"Come in," Sakazuki called, shuffling through some more paperwork. That's all he ever got as Fleet Admiral. Meetings and paperwork. It was completely monotonous compared to the escapades he'd been on as an admiral. He was almost tempted to call up Kuzan and offer him the position, but he had no clue where the Ice Man was, and had a feeling the lazy former-admiral would not be so keen on paperwork either. Issho entered the room, tapping his cane before taking each step.

"Have a seat," Sakazuki said, setting aside the papers. He'd do them later… More likely though, he'd get someone else to do them for him.

"What do you need, Saka-san?" Issho asked, leaning his cane on the arm of his chair.

"Don't call me that, Issho. Have a seat."

The newly promoted admiral held up his hands in mock humility and obeyed.

"You're not happy about my promotion, I'm assuming," Sakazuki started, crossing his arms.

"No, I'm not," Issho replied honestly. "I don't agree with your methods and you know that. "

"Those same methods haven't been put to use in months," Sakazuki muttered, holding up his hand and letting it steam bright red. It wasn't long before a pool of lava had formed in his palm. He contemplated letting a drop or two fall onto his paperwork, but decided against it. It would be much more trouble to explain to the Gorosei how 40 contracts with kings all over the world had been broiled and burnt into ashes.

"You seem unhappy, old friend," said Issho. Sakazuki barked a laugh.

"Already using Haki are we?"

"It doesn't take Haki to hear the angry bubbling of magma."

"Perceptive one, aren't you?"

"More perceptive than most who have all 5 senses, yes," Issho quipped, smiling vacantly.

"I've called you here to discuss the Shichibukai."

Issho raised an eyebrow.

"Before you get your hopes up, no, the system is not being abolished," Sakazuki stated, frowning.

"I don't understand how you can be so blind to the situation," Issho sighed.

"Very funny Admiral Fujitora. Would you mind telling me exactly what do you mean by that?"

"That Monkey D. Luffy boy has made a mess out of how many Shichibukai now?"

Akainu's lips curled into a grimace.

"Crocodile was the first," he admit begrudgingly, "Moriah came next, and that cursed Jimbei took his side in the war. We even suspect Hancock had something to do with his being in Impel Down, but the Empress refuses to speak…"

"So even you will admit it."

"You forget the benefits of the Shichibukai," Sakazuki said, leaning back into his chair.

"An example please?" Issho asked, clasping his hands and placing them in his lap.

"Doflamingo is-" Issho scoffed, interupting him.

"Our intelligence reports him as an underground businessman, who fools around with the likes of Kaido. That can't mean anything good."

"I don't care what he does with the Yonko," Sakazuki snapped, "The man is running a succesful and happy country."

"Hardly…" Issho muttered.

"What objections do you have to Dressrosa?"

"Too many to count, Saka-san. The toys, the executives, the fact that the Navy has placed the resources of an entire country at the disposal of a pirate who is allegedly a smuggler supporting a Yonko who is hell-bent on starting a war."

"Minor details," Sakazuki said, entwining his fingers and resting his head on his hands.

"You're naïve Saka-san. Everything is right in front of you and yet you refuse to take action"

"There are no actions to take, Issho."

"You know there are."

"You know what? I do. I have a mission for you."

"Goody."

"Don't use sarcasm with me old man."

"Why excuse me, mister 10 years younger."

"Let me find the folder."

"Oh do take your time. I'm in no rush."

Sakazuki ignored him and searched his desk for the file. At last, his eyes fell upon the dossier marked in red.

"Here," he said, passing the folder to Issho. Issho blinked before waving his hand in front of his eyes rapidly.

"Blind. B-L-I-N-D. Blind."

"My apologies," Sakazuki bit his tongue. "You don't have to sass me, Admiral Fujitora. You're acting like a child."

"Says he who is not considerate to his elders."

"So you admit you're an old man," Sakazuki grinned.

"Read me the goddamn file aready," Issho grumbled. Sakazuki chuckled before cracking open the folder.

"Operation: Stake Out. Doflamingo has informed me that the Mera Mera no Mi has been brought back into this world. He intends to hold a competition for it in his Colosseum. He predicts the attendance of several world-renowned pirates, including the legendary Don Chinjao, Hyena Bellamy, rising star Cavendish, and many more. The competitors are protected from the Navy once they enter the Colosseum, however they are vulnerable as soon as they exit. Your mission is to capture these pirates and criminals as they exit the building."

Issho grimaced.

"You're sending an 'old man' like me on a field mission? This sounds like a job for a vice admiral."

"Well, considering you've taken so much interest in your little Dressrosa conspiracy, I thought it would be fitting."

"You're punishing me, aren't you?"

"Of course not! I just believe you best for the job."

"Don't even try to lie to me, Saka-san."

"My apologies."

"Ah-ah-ah! You're not sorry at all you little punk."

"No, Admiral Fujitora, I'm not."

A.N.: Sorry everyone, this is being posted late because I'm abroad, jet lagged, and tired (haha).

Sakazuki…He is a little evil isn't he? I tried writing him as a child, but it didn't quite… Come out right? In any case, Issho turned out to be a humorous foil to his solidarity, so I wrote a little scene using that fact. Hope you enjoyed! Reviews, Favourites, Subscriptions, Reader Birthdays, and Requests are welcomed and much appreciated. I'll see you on the 18th for Wiper!

P.S. Issho's age has not been disclosed yet, but his character design is based on the actor Shintaro Katsu, who was around 65 when he died. Akainu is 55 years old, so I decided that it would be ok to make a few educated guesses to provide some banter between them ^_^