"Come on now, you're Sakazuki-approved!" Borsalino raised both hands in a mock surrender.
Darren patted the dust from his uniform, frowning. "That sounds... weirdly wrong coming from you."
Borsalino gave him a long look, then suddenly broke into a sly grin.
"So... the government's starting to suspect something, huh?"
Darren couldn't help but acknowledge the thought flashing through his mind: Sharp as ever.
Even as someone who'd lived through another life, Darren still couldn't quite see through Borsalino. They'd worked together back when Borsalino was stationed in the North Blue, and even then, his stance was an enigma.
"Ambiguous Justice"... Was that really justice?
One thing Darren was sure of: Borsalino never let anything stick to him—and never caused trouble for himself.
Still smiling, Darren replied, "I'm just following orders."
Borsalino exaggerated a gape and scratched his head. "Strange, strange world..."
He shot Darren a knowing look. "But makes sense, I guess. You're probably the least suspicious guy around."
'This bastard just can't stop stirring the pot...' Darren twitched a little at the corner of his mouth.
He was certain now—Borsalino had figured something out. This was a test.
Fine. If you want to play, I'll play.
"That said," Darren began casually, "I've been thinking more about the Celestial Dragon incident. I remembered something else."
"Oh?" Borsalino feigned interest, raising an eyebrow. "Do tell."
His smirk deepened. "I thought you were in my camp—the Sea King theory, remember?"
Darren shrugged. "Thoughts can change."
Borsalino tilted his head. "So what's the new theory?"
Darren held up a finger. "First, the attacker had the power to obliterate a government vessel in an instant."
Borsalino nodded, still smiling. "Sure, sure..."
Second finger up. "Second, based on the timeline, the attacker had to be in the North Blue."
No comment. Just that same smug smile.
Darren raised a third finger. "And third, we've already combed through all registered Marine ships—no anomalies. That means the attacker probably had high-speed flight capabilities."
He lowered his hand and looked Borsalino dead in the eye. "Putting that together... I think I know someone who fits the bill."
"Oh? Who?"
Darren just kept staring at him.
Borsalino's smile froze.
"Hahahahaha, just messing with you," Darren chuckled.
Something about wiping that smug look off Borsalino's face was deeply satisfying.
"Don't worry, I'm on your side, Rear Admiral."
With that, Darren turned and strolled back into his estate, waving lazily behind him.
"Get some rest. You and Admiral Sengoku are heading out tomorrow. I'll be there to see you off."
As the sun set, Borsalino stood motionless.
In the reflection of his oversized sunglasses, Darren's fading silhouette shimmered.
The breeze rippled through his coat.
"You're getting more interesting by the day, Darren..."
---
The next morning — Batiya Port.
The North Blue Marines had locked down the area. Under Darren's command, they organized a grand farewell ceremony for Admiral Sengoku.
Flowers lined the streets, honor guards stood in formation, and ceremonial cannons fired into the sky. Bursts of colorful smoke and fireworks erupted overhead. The Marines aboard Sengoku's flagship were brimming with pride.
"You brat, always putting on these flashy shows," Sengoku grumbled. But he was smiling like a fool.
Darren gave a graceful bow. "All of this was organized by the North Blue Marines—just a small way to show their admiration for you."
"You little..." Sengoku waved dismissively, though his eyes gleamed.
Hardworking. Reliable. Obedient. Clever. Charismatic.
Yes, Darren was the kind of subordinate you couldn't help but appreciate.
Unlike someone else.
Speaking of which—said someone was already lounging on a deck chair, sipping juice like he was on vacation.
Sengoku hadn't even boarded yet.
Remind me again who's the admiral here?
The thought of staring at Borsalino's face for the entire voyage instantly soured his mood. With a long sigh, Sengoku looked away.
"So scary~" would be the first thing out of that man's mouth—no matter what he saw.
Why, oh why, had he ever picked that clown as his adjutant?
"Buru buru... Buru buru..."
The transponder snail in his coat rang.
Sengoku paused, then answered.
"Sengoku."
A raspy voice came through. Instantly, Sengoku's expression hardened.
"Lord Topman Warcury... regarding the Celestial Dragon incident—"
He braced for a grilling.
"No need," the old voice interrupted, surprisingly pleasant. "That matter has been resolved."
Sengoku blinked.
"Captain Darren submitted the final report. We were quite satisfied."
"You did well, Sengoku. Darren said he never would've uncovered the truth without your guidance."
Sengoku: ???
What report?
What truth??
It hadn't even been a full day!
Darren hadn't left Batiya!
He turned to the young captain, who only smiled and bowed politely.
"Did you hear me, Sengoku?"
"Y-Yes, sir!"
"This time, the government was pleased," Warcury said. "You truly live up to your title—'The Strategist.'"
Dizzy with confusion, Sengoku still couldn't help feeling proud.
"You're too kind, my lord."
"And that Darren... quite the talent."
A pause.
"Frankly, he's overqualified for a captain's rank."
Sengoku got the message loud and clear.
"Captain Darren has passed the officer training program. Once his current post ends, he'll report to Marineford for formal promotion. The higher-ups all agree—he's a valuable asset."
"Good to hear."
The transmission ended.
Sengoku stared at the now-dormant transponder snail.
Then, slowly, he turned to Darren.
"You little... When did you wrap up the investigation!?"
Darren smiled serenely. "All thanks to your guidance, Admiral."
Sengoku rolled his eyes. I owe this brat now?
"So who did it, then?"
"Byrnndi World."
"...Excuse me?"
Sengoku nearly bit his tongue. "He was under pursuit when it happened! He couldn't have—"
He stopped.
The realization hit.
Darren lit a cigarette. "Who cares about the truth?"
Like a thunderclap, that hit Sengoku right in the chest.
He's right.
There were no witnesses. The Marine had kept everything under wraps.
To most of the world, nothing had happened.
The government didn't want truth. They wanted a convenient answer.
And Darren had given them one.
On paper, Saint Shaldes was slain by the infamous Byrnndi World.
That would placate his influential family in Mary Geoise.
A pirate attack sounded better than... a Sea King.
Truth didn't matter. Politics did.
And somehow, Darren had delivered exactly what everyone needed.
Well—everyone but Byrnndi World himself.
...Though honestly, he might enjoy the credit.
All that was left now was to capture the "Celestial Slayer."
Which, ironically, had been Sengoku's mission all along.
He stared at Darren, wide-eyed.
"Hahahaha! You little devil—you nailed it!"
Sengoku clapped him hard on the shoulder.
"I knew handing the case to you was the right call!"
Gion and Tokikake both blinked.
Wasn't that the World Government's order...?
Neither dared say it aloud.
"You know, it really does feel like a captain's rank is beneath you," Sengoku mused.
He winked.
"Congratulations, Commodore Rogers Darren."
Gion and Tokikake stared, jaws on the floor.
C-Commodore!?
He killed a Celestial Dragon... and got promoted!?
---
To be continued...