บท 61: 61. Retire The Veteran Vice Admirals
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At this moment, Akira was indeed troubled by the issues with his subordinates.
After Kong announced the candidate for the new Marine Fleet Admiral, he left Marineford without hesitation and headed to the Holy Land.
Akira entered the office for the first time as the full-time Fleet Admiral, but before he even had a chance to settle in, Chief of Staff Tsuru suddenly came to see him.
"What? You said last night, Rear Admiral Hououin beat up those veteran Vice Admirals?"
Akira leaned back in his chair, tilting his head slightly.
Wow, Hououin is really gutsy, huh?
As a Rear Admiral, he dared to challenge his superiors. And what's more, he actually succeeded.
You have to understand that this kind of behavior is a major offense within the ranks.
Tsuru nodded, her expression remaining calm.
After all, it wasn't her problem to deal with.
"Yes, it happened the night you were taken to the Holy Land by Commander Kong."
"Explain the cause and details of what happened from start to finish."
"Of course."
Tsuru quickly relayed everything she had learned that morning, word for word.
Akira lit a cigarette and listened in silence.
But the more he listened, the stranger he felt.
This Hououin...
When dealing with Archibald, it seems his attitude has changed significantly.
"Aunt Tsuru, did Hououin ask you to bring any message?"
When Tsuru paused in her report, Akira asked with a glint in his eye.
"He did."
"What did he say?"
"He said that the Marines must resolutely carry out all the orders of the Fleet Admiral like an ironclad unit. As a servant of justice, he is willing to dedicate his efforts to help some generals who are too caught up in their own status see the truth."
"Hehehe!"
Akira chuckled.
After thinking it over for a moment, he understood why Hououin's attitude had shifted so drastically.
It can only be said that this guy is truly a clever strategist. Before anyone could even hint at it, he already sensed that there would be a significant power shift at headquarters.
And he was quick to take the initiative and demonstrate his loyalty through this bold action.
Very smart. As a leader, Akira appreciated this kind of subordinate who could read the situation and was willing to take risks.
"Since there was no opportunity before, now that you've successfully become the Fleet Admiral, Archibald, Arlo, and the other Vice Admirals who were attacked are starting to cause a ruckus."
Tsuru shook her head and continued, "They've banded together and want you to give them a satisfactory explanation, otherwise..."
"Otherwise what?" Akira raised an eyebrow.
"They're threatening to escalate the matter to the higher ups, and even the Five Elders."
The smile faded from Akira's face.
These veteran Vice Admirals weren't holding back at all, their intentions were clear.
What would the Five Elders and Kong think of him if they really went to the Holy Land?
You have to remember, he had just taken the position of Fleet Admiral, and now these Vice Admirals were immediately trying to undermine him.
Even if the Five Elders and Kong ignored it, if word got out, the world would think—
Akira, the new Fleet Admiral of the Marines, had a weak grip on headquarters.
So weak that some Vice Admirals didn't respect him at all and ran to the former Fleet Admiral whenever they had an issue.
This wasn't just undermining him; it was an attempt to shatter his authority.
These old fools originally thought they could pressure him into backing down after a while.
'Since that's the case, I won't bother holding back anymore.'
Akira took a deep breath, narrowing his eyes in thought.
click click click!
In the Fleet Admiral's office, the only sound echoing was the rhythmic tapping of Akira's fingers on the table.
Tsuru didn't interrupt his thoughts and waited quietly.
After a long while, Akira finally spoke.
"Aunt Tsuru, gather all the generals and soldiers at headquarters. I want this matter addressed perfectly in front of everyone."
Akira adjusted his glasses and spoke calmly.
You want a satisfactory explanation, right?
Then I'll give you an explanation that satisfies everyone.
"Is it necessary to make such a big deal out of this?" Tsuru frowned slightly, full of doubt. "I suggest it would be better to handle this privately."
Marineford, including all its soldiers, totals over 10,000 people.
In her view, there was no need for the entire base to know about a scandal involving high-ranking officers getting drunk and brawling.
Akira pursed his lips slightly.
It was clear Tsuru hadn't fully grasped his intentions, nor had she shifted her perspective to see the problem from a Fleet Admiral's point of view.
