Gagao Island, shoreline.
Sakazuki sat on a massive boulder. The noise from deep within the island carried all the way to where he was.
At his feet lay two limp figures, Ivankov and Inazuma, collapsed like mud. He had held back enough not to kill them, but under the overwhelming impact their bones were shattered and they had passed out cold.
Bang.
His index finger turned into magma, flames flickering at the tip. He brought it to his mouth, lighting a cigar and drawing in a breath.
"Hu…"
Smoke coiled around him as he gazed quietly at the sea. Behind him, his cloak of justice fluttered in the wind.
* * *
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office. Though it was already late into the night, the room was still brightly lit.
Sitting at the Fleet Admiral's desk, Sengoku said, "Fleet Admiral Kong, what exactly does the higher-ups mean by this? Are they not going to take action? Based on the information we already have, the Revolutionary Army is no small force anymore. The government's intel alone points to dozens of islands, many belonging to allied nations."
Click.
A crisp sound echoed as Kong set down his teacup and newspaper. "For now, we don't need to interfere. It mainly depends on how the government defines them. I've more or less understood their purpose. They simply want to use the Revolutionary Army as a way to reshuffle the allied nations.
"Ever since the Tahama Kingdom was overrun by pirates and its king forced to abdicate, the Five Elders have been furious. If not for CP9's agents killing off every soldier and pirate involved, there might already be another pirate country in this world.
"An allied nation of the World Government represents one of the strongest countries on earth. But if such a nation can be toppled by an unknown band of pirates, doesn't that show the World Government isn't as mighty as it claims? At that point, how many pirates could resist the temptation of seizing a throne?
"Rebels and pirates are not the same. Rebels are people of that nation who form an army out of discontent. If they overthrow their rulers, the world can more easily accept it. The government then has reason to expel them from the alliance without raising suspicion. But if pirates topple a kingdom, the consequences are unimaginable. Pirates are reckless by nature. In the past they only plundered, but if one sets a precedent of conquest, then in the future pirates will aim to overthrow kings and take thrones. The world would descend into madness. Countless lives would be lost, and the burden on the Marines would be crushing.
"So for now, we must maintain the seas step by step, keeping peace and stability. As for the Revolutionary Army, since the government is so confident, there's no need for you to worry too much."
Sengoku nodded slowly. "I see… I understand."
Kong smiled faintly. "Sakazuki has captured them already. Prepare yourself. Once he returns and everyone is gathered, we'll hold the admiral promotion ceremony. The Marines need fresh blood. Our era has passed."
Sengoku chuckled. "Yes. The new generation of the Marines has already grown. On the seas of the future, there will be only one absolute ruler, the Marines."
Behind them, the giant inscription of Justice hung proudly on the wall.
Kong picked up his teacup and took a sip. "Have you finalized the candidates for the three admirals?"
At the mention of it, Sengoku rubbed his temples, looking troubled. "The candidates are ready, but choosing the right ones is the problem."
Kong studied him. "Let's hear it."
He showed no intention of interfering with the choice of the three admirals. This was Sengoku's test to face.
With a quiet sigh, Sengoku spoke. "There are four candidates, but only two open positions left. Bullet, whose strength and merits are undeniable. Borsalino, with the same. Kuzan, whose power is enough but lacks influence, though his Devil Fruit is formidable. And Enel, also powerful, also lacking prestige, yet his ability is even more remarkable. Currently, the only confirmed one is Borsalino."
He let out a half-exasperated, half-amused laugh. "That sly fox. Taking advantage of that years-long mission to eliminate Fisher Tiger, he built ties with the government. His strength and reputation are solid, and he knows how to deal with everyone without making enemies. A neutral type. So one admiral's position is already settled."
Kong gave a nod. "A neutral, then. That leaves the last seat, which should go to Kuzan, correct?"
Sakazuki represents the hawks, Borsalino the neutral faction, so the third should be a dove.
Sengoku sighed again. "Yes, but compared to the other two, Kuzan still can't command enough respect. In terms of deeds and raw strength, he falls behind Bullet, who even slew the Dark King Rayleigh. As for background and fruit ability, he can't compare to Enel either. He grew up under our watch, has Sakazuki, Zephyr, and Morris behind him, and even saved my boy. His fruit is devastating. Lightning overcomes most abilities, and it naturally counters all that conducts electricity.
"But Bullet and Enel both stand firmly with Sakazuki. No matter which of them I promote, I risk becoming a Fleet Admiral with no real subordinates. The best choice is Kuzan, but his influence is weak, and I fear Sakazuki might take issue with it."
He hesitated, then asked quietly, "Perhaps you could…"
Kong smiled and shook his head. "You… you think too much. The Buddha Fruit gives you great power, but also makes you dwell on things more than others. Thinking deeply can be good, but when it comes to our own, there's no need to overthink. Reflect on Sakazuki's character, and you'll see there's no reason to struggle with this.
"Bullet and Enel may follow him, true. Bullet even turned down promotions when we were advancing vice admirals in batches, waiting until Sakazuki became an admiral before he accepted the post. And Enel, he's almost like your Rosinante, utterly devoted. Since they're so loyal to him, just speak with Sakazuki directly. Though I don't know what his past experiences are, he isn't one to fuss over titles or glory. Even now, with the Fleet Admiral seat about to change hands, he never once tried to fight for it.
"In thirty years of service, all he's done is kill pirates or march toward killing pirates. So the divisions you fear likely won't happen. Of course, nothing is absolute. The choice is yours. You're the one who will be the next Fleet Admiral. These are your burdens to bear."
* * *
Gagao Island, shoreline.
Sakazuki stared at the waves, his cigar burning down to ash.
Suddenly, a violent gust of wind swept across the coast, pulling him out of his thoughts.
"Hm?"
**
**
**
Thank you for reading! If you'd like access to extra chapters and want to support my work, you can visit my P@treon:
P@treon/SilverShark769
Vote with Power Stones for Bonus Chapters!
Your support means a lot, thank you!