At the outermost end of the conference table sat the four individuals who had competed with El for the Op-Op Fruit that day:
Sengoku, Garp, Zephyr, and Tsuru.
Three Admirals and one Marine Hero. These four were the highest-ranking individuals in the current Marines, apart from Fleet Admiral Kong.
Yet, now they sat there as if on trial.
The high-ranking officials observed the four with scrutinizing gazes.
"Alright, our investigation confirms that the Op-Op Fruit was acquired by El," Black Horse said, closing the dossier in his hand.
A ripple of shock and helplessness went through the room. Everyone found it hard to believe.
The four strongest figures in the Marines had failed to stop El. Not only that, but they had all sustained significant injuries.
Garp was still wrapped in bandages, and Zephyr was in an even worse state, having permanently lost an arm, his right sleeve hanging empty.
"This is an unacceptable outcome. What we need to know is whether any dereliction of duty occurred during the battle?"
Black Horse's face was grim as he spoke of investigating dereliction of duty.
Everyone present looked displeased. How had things come to this? They were forced to investigate their own comrades, like interrogating criminals!
Fleet Admiral Kong's expression was particularly grave. These were his trusted confidantes and the public face and fighting power of the Marines.
Such an incident was deeply upsetting to him.
"Tell us, what mistake did we make?" Sengoku said in a deep voice.
Black Horse explained, "It's not necessarily that you were derelict… but rather a detailed investigation of the incident!"
He continued, "I know you all did your best… Zephyr's arm and Garp's injuries prove that."
"But at the same time, we have credible sources that claim you didn't fight to the very end, but instead gave up at a crucial moment and handed over the Op-Op Fruit!"
"WHAT?!"
Everyone in the conference room stared at Black Horse in shock.
"Black Horse, what nonsense are you spouting?!"
Fleet Admiral Kong slammed his hand on the table. "They sustained such severe injuries, and you still say such things!"
The others also glared at Black Horse, their eyes filled with anger. Especially Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji.
They were all students of Zephyr, and old friends with the others. To have their friends slandered like this was intolerable for anyone.
"Black Horse, if you have any evidence, present it! Don't just spew blood here!"
Akainu said sternly, his face etched with fury.
"Exactly! What evidence?!"
The others echoed him.
"It's alright everyone, he's telling the truth!"
At this moment, Sengoku stepped forward and addressed everyone.
"Sengoku…"
Everyone looked at Sengoku in disbelief. His integrity was well-known. They couldn't believe he would hand over the Op-Op Fruit to El just to save their lives!
What exactly happened?!
Akainu and the others wanted to speak, but Fleet Admiral Kong roared.
"SILENCE!"
After silencing everyone, Kong looked sternly at Sengoku and the others.
"Sengoku, tell me exactly what happened, every detail!"
He believed Sengoku was not such a person, but the matter needed to be clarified.
Sengoku took a deep breath and recounted everything that happened that day, blow by blow.
As he described El, everyone in the conference room fell into deep thought.
"El… is actually that strong…"
Fleet Admiral Kong said incredulously, "Even stronger than during the Mary Geoise incident…"
From Sengoku's description, he wasn't just a little stronger; he was much, much stronger!
What was going on?! Did El's power have no limit?!
Not just Kong, but everyone else frowned. El's power had truly shaken them.
"What about the rest of it?" Black Horse pressed.
His duty was not to understand the prior events, but to investigate the subsequent ones.
"The rest of it was my decision, and it has nothing to do with anyone else." Sengoku stated flatly.
Tsuru and the others looked up in surprise, staring at Sengoku in disbelief.
Tsuru wanted to say something, but Zephyr grabbed her sleeve.
Zephyr shook his head at her.
Tsuru understood instantly. Sengoku intended to take all the responsibility upon himself.
If she clarified the truth now, wouldn't Sengoku's sacrifice be in vain?!
Tsuru could only close her mouth and quietly listen to Sengoku.
Upon hearing Sengoku's answer, everyone else looked at him in shock.
"Impossible!"
"Sengoku, why would he do such a thing?!"
"Are you saying this entire decision was yours alone?" Black Horse questioned Sengoku, his brow furrowed.
Even if Sengoku made such a decision, what about the others? Did they all agree with Sengoku's actions? There were still many suspicious details!
Sengoku's face was calm. "That's right!"
"At the time, Garp was already seriously wounded and unconscious; you should be aware of that."
Black Horse and the others nodded.
"Zephyr was also barely capable of thinking due to his severed arm."
"Only Tsuru and I remained. Tsuru disagreed with my approach, but I insisted on doing it."
After speaking, Sengoku faced everyone in the room. "I have explained my actions. If you have any questions, please ask."
Black Horse looked at Sengoku. Sengoku's statement was flawless. Whether it was true or not, further interrogation would be useless.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, what do you suggest we do?" Black Horse was only responsible for the investigation. The final judgment rested with Kong.
Everyone looked at Kong expectantly.
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