The Greatest Disgrace in Marine History

After Darren and Borsalino left the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku remained rooted to the spot, a look of hesitation flickering across his face.

"Say what you want to say."

Kong shot him a sidelong glance, his tone irritable.

Unable to hold back any longer, Sengoku blurted out,

"Old man Kong, are we really handing over the More-More Fruit to Darren just like that?"

Kong raised an eyebrow, pondered for a few seconds, then said,

"Sengoku, I know what you mean."

A thin stream of smoke curled from his lips as his aged eyes gleamed with wisdom.

"The More-More Fruit is indeed a power that cannot be underestimated. But that's all it is."

"In comparison to the uncertainties of the fruit, what Darren demonstrated in this mission — his strength and potential — is concrete, right before our eyes."

"If he hadn't joined the battle, it's doubtful you all could've seized the More-More Fruit, let alone annihilate Golden Lion's Flying Pirate Fleet."

"And besides, now that Darren has spoken up, even if I were to use my authority to forcibly reclaim the fruit from him, he may not say anything outright, but he'd surely bear a grudge."

"You know that kid's personality… If we don't let him handle the More-More Fruit this time, he might just find all sorts of excuses to avoid the next mission."

Sengoku paused at those words.

He seriously considered Darren's personality — and realized Kong's assessment was right on point.

That kid holds grudges and is crystal clear about love and hate.

He's the type who, if you treat him well, will never shortchange you.

But if you cross him, he'll return the favor twice as hard.

With that perspective, the choice became clear.

A powerful Devil Fruit, or a monstrous talent whose strength and potential reign over this entire era?

Sengoku could weigh the value of each.

"Sengoku, no need to worry… The fruit may be entrusted to Darren, but who can he possibly give it to?"

Kong suddenly chuckled, eyes exuding a calm, domineering confidence.

It was the look of someone who controlled everything.

"In the end, that fruit will still land within the Marine."

"As for who receives it — it doesn't really matter."

"As long as that person is a Marine, that's enough."

Upon hearing these words, Sengoku fell silent for a long time. Then, with newfound respect, he raised his hand and saluted.

"I understand, old man Kong."

"It was my vision that was too narrow."

Kong nodded, then frowned.

"How many times must I say this — use titles when on duty!"

Sengoku stiffened and saluted formally.

"Yes, Fleet Admiral Kong!"

…

Outside the Fleet Admiral's office, Darren and Borsalino were casually chatting.

"So, who do you plan to give the More-More Fruit to?"

Borsalino asked offhandedly, as if it were a passing thought.

Darren chuckled.

"Who knows? There's no rush."

If developed properly, the More-More Fruit's power would be terrifying.

But for now, Darren had no suitable candidate in mind.

That young man named Arthur had left a good impression. Even when faced with powerful pirates like Charlotte Perospero and Charlotte Daifuku, he had resolutely shouldered his responsibilities.

Darren appreciated that.

That was also why he wanted to bring Arthur over from Sengoku.

People who fear death aren't qualified to be his subordinates.

But determination and courage alone were far from enough.

In this vast sea, without exceptional talent, no amount of hard work is worth investing in.

Such is the cruel reality.

That idealistic nonsense about "friendship bonds" being able to blast villains into the sky might work in anime, but Darren had never encountered such a thing.

And frankly, given his personality, even if he witnessed it firsthand, he wouldn't be impressed.

Whether that young man Arthur was truly worth nurturing — that still required time to observe.

Borsalino glanced at Darren, then changed the subject.

"Lately, the North Blue Fleet has been purchasing a lot of laser weapons from the Science Division."

He gave Darren a sly, almost amused look.

"Seems like their military budget has seen a nice boost…"

Darren replied with a flawless smile.

"I heard from Supreme Commander Momonga that the North Blue's economy has been doing quite well lately."

Borsalino's grin widened.

"Is that so? Well, that certainly calls for celebration…"

As they approached the entrance of the training camp, he stretched with a huge yawn.

"Well then, I'll be heading back. The Science Division has made some major breakthroughs recently. If Commodore — no, if Rear Admiral Darren is interested, you should stop by sometime."

Darren nodded and smiled.

"Of course I'm interested. I'll make time to visit, Vice Admiral Borsalino."

Borsalino gave a small smile. His body disintegrated into countless particles of light and vanished on the spot.

"What a cunning man… What are you really up to, Borsalino?"

Darren stood there, muttering under his breath.

"Darren!!"

At that moment, a loud, spirited voice rang out from the direction of the training camp gate.

Darren looked up and saw Kuzan and the others walking over with broad smiles.

"What are you all doing here?"

Kuzan and the others flashed forward, fists clenched, their faces full of excitement.

"We're here to welcome you back, of course!"

"Can't believe you actually destroyed Golden Lion's fleet — that's insanely cool!!"

Yamakaji asked eagerly, "So was Golden Lion Shiki really that strong?"

Doberman gave Darren a hearty punch in the chest and laughed loudly. "Welcome back."

Onigumo kept his usual cold demeanor, voice hoarse. "I really want to fight you again — see just how strong you've gotten."

The others swarmed around Darren with enthusiasm, peppering him with questions.

They weren't part of Marine Headquarters' inner circle, so they hadn't seen the battle reports. All they could do was piece together information from newspapers and rumors about the Coin Island incident.

Looking at those familiar faces, Darren felt a rare sense of ease and responded to their questions one by one, smiling.

At the back of the group, Tokikake watched the scene with a sour expression, curled his lips, and muttered,

"Tch, so what if he destroyed a few dozen ships… It's not like he actually killed Golden Lion."

He grit his teeth, remembering the end of the press conference — when countless ladies and young women sent Darren flirtatious glances.

Just then, a cold voice suddenly rang out.

"Rear Admiral Darren."

Everyone fell silent. Darren turned toward the voice and saw a tall, expressionless figure standing at the entrance of the training camp.

"Commander Gion," Darren greeted with a smile.

Gion replied flatly,

"Can you come with me? I need to speak with you."

Darren was momentarily taken aback.

"Alright."

Whoosh — the others immediately parted to create a path.

Tokikake's eyes sparkled as he watched the scene, a sly smile tugging at his lips.

"Hehehe… Gion's clearly pissed… That bastard Darren's about to get it!"

"Beat him up! Just beat him to a pulp! Hehehe…"

…

Half an hour later.

Inside the administrative office of the military academy.

The office was in utter chaos, as if a war had taken place.

A pink cropped top, black hotpants, purple-red stiletto heels…

All kinds of clothing, stationery, and papers were scattered messily across the floor.

Darren sat on a spacious, plush sofa, puffing contentedly on a cigar.

Drenched in fragrant sweat, Gion lay curled up in his arms like a kitten, wearing only his white dress shirt, eyes hazy and unfocused.

"Feeling a bit better now, Commander Gion?"

Darren looked down at the beauty in his embrace, a playful smile curling his lips.

---

To be continued…