Was that even a problem?
Then Lancelot's eyes suddenly brightened, as though an idea had just lit up in his mind.
"Grandfather, think about it. Akainu and Aokiji are both proud men with extremely strong self-respect. So no matter who wins or loses this battle, the loser definitely won't remain in the Marines.
After all, who could stand being placed beneath the other?
And once that happens, won't one of the Admiral seats be left vacant?
So you'll need to quietly make some moves behind the scenes and find a way to push Vergo into that position.
Once he becomes a Marine Admiral, our Figarland family will effectively control two Admiral-level positions—one openly and one in the shadows. For our family, that would bring plenty of benefits."
After hearing his grandson's words, the corner of Saint Figarland Garling's mouth lifted slightly, revealing a barely noticeable smile.
"Of course I would like that as well."
"But the position of Marine Admiral isn't something one can simply sit in whenever they wish."
"It isn't like the posts of Rear Admiral or Vice Admiral. Even with my current power and status, I cannot force someone into that seat."
"The person must not only possess real ability, but also extremely high prestige and a good reputation within the Marines. Otherwise, there is no point even thinking about it. Leaving aside everyone else, even the Five Elders would not be easy to get past."
Lancelot smiled faintly and said in a calm voice, "Vergo meets all those conditions. Not only is he exceptionally strong, but his reputation within the Marines is excellent. He is deeply respected by his subordinates, who honor him as 'Mister.'"
At this point, Lancelot paused briefly, seemingly considering his next words.
A moment later, he continued.
"Recently, there have been some movements in the New World.
"Kaido's Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates have actually given up attacking our G-5 and turned their sights on the territories of the Whitebeard Pirates and the Red Hair Pirates instead."
"To stop their expansion, I've already sent people to interfere."
"And Vergo has been sent to Onigashima."
"I firmly believe that with his ability, his performance on Onigashima will definitely shock the entire world."
"Once that happens, the achievements he earns should be enough to secure him the position of Admiral candidate at the very least, even if they aren't enough to promote him directly to Admiral."
"And if we give him a little help from the shadows, pushing him into the position of Marine Admiral won't be completely impossible."
Saint Figarland Garling had not been particularly interested in this topic at first, but after hearing this, his interest was instantly stirred.
In truth, this was already the second time Lancelot had recommended Vergo to him.
Previously, he had not paid much attention to Lancelot's suggestion.
He had simply felt that Lancelot's idea was somewhat naive, perhaps even a little fanciful.
But thinking about it carefully now, it seemed he really had underestimated Vergo.
After a long silence, Garling finally spoke slowly.
"Very well. I agree. As long as he earns enough merit on Onigashima, I will find a way to secure his position as an Admiral candidate. As for the Admiral seat…"
At this point, Saint Figarland Garling suddenly chuckled, as if he were completely confident about what he was about to say.
"I won't even need to push for it myself. Naturally, there will be people eager to push him into that position.
After all, the strength of our Figarland family is now at its peak. We have already risen to become the number one family in the Holy Land, and even the Five Elders feel enormous pressure from us.
So all I need to do is quietly add fuel to the fire from behind the scenes, then give those people a little extra stimulus. The matter will naturally fall into place.
However, the prerequisite for all of this is still Vergo's own strength. His performance on Onigashima this time will be crucial!
And as for the matter I mentioned earlier, you should know what to do, yes?"
Saint Figarland Garling changed the subject, bringing the conversation back to the main reason for his call.
Lancelot nodded.
"I understand. The Five Elders' side isn't important. What matters is Marine Headquarters. Ideally, the entire Marine force should learn about it."
Saint Figarland Garling nodded in satisfaction.
"Good."
After that, the two casually chatted for a while longer before ending the call.
…
"Buru buru!"
At that moment, the atmosphere inside the Marine office was extremely tense.
It was so quiet that one could almost hear a needle drop.
Everyone's nerves were stretched taut, as if the slightest misstep could trigger a violent conflict.
At this tense, sword-drawn moment, the sudden ringing of a Den Den Mushi broke the silence in the room.
The abrupt sound was like a cool breeze, slightly scattering the oppressive atmosphere.
Everyone's eyes turned toward the Den Den Mushi at the same time, as if it were some important signal.
Because everyone understood that a call coming at a time like this could not possibly be a small matter.
And based on past experience, calls like this were often related to major internal decisions within the Marines, especially matters involving the candidate for the next Fleet Admiral.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku's brows furrowed slightly.
For some reason, an inexplicable unease rose in his heart. He felt a faint sense of foreboding.
However, he did not hesitate for long.
He quickly reached out, picked up the Den Den Mushi, and said in a deep voice, "This is Sengoku."
The Den Den Mushi made a faint buzzing sound.
Then its expression changed, taking on Lancelot's appearance.
Lancelot's voice came through clearly.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, this is Lancelot."
A trace of surprise appeared on Sengoku's face.
He truly could not understand why Lancelot would call at a time like this.
Not only him—even Akainu and Aokiji, who were present, revealed the same puzzled expressions.
However, Lancelot seemed completely unconcerned with their reactions.
He spoke directly.
"I heard that you nominated Aokiji to the Five Elders as the next Fleet Admiral?"
Sengoku's expression darkened.
'What does this have to do with you?'
Akainu, however, felt a burst of joy in his heart.
Because he sensed that Lancelot's call might be an opportunity for him.
As if confirming Akainu's guess, Lancelot continued, "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, as a Marine Admiral candidate, I would like to submit a personal recommendation to Marine Headquarters."
Although Sengoku was displeased, since Lancelot was making the suggestion in his capacity as an Admiral candidate, he had no choice but to listen.
Lancelot said, "I recommend Admiral Akainu as the next Fleet Admiral."
"The current situation is indeed favorable to the Marines, but the impact caused by Whitebeard's final words cannot be underestimated."
"Because of that, the Marines need someone with forceful methods to take the position of Fleet Admiral. Only someone like that can suppress the new wave of pirates that will soon rise."
Akainu smiled.