The Meeting Hall was strangely silent that day, which was strange considering the presence of Grand Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp, known for never closing his mouth in each other's presence. There was a strange atmosphere of tension in the air between the two; Garp stood in front of the office desk, an expression of pure shock on his face and fists clenched at his sides, while Sengoku watched in silence.
The Grand Admiral was aware that he had just given his longtime friend the most shocking news of his life.
- How...? -, after what had seemed like an hour, Garp's voice rang again within the walls of the room, - How can you be sure...? -.
The Grand Admiral sighed, giving the other a clear look of understanding. - I know it sounds impossible, but tests don't lie, Garp -.
- Damn you and your stupid tests, Sengoku! - the Vice Admiral snapped, advancing and slamming his fist on the desk, cracking the wood, - 10, 10 very long years have passed... and now you are telling me that I mourned his death for nothing?! -.
Sengoku didn't react to that outburst, after all he expected it; he just kept his expression calm as he rose from behind his desk to reach the man and place a hand on his shoulder, his faithful pet goat at his side bleating softly and nuzzling close to Garp's pants, as if offer him comfort. - I can only imagine the pain and upheaval you are feeling my friend -, the grip on his shoulders tightened, to give him support, - But as you will be able to see today, what I have just revealed to you is true. The only thing I ask is that you keep your emotions at bay, whatever they are, unless you want to make a fool of yourself. You think you can do it? -.
The two men looked into each other's eyes for a few moments, in silence, each weighing the other's words; finally it was Garp who had to look away as a weary sigh escaped his mouth and his shoulders relaxed. - I think so -.
- Very well -, Sengoku gave him a last encouraging pat on the shoulder, before communicating through his Slugphone to let the rest of the meeting participants enter. After a few seconds, the 7 Warlords of the Sea entered, taking their seats around the huge table in the center of the room, facing the desk; none of them seemed to want to comment that this was chipped, but maybe that was just because none of them really cared. The only reason they had reunited after years that the Order of the Warlords had formed, was because Sengoku had decided to appoint them a supervisor, given the suspicion on some illegal acts against the Government.
The only interest of the 7 was therefore to understand who this spy was and to find the fastest way to make them disappear.
Sengoku welcomed them seriously, thanking them for having presented themselves to the roll call:
- I'll be clear with you gentlemen... and madam -, he added, glancing at Boa Hancock, whose proud frown had darkened for a second, - As you well know the Navy has been noticing quite a few "movements" lately... unusual, in the territories of your competence -, despite his much higher position of power than the Warlords, Sengoku always preferred to choose his words carefully, to avoid any conflicts and possible consequent post-meeting headaches. - For this reason, in agreement with the High Spheres, the Government has decided to appoint you a supervisor, so that we can be sure we can trust you -.
Although his words had been spoken calmly and carefully, everyone in the Hall now had different and conflicting feelings.
There were those like Kuma, Mihawk and Jinbei who seemed totally indifferent to it; others like Crocodile, Doflamingo and Moria who were already thinking about how to eliminate the intruder without leaving a trace; and then there was...
- I categorically refuse! -.
...Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress.
Sengoku put a hand to his temple, already feeling the headache coming. - It is not a decision you can escape from, Empress -.
But the lady pirate wasn't used to taking "no" for an answer.
- I will never accept that a man has free access to my island! -, the woman stood up, pointing an accusing finger at the Grand Admiral, - It's already enough that I put up with your ships trying from time to time to hinder my travels, I won't tolerate your abuses any longer -.
- Our abuses? -, Sengoku arched an eyebrow as his gaze hardened, - And how should we in the Navy consider the fact that every time you cross one of our ships with yours, almost half of the crew turns to stone? -.
The woman's blue eyes narrowed menacingly and with superiority: - It is not fault of mine if your men can't resist my beauty. You should be thanking me that I let them get back to normal -.
Before Sengoku could answer her, it was Garp who spoke vehemently and nervously: - Stop acting like a child Hancock! Let's get to know this new supervisor and get this over with! -.
The Grand Admiral glanced at him halfway between concern and reproach; he had asked him to keep calm, if he already reacted in this way to the simple wait, how could he think of resisting the sight of who would be in front of him?
Just when the conflict broke out between the lady pirate and the Vice-Admiral, fortunately there was a knock on the door of the Meeting Room, and a soldier Marine hurried in, approaching the Grand Admiral to bring him an urgent message.
It was at that exact moment that the looming headache hitted him with the same power of his voice as he exclaimed: - What do you mean that he is not here? -.