Chapter 95: I’ve Decided—I’ll Be the Mount!

"Third, you must bring back blood samples from users with multiple Devil Fruit powers!

Vegapunk’s research cannot be allowed to stop. And it’s been far too long already—don’t test my patience."

Saint Saturn’s final sentence sounded more like a threat than an order, placing immense pressure on Sengoku.

"Understood. I’ll make the necessary arrangements."

Sengoku had no room to refuse.

A moment later, the Den Den Mushi slowly closed its eyes, and the call ended.

After putting down the receiver, Sengoku had already reached a decision.

The Five Elders had effectively made it for him.

Even if the seas descended into chaos afterward, the responsibility—and the blame—would fall on the Five Elders.

Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself and turned to the officers gathered in the conference room.

"Very well, everyone.

You’ve all heard the orders from the Five Elders."

The Marine officers nodded.

They all understood what this meant.

"Regarding the coming conflict between the Four Emperors, Sakazuki will lead the operation."

Sengoku’s gaze settled on Akainu.

"You are authorized to adapt your plans as circumstances require. If necessary, you may act first and report later. You do not need to wait for further instructions from Headquarters."

Akainu nodded slightly.

A resolute gleam appeared in his eyes.

This was exactly the authority and freedom he wanted.

Absolute authority meant he could carry out his vision of justice without restraint.

Of course, even without Sengoku’s authorization, he had intended to uphold his doctrine of Absolute Justice to the very end.

To Akainu, anything that threatened peace and order in the world was unacceptable.

Pirates in particular had to be eradicated.

Within his philosophy of justice, the word "pirate" was synonymous with a death sentence.

No matter the cost, they had to be eliminated.

Sengoku looked at him briefly before shifting his attention elsewhere.

"Borsalino, you’ll accompany Sakazuki."

His gaze moved to Kizaru.

"If any unexpected situations arise, deal with them as you see fit."

Then Sengoku emphasized:

"I only care about results."

The mission was too important to tolerate failure.

"And remember—obtaining blood samples from users with multiple Devil Fruit powers is the highest priority.

Even if every other objective fails, this one must be completed."

Too much time had already been wasted.

At the very least, they had to accomplish one major objective.

Otherwise, Sengoku felt he would have failed as Fleet Admiral.

The reason he assigned Kizaru was simple:

insurance.

With the Glint-Glint Fruit’s speed, Kizaru could probably catch one or two targets if necessary.

Obtaining blood samples—or even capturing someone alive—shouldn’t be difficult for him.

Sengoku had great confidence in Kizaru’s abilities.

Unfortunately, Kizaru himself looked less than enthusiastic.

"My, my... old injuries haven’t healed, and new ones are already lining up."

His tone was full of helplessness and dissatisfaction.

Truthfully, he didn’t want to participate at all.

Though if there were a salary increase involved...

Perhaps he could reconsider.

Sadly, after waiting for a while, he still didn’t hear Sengoku mention any bonus pay.

Ignoring Kizaru’s complaints, Sengoku continued issuing orders.

"Kuzan, I need you to conduct a thorough reconnaissance operation around Jaya."

He looked toward Aokiji.

"The Whitebeard Pirates have vanished almost overnight. Their disappearance is highly unusual.

I suspect some of their members may attempt to return there, or perhaps they’ve left something behind."

His expression became serious.

"Your mission is simple: if you discover any members of the Whitebeard Pirates, capture them immediately.

Preferably alive."

"Ahh... got it."

Aokiji nodded.

However, he was genuinely puzzled.

The Whitebeard Pirates had disappeared?

Where had they gone?

Had they grown wings and flown away?

"All Vice Admirals, listen up!"

Sengoku’s voice echoed through the room.

"You will fully support the three Admirals’ operations."

"Yes, sir!"

"Understood!"

The room answered in unison.

SkypieaUpper Yard — Apayado

The enormous laboratory was brightly illuminated.

Ron stood at the center of the room.

Around him sat numerous metal containers, each emitting a faint metallic sheen.

Inside them were two different types of Devil Fruits.

"Division Commanders."

Ron’s voice rang out clearly.

"As agreed, you may begin.

How they’re used is up to you."

The moment he finished speaking, the atmosphere exploded with excitement.

Tension and anticipation filled the air.

Everyone had been waiting for this moment.

"Captain Squard, you should eat it! None of us have forgotten everything you’ve done for us!"

A crew member shouted.

The others immediately broke into applause and cheers.

The speaker had once been one of Squard’s original subordinates and now served in his division.

His eyes were filled with admiration and gratitude.

Since joining the Whitebeard Pirates during the great migration, Squard had become a Division Commander.

Though his title had changed, his sense of responsibility had not.

His former crew naturally continued following him as members of his division.

"Yeah, Captain! Without your protection, we never would’ve survived this long!"

"Back then, Captain Squard took a blade for me! I’d be dead if not for him! You should eat it!"

"I vote for the captain!"

"Same here!"

Squard’s eyes were already red.

Looking at the familiar faces surrounding him, he was deeply moved.

But crying in front of everyone would be far too embarrassing.

He took a deep breath and forced himself to stay composed.

"You idiots."

Squard laughed as he held back his tears.

"Don’t think I don’t know what you’re all planning."

He pointed at his men.

"You just want to ride me around. You’re all hoping I’ll turn into a dragon and carry you everywhere."

The crew burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! Captain figured it out!"

"Captain, there’s nothing we can do! We only want to be crew members. None of us are ready to become mounts yet!"

one of them joked.

"Dishishishishi!"

Another Division Commander laughed loudly.

"Squard, your men really respect you. Just eat it already. Stop acting like an old woman. Are you a man or not?"

As he spoke, he casually picked up one of the Devil Fruits and tossed Squard an encouraging look.

His expression clearly said:

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t hesitate.

"Fine. I’ll eat it."

Squard wiped away a tear that had escaped despite his efforts.

Then he walked toward Ron.

Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself.

At this moment, he felt tremendous responsibility.

But even more than that, he felt anticipation for the future.

"Vice Captain Ron."

Squard stood before him.

"I’ve made my decision."

A grin spread across his face.

"I’ll be the mount."

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