The Greatest Disgrace in Marine History-Chapter 176 - 78: Volunteering?

As Great Staff Officer Tsuru finished delivering her report, a heavy silence settled over the gathered Marine officers. Their expressions darkened, brows tightly furrowed.

"So what you're saying is... we can't deploy Marine ships to conduct a wide-scale search in the waters near Wano?"

Sengoku murmured, his chin resting on his interlocked fingers, his face grave.

As the representative of the "strategic faction" within the Marines, Sengoku approached most matters with a degree of caution.

Wano, despite its formidable strength, was a closed country—highly sensitive to foreign intervention.

Launching a large-scale search near its territorial waters would undoubtedly spark massive political pressure, and potentially provoke armed conflict.

"No. I disagree."

Sakazuki suddenly cut in, his voice cold and firm.

That chilling, raspy tone—laced with killing intent—swept through the office like a blade of ice.

Everyone turned to him in shock.

Sakazuki rose slowly from his seat, his body wrapped in bloodstained bandages. A lit cigarette hung from his lips as he stared blankly at Fleet Admiral Kong seated at the head.

"Fleet Admiral Kong, retrieving Rogers Darren is of critical importance to us Marines. Every additional day he remains within the Beasts Pirates increases the danger he faces."

"This isn't just a matter of pride anymore..."

"Don't forget the power of Darren's Devil Fruit."

Those words made Kong, Sengoku, and the others visibly react.

That's right!

Darren's Devil Fruit ability—and the potential of the Marine aerial fleet!

There was no way they could allow Darren to fall into Kaido's hands.

Kong took a long pull from his cigar and fixed Sakazuki with a penetrating stare before asking,

"So what do you propose?"

Sakazuki answered icily:

"Deploy a Marine fleet. Search the area directly! We could even use this opportunity to strike down the Beasts Pirates!" freeweɓnøvel.com

"—Absolutely not!" Sengoku shot to his feet, his expression hard as steel.

"Such a large-scale military operation will certainly provoke Wano. If their ruling powers perceive it as a threat and declare war, the consequences will be catastrophic!"

Sakazuki sneered and cast Sengoku a cutting glance, his tone unyielding:

"Are you that afraid of a nation hiding behind its closed doors, Admiral Sengoku? A bunch of samurai clinging to outdated rituals and hollow traditions—such people can't stand up to Marine firepower!"

"And wasn't it always said that Wano planned to open its borders? If they won't do it themselves, we Marines can blast the doors open for them."

"If we act swiftly and seize control of Wano, the government won't punish us—they'll praise us."

Sengoku snapped,

"Sakazuki! We don't even know what kind of military power lies within Wano!"

"If we get dragged into a protracted war, our Marine fleet will be isolated in the New World!"

"If other pirate factions strike us while we're stuck there, our retreat will be completely cut off..."

"—That's enough!"

Fleet Admiral Kong's sharp bark halted the argument instantly.

A vein bulged on his forehead, and a dull pain throbbed behind his temples.

"Sakazuki, your thinking is too aggressive. The Marines are not in a position to go to war with both Kaido and Wano at the same time. The priority is to rescue Darren—not to conquer Wano."

"Our duty as Marines is to fight pirates and uphold peace, not to ignite war."

Sakazuki clenched his jaw but fell silent.

Kong sighed and continued,

"Still, Sakazuki does make one valid point. Darren is vital to the future of the Marines. Even the slimmest chance—headquarters must do everything in its power to rescue him."

"But due to Wano's political sensitivity, this rescue mission must be executed discreetly and in secret."

"In that case, I understand. Fleet Admiral, give the order—I'm ready to depart at once," Sakazuki said resolutely.

But Kong shook his head.

"No, Sakazuki. You're still injured. Facing Kaido directly would offer no advantage."

"Moreover, your temperament and approach make you ill-suited for a mission like this."

Silence followed.

To enter the New World without adequate forces—to infiltrate the Beasts Pirates' territory... the danger was self-evident.

Kaido's power was known to all. Even Sakazuki had suffered greatly at his hands. For anyone else, it would mean certain death.

"Then I'll go!"

Zephyr declared, rising with gravity and urgency in his voice.

Kong and Sengoku exchanged stunned glances.

It was clear now—Zephyr held Darren in high regard... enough to abandon his long-standing refusal to return to direct military duty.

But Kong still shook his head.

"Zephyr, the Elite Officer Training Camp is more important. Don't forget—you have a group of students waiting for your guidance."

Zephyr bit down, jaw tight.

"...Then how about I go?"

Just then, a languid voice rang out.

Everyone froze.

All heads turned toward Borsalino, who was casually picking at his nails, their faces filled with disbelief.

Even Sengoku's mind blanked for a moment—he scratched his ear, wondering if he'd heard wrong.

That guy... actually volunteered!?

Sakazuki raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? With your ability, you may indeed be the best candidate," Kong said in surprise, studying Borsalino closely.

Borsalino's Devil Fruit ability gave him unmatched mobility and speed. For a stealth rescue, he had a clear advantage over others.

Even more critical—Darren also possessed long-range flight capability.

Borsalino wouldn't need to fight Kaido directly. All he had to do was create a window of opportunity—and the two could escape together.

That was something Sakazuki simply couldn't achieve.

Just as Kong was about to give his approval, a Marine courier rushed in, breathless.

"R-reporting, Fleet Admiral Kong... We've just received word from the New World..."

He gasped for air and continued,

"Vice Admiral Garp's flagship has deviated from its original route—it's heading toward Wano!"

As soon as the words landed—

Zephyr and Sengoku both froze.

Their eyes met—and in unison, they clenched their jaws, teeth grinding with frustration.

One thought flashed through their minds:

Damn it. That bastard Garp beat us to it!

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To be continued...