Capítulo 113: Chapter 113: The Five Elders: Praising Akainu's Determination
The room was cloaked in silence. The Five Elders were deep in thought, troubled by Sengoku's recommendation of Kuzan. Allowing him to ascend to the Fleet Admiral position could mean a loss of control over the Navy, something they could not afford.
The Navy was a vital instrument of the World Government, even if it was kept in the dark about many of its secrets. The Elders knew they couldn't let this crucial asset slip away.
"If we are all in agreement, Sakazuki should be the one to become Fleet Admiral," declared the Elder who had been tapping his cane. He looked around, but there was no dissent.
"I agree," another Elder nodded.
"But Kuzan won the duel, which was witnessed by many. How do we justify promoting Sakazuki without causing unrest within the Navy?" a more cautious Elder questioned. The duel's outcome was public knowledge, and forcing Sakazuki into the Fleet Admiral role could lead to internal discord, a dangerous situation for the World Government.
The Elder with the cane smirked. "Did we sanction their duel? No official orders were given by the World Government, so it was merely a personal contest between two men. Besides, Sakazuki's determination, despite his injury, shows his dedication. He has proven his worth."
"And if we need a more concrete reason, we can certainly fabricate one."
The other Elders exchanged knowing glances, their smiles revealing a shared, unspoken understanding.
"Then it's settled. We will proceed with this plan."
"Agreed."
Grand Line, Sabaody Archipelago
"Lin, there's no need to be so downhearted. We always knew the odds were against us," Zephyr remarked, trying to console Lin Yan, who seemed uncharacteristically despondent. It was rare to see Lin Yan, usually so confident and composed, looking so defeated.
Zephyr was puzzled. Why was Lin Yan taking this so hard? They had failed to recruit Kuzan, but given Kuzan's impending promotion to Fleet Admiral, that was hardly surprising. Why dwell on it?
Unbeknownst to Zephyr, Lin Yan's reaction stemmed from his knowledge of the original storyline, where Sakazuki was supposed to win.
After a moment of silence, Lin Yan looked thoughtful. "Zephyr, do you think they'll let Kuzan become Fleet Admiral without any interference?"
Zephyr's expression grew serious, then thoughtful. He knew the nature of those in power and doubted they would easily accept Kuzan. Having held a high position in the Navy himself, Zephyr was well aware of the political machinations within the World Government. Kuzan, despite his victory, might face obstacles.
"The World Government prioritizes loyalty over justice. They want a leader who will follow orders without question. Even if they prefer Sakazuki, they can't ignore Kuzan's victory so openly... can they?" Zephyr mused, though uncertainty tinged his voice.
As they spoke, a commotion erupted from a nearby tavern, drawing their attention. The patrons were animated, clearly reacting to some breaking news.
"Let's check it out," Lin Yan suggested, leading the way toward the tavern, with Zephyr following closely.
Inside, Lin Yan picked up a newspaper, ignoring the stares of the other customers. As he read, a smile spread across his face.
"What's so amusing?" Zephyr asked, noticing Lin Yan's sudden shift in mood.
"Take a look," Lin Yan handed the newspaper to Zephyr. "It seems our situation isn't as dire as I thought."
Zephyr quickly scanned the headlines, his eyes widening in disbelief. The newspaper reported a joint statement from the Navy and the World Government, announcing Sakazuki as the new Fleet Admiral. The reasons cited included:
1. Sakazuki's unwavering dedication and loyalty, exemplified by his willingness to sacrifice an arm during the Marineford war.
2. His courage and commitment to justice, always fighting on the front lines against evil.
3. The duel with Kuzan, framed as a personal matter that highlighted Sakazuki's resilience and bravery despite his injuries.
4. Kuzan's perceived lack of decisiveness, which made him less suitable for the role compared to Sakazuki.
Zephyr was stunned by the audacity of the statement. The way the World Government portrayed Sakazuki's "steadfastness" was almost farcical to him, knowing the man personally.
"They really have no shame, do they?" Zephyr muttered, amazed at the political maneuvering. The government had spun the narrative to favor Sakazuki, disregarding the actual outcome of the duel.
Lin Yan, still smiling, seemed to take the news in stride. "It looks like the story isn't over yet," he said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
Status de energia semanal
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