Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece (Luffy would be devastated if I did :D) or anything belonging to One Piece Universe.

Author's notes: This story is actually quite old and takes place right after the Battle with Whitebeard and was written then, which means I don't take into account what has happened after the battle (like Sakazuki becoming new Gensui), since I simply have not known that yet. It's a very slow-paced fic, read if you like a lot of internal dwelling. Also it concentrates on politics, army management issues and homosexual love (but no actual sex). And sorry for any English mistakes, two betas had kindly readproofed this for me, but both are Polish, so you know. Would be very grateful for any corrections if you spot any mistakes.

Choice

1. Colloqium primum

The royal eel stared at him for a moment, then turned back, his steely body glistening in golden sunrays before disappearing among emerald algae. The school of smaller fish sprung from the place, made a couple of quick zigzags only to be chased away by killer seahorse bristling with its venomous quills. The little sea den den mushi has fallen off the glass of the impressive aquarium and drifted slowly toward its bottom. All in all, it must have been very soothing view to have around when you were the Commander in Chef and the main link between the Marines and the Gorousei. Sengoku was always a bit envious of that impressive tank and tended to find certain pleasure in looking at it while waiting in the reception, where the part of it was visible. Presently, however, was not the right moment to enjoy marine fauna, since he no longer waited for the difficult and ticklish conversation with his direct chef. Presently he was in the middle of it.

The silence dragged on for a couple of moments filled with Kong's emotionless yet very penetrating glance. Sengoku was doing his best to had his firm resolve carved in every inch of his face, body and aura. Years of experience in being the Marine Gensui made the task considerably easier in this tense atmosphere. After a moment Commander leaned back in his armchair and responded, no visible change in his features:

- We have tried to convince him otherwise, but Garp resigned from his post.

Sengoku frowned. He could guess where this was leading. He has been cooperating with Kong for years and he knew better than anyone else that beneath those impressive muscles and weird composition of spikes lied the mind perceptive, agile and experienced in peacefully making other people reach decisions consistent with his will (with exception of Garp on whom none of the more or less subtle techniques of suggestions, persuasions or manipulation ever have seemed to work). He hoped his eyes showed that he most strongly disapproves of using Garp's decision to made him change his own. For the respect for both of them.

A shadow of resignation passed over Kong's face for a moment. Or maybe it was only Sengoku's wishful thinking.

-...still, his position among Marines will remain unchanged and he'll do us a favour by staying in army for the sake of young recruits' morale.

Kong's eyes never left Sengoku's face.

- Since you've decided to abandon the position of Gensui, then at least I wish you did the same, Sengoku.

The sense of surprise sneaked into Sengoku's heart. Would that conversation really be so quick and unproblematic? You're psychically worn out, mentally emaciated, so we'll let you do as you please in recognition of your services or at least of normal human sympathy, just stay around for the sake of youngsters, please? He smiled serenely. This was not the reality of politics. You don't let extremely useful people abandon their posts just like that. Unless you see some other use for them. But for the time being Sengoku decided to behave as he was accepting this at face value.

- In that case, I would accept it. This may not be a bad way to spend one's remaining years... - he smiled into Kong's scrutinizing eyes. 'Now that you have agreed to my resignation, no turning back, whatever you'll say next. Once I'm retired, I'll be no longer obliged to worry about the army, compliance with orders from The Government, public opinion, compromises with Shichibukai, compromises with Nobles, compromises with my own conscience and billion of other things I've grown so tired of.' - thought Sengoku watching as the barely visible light of satisfaction appeared on his Commander's face - 'Even though I'm sure you still think that keeping me around will end up in manipulating me back into being a link between filled with doubt soldiers and conservative Government, even if I will no longer be in a position of Gensui. I'm afraid I may disappoint you though.'

Kong remained silent for some time. When he calmly continued, there was a note of concern in his voice.

- You two have been fighting in the first line since the days of Roger. Your resignation... It will be grand news.

Sengoku waited patiently, smiling. 'Playing on the sense of responsibility and loyalty, of course.' After all this worked on him for so many years.

- The 'legendary' pirates, including those who have broken free from the Level 6, are still prowling the seas. Newgate was barely the peak of it all. The Age of Piracy is coming back now...

