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“What?” Kong blurted out with a look of astonishment flashing in his eyes.
The series of statements he had been preparing to deliver was abruptly interrupted. He then narrowed his eyes and looked at the young Vice Admiral in front of him.
“Roger has already been executed. The seas are relatively stable for now. If I stay at Headquarters, there won’t be much for me to do. I might as well be transferred to one of the Four Seas.” Kojin said softly with a smile.
“Is that so?” Kong fell into ba rief thought.
He had already understood that the young man before him was clearly aware of his situation. By proactively suggesting a transfer from Headquarters, Kojin was effectively sparing him from further embarrassment.
After all, although the Marine system was vast and spread across the world, Headquarters Marines naturally had a higher status than the Four Seas branches. It was closer to the center of power and offered the best chances for promotion.
By voluntarily requesting a transfer, the other party was essentially giving up the chance to advance further.
This was undoubtedly a difficult choice.
“Actually, some bases on the Grand Line still have vacant commander positions,” Kong said softly.
“Send me to the Four Seas. It’s more relaxed there. I’ve been through a lot of battles recently and handled too many matters. I’d like to rest for a while.” Kojin said with a smile.
Kong was slightly taken aback, and a pang of regret flashed through his heart as he gazing into the young man’s eyes.
Such outstanding talent… what a pity.
“Alright. The West Blue branch still lacks a commanding officer. You’ll go there to take the post. You’ll be responsible for all Marine-related affairs throughout the West Blue region.” With a sigh, Kong spoke quietly.
“Yes, sir!” Kojin saluted, then turned and left.
Kong sighed once more as he watched his tall figure gradually disappear from sight.
“What a promising young man! He could have reached the rank of Admiral, or even Fleet Admiral!”
After pausing, Kong shook his head again.
“I hope time will erase all that happened from the world’s memory. That way, he might still have a chance to be reinstated.”
But that was no longer something he could concern himself with. It was predictable that Kojin’s situation would remain unchanged for a long time to come. As time passed, even his past prestige would fade from the world’s memory.
…
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Today was the day Kojin was scheduled to depart for West Blue to assume his new post.
The documents granting him full authority over all matters within the West Blue G-18 base’s jurisdiction had already been issued yesterday. The transfer order from headquarters had also been delivered to the relevant West Blue departments.
Once Kojin arrived in West Blue, he would become the Base Commander of the G-18 base and the highest authority in the region.
Such a position carried immense power and status, overseeing all Marines across the cities, towns, and nations within the entire West Blue region.
However, compared to Marine Headquarters, it still fell short.
Nevertheless, Kojin was fully satisfied.
As the Base Commander of an entire sea region, he would be like a feudal governor. Within his territory, he would be a local emperor.
On the morning of his departure, Kuzan and Borsalino both came to see him off.
“I’ve been to G-18 Base before,” Borsalino remarked, his envy and admiration completely genuine. “It’s massive, with three thousand elite troops, a heavily fortified fortress. You’ll have a comfortable life there, Kojin. I’m truly envious!”
Kojin smiled and teased, “That position actually suits you perfectly, Borsalino.”
“Isn’t that the truth?” Borsalino replied, fully agreeing.
The Base Commander’s position was usually quite relaxed. You clock in, and if things get troublesome, you can have subordinate officers or secretaries handle them. You can arrange your own schedule freely.
He would only personally need to step in when Headquarters conducted large-scale mobilizations or urgent missions.
“Take care, Kojin! Don’t lose heart. You’re still young. There will be opportunities in the future.”
However, Kuzan spoke with a heavy expression when he offered his encouragement.
“You make it sound like I’ve been exiled.” Kojin said helplessly.
Kuzan didn’t say anything more; he simply patted Kojin on the shoulder. But his expression said exactly what he left unsaid.
Under normal circumstances, the Grand Line’s regional commanders and chief authorities were mostly Vice Admirals, while in the Four Seas, most commanders were Rear Admirals or Commodores.
The garrisons stationed across islands, cities, and kingdoms were usually just Lieutenant junior grade officers.
A Vice Admiral with immense prestige inside the Marines, someone who had captured Roger and Golden Lion Shiki, being assigned to the Four Seas region…
That was, in truth, outright exile.
A moment later, the three waved goodbye.
The battleship bearing a golden scepter emblem on its prow slowly departed the harbor, passed through the Gates of Justice, and sailed farther and farther away.
“Who knows when I’ll return to the world’s greatest fortress again,” Kojin said softly.
“The West Blue commander still holds real authority. If you want to accomplish anything, that’s the best place to do it.” Crocodile’s eyes flickered as he spoke in a low voice.
Kojin only smiled faintly and said nothing more.
He took the initiative to speak first and request a transfer to the Four Seas. Naturally, he had his own reasons and plans. The details would depend on the evolving situation and careful analysis later.
After a while, Kojin narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Where is Rouge?”
“Sabaody Archipelago,” Bullet replied.
“And there’s something else.” He added.
“Hm?” Kojin looked at him.
“Headquarters contacted us yesterday. Me, Evans, Penn, and the others.” Crocodile pursed his lips and spoke with a faint smile. “They want us to stay at headquarters and promised us promotions later on.”
Bullet let out a cold laugh.
“Is that so?”
“Then what are your thoughts?”
Kojin’s tone sounded distant as he looked ahead.
“Hahaha! Do they really think I became a Marine just to be a Marine?” Bullet burst out laughing, his eyes locked firmly on the man in front of him.
“I joined the Marines for you! To one day surpass you completely! And for that ambition in your heart, the one that even Roger found terrifying!”
Silence fell. The figure at the front remained quiet.
Only after a long while did a barely audible voice drift back.
“You’ll see.”
Though barely audible, Bullet and Crocodile both heard it, and smiles spread across their faces.
“Of course we refused. In the entire Marine organization, only you, Kojin, are worth following! On this point, Evans and the others agree with Bullet and me.” Crocodile exhaled a puff of smoke and said calmly,
“Is that so?” Kojin replied softly.
“But there’s one more thing,” Crocodile added after a brief pause.
“Go on.”
“Rosinante left. He accepted orders from Sengoku to carry out another mission.” Crocodile’s voice turned serious.
Kojin’s gaze sharpened slightly, but he did not respond.
“That kid hesitated for a long time. Only yesterday did he finally make up his mind. He cried while asking us to pass along a message to you.”
“Sorry!” Bullet said.
Kojin still gave no response to that matter. After a while, he let out a soft sigh.
“Set course for the Sabaody Archipelago.” He stared ahead, eyes distant.
An apology is something that should be said face-to-face… only then is it sincere.
Rosinante.
(End Of This Chapter)
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