Capítulo 72: The ability to judge the righteousness of justice lies only within oneself
In Enies Lobby's specialized training area, I toss a drink to Kuzan, who's sitting on the ground and breathing heavily.
"Let's call it a day for now."
"...Haa... As always, I've been beaten up... I won't be able to stand for a while."
"But your strength has definitely improved. Impressive growth."
"Thanks..."
Despite declaring himself a proponent of "laziness-based justice," Kuzan is quite the passionate individual, which contrasts with his abilities. In fact, he used to uphold "burning justice" before he began questioning the concept of justice. Could it be that's why he's been training here frequently lately, rapidly increasing his strength? His original abilities were already powerful, and with further physical enhancement, it's only natural he would improve even more.
Thinking about this, I take out a stick of candy from my pocket, unwrap it, and put it in my mouth. At that moment, Kuzan, who had been resting, mutters something.
"Hey, Spandam-san. What do you think justice is?"
"That's quite an abstract question."
"Well... It's just that. You know, I used to uphold 'burning justice' in the past. But somehow... I've become uncertain. I'm not saying this as an admiral of the Navy, but I'm starting to wonder if the justice upheld by the World Government and the Navy is truly correct..."
Kuzan is likely reminiscing about the incident in Ohara. Freezing his close friend Saul and witnessing Sakazuki's attack on a civilian ship has shaken his belief in justice.
Indeed, even in the original work, Kuzan appears carefree on the surface, but he often struggles and reveals his delicate side. If I were to describe it, it's as if he aspires to Garp's unrestrained attitude while being hindered by his natural seriousness.
"First and foremost, if you believe that the opposite of justice is evil, you need to rethink your perspective."
"The opposite of justice is... another form of justice, perhaps? Well, that might be true."
"Moreover, using grandiose terms like 'justice' is what makes things complicated. Justice is nothing more than an extension of an individual's thoughts and beliefs."
That's part of what makes Kuzan serious, but I also believe that there's something missing in him. This is probably where he differs greatly from Garp.
"And then, as for whether the justice upheld by the World Government is correct, it's futile to ponder it. Neither you nor I can fully understand it, and thinking about it is a waste of time."
"Huh?"
"No one other than the individual can fully understand their own thoughts. The World Government's sense of justice is the sense of justice of those who conceived it. Even if there's some degree of empathy, complete understanding is impossible for anyone other than the person who conceived it. Therefore, naturally, you can't make a definitive judgment on the correctness of something you can't fully understand."
"..."
"Furthermore, let's talk about this 'absolute justice.' Even the Navy, which upholds absolute justice, has an ambiguous concept of what that justice entails. Just like how you uphold 'laziness-based justice,' others have their own interpretations as well."
Upholding absolute justice while individually upholding different forms of justice is a contradiction, but ultimately, it boils down to a matter of interpretation.
While there might be certain standards, individual beliefs inevitably play a significant role.
"Well, it's pointless to discuss philosophy. Let me tell you what you're lacking more specifically."
"What I'm lacking... I'm curious."
"It's having a strong resolve, one that respects others' ideologies but is willing to crush them for the sake of your own. Let's call it unwavering determination. For instance, imagine you found someone whose ideology resonates deeply with you. But if your paths diverge, they become your enemy. Conversely, even if you can't resonate with someone else's ideology, if your paths align, you might find moments to join forces."
"Even if we don't resonate, if our paths align, we can join forces... I see."
As Kuzan wears a contemplative expression, I continue with a smile.
"You can respect others as you see fit. Whether it's a pirate's ideology or the Revolutionary Army's, it's your choice whether to empathize and respect it. Moreover, regardless of what others say or how they judge, you should maintain the resolute determination to uphold your own ideology. What Garp and I have that you lack is that unwavering decisiveness."
"Heh, well, you and Garp... People without doubt just seem unusually big to me."
"Then, you should be like that too. I'm not saying you should become like Garp or me. If you have time to doubt whether your ideology is right or wrong, conclude that it's right. Only you can fully understand your own ideology. Therefore, you alone can decide the correctness of your ideology. Well, think it over, come to terms with your thoughts."
