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"You Marines' reputation is worthless!"
It was clear that the Five Elders, who could speak such words, wouldn't lower themselves to save their subordinates' lives.
Whether it was the CP0 captain or the Marine Fleet Admiral, the situation was the same.
However, if it was about saving the life of the World Government Commander-in-Chief or the God's Knights, that would sound more reasonable.
Based on what the CP0 members said, Akira believed that Graeme's Life Paper was in the hands of Kong, someone deeply trusted by the Five Elders.
Before completely eliminating Graeme, Akira needed to switch out Graeme's two Vivre card with fake ones.
After all, Vivre cards don't have names written on them.
As long as no one examines them closely, they wouldn't realize they've been swapped.
The one in Graeme's office would be easy to obtain—Akira could simply send the CP0 members to fetch it.
But the most crucial one was in Kong's possession.
It was obvious that Akira, as Marine Fleet Admiral, would have to handle that one personally.
By the afternoon of the following day, in the Holy Land Mariejois, Akira made his move.
Knock knock knock.
There was a knock at the door marked "World Government Commander-in-Chief."
"Huh, who's here to see me?"
Kong, who had been napping on a soft sofa, woke up, wiped the drool from his chin, and muttered to himself.
Since he started working in the Holy Land nearly a year ago, he had always been the one seeking others; no one had ever come looking for him.
As for the Five Elders, they usually just called through the Den Den Mushi.
Even though he was confused, Kong straightened his appearance and called to the door, "Please, come in!"
Squeak.
The door slowly opened.
Akira appeared before Kong, carrying several gifts in his hands.
"Akira???" Kong was stunned, "Why are you here all of a sudden? What's the matter?"
"Commander Kong, is that how you greet me?" Akira responded with a warm and bright smile. He casually placed the gifts on the desk without drawing attention and added, "Can't I drop by without a reason?"
"No, of course not!" Kong replied instinctively.
As his subordinate, Marine Fleet Admiral, it wasn't unusual for Akira to visit the Holy Land to speak with his superior. But Akira, who hadn't made a visit in what felt like eight hundred years, showing up unexpectedly was quite the contrast.
Kong vividly remembered the last time Akira had come to him, bringing Zephyr along to ask for money and more authority. That incident had left a lasting impression, and it wasn't a fond memory. His subordinates were out there fighting pirates while Akira was living it up in the Holy Land. When he was caught in the act, Kong had wanted to crawl into a hole out of sheer embarrassment.
Now, this was only the second time Akira had come for a visit.
"What's with all these gifts?" Kong asked, glancing at the pile, then suddenly, a thought crossed his mind, and his pupils dilated in alarm.
Without hesitation, he rushed over, closing the distance in just a few steps, grabbing Akira's hand firmly. With a serious tone, he asked, "Are you here to ask for more power again?"
"I'm telling you, that's not happening."
Kong was visibly anxious.
He was genuinely concerned that Akira might bring up something inappropriate. With the era of great pirates finally subsiding, the shipping lanes were operating smoothly again, and the World Government was collecting significant tax revenues.
On top of that, they had profitable ventures like Marine Bank and Akatsuki contributing to their funds. In short, they weren't lacking money anymore.
Given the current state of affairs, the last thing they needed was to loosen the leash on the Marines again. There was no way Kong would allow them the same level of authority and freedom as before.
"Commander Kong, you've misunderstood. I just came to visit you today," Akira said, noticing the serious look on Kong's face. With a quick glance, Akira easily understood Kong's concerns.
He chuckled and reassured him, "I've just been too busy before and never had the chance. I'm here today specifically to express my gratitude."
"I'll never forget your support in recommending me for the role of Marine Fleet Admiral."
"This small gift is just a token of my respect. Please, accept it."
Seeing that Akira seemed genuine, Kong's expression softened.
"Really? You're not hiding anything else?" he asked, still slightly skeptical.
"Of course not."
"Hahahaha, you do have a conscience. Even if it's a little late, I'll let it slide. You young people these days," Kong finally relaxed, his face breaking into a hearty smile.
Not here to cause trouble, but to give him gifts instead? Kong was pleasantly surprised.
'This is nice,' he thought to himself. 'Let's see what kind of stuff the Marine Fleet Admiral brought along.'
"Just so you know, if it's cheap junk, I'm not going to let you off easy," Kong said, playfully swatting Akira's hand away and grabbing the gift bag.
"Hey, isn't this the kind of cigar from South Blue? These are pricey," Kong noted.
"And this tea—I've never even heard of this kind before. Is it new?"
"#82 Latin red wine? You're really pulling out all the stops. You know I like this stuff," Kong said, his face lighting up as he examined the gifts.
Akira stood to the side, watching with a smile. He knew well that Kong, as the most trusted Commander-in-Chief of the Five Elders, had access to the finest luxuries in the world. It wasn't like he needed these gifts.
Kong's exaggerated reaction was just a way to show Akira that he was pleased and to strengthen their rapport. After all, Akira, as the newly risen Fleet Admiral, didn't have the same longstanding relationship with Kong that Sengoku had. Building that bond was essential.
"I've booked one of the most upscale hotels in the Sabaody Archipelago. I'll be hosting tonight," Akira said, keeping his smile. "We won't leave until we're thoroughly drunk. Do you think you have time?"
Kong raised an eyebrow, looking amused. "You've got so much free time on your hands now?"
"Yeah, with the great pirate era over, my workload has decreased significantly," Akira replied.
"Hmm, that's true," Kong agreed with a nod.
Kong thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.
Having once been Marine Fleet Admiral himself, he could easily relate to Akira's current situation. As long as the big pirates in the second half of the Grand Line weren't planning to destroy the world or directly targeting the Celestial Dragons or affiliated countries, then it was a relatively peaceful time for the Fleet Admiral.
Most days would simply consist of showing up to work, waiting until the day ended, and going home—without any major incidents.
Plus, Akira had a clone to help manage the workload, making his position even more relaxed.
"Alright, I'll take you up on that offer tonight," Kong agreed. "I'll stay here with you for a bit. You can head back afterward."
"Great," Akira replied with a grin. "Let's enjoy this bottle of wine together."
The rest of the afternoon passed leisurely. Akira and Kong drank red wine, smoked cigars, and shared stories, filling the room with laughter and camaraderie.
As dusk began to settle, the two of them left the office together, still in good spirits. Before leaving, Akira thoughtfully closed the door behind them.
Time slipped by like sand through an hourglass, and soon, the Holy Land grew quiet. The once bustling office buildings were now nearly empty, with only a few staff members left behind.
In this stillness, a faint "bang bang" noise echoed from Kong's office.
Hmm?
Not long after, a CP0 guard appeared at the door, drawn by the sound. Without hesitation, he opened the door and stepped inside.
"Strange, did I imagine it?" the guard muttered to himself, scanning the room.
He used Observation Haki but couldn't detect the presence of any other living being aside from himself. Puzzled, the guard looked around once more, convinced he had overthought the situation. With a shrug, he closed the door and left.
Twenty minutes later, the air in the room shimmered, and an air door appeared out of nowhere, revealing two transparent figures.