"My recommendation is Aokiji."
The failure of the Paramount War.
No, it would be more accurate to call it a crushing defeat, having already earned Sengoku severe criticism from Mariejois.
Combined with the orders from the Five Elders, he was no longer qualified to remain Fleet Admiral.
If not for the war between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Beasts Pirates, this discussion would have taken place long ago.
Although Sengoku still held the title of Fleet Admiral, he was essentially nothing more than an acting commander now.
"Aokiji won't do it."
Almost immediately, Sengoku's proposal was rejected by the opposing faction.
The Great World Military Draft was a necessity.
If the Marines wanted to enter the New World and completely crush the major pirate powers, their current strength was insufficient.
That was why the various factions within the Marines had temporarily united.
But when it came to selecting the next Fleet Admiral...
The Marines were nowhere near as united.
"Aokiji is too lazy by nature."
"And you know perfectly well what the Marines are preparing to do next."
"Do you really think a leader like him can accomplish the task of purging the New World?"
The argument was reasonable and well-supported.
It clearly conveyed their stance.
"I nominate Akainu."
"Akainu's style is decisive and forceful."
"Considering the Marines' next major objective, he's the most suitable candidate."
Akainu's methods were swift and ruthless.
He would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
With the Marines preparing for a massive campaign against the Four Emperors and the pirate forces of the New World, he truly was one of the most suitable choices.
"Impossible."
"Akainu can't do it."
Before long, objections arose.
"His style may be appropriate, but he was defeated head-on multiple times during the Paramount War."
"His reputation has already suffered greatly."
"If he becomes Fleet Admiral, the Marines will become the laughingstock of the world."
The moment those words were spoken, many people nodded in agreement.
If this discussion had taken place before the Paramount War, Akainu would likely have received overwhelming support.
After all, he was wholeheartedly devoted to the Marines and perfectly matched their current plans.
But during the war, Akainu had not produced a single truly impressive achievement.
Instead, he had suffered several humiliating defeats.
If he were promoted to Fleet Admiral now, criticism and mockery would be unavoidable.
In that case, forget defeating the Four Emperors.
The Marines might end up tearing themselves apart from within first.
"Then..."
At that moment, someone spoke up.
"Why not let Kizaru take the position?"
The neutral faction finally spoke up.
Aokiji was too laid-back.
Akainu had lost too much face and lacked the prestige to unite everyone.
That left only one remaining candidate among the three Admirals.
Kizaru.
"Hold on."
Before anyone could begin discussing the possibility, Kizaru immediately raised both hands in surrender.
"I withdraw from the Fleet Admiral selection."
For Kizaru, he had never been interested in participating in struggles for power.
"You really think someone like me is suited to be Fleet Admiral?"
The moment Kizaru spoke, the room fell silent.
Everyone knew exactly what kind of person he was.
As long as his own interests weren't affected, he generally didn't care what happened.
He rarely offended anyone and preferred to go with the flow.
In short, he was the ultimate peacemaker.
Putting someone like that in charge of the Marines...
Especially at a critical moment when the organization was preparing for a campaign against the New World...
Simply wouldn't work.
"Since Kizaru has voluntarily withdrawn, then the choice remains between Akainu and Aokiji."
At that moment, Tsuru finally spoke.
As one of the Marine's veteran powerhouses, her status and influence were extremely high.
Besides, everyone agreed that Kizaru wasn't suitable for the position.
The discussion quickly returned to the original two candidates.
"I still support Aokiji."
Before long, another voice expressed support.
Akainu might be more suitable in terms of personality.
But his performance during the Paramount War had simply been too embarrassing.
By comparison, Aokiji hadn't accomplished much either.
However, he had stopped Whitebeard's tsunami.
Among top-tier fighters, that achievement might not seem especially impressive.
But to ordinary people and regular Marines, it was practically a miracle.
It gave them a tremendous sense of security.
In terms of military prestige, Aokiji clearly held the advantage over Akainu.
"No."
The proposal was quickly rejected.
"I'll say it again."
"Aokiji is too lazy."
"If the Marines intended to maintain the current status quo, I'd gladly vote for him."
"But that's not what we're doing."
"The Marines are preparing to conquer the New World."
"Someone with his personality isn't suitable."
"Akainu is the better choice!"
"Aokiji better represents the Marines!"
"Akainu!"
"Aokiji!"
The argument grew increasingly heated.
Supporters from both sides refused to back down.
For a time, the Marine temporary headquarters descended into chaos.
The men standing at the pinnacle of world power argued as fiercely as market vendors.
Of course, both sides had their own reasoning.
Everyone believed they were right.
No one could convince the other.
Excluding the neutral and abstaining votes, Marine Headquarters had effectively split into two factions.
One supported Aokiji.
The other supported Akainu.
Overall, Aokiji held roughly sixty percent of the support, while Akainu had only forty percent.
"Enough."
Seeing the results, Sengoku finally let out a sigh of relief.
It was true that Akainu was better suited for the Marines' current strategy toward the New World.
However, the Marines would not remain in this phase forever.
"Since the majority supports Aokiji as the next Fleet Admiral, then the position will be entrusted to—"
"Wait."
Just as Sengoku was about to announce Aokiji's appointment, Akainu stood up.
"If both Aokiji and I are considered qualified candidates..."
"Then let's settle it through strength."
The room instantly fell silent.
A duel between Admirals?
Everyone knew Akainu was aggressive.
But no one had expected him to be this aggressive.
For a moment, nobody knew what to say.
"Akainu!"
Sengoku frowned deeply.
There was obvious displeasure in his voice.
"I know you're dissatisfied."
"But this is the decision of the majority."
"Your duty is to obey orders."
"If you were still Fleet Admiral, I naturally would."
Akainu remained as unyielding as ever.
His cold gaze met Sengoku's.
"But you're not a Fleet Admiral anymore."
Sengoku's expression darkened.
"Until the next Fleet Admiral officially assumes office, I am still the Fleet Admiral!"
"Only an acting one."
Akainu's tone remained indifferent.
"You no longer possess the full authority of the Fleet Admiral."
"Otherwise, why would you have brought the matter up for discussion in the first place?"
After saying that, Akainu ignored Sengoku entirely.
His gaze shifted toward Aokiji.
"Aokiji."
"You have two choices."
"Either withdraw."
"Or fight me."
"Those are the only options I'll give you."
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