One Piece: King of the World-Chapter 372: The Marine Executives Board the Pirate Ship Together!

As Sakazuki's voice fell, his gaze shifted to Kuzan. Given their longstanding differences, he found it difficult to predict Kuzan's stance. It wouldn't be surprising if Kuzan chose not to take his side, it would even seem reasonable.

However, Sakazuki was well aware of the strong friendship between Kuzan and Claudius. Their connection wasn't just ideological; there was also personal camaraderie between them.

That's why, when it came to Kuzan's decision, Sakazuki couldn't quite figure it out.

Kuzan glanced at Sakazuki before turning to Sengoku and casually stating, "After the Reverie, I'll be heading to CP-X."

Though his words were light and noncommittal, Sengoku and the others immediately understood their implications.

Clearly, Kuzan was siding with Saint Claudius.

After all, CP-X was Claudius' organization. If Kuzan was already announcing his move to CP-X so far in advance, it was impossible to believe that it had nothing to do with Claudius.

Sengoku, having been privy to some of these matters beforehand, wasn't at all surprised by Kuzan's decision.

However, Sakazuki was taken aback. His expression froze momentarily before settling into one of realization.

He had known that Saint Claudius was supporting him, the hawkish admiral, for the position of fleet admiral. But Kuzan's role in all of this had been unclear to him.

Initially, Sakazuki assumed Kuzan would take a firm stance, perhaps they would have to settle things with a fight. Instead, Kuzan simply stated that he was switching jobs, effectively handing over the position of fleet admiral without a struggle.

This left Sakazuki somewhat dissatisfied, it felt like he had thrown a punch at empty air.

Still, since Kuzan had already decided to leave, Sakazuki saw no reason to act as the villain and force him to stay. Despite their differences, they had served together in the Marines for many years. Even if they weren't close, there was still a sense of camaraderie.

Moreover, the CP-X organization technically held a higher administrative status than the Marines. With Claudius consolidating power, CP-X was likely to rise further. Even if Kuzan seemed indifferent now, this move was essentially a promotion for him—perhaps even a better position than fleet admiral.

There was no telling whether, in the future, they might have to deal with each other again. It would be unwise to create unnecessary hostilities now.

Borsalino, who had previously shared drinks with Kuzan and Claudius, already knew Kuzan had made his choice. So, he wasn't the least bit surprised.

Garp, on the other hand, was visibly shocked.

Kuzan was like a younger brother to him. Being a carefree troublemaker himself, Garp had never cared about authority—he'd scolded fleet admirals and Celestial Dragons alike. Even Claudius, whom he treated as an equal, was nothing more than a drinking buddy in his eyes.

That's why, even though Claudius was pushing Sakazuki for the position of fleet admiral, Garp didn't hesitate to challenge Claudius and Kuzan whenever he felt like it. But now, seeing Kuzan simply walk away from the Marines? That caught him off guard.

"You're really leaving?" Garp asked.

"We all serve the World Government, don't we? So, I wouldn't call it leaving, just a job transfer," Kuzan replied with a grin.

Garp frowned. He didn't dwell on it much and instead voiced his own concerns. "I was hoping that once Sengoku retired, you'd take over as fleet admiral. Then no one would be able to boss me around. But now that you're gone, what am I supposed to do?"

Sakazuki's expression stiffened at those words.

Garp had just flatly declared that he had been looking forward to Kuzan's promotion so he could slack off, essentially implying that Sakazuki's authority meant nothing to him.

Still, Sakazuki knew Garp's personality well. The man had never obeyed anyone not Sengoku, not the World Government. Sakazuki himself had never expected to control him either, so he simply let it slide.

Sengoku, on the other hand, was annoyed. "I might stick around for a few more years, Garp. Do you have a problem with me being fleet admiral?"

"Hahaha! Garp-san, if you ask me, you should just retire already. Look at Zephyr, he's living the easy life. You definitely can't count on me to take your side. I've already spoken with Saint Claudius," Kuzan laughed.

Garp muttered to himself, feeling slightly tempted by the idea of retirement, but he hadn't made a final decision yet. Instead, he turned to Sakazuki and said, "Well, I'll be counting on you then."

There was no doubt that if Kuzan left the Marines, he wouldn't be fleet admiral. With Borsalino being as laid-back as ever, the position would inevitably fall to Sakazuki.

And Garp, being the way he was, had no reservations about stating the obvious right to Sakazuki's face.

Sakazuki found himself momentarily speechless, his face twitching slightly. But after a brief pause, he composed himself and replied, "I'll be counting on your cooperation as well, Garp-san."

"Yeah, sure," Garp responded insincerely.

Not wanting Garp to keep stirring things up, Sengoku quickly changed the subject. These bastards—he was still sitting right there, yet they were openly discussing the next fleet admiral as if he were already gone!

Still, he couldn't help but smile inwardly.

The long-standing issue between Sakazuki and Kuzan had finally been resolved without conflict. That was good news for the Marines.

Sengoku turned his gaze to Borsalino. "And what about you?"

Borsalino let out a sigh.

He had always followed the principle of neutrality, never taking sides in any conflict.

Even as an admiral, he had maintained a relaxed, detached attitude, avoiding unnecessary involvement in political struggles. Especially now, this wasn't just any power struggle. This was a fight at the highest level of the world's hierarchy.

Even for an admiral, betting on the wrong side could end in disaster.

That was why, up until now, he had done his best to stay out of it.

But today, Sengoku had made things clear. With everyone else having already taken their stance, neutrality was no longer an option.

After all, Tsuru had Gion who was basically with Claudius. That alone made her allegiance obvious.

With so many of his colleagues aligning with Claudius, even Sakazuki and Kuzan—who were like oil and water—had set aside their differences.

What choice did Borsalino really have?

After a brief silence, he let out a bitter smile and said, "So, you're all just going to drag me into this, huh?"

Sengoku responded bluntly, "Borsalino, you're underestimating the situation. At this level of struggle, true neutrality doesn't exist."

Borsalino looked at him helplessly. Just moments ago, Sengoku had said there wouldn't be any pressure. Now, he was forcing him to choose.

Still, he understood the reality of the situation. It wasn't that Sengoku had lied, he had simply been waiting until everyone had shown their hand.

With no other option, Borsalino shook his head and said, "Neutrals are called neutrals because they're caught in the middle. But you've all already taken a side, what choice do I have?"

Sengoku laughed.

Then Borsalino sighed and said, "Fine, I'll side with Claudius too. But let's be clear, I don't want extra work, okay?"

Tsuru suddenly chimed in, "There will be rewards for those who contribute. Possibly even generous bonuses…"

At that, Borsalino immediately straightened up and said, "As a Marine admiral, it's my duty to take on more responsibilities. Just tell me what needs to be done."

Everyone burst into laughter.

With that, all of the Marine's top brass had officially aligned with Claudius. Under Sengoku's maneuvering, the Marines had completely boarded Claudius' ship.

***

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