One Piece: Adopting Sakazuki and Taking Douglas Bullet as My Godson

Chapter 23: The Gathering Storm

While the day passed uneventfully for most, in the Fleet Admiral's office at Marine Headquarters, the atmosphere was anything but calm.

"Bang!"

A pitch-black iron fist slammed down, shattering the desk and scattering documents across the room.

"Damn it! How did Rocks find out about the 'Nation Annihilation Game'?! If I hadn't managed to plant a spy among those lunatics, who knows how many more disasters would've erupted across the seas!"

The current Fleet Admiral, Kong, was breathing heavily. It was clear that Rocks learning about this secret event spelled serious trouble.

Since the founding of the Marines, every Fleet Admiral had lived under enormous pressure. Kong, no different from his predecessors, had once believed he could change things upon taking office. But once he learned the truth behind the curtain, he realized just how heavy this position truly was.

Especially now—with Rocks D. Xebec rising to power and even going so far as to slaughter Celestial Dragons—everything had gotten messier than ever.

Without hesitation, Kong didn't even call for guards to replace his shattered desk. Instead, he strode over to a special transponder snail on the bookshelf and dialed a secure number.

"Buru buru—buru buru—click!"

"Kong? What is it?"

A voice responded, and the snail's appearance transformed to match that of an old man—Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, one of the Five Elders, the highest authority in the World Government.

"Saint Saturn, the Rocks Pirates are planning to interfere with your so-called game."

Kong's tone was calm, as if he were merely reporting a trivial matter—quite the contrast from his earlier anger. But this was deliberate; he needed leverage if he hoped to squeeze more military funds from these self-important officials.

He knew exactly what the Nation Annihilation Game was. If not for the fear of rare and dangerous rewards falling into Rocks' hands, he wouldn't lift a finger—unless war broke out or the World Government begged for help.

To every Fleet Admiral, this "game" had always been the hardest trial to endure. Every iteration shook the faith of countless Marines.

But what choice did they have? Without government funding, the Marines would collapse. For the sake of the sea's stability, every Fleet Admiral learned to endure—and to scheme.

Kong considered himself one of the more temperate admirals. His predecessor had outright resigned during the second game and disappeared to live a carefree life. Rumor had it he now spent his days on vacation.

Kong couldn't help but feel envious. Maybe he wanted to quit too.

"Is the intel accurate?" Saturn's tone turned sharp, visibly agitated.

Kong didn't read the full report aloud. Instead, he kept his tone vague:

"Can't say for sure. All I know is that Rocks has become aware of the game. The rest is speculation on my part—but I strongly suggest the government increase its security detail. The Marines will be standing by, ready to assist."

Kong wasn't about to carry this burden alone. He had put up with too much already—let the World Government suffer a bit too. If a few pirates died in the process? Even better.

Saturn didn't seem suspicious. Kong had always been among the most compliant of Fleet Admirals—a good little dog, in their eyes.

Without further discussion, Saturn hung up on him—not even the courtesy of a goodbye.

"Tch!"

Kong spat forcefully at the snail, knocking it out cold.

Only then did his expression ease somewhat.

The report was clear: Rocks was mobilizing forces and sending coded signals to his subordinates. While he masked his intentions by claiming interest in the "World Government's treasure," Kong knew better—he was after the rare Devil Fruits given as prizes during the game.

It was ridiculous. The World Government held vast resources, but not once had they offered real support to the Marines. Now, even pirates were eyeing their spoils!

Knock knock—

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Steeling himself, Kong glanced at the mess around the room, then moved to the couch and called out:

"Come in."

"Brother Kong," came the voice of Tsuru, who entered carrying a stack of documents. She was in her prime—elegant and commanding, her long hair flowing and her posture exuding the dignity of a seasoned officer.

Despite being in her thirties, she remained the pride of the Marines, and even royalty from affiliated nations pursued her.

"Garp has brought over the recruits from the Nasdaq family. One of them stands out—Nasdaq Ross's second disciple, a child with the talent of a future Admiral: Sakazuki."

Kong's expression lit up.

The Nasdaq family had rapidly risen to prominence in the past two years. Its head, Nasdaq Ross, was a powerful man whose Devil Fruit ability could rival even Conqueror's Haki—and was even more effective in large-scale warfare.

Kong had sent Garp multiple times to recruit Ross. While Ross declined, he maintained good relations and had now sent a batch of elite youths, including his prized second disciple.

With that kind of support, East Blue's Marine forces could safely draw upon new talent.

"That's fantastic news, Tsuru. Let me take a look at the files. If everything checks out, I'll call a meeting and assign instructors. Garp's been singing their praises for weeks.

As for Sakazuki, I plan to have Zephyr mentor him—or at least ask his opinion."

Tsuru nodded and handed over the documents, then took a seat and shared her thoughts:

"I've reviewed them. Ross is an exceptional teacher. These children are highly disciplined and show strong initiative.

What's more remarkable is Sakazuki himself. Honestly, I'd love to invite Ross here as a guest instructor—to share his methods with the Marines."

She spoke with genuine admiration, though she knew it was unlikely. In Ross, she saw the makings of a proper military academy instructor—something the Marines sorely lacked.

Most Marine training was passed down informally, and formal education systems were rare, even in technologically advanced regions like the North Blue, where "Godfathers" replaced proper teachers.

In this sea, true educators were one of the rarest resources of all.