The Greatest Disgrace in Marine History

Just as Sengoku was gritting his teeth, silently cursing, and wondering how he could remove that damned Borsalino from his position as adjutant, a timid voice suddenly called out behind him.

"Um… Admiral Sengoku, I'd like to ask you a few questions, if that's alright?"

Sengoku froze for a moment, then his expression lit up instantly.

So there were still some who understood the true value of things!

He quickly wiped the smile from his face, turned with a calm expression.

In front of him stood a young female reporter in professional attire, glasses perched on her nose, holding a notebook and camera. She looked up at him expectantly.

Must be a rookie… Sengoku thought as he softened his expression and smiled gently.

"Of course, no problem. What would you like to ask? As long as it doesn't involve classified military information, I'd be happy to share…"

He paused and gave her a wink.

"…Exclusive intel."

The reporter's eyes sparkled with surprise and joy.

"Really? That's amazing, Admiral Sengoku!"

Sengoku chuckled.

"Of course. So what area do you want to report on? The details of the operation? My strategic planning? Or perhaps my thoughts on the future of the Grand Line?"

The reporter eagerly flipped open her notebook.

"What I'd like to ask is…"

She hesitated, then added shyly:

"Do you know what Commodore Darren's type is in a partner?"

Sengoku: "…"

The smile froze on his face.

"…Which publication are you with?"

He tried to keep smiling as he asked.

The reporter blinked, then grinned.

"Entertainment Gossip Weekly."

Sengoku: "…"

His mouth twitched. A dark aura seemed to hang over his head.

"If you want to ask about Commodore Darren's preferences, I suggest you speak to him directly."

The reporter blushed and pointed to where the young commodore was surrounded by a sea of fans and journalists.

"There are too many people around him… I couldn't get through."

Sengoku: "…"

The reporter added quickly:

"You didn't have a crowd, so I came straight to you. I was worried I might miss the chance later."

Sengoku: "…"

He rubbed his chest, deadpan.

"You must be an intern, aren't you?"

The reporter gasped.

"How did you know!?"

She stared at him in awe.

"Your insight is amazing, Admiral Sengoku!"

Sengoku: "…"

Well of course it is.

Sengoku suddenly felt exhausted.

He sighed, waving his hand.

"I don't know Darren's type. Try asking him again later."

He turned and walked off with a weary air, heading toward Steel Bone Kong.

…

To deal with the growing number of journalists, a long table covered in red cloth was quickly set up.

A makeshift press conference was arranged.

The core figures of the operation took their seats from left to right:

Admiral Sengoku, Commodore Darren, and Rear Admiral Borsalino.

Click! Click!

The moment they sat, the cameras exploded with flashes as reporters feverishly snapped photos.

"Let's get started," Kong said casually from below the stage.

In an instant, every reporter raised a hand.

All their eyes landed on the yawning young commodore. Sengoku and Borsalino might as well have been invisible.

Sengoku: "…"

"Darren, you take this one," he said sourly.

Darren blinked, then casually picked one reporter from the crowd.

The chosen reporter stood with burning eyes.

"Commodore Darren, it's reported that the Marine used significant funds to participate in the auction during this mission. Is that true?"

Darren smiled and nodded.

"Yes. All of it was for the sake of the operation. Our real target was Golden Lion Shiki, so we had to remain undercover until he showed himself."

"As for the funds—well, we owe that to headquarters' support."

Sengoku: ???

He stared at Darren in confusion. Darren simply smiled back.

Below the stage, Kong's smile froze, a vein pulsing on his forehead.

Zephyr grabbed his arm, face flushing.

"Easy, old man! There's a crowd watching…"

Kong clenched his teeth.

Darren picked another reporter.

"Commodore Darren, not only did the Marine destroy the Golden Lion's fleet, but reportedly you also secured the powerful More-More Fruit. Can you reveal anything about how it will be used?"

Darren chuckled.

"This was a victory for the Marine as a whole. The More-More Fruit is a valuable prize."

"After much consideration from Fleet Admiral Kong and Admiral Sengoku, they entrusted me with full discretion over its use. I'm very grateful for their trust."

Sengoku: ???

Kong: ???

"Calm down, old man, please!" Zephyr pleaded, holding Kong back.

"I haven't even decided what to do with that damn fruit!! Let go of me, Zephyr!!" Kong roared.

Zephyr was drenched in sweat.

"Come on, the More-More Fruit used to belong to Byrnndi World. Darren defeated him and played a key role in this mission—it makes sense."

"And what about the auction funds!? Nearly a billion berries! He bought all that stuff and wants HQ to reimburse him!?" Kong growled.

Zephyr coughed.

"Consider it a reward… maybe?"

Kong: …

"You just can't stop coddling your student!!"

Zephyr grinned guiltily.

Just then, the same female reporter from earlier stood up.

"Commodore Darren, if I may… many are curious to know—what's your type in a partner?"

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Faces flushed, especially among the young women.

Darren paused, smiled, and winked.

"I'm afraid that's classified Marine information. No comment."

Sengoku: …

Kong: …

Zephyr: …

As more reporters kept their hands raised, Darren held up a hand.

"Apologies. That's all from me."

He pointed to the bandages on his chest.

"As you can see, I'm still injured and need rest. I'll leave the rest of the questions to Admiral Sengoku."

Darren rose and looked sincerely at Sengoku.

"While it may seem like I got the glory by destroying the flying fleet… the real hero of this mission is Admiral Sengoku!"

"Without his protection, planning, authority, and trust—none of this would've been possible."

"He is the true cornerstone of this success."

"So let's all give a big round of applause to Admiral Sengoku!"

He started clapping first.

The reporters followed suit with thunderous applause.

Sengoku stood dumbfounded, then slowly smiled.

He shot Darren a grateful look, straightened up, and cleared his throat.

With a confident smile, he declared:

"Well then, I'll say a few words…"

---

To be continued…