The atmosphere in the conference room remained heavy and somber even after the World Government's envoy departed, a weighty feeling pressing down on everyone's heart as the meeting's outcome cast a heavy stone within them.
As the last person pushed open the door to leave, Jin An remained seated, his face gloomy, a surge of unspeakable resentment welling up within him.
He raised his head, his gaze fixed on the conference room's ceiling, taking a deep breath to calm the anger within him.
Escorting the Whitebeard Pirates' division commanders was undoubtedly a thankless and arduous task.
On this treacherous sea, every step required caution, especially when facing a behemoth like the Whitebeard Pirates.
Jin An was well aware that any oversight could plunge him and his subordinates into eternal damnation.
But what irked him even more was the blatant targeting by the Five Elders.
Ever since his promotion to admiral, the World Government's attitude towards him had grown increasingly indifferent, even laced with a hint of veiled hostility.
It seemed that in the eyes of those high-ranking power holders, he had transformed from a once highly anticipated Marine into an eyesore.
Jin An's fist clenched unconsciously, his knuckles turning white under the light.
He felt as if he were trapped in an invisible net, the surrounding pressure gradually increasing, leaving him with no freedom.
The Five Elders' order was not merely a simple task, but more like a test, even a warning.
Jin An understood that if he failed in this mission, he would face not only blame but also a complete purge.
Jin An's thoughts began to swirl, repeatedly contemplating the Five Elders' intentions.
Why were they so persistent in targeting him?
Was it because his strength made them feel threatened, or because his independent thinking on certain issues displeased them?
He couldn't help but feel a sense of self-mockery in his heart.
Ever since embarking on this path, he had understood that the rules of this world were always set by the strongest, and in their eyes, he was merely a pawn.
However, he was unwilling to become the kind of pawn that could be manipulated at will.
Even in this intricate power struggle, he hoped to retain a bit of his dignity and beliefs.
Thinking of this, Jin An took a deep breath and slowly unclenched his fist.
He stood up, pushed open the heavy conference room door, his steps steady but with a hint of imperceptible heaviness.
The corridor lights shone on him, casting a long shadow.
But no matter how difficult the road ahead, he would not easily bow his head.
Even in the face of pressure from the Five Elders, he would carve out his own path in this game of chess.
"They may want me to fail, but I won't let them have their way," Jin An vowed silently in his heart, his steps becoming firmer and more forceful.
Sengoku's pacing figure outside the door was reflected in the light, appearing particularly anxious and uneasy.
With each step, his brow furrowed even tighter, as if trying his best to think of a countermeasure, but the frustration in his heart could not be vented.
He suddenly stopped, his clenched fist trembling slightly, obviously angered by the World Government's arrangement.
Seeing Jin An walk out of the conference room, he immediately greeted him, a hint of urgency in his eyes.
"Jin An," Sengoku said bluntly, his voice tinged with anger, "I will communicate with the Five Elders. Assigning this matter to you is completely detrimental and has no benefits."
Jin An felt a warmth in his heart seeing Sengoku's appearance.
He knew that Sengoku was genuinely thinking of him, but he also understood that this matter could not be reversed.
He smiled faintly, his tone carrying a hint of resignation: "This is their arrangement for me, it's useless for you to go to them."
Upon hearing this, Sengoku slammed his fist against the wall, which responded with a muffled thud.
His fist trembled slightly from the excessive force, as if still echoing the anger of that punch.
"I still have to try! Their actions are too disheartening," Sengoku's voice was low and angry, as if suppressing the anger in his heart.
His words carried a sense of powerlessness and unwillingness, not because he wasn't strong enough, but because he knew that even as Fleet Admiral of the Marines, there were many things he couldn't control when facing a behemoth like the World Government.
Their actions were not only targeting Jin An but also warning all Marine admirals who were not favored by the Five Elders.
If they could arrange Jin An like this today, they might do the same to others tomorrow.
"Although we Marines are subordinate to the World Government, their actions are too overreaching!" Sengoku said through gritted teeth, his eyes filled with dissatisfaction and anger.
He knew that the World Government's control over the Marines was becoming increasingly strict, and this arrangement for Jin An was like an invisible shackle, forcing the Marines to submit to their will.
What worried him even more was that Jin An's safety would be threatened by this mission.
Seeing this, Jin An patted Sengoku on the shoulder, a comforting smile on his face: "Don't worry, I have a plan. It's just escorting two people, there won't be any big problems."
Jin An appeared relaxed on the surface, but deep down he knew that this mission was not simple.
The current Marines, although severely damaged in the Battle of Marineford and their strength weakened, it is precisely because of this that the Marines do not want to directly conflict with the Whitebeard Pirates.
Jin An understood that if not handled properly, this escort mission could trigger even greater turmoil.
He looked at Sengoku's worried eyes, and his heart became even firmer.
He knew that he had to complete this mission no matter what, not only for the honor of the Marines but also to prove to the World Government that he would not be easily defeated.
"I'll go prepare for the escort," Jin An said, his tone calm and firm.
Sengoku looked at Jin An's departing figure, his heart filled with mixed feelings.
He knew that Jin An was a responsible person, but precisely because of this, he was even more unwilling to see Jin An being pushed into danger.
Sengoku took a deep breath, his eyes becoming firmer: "No matter what, I won't let you face these things alone."
He gazed at Jin An's gradually receding figure, his heart full of trust, yet still unable to erase that trace of unease.
Jin An's abilities were beyond doubt, but this mission was full of variables and uncontrollable risks.
The Whitebeard Pirates' anger, the World Government's conspiracy, all of this intertwined like a giant net, seemingly preparing to trap Jin An.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through Sengoku's mind, his eyes narrowed, and he made a decision.
"If it doesn't work out, let Garp accompany Jin An on this trip," Sengoku muttered to himself, his voice low but firm.
He thought of Garp's carefree appearance and couldn't help but evoke a wry smile.
Garp's strength was beyond doubt. In the Marines, Garp was one of the few who could directly confront powerhouses of Whitebeard's level.
If Garp accompanied Jin An, it would not only add a layer of protection for Jin An but also provide Jin An with more assistance in this dangerous escort mission.
Sengoku's footsteps gradually stopped, his eyes carrying a hint of determination.
He turned and walked towards his office, preparing to contact Garp immediately.
No matter what, he had to ensure Jin An's safety.
Even though Jin An repeatedly showed his confidence and composure, Sengoku still couldn't erase the worry in his heart.
"Jin An, I believe in your abilities, but this mission must not be taken lightly," Sengoku said silently in his heart, as if warning Jin An, and also warning himself.
Sengoku knew that although Garp seemed unconcerned with trivial matters, he would definitely lend a hand without hesitation once it involved someone he cared about.
And most importantly, he didn't want to see Jin An fall into danger because of this complicated situation.