Commander paused. It wasn't obviously expectant. The expectation was barely lurking around the corners, peeking cautiously from behind the carefully chosen words, lying deep in those blue eyes. Kong usually did not push people to any decision obviously. Still, in the end they somehow tended to change their minds about things after talking to him. Sengoku knew about it and did not fail to continue his serene smile of a man already on retirement.

- What good would be Marines commanded by the gang of oldtimers? - he asked almost jokingly.

Though Sengoku was seemingly talking about himself, the pun of criticism was quite obvious and made Kong frown barely perceptibly. Even though they both had not always supported every decision The Government made (the thing of course not known to the rank and file) they always were far from questioning its authority over the army. Even jokingly. And that should not ever be changed, stated clearly Kong's eyebrows. Sengoku decided to move back to a bit safer area of abstract ideas.

- 'Justice' itself is a value. It will be present no matter of the generation - he stated firmly.

They've been looking at each other, serene man who felt that he had already done and seen enough to be excused to rest and grave man who still felt strong enough to carry the responsibility of trying to change this world into a more just place. Finally Kong's eyes said sincere 'Fine' even if he did not utter a world.

'And now comes the second part of the conversation. Closer to mental duel though it might be. And it not necessarily will be the easier one. Keep smiling, Sengoku, every tiny thing that may give you an advantage is valuable'

- More importantly... as far as it goes for the next Gensui, I would recommend Kuzan.

Maybe the atmosphere before was not so tense after all. In the end, everything is a matter of comparison.

xxx

Sengoku waited patiently under unblinking blue stare. The stare that was far from expressing satisfaction now.

- I can't say I'm not surprised with your decision... Didn't you always claim that Sakazuki is the best soldier you ever had?

- Yes, that's true and I by no means intend to deny that fact - conceded carefully Hotoke.

- Then we can't also deny that you sound a bit contradictory right now, can we, Sengoku?

- I value Akainu most highly, both as a brave soldier and as a very loyal subordinate – answered slowly Sengoku. - He doubtlessly does not lack in perseverance, intelligence and composure when the situation needs it. I don't recall him failing me even once.

- ...well, then?

The former Fleet Admiral was silent for a moment chosing prudently his words.

- ...all what I have said is true, I've got not a slightest doubt here. It makes him a perfect soldier. But, you've said it yourself, Commander, haven't you. Now we live in a difficult age. - Sengoku made his gaze unyielding while his mouth still kept the trace of his previous smile – And not always a perfect soldier makes a perfect commander, I'm afraid. Even though he fulfills his duties as an Admiral flawlessly there is a great gap between commanding even the biggest troop and taking the responsibility for the whole army. There is a huge difference between reporting to the Fleet Admiral and reporting to the civil...

- Yes, imagine that I'm pretty much aware of that – interrupted Kong, uncanny sign of him losing patience somewhere deep. - So, in short, what does he lack?

- ...great legendary pirates are prowling the seas, as you have said before. The weakness of theirs is the fact they seem to be by nature unable to cooperate. There are some bigger packs, of course...

Short tick on Kong's hand showed that he had stopped himself from drumming his fingers, an old habit signing that he was irritated. Sengoku continued.

- ...but in the end, they're as divided as politics on the so called democratic islands and they're trying to finish each other off. The unity of our army is an advantage they will be never able to achieve. And we shouldn't put it on stake - he ended slowly.

- ...so you think Sakazuki won't be able to ensure army's loyalty to himself? - Kong asked him in this particular straightforward manner that made people think again whether they really mean to say what they seem to mean to say.

- ...I barely think things go much more smoothly when one's subordinates have trust in their commander's decisions and see that he truly cares about his army's well-being - answered Senkoku cautiously.

- I don't recall a reason to doubt that – replied coldly Kong.

- I'm the last person to doubt it either. ...but let's say I'm in a pretty huge minority here.

- So this is your reason to deny your best soldier and faithful long time support his well deserved promotion?

- The decision always lies with the Government, doesn't it, Commander. It is merely a tradition that the next Gensui is suggested - but not chosen - by the previous one, nothing binding, isn't it. I'm sure the Government will make the best choice – answered Sengoku in almost pleasant tone.

'And you won't make it easier, will you' said Kong's sharp glance.

- And you think Kuzan will be able to manage it? - he asked - His service for the army is exemplary but isn't he per any chance too young and idealistic for such a responsible post?

