One Piece: sign-in to Ryujin Jakka

At this moment, everyone had left the harbor of Marineford and gathered inside Sengoku's office.

Inside the office, Roman recounted what happened—but not without twisting a few details here and there.

"So you're saying... after destroying the island, you sent Weevil flying into the sea, used Moonwalk to find a nearby island, and just happened to run into Akainu, then made your way back here?"

Sengoku raised a brow, eyeing him skeptically.

Roman nodded calmly.

As he responded, he pulled Kalifa closer into his embrace.

Hina, standing to the side, looked at Kalifa with undisguised envy.

Even though the two girls had grown quite close during the recent days, becoming like sisters, when it came to Roman, they were still rivals.

And now, seeing Kalifa nestling in Roman's arms so naturally, Hina couldn't help but feel jealous.

Sengoku lowered his head, falling into deep thought.

He suddenly recalled something mentioned in a report from one of Akainu's subordinate captains—one of the mysterious enemies had a build like a small mountain and terrifying regenerative abilities.

He looked up seriously and relayed this intel to Roman.

Even though this whole mission had been orchestrated by Roman himself, he acted as if he were hearing it for the first time.

Gradually, his expression turned grave.

The air in the office grew tense.

After taking a moment to think, mostly about what to eat later, Roman finally replied with a solemn tone:

"I don't think that mysterious figure was Edward Weevil. The timing doesn't make sense. Even if it were the warship belonging to an Admiral traveling at full speed, it couldn't have made it in time. The timelines just don't match up."

"Also…" He paused, eyes narrowing.

"Those two attackers were clearly organized. And moreover, to respond that quickly... there's no doubt some intel was leaked."

Sengoku blinked. He didn't quite follow.

Why was Roman making that leap to such a conclusion?

For the first time, Sengoku felt like his own intellect couldn't keep up.

Seeing the confusion on his face, Roman explained further.

"Think about it, Fleet Admiral. Even if Akainu had attacked without hesitation, how could they arrive that fast? It was like they were already waiting just off the island's coast."

"That means someone tipped them off."

Sengoku's eyes narrowed. He fell silent again.

"…You're saying there's a spy within the Marines."

The more Sengoku thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

Back during the Vermillion Island incident, he'd learned from his adopted son Corazon about a spy within the Marines—Vergo. He'd immediately had him locked away in Impel Down.

And now, there might be another mole—possibly someone even higher ranked.

Thinking about such a powerful organization lurking in the shadows, Sengoku's heart grew heavy.

"The sea... might be heading into chaos once again," he muttered.

"Roman, we're lucky to have you in the Marines. Without you... we might not have the strength to hold on."

"I'm just doing my duty." Roman's voice was calm and humble.

"All right, then. I'll handle the investigation on the spy. You go rest for now. I have a feeling we're going to be very busy soon."

Sengoku waved him off.

Roman nodded and turned to leave.

But as he turned his back, the corner of his lips curled upward ever so slightly.

A faint smirk—so subtle no one could catch it.

Stepping outside into the sunlit grounds of Marineford, Roman looked up at the endless sky.

His mood couldn't be better.

His position was now more unshakable than ever.

No one would suspect that the esteemed Admiral White Dove… was also the mysterious force wreaking havoc behind the scenes.

"You look really happy," Kalifa commented as she linked arms with him.

Roman smiled and pulled her into his embrace.

"Of course. I get to see you, don't I?"

Kalifa's heart skipped a beat. She was delighted but quickly grew serious.

"I've joined CP9."

"Hm?" Roman raised an eyebrow.

"I want to sharpen my strength. One day... I want to be the one protecting you."

Roman looked at her quietly, then smiled faintly without saying anything.

He supported her dream—no questions asked.

The two strolled slowly back to his room.

That night passed in peaceful silence.

The Next Morning

Kalifa left the room early.

At their level of strength, a little... physical exertion wasn't much. They'd recover almost instantly.

Just as Roman was about to go back to sleep, his Den Den Mushi rang.

"Fleet Admiral? What's the matter?"

"White Dove, come to my office."

"Understood."

On his second day back at Marineford, Roman once again stepped into Sengoku's office.

As soon as he entered, Sengoku didn't waste time:

"White Dove, I should've let you rest a bit longer. But things in the New World have turned chaotic. The Four Emperors are beginning to take shape. Big Mom has already announced that she'll be hosting her first Tea Party soon."

"So, to counter their momentum, we've officially activated the Seven Warlords program. I want you to head to Fishman Island and invite Knight of the Sea Jinbe."

[Ding! Sign-in Mission Activated: Fishman Island. Reward: Observation Haki – Peak Level! Time Limit: 3 Days]

Roman nodded, smiling.

"Understood, Fleet Admiral. I'll complete the mission."

Watching him leave so decisively, Sengoku's opinion of Roman rose yet again.

He couldn't help but sigh to himself:

"Aokiji, if you don't start stepping up, the title of Fleet Admiral might just fall into Roman's hands."

As Roman stepped out of the office, he ran into Zephyr and Ain.

"Instructor Zephyr, how's your recovery?"

Zephyr instinctively rubbed his right arm—the one now replaced by machinery.

"If it weren't for you, I'd probably be dead at the hands of Edward Weevil."

He looked up again.

"You're off to recruit the Warlords?"

"Yeah, Sengoku just gave the order."

"Hmph. The Marines' really gotten soft—resorting to working with pirates now…"

Zephyr sighed.

"Well, it's not like my words carry weight anymore. I'm basically retired at this point."

"You're retiring?" Roman blinked. "What about your students?"

"I've already made arrangements for the rest of them. Only Ain insisted on following you. That's why I brought her along…"