"So that's how it is…"
The other Gorosei looked at one another, then broke into quiet, wry smiles.
Bloodline mattered among Celestial Dragons—but not that much.
There was never compassion at the top.
Only profit was eternal.
Sons? Easily replaced.
"A sensible boy."
"Saved us a lot of trouble."
"Billion Berries isn't exactly a small number."
"No, it isn't."
The Gorosei murmured in agreement.
Topman Warcury smiled faintly. "Darren is a clever one. After this incident, we may want to maintain long-term contact with him."
That got their attention.
It was a good idea.
Anyone with eyes could see it—Rogers Darren, Supreme Commander of the North Blue Marines, was destined for higher places. Sooner or later, he'd be among the top echelons of the Marines.
With his talent, becoming an admiral was only a matter of time.
And if that admiral were someone loyal to the World Government, their grip over the Marines would grow tighter. He'd serve as a check on the other admirals, too.
Topman Warcury saw the flickers of calculation in his colleagues' eyes and sneered inwardly.
He was already among the highest powers in the world—his words could destroy nations.
But it wasn't enough.
He was Topman Warcury—his name, derived from the blade of judgment that hung over kings.
His ambition? Nothing short of becoming the head of the Gorosei.
But unlike the others, his family lacked the entrenched power in Mary Geoise. He didn't have the backing the others enjoyed.
To rise to the very top, he needed to build external power.
The Marines—powerful, vast, and crucial—would be his opening.
And Darren… would be his weapon.
One step at a time, he'd elevate Rogers Darren into the heart of the Marines' command structure. Piece by piece, the Marine power structure would become his.
And once that happened, his influence within the World Government would grow immensely.
"For now, though… let's take a look at that report."
Topman opened the file, his expression calm.
---
North Blue — 321st Branch, Base Commander's Office
After seeing Sengoku off, Darren and his officers returned to the base on Batiya Island.
"So… everything went smoothly on the Holy Land's end?"
Smiling as he puffed on a cigar, Darren exhaled a cloud of smoke and nodded. "I sent the Shaldes family a very… sincere gesture of sympathy. They couldn't refuse."
He emphasized the word "sincere."
"What gesture?" Momonga asked, eyes narrowing.
"A bllion Berries."
"WHAT?!"
Momonga staggered back, stunned.
A billion?! That was more than the annual tax revenue of many small kingdoms.
Even with all their underground connections, the entire North Blue Marine fleet only brought in just over two billion a year through covert taxation and black market operations.
This single 'gift' had wiped out nearly half their yearly income!
And with their plans to expand the North Blue fleet, resources were already tight.
"Are you insane?" Momonga muttered, exasperated.
He wasn't just Darren's aide—he was the steward of their entire operation.
Watching Darren throw money around like confetti made his chest tighten.
"It was worth every Berry," Darren said, flicking ash.
"Money can always be earned again. But a chance to offer tribute to a Celestial Dragon? That doesn't come every day."
"If I hadn't established a connection with Topman Warcury, my ship wouldn't even have been allowed into the Red Line's inner sea."
A billion Berries was a terrifying number. Especially in this era—Year 1492 of the Sea Circle Calendar. Inflation hadn't yet eroded the currency's value.
Even a legendary pirate like Byrnndi World only had a bounty of 200 million.
So this gift? Worth five Byrnndi Worlds.
Still, Darren didn't hesitate.
In this world, power always came first.
And after that? Influence—not money.
Mouse mulled it over and grudgingly nodded. "Still… it's a steep price."
"Is it?" Darren chuckled. "I thought it was rather poetic."
"Poetic?"
Darren took another drag of his cigar.
"Celestial Dragons hold absolute power. To them, everyone else is livestock—something to buy, sell, discard. Everything has a price."
He smirked.
"And now we know—so does their life."
Momonga blinked, then gave a helpless, bitter laugh.
Only someone like Darren—equal parts rebel and lunatic—could turn that logic into strategy.
After a pause, Momonga asked, "What about the internal investigation?"
"It's been submitted," Darren replied casually. "Every detail the Government wanted—I handed it over."
"The patrol records of all ships during the incident, the positions of every officer—ours included."
"…And you?"
Darren's eyes gleamed. "Me?"
He spread his arms.
"I, the Supreme Commander of the North Blue Marines, was of course stationed dutifully on Batiya Island at the time. Carrying out my responsibilities."
"We have dozens of witnesses. Our fleet. CP0's oversight team. Lieutenant Commander Tokikake. Lieutenant Commander Gion."
He gave a lazy shrug.
"A flawless alibi."
Crushing the cigar in an ashtray, Darren stood and draped his Marine coat over his shoulders.
"Let's go. Now that the big shots have cleared out, we can finally get to work."
"…Where?" Mouse asked, confused.
Darren didn't break stride. He threw open the door and walked into the cold sea breeze.
His white coat flared behind him like a wild storm.
"We lost a billion because of one Celestial Dragon," he said.
"It's only fair we make it back… from another one."
Momonga froze.
Then it clicked.
A single name flashed through his mind:
—Donquixote Doflamingo.
---
To be continued...