Bab 352: 351 New Combat Force - Governor
Aokiji was also a little surprised when he heard the words, because the person who had just released the power of darkness, Benjamin, seemed to be someone Whitebeard trusted, but he was actually a Marine.
To be precise, he used to be a Marine. Aokiji was indeed surprised, but it wasn't uncommon for former Marines to join pirate crews.
After all, not every Marine was deeply loyal to Marine Justice.
An admiral-level Marine might have stronger convictions, but an ordinary Marine might not have a clear sense of justice.
In this chaotic world filled with pirates, some join the Marines not out of hatred for pirates but simply to make a living.
Civilians are often caught between the threats of pirates and the regulations of the Marines.
So, the role of an average Marine doesn't necessarily imply a stance on the matter.
It's surprising for Aokiji to see ordinary Marines joining the ship of one of the Four Emperors, especially given Akainu's current high-pressure policies.
Moreover, after joining the Whitebeard Pirates, Benjamin could immediately earn Whitebeard's trust and receive the Dark Fruit as a reward. This surprised Aokiji.
"Why do you want to join the Whitebeard Pirate?"
Aokiji looked at Benjamin seriously and asked.
Aokiji, who was also a Marine, wanted to understand Benjamin's perspective, but Benjamin was slightly shocked.
He didn't expect Kuzan to ask such a profound question at that moment.
This question really cannot be answered in one sentence or two sentences, so Benjamin thought for a while before answering: "Because Pops showed me a different piece of the world."
Aokiji's heart was immediately shocked by Benjamin's words, as they resonated with his own thoughts.
He had always viewed the world from the perspective of the Marines and the military.
Aokiji realized that justice wasn't only defined by the Marines.
This understanding come upon him during his decisive battle with Akainu. Therefore, he also wanted to explore the world from a different perspective.
This is also why Aokiji chose to roam the world after his battle with Akainu. He felt that after getting rid of his Marine identity would allow him to see the world as an ordinary person, free from the constraints of his former allegiance.
The only difference is that Benjamin directly joined the Whitebeard Pirates, transitioning from the Marines to the opposite side. This changed is more direct than Aokiji's.
"A different world?"
Aokiji muttered to himself, wondering what that meant.
Whitebeard wasn't in a rush regarding Aokiji. He said to him, "Aokiji, now that you've left the Marines, we're not complete enemies. And since you've become my prisoner, it's better to stay at ease."
"On the ship, I happen to be getting ready to sail freely, so you can enjoy the scenery along the way"
Whitebeard plans to give Aokiji some time. There are things he needs to figure out on his own. Once he's clear on his beliefs, everything will fall into place naturally.
"Great, thank you Pops."
Benjamin thanked Whitebeard immediately.
But Whitebeard immediately said: "Don't thank me, I know you admire Aokiji very much, but even if you don't say it, I won't hurt him."
.......
In the following time, Aokiji has been living with the Whitebeard Pirates, and Aokiji also learned a little about the life of the Pirates.
On Whitebeard's ship, everyone is laid-back. They eat, drink, and enjoy their freedom, unlike other pirates.
Pirates, as their name suggests, are sea thieves. They often rob civilians of food and property, and some are even ruthless enough to kill indiscriminately
However, the Whitebeard Pirates are different. When they pass through islands and small towns, they buy food and supplies with money. As for where they get this money...
Whitebeard controls a vast territory now, collecting a large amount of tribute.
Additionally, after defeating other pirate groups, they absorb all their belongings.
The Whitebeard Pirates have never bullied ordinary people. They may be pirates, but they've never done anything evil.
All this has caused Aokiji's attitude toward the Whitebeard Pirates to change. In the end, he decided to stay on Whitebeard's ship.
He wants to see the world from the perspective of the pirates, just like Benjamin.
He might see many things he couldn't before.
So, after discussing with Whitebeard, Aokiji expressed his thoughts. Whitebeard welcomed Aokiji to join.
As they spent time together, most of the Whitebeard Pirates accepted Aokiji. With such a powerful addition, the strength of the Whitebeard Pirates increased greatly.
After joining the Whitebeard Pirates, Aokiji, like everyone else, called Whitebeard "Pops", and became the second strongest fighter in the crew.
"Awesome, Aokiji-san, we can fight together from now on!"
Benjamin said happily. As a Marine soldier in the past, he never had the chance to fight alongside Aokiji.
But now it's different. Both he and Aokiji have joined the Whitebeard Pirates, and he's not just an ordinary crew member.
He's now part of the Whitebeard Pirates staff and one of Whitebeard's close guards.
"Let's chase freedom and dreams together in the future"
Aokiji nodded to Benjamin.
"Yeah." Benjamin agreed.
Whitebeard didn't decide Aokiji's role on the ship yet, because Aokiji is special.
Aokiji himself doesn't want to be Commander; he's more laid-back. So Whitebeard plans to create a special position for him.
Whitebeard plans to establish a Governor position for Aokiji, similar to the Sweet Commanders in the Big Mom Pirates or the Three Disasters in the Beast Pirates.
Aokiji wouldn't have to manage his own crew but would serve as the top combat force under Whitebeard.
Aokiji agreed with this arrangement because he didn't want to lead a crew or start his own pirate group. It didn't mean much to him.
...…
Meanwhile, the Marines Headquarters had significantly increased their mid-level combat power through the World Conscription, filling many officer positions at the general level.
More importantly, they had identified candidates for the position of Admiral.
In a training field at Marine Headquarters, the usual soldiers were evacuated, leaving it eerily empty. Only a several of figures remained, including Akainu.
.
.
TO BE CONTINUED
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Status Power Mingguan
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Power 
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stone