Chapter 48: Best Actor, Navy mole
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Everyone left Marineford's port and gathered in Sengoku's office.
In the office, Roja recounted his version of events, albeit with some embellishments.
"So, you're saying that after you destroyed the island, you knocked Weevil into the sea, used Geppo to locate another island, stumbled across Akainu there, and then made your way back?" Sengoku clarified, his tone incredulous.
Roja nodded nonchalantly, cradling Kalifa in his arms.
Meanwhile, Hina stood to the side, glancing at Kalifa with a hint of envy. Though she and Kalifa had grown close over the past few days, becoming best friends, they were still rivals when it came to Roja. Watching Kalifa nestled so comfortably in Roja's embrace made Hina quietly jealous.
Sengoku, lost in thought, suddenly recalled a report from Akainu's commander. The report had mentioned two mysterious figures: one, a towering individual with immense self-healing capabilities.
He turned to Roja, his expression serious. "Roja, Akainu's commander mentioned these two mysterious individuals. One of them was described as massive and had extraordinary regenerative abilities. What do you make of it?"
Roja appeared to ponder this for a moment, though he was already fully aware of the details. He masked his knowledge with a façade of concern, the atmosphere in the office turning tense.
After a deliberate pause, Roja responded, "Fleet Admiral, I don't think the giant individual was Weevil. The timeline doesn't add up. Even the fastest warship couldn't cover that distance in such a short span. It's impossible."
He continued, "Moreover, I believe these mysterious individuals belong to an organized group. They had prior intel."
Sengoku frowned, confused. "What makes you think that?"
Roja elaborated, "Think about it, Fleet Admiral. Even if Akainu acted impulsively and launched an immediate assault, how could they have responded so quickly? It's as if they were already waiting. That implies someone leaked our plans."
Sengoku's expression darkened as realization dawned. "Are you suggesting there's a mole within the Navy?"
Roja nodded solemnly.
The idea sent Sengoku into deep contemplation. He remembered the betrayal of Vergo, who had infiltrated the Navy as a mole for Doflamingo. Could there be another infiltrator, perhaps in an even higher position?
As the implications sank in, Sengoku sighed heavily. "If there truly is a mole, it explains how an organization like this could act with such precision. The seas are becoming more dangerous by the day."
Looking back at Roja, Sengoku's tone softened. "Roja, your presence in the Navy is invaluable. Without you, we'd be completely powerless against threats like this."
"It's my duty," Roja replied with a calm smile.
Sengoku nodded. "All right. I'll investigate the mole. You should take some time to rest—you've more than earned it. But don't get too comfortable; we'll be busier than ever soon."
Roja gave a respectful nod and left Sengoku's office. As he turned, a subtle smirk crept across his face—one that no one noticed.
Walking through Marineford, Roja glanced up at the clear blue sky, feeling an immense sense of satisfaction. His position in the Navy was now more solidified than ever. Little did they know, Admiral "White Dove" Roja also held the secret identity of a mysterious player in the very organization Sengoku feared.
Kalifa, walking alongside him, broke the silence. "Roja, you seem in a good mood."
He pulled her close, smiling. "Of course I am. Seeing you always makes me happy."
Kalifa beamed at his words but decided to share something on her mind. "Roja, I've decided to hone my strength further. I've joined CP9. Someday, I'll be strong enough to protect you."
Roja chuckled softly, supporting her determination but choosing not to comment further. He admired her resolve, knowing it would only strengthen her connection to him.
The pair returned to Roja's quarters, spending the evening in quiet company.
The Next Morning
At dawn, Kalifa left the room, fully composed as if she hadn't just spent the night with Roja. Individuals of their caliber recovered quickly, both physically and emotionally.
Roja, however, was content to laze in bed a bit longer until his Den Den Mushi suddenly rang.
"Fleet Admiral, what's the matter?" Roja answered.
"Roja, come to my office immediately," Sengoku ordered.
"Understood."
Roja arrived at Sengoku's office for the second time since returning to Marineford.
As he entered, Sengoku wasted no time. "Roja, I'd prefer to let you rest, but the seas are in chaos. The Yonko have solidified their positions, and Big Mom has announced the date of her first tea party.
"To counterbalance their growing influence, we've approved the Seven Warlords of the Sea system. Your mission is to head to Fish-Man Island and invite 'Knight of the Sea' Jinbe to join."
Before Roja could respond, a system-like voice echoed in his mind:
[Ding! New mission: Visit Fish-Man Island. Reward: Peak Observation Haki. Time limit: 3 days.]
Smiling slightly, Roja nodded. "Understood, Fleet Admiral. I'll complete the mission without fail."
Watching Roja leave the office with such confidence, Sengoku sighed. "Aokiji, if you don't step up, Roja might just surpass you and take the title of Fleet Admiral someday."
Outside the Office
As Roja walked through Marineford, he encountered Zephyr (Zefa) and Ain.
"Teacher Zefa, how are you feeling?" Roja greeted respectfully.
Zephyr, his newly installed mechanical arm glinting in the sunlight, patted it lightly. "Thanks to you, I'm still alive. If it weren't for you, Weevil would've finished me off."
Pausing for a moment, Zephyr asked, "Are you being sent to deal with the Seven Warlords?"
"Yes. Fleet Admiral Sengoku ordered me to recruit Jinbe."
Zephyr shook his head with a bitter smile. "The Navy's dependence on pirates grows stronger. It's a hard pill to swallow, but I've retired—I have no say in such matters anymore."
Surprised, Roja asked, "Teacher Zefa, are you retiring for good? What about your students?"
"I've made arrangements for the others," Zephyr replied, turning to Ain. "But this one insisted on staying. She wants to learn from you, Roja."
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