CHAPTER 608: CHAPTER 127: I WILL NEVER LOSE TO YOU, DARREN!

Before that crimson shape prowling the depths, the Marines’ advantage in warships and cannon vanished at once, leaving them helpless prey.

A chill ran down every spine.

"Because Fisher Tiger’s naval combat prowess is extraordinary, capturing him would be extremely difficult. Moreover, he holds immense prestige on Fish-Man Island..."

"...Given Fish-Man Island’s status as a World Government member state, after careful deliberation, Headquarters and the Government have jointly decided to invite Fisher Tiger to join the Shichibukai."

Admiral Sengoku watched their faces, voice weighted with purpose.

"This serves two aims. First, to ease some of the enmity between humans and Fish-Men. Second, to open a path for cooperation between the Marines and the Fish-Man race—potentially integrating Fish-Man Island into our military strength in the future."

Heads nodded.

To strengthen Marine power, Headquarters had long sought to bring Fish-Men into the operational fold, much as it had done with the Giant race. Within Headquarters’ elite, Giants formed a crucial corps; many had risen to Vice Admiral on the strength of their unmatched land combat.

As Giants dominate the land, Fish-Men—blessed in their own realm—rule the sea.

Integrating them into Marine forces would radically enhance naval warfare and maritime control.

The idea had been proposed years before, but deep-rooted hostility between Fish-Men and humans had stalled it.

"What conditions did Fisher Tiger set?" Sakazuki asked at last, his voice rough from long silence.

Sengoku met his eye. "He demands Marine protection for Fish-Man Island—specifically, at least one battleship patrolling within one hundred nautical miles."

"This protection isn’t limited to pirates. It includes eliminating slave traders and similar threats."

Sakazuki’s mouth curled in a cold sneer.

"Does he think we’re the Fish-Man race’s personal bodyguards?"

"Dealing with pirates is one thing, but hunting slave traders... that’s outside our remit," he growled. "And Headquarters is already stretched thin. Roger, Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom—how are we supposed to pull men for round-the-clock coverage of Fish-Man Island?"

"G5," Sengoku said.

Sakazuki blinked. Others did, too.

All eyes shifted to Darren.

Sengoku gave him an apologetic look. "Based on Fisher Tiger’s terms, only the G5 Branch in the New World can plausibly handle this."

"Vice Admiral Darren, as G5’s commander—can you meet these conditions?"

Darren drew a thoughtful frown. "Not impossible. But G5’s manpower is tight. If..."

"That’s fine," Sengoku said quickly, eyes brightening. "Within reason, you’re authorized to transfer personnel from Headquarters."

Just what I wanted. Darren hid the smile that tugged at his mouth.

Though he now held G5, a lack of seasoned officers had throttled its growth. With transfers, he could build G5 into a second power base to rival his North Blue fleet. Given G5’s "Rogue Branch" reputation, it was perfectly suited to shaping an independent strike arm.

"Since it’s Admiral Sengoku’s order," Darren said with a show of reluctance, "it will be extremely difficult—but I’ll do my best."

He let the hesitation hang a beat, then nodded "reluctantly."

Relief unknotted Sengoku’s chest. A small pang of guilt followed. The Shichibukai system had piled a staggering burden on Darren. Every special privilege demanded by the five confirmed candidates touched him directly or indirectly. Anyone else might have balked; Darren shouldered it without complaint—a rare thing.

I need to formalize his promotion to Admiral Candidate as soon as possible, Sengoku decided.

"Good. That concludes today’s conference," Kong said, satisfied as each agenda item fell into place.

"Vice Admiral Darren, you carry a heavy load. If you encounter difficulties, bring them to Headquarters—or to me—directly. I’ll support you to the utmost."

He rose.

Following him, Admiral Sengoku, Vice Admiral Garp, and the rest of the senior officers came to attention.

"Salute!"

Swish.

Every Marine in the room snapped a crisp salute to the single seated figure: Vice Admiral Darren, still smoking.

---

In the New World’s Pleasure District, Queen Stussy lounged in her penthouse suite. Swathed in a long black gown, she smoldered—cigarette poised between slender fingers, one leg crossed, pale toes teasing the heel of her stiletto.

But her expression flickered, jaw clenched, as she stared at the newly confirmed Shichibukai roster. Ash dusted her lap; she didn’t notice.

"Impossible..."

The list matched exactly what that brazen bastard had shown her earlier. It was all part of his sordid little scheme.

"No way," she hissed, tearing the pages to shreds. The memory of that Marine’s smug smile—and their humiliating wager—set her blood boiling. Panic, sharp and unfamiliar, seized her heart.

She steadied herself, grabbed her Den Den Mushi, and dialed.

The line clicked at once.

"It’s me," Stussy said briskly. "Get in touch with Doflamingo. Tell him Queen Stussy of the Pleasure District has a business proposition."

She cut the connection.

Fist clenched, eyes burning with defiance and resolve, she whispered:

"I will never lose to you, Darren!"

To be continued...