lloyd's expression remained serious, but inwardly, he found the situation faintly amusing.
To him, the heavenly tribute was nothing more than property returning to its rightful owner. In essence, this mission was simply a matter of collecting rent.
Kong continued outlining various precautions and procedural details. Just as the meeting was nearing its end, Garp suddenly stood up again.
"I'm going as well."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Kong frowned deeply.
"Garp, don't be ridiculous. What reason do you have to participate?"
"This is Dragon's first time handling such an important mission," Garp said firmly. "As his father, I want to accompany him. Is that not allowed either?"
Lloyd narrowed his eyes slightly.
If Garp joined the mission, it would undoubtedly interfere with his plans.
Without hesitation, Lloyd spoke up, his tone polite yet edged with cold authority.
"Vice Admiral Garp, is my presence not sufficient? Or are you questioning my ability to command this mission?"
The air instantly grew tense.
The others exchanged glances. In their experience, Lloyd had always been courteous and approachable toward his colleagues. This was the first time they had heard such an unmistakably sharp edge in his voice.
However, upon reflection, it was understandable. Lloyd had only recently been promoted to Admiral, and his youth already drew scrutiny. Garp's words could easily be interpreted as a lack of trust.
Garp realized his mistake and softened his tone in rare fashion.
"Lloyd, don't misunderstand. I'm not doubting your capability. I'm just worried about Dragon."
"Oh?" Lloyd replied calmly. "Dragon's strength is already on par with that of an average Vice Admiral. May I ask what exactly Vice Admiral Garp is worried about?"
Garp hesitated.
He could not possibly say that Dragon's beliefs were becoming dangerous. That was something that could never be spoken aloud.
After a long pause, he finally forced out an answer.
"That brat's been acting strange lately. I'm afraid he might do something foolish. I just want to keep an eye on him."
He quickly added, almost pleading.
"So please, let me come along. I swear I won't interfere with any of your orders."
Before Lloyd could respond, Kong spoke firmly.
"That decision is not yours to make. Admiral Lloyd is the overall commander of this mission."
When he emphasized the word "Admiral," his gaze was fixed squarely on Garp.
Garp ignored the implication entirely. He had never wanted to become an Admiral anyway.
Sengoku looked between them and spoke evenly.
"I believe Garp can be allowed to join. It would also demonstrate our sincerity to the World Government."
Tsuru nodded in agreement.
"Vice Admiral Garp's reputation within the World Government is not favorable. Since he is willing to participate in the escort this time, it may help ease tensions between both sides."
Sengoku and Tsuru felt some guilt over not supporting Garp earlier, and it was clear they intended to compensate now.
Zephyr, however, frowned.
"This is Admiral Lloyd's mission," he said bluntly. "I don't think this is appropriate."
Lloyd reached out and lightly touched Zephyr's sleeve.
"Zephyr Senpai," he said softly, "it's fine."
Zephyr still looked displeased. Lloyd was his most outstanding student, and as his teacher, he naturally wanted to defend him.
Lloyd gave him a faint smile, then turned to Kong.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, I agree to allow Vice Admiral Garp to participate in this mission."
The moment those words left his mouth, Kong visibly relaxed. A trace of gratitude even appeared in his eyes.
Truthfully, the most pressured person in the room had been him. Every individual present held immense authority, and offending any one of them would have been troublesome. Lloyd had resolved the issue cleanly.
Garp's eyes lit up, but before he could celebrate, Lloyd continued in an indifferent tone.
"However, I must make one thing clear. During the mission, anyone who disobeys my orders will face consequences, without exception."
Garp froze for a brief moment, then nodded without hesitation.
"I understand."
The others saw nothing unusual in Lloyd's warning. In their eyes, Lloyd had already made a concession, and firm words afterward were only natural.
No one believed anyone would dare defy orders during such a critical mission. Even Garp, unreliable as he was, would not cross that line once he had given his word.
After speaking, Lloyd's usual calm smile returned, and he leaned back into his chair as if nothing had happened.
The remainder of the meeting proceeded smoothly. Kong clearly wanted to conclude it as soon as possible to prevent Garp from stirring up further trouble. After finalizing personnel arrangements, he formally dismissed the meeting.
As everyone filed out, Garp walked past Lloyd and flashed him a wide grin.
"Thanks," he said sincerely.
Lloyd merely nodded in response, his expression unreadable.