One Piece: So What If I Sin, Lie, and Lust? I'm Still a Good Marine Chapter 325: Volume 2 – - 227: Distribution of War Merits

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

Fleet Admiral's Office.

"Glug... glug..."

Sengoku took the steaming hot tea handed to him by a guard. Without hesitation, he gulped down several mouthfuls, then handed the empty cup back.

"Bring another."

Everyone stared at him in disbelief.

Seeing their reactions, Sengoku gave an awkward smile.

"I got a little thirsty. Aren't you guys thirsty too?"

Everyone: "..."

You've been talking for three hours straight without a single break. Of course we're thirsty, you bastard!

Kong rubbed his temples in exasperation.

At the start, Sengoku had at least stuck to the topic, providing detailed answers about "Operation Coin Island," showcasing the Marines' planning and combat strength.

But ten minutes in, the old man completely went off the rails.

He started reminiscing about how hard things were when he first joined the Marines, how he fought through countless hardships to eventually beco an Admiral.

From the structure of the Marines to his vision for the next few decades... he dominated the press conference, spouting off passionately with spit flying everywhere.

By the end, half the crowd had left, and the other half were on the verge of dozing off.

Thinking about it, Kong shot Sengoku a glare, sighed, then turned to the Commodore sitting on the sofa, legs crossed. A smile ford on his face.

"Daren, you did a hell of a job this ti."

Lighting a gold-embossed cigar, he grinned.

"To be honest, not even I thought you could pull it off."

It had gone too smoothly.

The flying pirate fleet—long a thorn in the Marines' side—was wiped out effortlessly by Daren!

If the results weren't right there in front of him, even Kong wouldn't have believed it.

Daren, cigar in hand, gave a modest smile.

"It was all thanks to Admiral Sengoku's support and trust. Without that, I never would've gotten this opportunity."

Kong chuckled and scolded,

"Don't feed that political crap, kid!"

"And you, Sengoku!"

He suddenly turned and glared at Sengoku.

"You old bastard, wipe that smirk off your face! Do you even realize what you did? You turned a proper press conference into your personal life story hour!"

"Look at this operation—what did you even contribute? Other than standing around intimidating Shiki a little, what else did you do that actually helped?! If you'd done your part better, would Daren have gotten so badly hurt?"

Kong tore into Sengoku without holding back, leaving the latter shrinking into himself.

"Did you even think about the reporters' questions? This operation would've turned out the sa with or without you!"

"I..."

Sengoku's face flushed red, but he had no coback.

He felt completely wronged.

He was never good with speed or explosive power. Against soone as agile as Shiki, it was already tough just to keep him in check.

If it had been a direct confrontation, Sengoku was confident he wouldn't have lost!

But that damn Shiki refused to face him head-on.

He kept chasing after Daren. How was that Sengoku's fault?

Even if Garp had been there instead, the outco probably wouldn't have been much different...

Sengoku beca visibly sullen and muttered with a hint of grievance,

"This kid's injuries aren't even that serious. Just a fatal wound or so. With a monster-like physique like his, he'll be up and bouncing around in no ti..."

"What did you just say!?"

Kong's voice suddenly shot up.

Sengoku shuddered. His expression turned sharply serious as he quickly corrected himself,

"I ant... Fleet Admiral Kong is absolutely right. This was my failure!"

Kong looked at the now "obedient and well-behaved" Sengoku, both annoyed and amused, and gave a half-hearted wave of his hand.

That was just how Sengoku was. Call it "flexible" if you're being nice, "slick" if you're not.

If it had been that stubborn old Zephyr in his place, he'd probably have stiffened his neck and argued, maybe even started a fight right then and there.

Just thinking about Zephyr hiding out in the training camp day in and day out made Kong's headache even worse.

What a bunch of troubleso brats...

He shook his head, clearing his mind of frustration, then straightened up and said firmly,

"I've read the full battle report. You all did well this ti."

"Next is the matter of distributing the war rits. There's no question—Commodore Daren... the greatest credit goes to you."

He smiled.

"This ti, your promotion should be a done deal."

Daren gave a small nod, smiling in acknowledgnt.

He could have been promoted to Rear Admiral at Headquarters six months ago, but the defection of Dragon had delayed everything.

Not that he particularly cared about the rank of Rear Admiral, but let's face it—nobody minds a higher position.

At least now, he had finally caught up to Sakazuki and Borsalino.

No more saluting when they ran into each other.

But just as Daren was beginning to enjoy the mont—

"Borsalino, you also did very well this ti. Not only did you heavily injure the Beasts Pirates' top officer, King, but your dominance on the battlefield during the battle on Coin Island was outstanding. You intercepted Shiki several tis at critical monts..."

Kong turned and smiled at Borsalino, who was sitting off to the side, seemingly lost in thought.

"Congratulations, Vice Admiral Borsalino."

Borsalino raised his eyebrows in mock surprise, mouth slightly open, hands floating in mid-air.

"Well, now... I really didn't see that coming. Wouldn't you say so, Rear Admiral Daren?"

He turned to Daren with a smirk that was anything but innocent.

Daren: "..."

You didn't see it coming? Then what are you asking for?!

This bastard's doing it on purpose!!

"Yes, Vice Admiral Borsalino."

Daren clenched his jaw as he forced out the words.

Still, Borsalino's promotion to Vice Admiral was well earned.

Even if he slacked off or coasted through every mission, the guy always showed up for the big battles.

And with his Devil Fruit ability, he had a knack for "making an impression" at just the right mont, so no one could ever call him out.

Say he didn't contribute, but he did—his presence was overwhelming.

Say he did contribute, but honestly, the outco might not have changed even if he hadn't.

That kind of balance was sothing only he could pull off.

He'd glide in, make his mark just enough, and his rit points would skyrocket. Add to that the fact that he was the most senior of the three Admirals-in-training, it was no surprise he was promoted ahead of Sakazuki and Kuzan, securing the Rear Admiral position earlier than the others.

Kong looked at the two of them throwing subtle jabs and couldn't help but chuckle.

Youth really is a wonderful thing.

Back in the day, Garp, Sengoku, and Zephyr were just like this—bickering, throwing shade, and even getting into fistfights. And just like that, all those noisy years passed by.

Now they'd beco legends of the Marines, while the new shining generation was growing strong under their protection.

As Fleet Admiral, this was one of Kong's rare monts of genuine ease.

...

"As for the Moa Moa no Mi..."

Kong paused for a mont before continuing.

Daren imdiately sat upright, eyes fixed on him.

Sengoku also looked a little anxious.

The power of the Moa Moa no Mi spoke for itself. If Daren were allowed to handle its disposal, it could serve an enormous political purpose.

It could be used as a reward for military achievent—or even better, to cultivate trusted allies.

"Just as we announced at the press conference—let Commodore Daren handle it."

Kong declared decisively,

"This eting's over. I won't say any more. The actual training will take place in a month when the training camp graduates."

"Dismissed."