However, Lancelot immediately put on an expression of sudden realization and added, "Oh, right, I also recruited a few samurai from Wano Country: Denjiro, Kikunojo, Ashura Doji, and Kawamatsu. Their strength is on par with Yamato, Sasaki, Ulti, and Page One—at least at the level of Marine Vice Admirals. As for their ranks, you can decide for yourselves."
Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru: "..."
Let's count them up.
Yamato, Sasaki, Ulti, Page One, Denjiro, Kikunojo, Ashura Doji, and Kawamatsu—that's a total of eight.
Eight Vice Admiral-level fighters.
Such a force was enough to make any faction take notice, and the Marine Headquarters was no exception.
After all, a Buster Call only required five Vice Admirals.
Denjiro, Kikunojo, Ashura Doji, and Kawamatsu—the four samurai recruited from Wano—were one thing.
But Yamato, Sasaki, Ulti, and Page One were originally Kaido's subordinates.
Was it really safe to employ them just like that?
These weren't small fry like the ones from Whisky Peak, they were four Vice Admiral-level fighters.
If things went wrong, it could easily lead to disaster.
But to give up on four such powerful fighters? That was impossible.
Especially now, when they were about to face two, or even three, Emperors joining forces.
Every additional strong fighter increased their chances of victory.
However, if they didn't give them up… They still couldn't rest easy.
How could they ensure that these four wouldn't betray them at a critical moment and return to Kaido's side?
As if seeing through Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru's concerns, Lancelot added.
"Don't worry, all four of them participated in the siege against King, Who's-Who, and Black Maria, as well as the attack on the quarry. So, no matter what they think, they can't possibly betray us and return to Kaido. Because Kaido would never forgive them—they'd be the first ones he'd go after."
"As for the Wano samurai, I helped them eliminate the Kurozumi Clan and restore Wano to the Kozuki Clan. So, I've done them a great favor… There shouldn't be any issues there either."
Hearing this, Sengoku and Tsuru's eyes lit up.
Although there was still some risk, it had been minimized.
"Sigh…"
Sengoku let out a deep breath.
Then he said, "We'll deal with their ranks after we get through this crisis. Right now, I still have to clean up your mess… The alliance of Whitebeard, Kaido, and Charlotte Linlin won't be easy to handle."
Lancelot, however, smiled. "Just send Admiral Kizaru to pick up Ace."
"Aren't you returning to Marine Headquarters?" Sengoku frowned.
Although Lancelot had already been appointed as the commander of G-5 and put in charge of all Marines in the New World, under these circumstances, exceptions had to be made.
Since Whitebeard, Kaido, and Charlotte Linlin were joining forces, they naturally needed to gather their forces to respond.
Vice Admiral Tsuru fell silent for a moment, pondering the situation.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, "Are you trying to divide them?"
Lancelot nodded: "Naturally... They want to join forces and gather together. We should do the opposite... Once Ace returns to Marine Headquarters, Whitebeard will definitely set his sights on Marine Headquarters. And if I remain at G-5, Kaido naturally won't go to Marine Headquarters."
Sengoku narrowed his eyes: "You want to split into two battlefields?"
Then his expression immediately darkened, "In that case, the pressure on Headquarters would significantly decrease. But can you handle facing both Kaido and Charlotte Linlin alone?"
Lancelot fell silent for a moment upon hearing this, then replied, "If you give me three people, I'm confident. I may not be able to defeat them, but driving them away won't be a problem."
"Oh?"
Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru had already accepted Lancelot's proposal of splitting into two battlefields in their hearts.
That way, they could capture the entire Whitebeard Pirates at Headquarters.
Not only would this weaken the overall strength of the New World, but it would also intimidate the entire world, enhancing the prestige of the World Government and the Marines.
Perhaps this could make up for the pirate wave triggered by Roger back then.
At the same time, they grew curious.
Sengoku: "Tell me... As long as it's not excessive, I'll arrange it for you."
Lancelot: "First, Admiral Kizaru. With him here, he can restrain either Kaido or Charlotte Linlin. This way, I can focus entirely on dealing with the other one."
Sengoku didn't hesitate: "Fine... I'll have him come support you immediately after bringing Ace back."
Lancelot: "The second is Shiryu. He's a capable asset. Rather than letting him rot and decay in Impel Down, it's better to make him a sharp blade in my hand. Doesn't he enjoy killing? G-5 is at the forefront of the war against pirates in the New World—there are plenty of pirates for him to slaughter. Make the best use of everything and let everyone fully develop their talents... Don't waste resources."
"Make the best use of everything and let everyone fully develop their talents..."
This statement made Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru ponder for quite a while before they exchanged glances.
They had to admit, there was truth in these words.
So Sengoku nodded: "Alright! And the third?"
Lancelot couldn't help but smile upon hearing this, "The third would be Momousagi, who shares the same position as me as a candidate for Admiral."
"What?"
Sengoku's brow furrowed immediately.
The first two were fine.
But this third one! He couldn't help but feel that Lancelot had ulterior motives.
So he instinctively glanced at Vice Admiral Tsuru beside him.
After all, Momousagi and Vice Admiral Tsuru had an unusual relationship...
Vice Admiral Tsuru was also taken aback.
Her face immediately darkened. The corner of her eye twitched, as she understood exactly what kind of scheme Lancelot was plotting.
After all, the candidates for Admiral weren't just Lancelot and Momousagi Gion—there was also "Chaton" Tokikake.
Wasn't "Chaton" Tokikake suitable? Did it have to be Momousagi?
If Lancelot didn't have some ulterior motive, she wouldn't believe it even if beaten to death.
After all, Lancelot's reputation for being lecherous was well-known.
"Ahem..."
Sengoku coughed twice: "Forget about Momousagi. I'll send Tokikake instead!"
Lancelot chuckled lightly but didn't insist, "Fine!"
After all, there was no particular reason it had to be Momousagi.
At this moment, Sengoku seemed to recall something, "Last time you left in a hurry. We hadn't finalized your epithet yet… After discussing with Vice Admiral Tsuru, we've settled on one."
"Epithet?"
Lancelot was momentarily taken aback before understanding dawned.
Right—within the Marines, particularly powerful individuals often received unique epithets.
Moreover, upon promotion to Vice Admiral candidate, one would be assigned a distinctive title befitting their status.
And this epithet would align with the Admiral designation.
He couldn't help but grow curious: "What epithet did you assign me?"
Sengoku: "Golden Dragon!"
Lancelot: "…"
So direct and tacky… just the way it should be!