"It's difficult... But well, you know, I feel like my head is a bit clearer now. Thanks for indulging me in this pointless discussion."
It seems like my words have been somewhat digested and integrated into Kuzan's own perspective, as he wears a slightly brighter expression than before.
And then, he drinks the rest of his drink in one go and stands up. His eyes carry a powerful determination.
"By the way, one more thing. I'm feeling quite motivated now, so... push me a bit further."
"Fine. You look pretty fired up. Shall we return to the 'burning justice'?"
"Hahaha, well, let's take it a bit easy... I think some looseness suits me... and besides, um, I forgot. Anyway, let's do it again."
"Sure... In response to your newfound motivation, I'll give you a more intense workout."
"...Ah, well... that might be a bit... Ah, I might have said something unnecessary again..."
With such a strong determination, it's fine to push him a bit harder.
***
The Straw Hat Pirates, who were continuing their journey in search of a shipwright to repair the Going Merry, ended up engaging in a Davy Back Fight against the Foxy Pirates due to a certain fate they shared on Long Ring Long Land. After narrowly securing victory, the Straw Hat Pirates returned to Tonjit, whom they had met on the island. It was there that they encountered Admiral Aokiji, also known as Kuzan.
After bidding farewell to Tonjit, who was left behind in a village of nomads that freezes in an instant, Kuzan turned his gaze quietly toward the Straw Hat Pirates.
Provoking them, he spoke about Robin's past while taunting them, suggesting that the Straw Hat Pirates were merely using this island as a temporary hideout. Robin, who had sensed something different from the Straw Hat Pirates compared to before, became infuriated by his words. Using the powers of the Hana Hana no Mi, she attacked Kuzan.
"Sanju Rensaki Train Taffler!"
"My, my. You seem quite determined. Is this hideout really that important to you?"
"Crack...!"
"I'm sorry. I'm all set with my chiropractic adjustments."
"...You...!"
Using the power of the Hana Hana no Mi, Robin had executed a joint lock. However, Kuzan's body remained immobile, as if it were made of solid steel. Robin had anticipated that his Hie Hie no Mi powers would defend against her attack, but she had not expected him to effortlessly deflect her attack with just his physical abilities, without utilizing his Devil Fruit power. She deactivated her power and took a step back, showing a hint of fear.
"...I didn't intend to kill you, but..."
Slowly approaching Robin, Kuzan reached out to her. Just as Zoro extended his sword to protect Robin and rushed forward...
"My, my. You're quite spirited."
"What the...!?"
In the next moment, Kuzan had moved in an instant to stand before Zoro, who was taken aback, and punched him away.
"Guaah...!?"
"Damn it, how can someone that massive move so fast... Ittoryu Nitoryu: Chopper Slicing Shoot!"
Having witnessed Zoro being sent flying, Sanji immediately delivered a powerful kick, but Kuzan casually blocked it with a dismissive kick.
"Ugh, guoo...!"
While the kick was sloppy, its power exceeded that of Sanji's strike. He was sent flying as well. However, taking advantage of the opening, Luffy swiftly closed in on Kuzan, extending his arm and getting close.
"Gomu Gomu no Bullet!"
"...My, oh my. You're all so full of energy."
"What the... Uwoah...!?"
Kuzan effortlessly caught Luffy's powerful strike with one hand. Then, he swung his other arm, effortlessly sending Luffy flying with a punch.
"...Unbelievable, he's handling the three of them so easily without even using his power..."
Observing Kuzan easily handling the three members of their crew who were formidable in combat even without the use of the Hie Hie no Mi, Nami muttered in a horrified tone.
"Hmm? Perhaps I should have used my powers... Well, maybe I will."
Muttering to himself, Kuzan adjusted his posture, preparing to confront the three once again. He created a sphere of cold air in his palm, then threw it while simultaneously using Busoshoku Haki on one leg, sliding it along the ground. With flames erupting, he unleashed a Storm Leg.
"Enormous cold and flames... No, run away!?"
Nami, who had sensed the meaning behind this, shouted, but it was already too late. Before Luffy and his two companions, the sphere of cold air collided with the moisture in the freezing air, and the Storm Leg of flames caused a tremendous steam explosion.
