A New Path - Chapter 208

There was unrest on the sea. Ace’s execution was known world-wide, and Ace is one of Whitebeards top commanders so the inevitable war that was to come from this had the whole world sweating bullets. The man with the power to destroy the world versus the entire fleet of the Marines. This would go down in the history books as a legendary event. Not only because of the people involved but because this war was the event that set in motion a great change that turned the world upside down.

In Sengoku’s office sat the Admiral’s together with most other high-ranked Marine officer. The plan for how to welcome Whitebeard was currently being developed. Bradley sat among them, amused to the idea of whatever they do, his father. Portgas D Amell had likely already predicted it. He knew the importance of this day, and he knew what his mission was. This was the moment that he had waited over a decade to experience. This was the war of which his father told to him long ago. The simple fact that Amell predicted and perfectly set into motion all of these events amazed him time and time again. Seemingly unconnected events that Amell planned out would all come together here, and from this, they would craft the ideal world.

“Bradley, are you with us?” Sengoku had asked a question to the Admiral but he was busy contemplating his life so he was drifting inside his own mind not paying attention to the meeting. Bradley heard his name called and looked up.

“Yes?”

“Are you alright? I think this is the first time I’ve seen you space out.” Sengoku looked intently at Bradley trying to detect any deceit.

“I am alright! Preparing myself mentally for the incoming battle.” Bradley showed no hesitation nor embarrassment. He was a smooth talker and an even better liar. No one had yet suspected him, which was surprising due to how mysterious he was and how secretive he was about his private life.

“I had gotten the impression that nothing ever worried you. I was starting to believe you weren’t capable of emotions.” Aokiji said with minor sarcasm.

“Surely you jest, I’m certain I’ve smiled at least once.”

“Don’t know about that, I don’t think your mouth can curve upwards.”

“No need to be rude, boy. You’re forty years too young to insult me.” Bradley wasn’t especially bothered by opinions. The only one that mattered to him was his father’s.

“I wouldn’t dream of it. Just making a simple observation.”

“Okay, enough! We have a lot to do, and not much time to do it in. Portgas D Ace will arrive tomorrow. We need to be fully prepared for that.” Sengoku traced his finger over some documents and sighed. “How likely is it that Amell will intervene?” He looked at Bradley. The only Admiral to fight and survive against most of Gotei’s commanders in single combat.

“I don’t know.” Bradley placed a hand on his chin. “Ask yourself this. What would he have to gain from interfering?”

“His goal is the World government, of that we’re pretty sure. So, joining the fight could be ample opportunity for him to strike a major blow against the governments strongest force.” Sengoku looked troubled. They were planning a fight against Whitebeard, but if another emperor would come, whether or not Amell would help Whitebeard, that would complicate things on a big scale.

“Bradley, talk with your sources, listen for whispers. Anything that can tell us of Gotei’s movements. If he is planning on coming, we need to be ahead of him on this, not behind.”

“Understood! Don’t expect much, he is after all, enigmatic for a reason.” Bradley wrote something on a little piece of paper and put it in his pocket. “What about, Big mom? Do you think she will move on this?” He asked, waiting for anyone to answer.

“Definitely not. War isn’t something you would associate her with. Kaido would have maybe done something like that?”

“I agree with Sengoku, she will most likely not move.” Garp had been sitting quietly and eating snacks til now. “What I wonder about is those new emperors, or what we now call them. Will they do something?” He asked Sengoku.

“You mean Ginrummy and Crocodile. I don’t know. If Amell moves, they will most likely do the same.” Sengoku suddenly felt his famous headache make an unfortunate comeback. “Our results tomorrow depend on Amell.”

“I need to contact the Holy land. If the Gotei shows up we need the Light unit. I’ll set that up, Aokiji, Kizaru, you two will coordinate our forces here. Go now, and don’t fail me!”

“Understood!” Both said and stood up and left the room.

“Garp, you… Just sit there and look pretty.” Sengoku said. He got a thumbs up from the cookie-loving Vice-admiral.

“Great! That’s it for now! Work hard to live up to the standards of the Marines.” Sengoku said loudly and proudly. Everyone except Garp left which was standard since he practically lived in the office together with Sengoku.

“We might die tomorrow, you know that?” Garp said casually. Sengoku looked over with a solemn look.

“I know. I’m not confident in beating Whitebeard, not even counting Amell.”

“Not to worry. There are great kids to lead the Marines after us. Plus, we’ve had a good and long run together, old friend.”

“True. Would be nice to retire finally.” Both of them shared a laugh and after the laughter died down they sat and absorbed the silence in peace. This would either be their last day as Marines or the last day in their life. Whatever would happen tomorrow, a great many things will change. That, they both knew to be true.

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End