- There were younger Gensui in the history, Commander. And he does not lack in intelligence. I am sure that when he takes the post, he'll soon realise the limits the real world has – he added with a very small undertone of wryness. - I think he'll prove to be a very good Gensui. The type Marines may be in need in this era. And the fact that he is generally liked and respected by admirals and high ranked officers should ensure him the support of experienced soldiers if needed.

- Like Sakazuki? - slight note of sarcasm. It was widely known the two Admirals were less than friendly towards each other.

- I am sure Akainu will have the same unyielding loyal coolheaded attitude towards him as he had towards me.

- Is that so? - subtle shift into mockery – And have you already told Sakazuki the happy news about his future wife? I'm sure he'll want to fulfill all his previous duties properly, right?

Maybe not so subtle after all. Sengoku felt his blood draining away from his face completely.

- Just joking.

The former Fleet Admiral said nothing, mustering all his willlpower on concealing the anger that has shaken him from the inside.

- But seriously – Kong's eyes bore through him – I sincerely hope your decision doesn't have anything to do with your relationship. You're not a child to be simply afraid of people talking that Sakazuki has slept his way up, right?

'...So that's your final try. Nice one, Commander. It almost really made me change my decision.' thought with silent fury former Fleet Admiral, his knuckles clenched bone white.

- No, I'm not a child and I don't recall ever letting my private feelings affect my decisions- he answered in a very quiet icy tone. 'Or else Garp would not be mourning anyone now.'- And I'm afraid today it's all I have come to you with, my Commander.

You could slice water in half with the sharp silence that has followed*. Even the sound of the air supplied artificially into the grand tank was not audible through the thick glass. Much less of another sea den den mushi falling down towards the aquamarine pebbles. Sengoku was now observing its slow journey as if it was the most fascinating show he could have ever witness. Or at least much more fascinating than the conversation with his Commander which he hoped he have pointedly enough signalled to be finished, no matter how inappropriate his behaviour may have seemed. He's got enough.

Kong sighed.

- Don't get me wrong, Sengoku. - he started once again in a placatory tone. - I have most high opinion about your deeds and decisions and have always considered you one of the best Gensui our army has ever had. All I hope is that your successor won't ruin what you have achieved through such dedication.

- You shouldn't keep pygmy vivernas in the same bank as the killer seahorse, it's gonna attack them when they grow up - replied calmly Hotoke.

- ...fine – Kong sighed again – I'm sure you've rethought everything and made the decision you've considered best. ...I simply hoped for Sakazuki to be the one I'd have to cooperate with later on. - he added openly - That's really something you, for one, should understand best. And this time without any tactless puns here – he smiled apologetically.

Sengoku sighed inaudibly. However angry he was, he couldn't honestly deny the fact that through all those years Kong had been a good Commander. Always carefully considering every decision, always focused on common people's well-being, never searching for his own glory nor pleasures and in these times, when conflicts tended to be most often solved by killing the oponent rather than talking to him, his manipulatory side should rather be seen as blessing than be cursed upon. Not that he would refrain from ruthless bloodshed, even of innocent citizens, when he could not see other solution or when there was a 'common good' at stake. But Sengoku grimly knew he certainly wasn't without guilt in that aspect either. Anyway, although their cooperation through all this years was not free of hidden conflicts of opinion that from time to time resulted in Sengoku's bitter disappointment or aversion, on the whole he respected Kong greatly for his dedication to justice and order they both believed so much in. Even if quite offended right now, Hotoke did not want, if possible, their last official meeting to end in a bitter atmosphere. He smiled again.

- Believe me, my Commander, Aokiji will not be worse Gensui than me. I am sure he will not disappoint you. I would not recommend anything not being sure it is the best of possible choices... ...thank you for all these years. Service in your army was... and is always honor for me.

Kong smiled back in a tired but sincere way for the first time during that conversation.

- No, like I've said, you were one of the best Admirals and soldiers there had ever been. It is me who was glad for the possibility to work with you.

- I am happy I could serve for a noble cause. - Sengoku drew up and saluted, the mask of serene peace once again on his face.

- Yes, yes, soldier as always – nodded Kong pensively – Well then, see you somewhere under the golden sun, my dear Sengoku, take your time.

- Yes, Commander, once more thank you very much.

*If Zoro can slice water then apparently you can slice water :D