#344 - Chapter 344: Kuzan Returns to Headquarters

The flames of war between the G5 branch and the pirates finally died down completely, and the smoke of battle dissipated from the battlefield.

All that remained was a scene of devastation and the weary figures of the soldiers.

Kuzan took a deep breath, his eyes calm, but the turmoil in his heart had not completely subsided.

This battle was not only a test for the G5 branch, but also a tempering of the will of every soldier who participated.

Now that the battle was settled, he, as the representative of the G5 branch, shouldered the heavy responsibility of reporting the battle situation and requesting merit.

Kuzan stood on the deck of the warship, his eyes cast on the gradually receding G5 branch.

Behind him were the warriors who did not hesitate to sacrifice themselves to protect justice.

Their faces were tired, but filled with the pride and solemnity of the aftermath of the battle.

Kuzan's heart was equally heavy, he knew that this victory was bought with countless blood and lives, and the sacrifices of every soldier should not be forgotten.

However, when he arrived at the Marine Headquarters, he was greeted by a nearly empty base.

The huge headquarters now seemed unusually quiet.

Most of the elite forces of the Marine Headquarters had been transferred to Mary Geoise to carry out secret missions for the World Government, leaving only a few people behind at the headquarters.

Kuzan walked down the corridors of the headquarters, his footsteps light, but his heart could not help but feel complicated.

This silence made him feel a sense of unease, and also made him realize that at this moment, the focus of the entire navy had shifted to another, more secret battle.

The battle situation of the G5 branch might not attract enough attention.

However, he could not allow the achievements of those soldiers who fought bloody battles to be buried.

Finally, he walked to Sengoku's office door, took a deep breath, and knocked.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku was reviewing a document when he looked up and saw Kuzan, a relieved smile on his face, and motioned for him to come in.

Sengoku's expression was still calm, but Kuzan could feel that, as the Fleet Admiral, Sengoku also had deep concerns about the deep-seated changes behind this war.

"Kuzan, thank you for coming," Sengoku put down the document in his hand and looked up at Kuzan, his eyes filled with comfort and contemplation. "In this battle, your G5 branch performed very well, especially in the situation where the enemy's strength was far superior, you were still able to hold your ground and defeat the alliance of Kaido and Charlotte Linlin."

Kuzan nodded, calmly reporting the specific details of the battle, every detail, every soldier's heroic performance, he described in detail and clearly.

He knew that this report was not only for the G5 branch, but also for those who fought for justice, and even for the honor of the entire navy.

Sengoku listened carefully to Kuzan's report, his brow furrowing and relaxing from time to time.

He knew that although the G5 branch had achieved victory, the hidden crisis behind it could not be ignored.

Now, the navy's strength has been dispersed, various forces are secretly stirring, and the challenges they face will only be more severe.

After the report, Sengoku pondered for a moment, then solemnly said:

"Kuzan, I will report your achievements to the World Government as they are, and as for the rewards and resources distributed by the World Government next, I will do my best to fight for them so that your G5 branch will get the rewards it deserves."

Kuzan nodded, but understood in his heart that there was only so much Sengoku could do.

In this era full of turmoil, even the supreme commander of the Marine Headquarters has many situations that he cannot control.

But in any case, the soldiers of the G5 branch should get the glory they deserve.

"And these are the rewards and compensations for the G5 that the headquarters formulated in the previous meeting."

Kuzan sat at his desk, the documents in his hand appearing particularly formal and heavy in the dim light.

He looked down at the words on the document, meticulously examining each approval and resolution.

As he flipped through the pages, a faint smile gradually appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he shook his head, a hint of playfulness in his eyes.

In the document, the G5 branch received almost the highest level of reward from the Marine Headquarters due to its outstanding performance in the war.

Sengoku had obviously given the G5 branch the highest affirmation and material support within his power.

Seeing this, Kuzan was not too surprised, after all, Sengoku had always been a Fleet Admiral with both kindness and righteousness, and he would not turn a blind eye to the G5 branch's contribution.

However, when Kuzan turned to the last few pages of the document, he couldn't help but chuckle.

The letter of appointment signed by Sengoku was clearly visible, and the content on the paper made him feel a little surprised, but he couldn't help but imagine the interesting scenes that might happen next.

The document showed that Hancock had submitted an application to the Marine Headquarters to join the Shichibukai this time.

As a female pirate with great charm and strength, her request was not excessive.

After all, the position of Shichibukai has always been a symbol of the strong, and the navy is happy to win over strong people like her.

However, Sengoku's response was unexpected - not only did he not agree to her joining the Shichibukai, but he also issued her a letter of appointment as a Marine Lieutenant.

Reading this, Kuzan seemed to see Hancock's expression when she received the letter of appointment.

Her arrogant and confident face might show a hint of surprise, or even anger, because of this sudden change.

Her original intention was to use this opportunity to gain more freedom and privileges, but she did not expect to be incorporated into the navy in this way.

He gently put down the document in his hand, and while Hancock's unwilling but unable to refuse expression appeared in his mind, he pondered the meaning of it.

Sengoku obviously knew Hancock's unruly nature, and he might think that giving her such an "unexpected surprise" was both a test for her and a potential deterrent.

After all, joining the navy means more constraints and responsibilities, not the freedom she expected.

"I wonder what her expression will be when this appointment is handed to Hancock."

Kuzan said to himself, his voice with a hint of teasing and speculation.

He could imagine Hancock's struggling expression, maybe she would tear up the letter of appointment in anger, or maybe she would accept it temporarily and wait for a better opportunity to resist.

No matter what reaction she made, this situation had a different kind of fun for Kuzan.

Thinking of this, Kuzan's smile grew stronger.

He understood that the relationship between the Marine Headquarters and the pirates was always full of subtle tension, and this letter of appointment was a small manifestation of this tension.

In the days to come, the interaction between Hancock and the navy may be more complex and interesting, and all of this will become part of the countless wonderful stories on this sea.

He gently closed the document, placed it on the side of the table, then stood up and walked to the window.

The sea breeze gently blew, bringing a hint of coolness, he stared at the distant sea, but his heart felt a trace of joy because of this small episode.

Although the navy's duties forced him to face countless difficult choices, under these serious duties, there were sometimes unexpected pleasures, and these pleasures were one of the motivations for him to continue moving forward on this turbulent ocean.

After saying goodbye to Sengoku, Kuzan walked out of the office and stood in the empty Marine Headquarters, his eyes cast far into the direction of the sea.

Countless thoughts surged in his heart, both worries about the future and deep thoughts about the current situation.

But he knew that no matter what the future held, he and his comrades would continue to fight to protect justice.

...