"Of course~"
Before the Seven Warlords could react, Xayuki suddenly shifted his tone. "The relationship between the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Marines, and the World Government has always been murky, and I detest such unclear arrangements!"
"Therefore, I will now initiate a restructuring and reorganization of the Seven Warlords. For those willing to accept this transformation, I am prepared to overlook your past crimes. However, once you accept the restructuring, you must take on the responsibilities that come with the order of Justice, just like the Marines!"
"For those unwilling to accept the transformation, I regret to inform you that not only will you be immediately apprehended, but the Headquarters will also impose the death penalty based on your numerous past crimes. Since most of you are Devil Fruit users, eliminating you would be quite troublesome. Rest assured, until I figure out how to transfer your Devil Fruit abilities, you won't die—though your lives will be very painful."
As Xayuki's words fell, Donquixote Doflamingo immediately let out a low, sinister laugh. "Hmm hmm hmm~ You convened this meeting under the guise of negotiation, but in reality, you never intended for us to leave here alive, did you, Fleet Admiral Xayuki?"
"You can think of it that way," Xayuki replied with a smile and a nod. "Some of you may have been forced onto the path of piracy, while others may have refrained from slaughtering the innocent despite bearing the title of pirate. But none of that matters. I am the Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters, under the flag of the seagull that symbolizes justice and peace. Naturally, I refuse to associate with pirates. A pirate is a pirate, and pirates must be purged—eliminated!"
"So, I am now offering you a chance to turn over a new leaf!"
"Abandon the title of Warlord, accept reformation, and become a true Marine. Redeem yourselves for the crimes you've committed!"
At this point, Xayuki glanced at his watch. "You don't need to answer me right now. The execution is about to begin! I am not an unreasonable person. Just give me your decision before the execution ends."
"Of course, you could also choose to resist now—provided you're absolutely confident in your ability to defeat the four Admirals by my side and then fight your way out of the Headquarters surrounded by all the officers and soldiers!"
Hearing this, the usually composed Jinbe suddenly stood up, his tone sincere. "Fleet Admiral Xayuki, is there truly no room for negotiation? Must we choose between reformation and death?"
"Yes!" Xayuki slightly raised his head. "To be frank, some of the crimes committed by a few of you are heinous enough to warrant public execution and ten days of exposure under the scorching sun. Allowing you to undergo reformation is already the greatest mercy I can offer!"
"Jinbe! I've heard many stories about you. Over the years, after taking over as captain of the Sun Pirates from the first captain, you haven't committed senseless slaughter. You've even earned the recognition of many strong individuals and gained the title of 'Knight of the Sea' for your chivalrous deeds."
"And you seem to take great pride in the honor that comes with being called the 'Knight of the Sea.'"
"However, I don't think you're a true knight!"
"A true knight, a great knight, should don the emblem of justice, uphold the peace under the order of justice, and take the eradication of all evil as their mission. They should not fraternize with pirates, becoming lost in the praises of others."
After a brief pause, Xayuki continued, "I understand that you became a pirate either because of oppression in your homeland or due to the corruption of the World Government and the atrocities committed by certain privileged classes."
"In the face of such a world, you were powerless before. But now, you have a choice."
"Under my command, the Marines will no longer be controlled by the World Government. The Marines now have only three missions."
"Justice, justice, and more f***ing justice!"
"Even if the descendants of so-called gods, the Celestial Dragons, commit crimes, the Marines will apprehend them and hand them over to the Holy Knights for judgment. Those who deserve to die will be executed; those who deserve imprisonment will be imprisoned!"
"As long as I live, I will never allow justice to be trampled by anyone or any form of privilege!"
"True justice must stand above all!"
After delivering this speech, Xayuki shifted his gaze away from Jinbe and swept it across Kazha, Gecko Moria, Crocodile, and Donquixote Doflamingo. His previously gentle eyes suddenly turned sharp and domineering. "I dared to include the authority to arrest Celestial Dragons in The Marijoa Treaty, forcing the World Government to compromise. Isn't offering you scum the chance for reformation already an act of mercy?"
As Xayuki's words echoed, the entire Marineford Plaza fell silent once again. The sound of the Marine flag fluttering in the sea breeze was like the ticking of a countdown clock, hammering into the hearts of the Seven Warlords.
Standing on either side of Xayuki, the four Admirals—whether it was the ambiguous justice of Borsalino, the lazy justice of Kuzan, or even Sakazuki, who adhered to absolute justice—all had their eyes lit up at this moment.
Sakazuki, in particular, was inwardly exhilarated. Although he had long known that Xayuki's convening of the Seven Warlords meeting was undoubtedly a trap, he had underestimated Xayuki's determination and audacity. Xayuki had directly presented the Warlords with a choice between life and death.
Of course, Sakazuki didn't care about the Warlords' decisions.
What truly stirred his blood was Xayuki's declaration: "True justice must stand above all."
"Justice that tolerates no trampling, standing above all!"
In the silence, Sakazuki raised his head, his eyes blazing with fiery passion. With a fervent expression, he shouted inwardly, "This is true justice—absolute justice!"
As the atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive following Xayuki's speech, Boa Hancock, who had remained silent until now, suddenly raised her head. Her eyes sparkled with affection as she gazed at Xayuki, and she blurted out, "I'm willing."
Hancock's words weren't random. During Xayuki's speech, she had been lost in her own daydreams, imagining countless scenarios.
When she heard Xayuki say, "I dared to include the authority to arrest Celestial Dragons in The Marijoa Treaty, forcing the World Government to compromise," she was so overwhelmed with happiness that she nearly fainted on the spot.
With that statement alone, Hancock was ready to give up her title as a Warlord. If Xayuki so wished, she would marry him on the spot.
After all, to her, this wasn't a sudden decision. She had already imagined marrying Xayuki during her daydreams—and even giving birth to a healthy baby boy.
Hancock's sudden declaration slightly eased the oppressive atmosphere.
Feeling her burst of affection, Xayuki's forehead broke out in cold sweat, marked by several black lines.
He truly couldn't understand why Hancock was so infatuated with him.
After all, in the past two days, he had not only avoided doing anything to her but had even stayed in his office to avoid her entirely.
Sigh, this damned romantic fool!
Silently venting his frustration, Xayuki replied with a polite smile, "Understood. Please continue to remain silent."
"Alright," Hancock responded joyfully, nodding enthusiastically. She then leaned back in her chair, quietly resuming her daydreams.
At that moment, Ain, now dressed in a Vice Admiral's uniform and exuding a heroic aura, briskly approached the high stage. Standing at attention, she saluted Xayuki and reported, "Fleet Admiral—"
"The execution is set to begin in ten minutes. Shall we commence the live broadcast now?"
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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