"Ice Explosive Nova... That person really knows how to come up with interesting techniques."
After a moment, as the steam cleared, the battered forms of the three lay on the ground. The others wore expressions of horror at Kuzan's overwhelming strength.
Amidst this, Kuzan approached Robin with an air of composure.
"...You've found good companions. But what about you, Nico Robin?"
"Well, I..."
"Do you truly consider them your companions? People you can't even bring yourself to call by name... In the end, you're just you, right?"
"N-No... I am already..."
Kuzan slowly extended his hand toward the frightened Robin.
"Ultimate Move! Powder Star!!"
"Oops..."
As Kuzan attempted to reach out, Usopp's Powder Star raced towards him, but Kuzan effortlessly dodged it. Nami, wielding her Clima-Tact, and Chopper in his human form closed in.
"Heavy Gong!"
"...Even though you don't think you can beat me... I wonder. Is this woman so important to you?"
"Of course!"
Chopper's fist and Nami's Clima-Tact were easily intercepted by Kuzan, who muttered, prompting Nami to stand protectively before Robin and declare resolutely.
Not only that, the three who had fallen from the Ice Explosive Nova also got back on their feet, surrounding Kuzan in their tattered state.
"I'll give you some advice. In the future, this woman, Nico Robin, will become a burden for you. It's still true now. Without her, I would have let you go. As a result, your crew nearly faced extinction because of her. I'm not speaking metaphorically here. You understand, right? I haven't even used my full power yet. Even if you all come at me together, you can't defeat me... Still, will you fight to protect her?"
"Of course we will!!"
"Hmph. Each and every one of you has unwavering determination in your eyes. Very well then..."
Upon Kuzan's inquiry, Luffy shouted, and the others stared fiercely at him in agreement. Amidst the heavy tension, Kuzan smiled briefly as he looked into their eyes, then raised both hands.
"...Well, I suppose I'll let it go for today."
"Huh?"
"I'm not here on official business, after all. I, um... don't want any more trouble."
With those words, Kuzan's killing intent completely disappeared. Realizing that Kuzan had no intention of fighting, the others were taken aback. They lowered their weapons, and Robin asked with a bewildered expression.
"What do you... mean?"
"Oh, I just wanted to test things out a bit. Truth be told, I never had any intention of capturing you from the start. Well, you know... you guys did help clean up the mess with Crocodile for the Marines. So, I'll let you off this time as a way of repaying that debt. Consider it a favor."
After conveying this lightly, Kuzan turned his back to the Straw Hat Pirates and started walking away. However, he suddenly made a U-turn and returned to them. Facing their puzzled expressions, he spoke with a serious expression.
"Listen, I'll give you one piece of advice. The next island you'll be heading to is an island near Enies Lobby, a judicial island. Well, I don't think you'll encounter them, but... under no circumstances should you pick a fight with the Chief of Enies Lobby, okay?"
"The CP9 Director... Spandam?"
"Hmm? What, you know about him, Nico Robin?"
"Just the name..."
"I see... All right then! I'm serious, don't mess with him!! It's not even a matter of odds. You really shouldn't!"
With a serious expression, Kuzan warned them. Seeing Kuzan's genuine concern for their well-being after his previous nonchalant demeanor, Chopper nervously asked.
"He's... that strong?"
"He's on a completely different level. The guy who easily beat me up when I couldn't even lay a finger on him with all of you together. Seriously... every single time, I get completely pummeled. And I have my pride as an Admiral, plus I've been training and improving my strength lately. So, even though I think I might have a chance this time, I can imagine getting beaten up three times worse than before."
"He's so strong that even an Admiral can't do anything?!"
"Moreover, he sounds like he's been through a lot..."
Nami and Usopp turned pale as they listened to Kuzan's sincere words. Kuzan, who had been overwhelmingly powerful, being utterly defeated... The thought was terrifying.
"Well, as long as you don't provoke him, he won't come after you. Just make sure not to start any fights. Consider yourselves warned... Well, with that, I'll be on my way..."
Leaving behind an unsettling piece of information, Kuzan walked away, leaving the Straw Hat Pirates with the memory of a bitter defeat.
***
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