After Sakazuki left the medical ward, leaving Kai to rest, he headed to his office together with his two subordinates.
As soon as the door closed, Sakazuki turned to them and coldly asked:
— What do you think about this?
Momonga was about to speak, but Onigumo stepped in first.
— Vice Admiral Sakazuki, — he said in a restrained tone, — I believe this is unnecessary. The fact that you intend to personally train that boy. He is blind. His Devil Fruit seems weak. I do not see any potential in him worthy of your direct attention. I think it would be more reasonable to send him to Marineford, where a regular instructor can take care of him and—
— That's enough.
Onigumo did not finish his sentence — Momonga interrupted him.
— Vice Admiral Sakazuki, — Momonga said firmly, — I agree with your decision. I believe training Kai personally is the right choice. That child possesses potential… the potential of a future admiral.
Onigumo sharply turned toward him, clearly shocked by those words.
Momonga continued:
— When I heard his story, I understood it. A ten-year-old child, blind and exhausted, managed to wipe out an entire mafia family on his own. Yes, he used the power of a Devil Fruit — but that is not the most important part. What truly matters is how he used it. His composure, his calculation, his determination… and his will. A will like that does not appear by chance.
Onigumo wanted to object, but this time Sakazuki himself cut him off.
The Vice Admiral slowly nodded.
— Enough, — he said. — You may leave.
Both rear admirals straightened up and headed for the door. Just before they left, Sakazuki called out to Momonga:
— Momonga. Inform Admiral Sengoku that I will remain at this base for another two months.
Momonga stopped, thought for a moment — and then understood everything.
— Understood, Vice Admiral Sakazuki, — he replied and left the office to carry out the order.
When the door closed, Sakazuki was left alone.
He smirked slightly and said quietly:
— It seems… this punishment isn't so bad after all.
For the first time in a long while, anticipation stirred within him.
Tomorrow, training would begin.
And Sakazuki had already started devising a plan for Kai.