Otherwise, with her intelligence, she should have easily understood why he was adding more fuel to the fire.
When those Vice Admirals decided to go over the Fleet Admiral's head and report to Kong and the Five Elders, this issue was no longer a simple conflict between Hououin and the veteran Vice Admirals.
It had become an issue that directly involved him, the new Fleet Admiral.
Either he asserts his authority over the veteran Vice Admirals.
Or, these old guard officers successfully undermine him.
"Aunt Tsuru, to be frank, I plan to have Archibald and his fellow Vice Admirals..."
Akira leaned forward, clasping his hands under his chin, and said in a deep voice, "Retire."
This idea had taken root when he went to rescue Sengoku some time ago.
When he managed to secure trillions of berries in half a month and filled all the gaps in the Marines, he knew he had secured the position of Fleet Admiral.
Even Sengoku admitted defeat, convinced by Akira's achievements, and decided to withdraw from the race.
Logically, everyone should have been satisfied, but these veteran Vice Admirals, unwilling to let younger officers take charge, persuaded Sengoku to confront the notorious pirate, Gage.
If not for the replica Golden Lion's Float-Flost Fruit ability, Sengoku and thousands of soldiers might have perished meaninglessly.
These old Vice Admirals, with their rigid thinking, obsession with power, and greatly diminished strength, don't realize they're now liabilities rather than assets. What good are they if they end up honoring pirates instead of enforcing justice?
Hearing this, Tsuru was taken aback for a moment.
But seeing the serious expression on Akira's face, her mind raced through recent events, and she quickly understood.
That's right, no Fleet Admiral would tolerate a group of old and stubborn officers undermining his authority.
But…
"Isn't this a bit too extreme? After all, they've dedicated their lives to justice."
"Exactly why they should retire in peace, return to their hometowns, and enjoy their remaining years with their families."
"They probably won't accept that. Why not send them to manage remote areas? It's safe and might make them feel valued."
"Aunt Tsuru, in our positions, we can't afford to be overly sentimental."
Akira shook his head and spoke in a quiet tone. "Given what you know about them, do you think Vice Admirals like Archibald will be content with that, or will they resent me and continue to cause trouble?"
"Do you think they'd manage their assigned areas as if they were their own private territories?"
"Could it get to the point where Sengoku has to be sent to deal with them?"
Tsuru's heart skipped a beat.
A trace of panic flashed in her eyes.
As she carefully considered Akira's words, she realized there was a strong possibility of this scenario unfolding.
If things escalated to the point where Sengoku had to take them down, the consequences would be catastrophic.
"Let's not talk about the lower-ranking soldiers—when the time comes, even the middle and high-ranking officers will definitely meet their end.
After all, while Archibald and the other veteran Vice Admirals may no longer be at their peak, they have devoted their lives to justice.
Even if they've committed serious offenses, it shouldn't lead to their deaths.
If that happens, who will continue to fight for justice selflessly in the future?
But if Archibald and the others dominate, choosing whether or not to follow orders, how can the Marine respond?
That would be unacceptable.
It would also send a message to the generals that as long as they have enough seniority, they can do whatever they want and disregard all the rules of the Marine.
If that were the case, it would essentially mean that the highest authority in the Marine isn't the Fleet Admiral but the veteran Vice Admirals.
So, no matter what action is taken, it would be wrong at that point.
Therefore!
Before the situation reaches that stage, when veteran Vice Admirals like Archibald show signs of disobedience, the correct course of action is to deal with them swiftly.
'Indecisiveness leads to disaster.'
'The best time to act was ten years ago; the next best time is now.'
"Aunt Tsuru, do you understand?"
Akira's words snapped Tsuru out of her deep thoughts.
After considering his words carefully, she nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, Fleet Admiral Akira, you're right."
"I'll arrange it and call everyone."
Tsuru turned and hurried out of the office. Just as she was about to leave, she paused and glanced back.
"Huh? What is it, Aunt Tsuru?" Akira asked, puzzled.
"It's nothing. I just feel more and more that Commander Kong made one of the few wise decisions of his tenure by choosing you as the new Fleet Admiral of the Marine."
Tsuru sighed.
Akira smiled slightly, not needing to explain, as he watched her disappear from sight.
Soon, a large commotion erupted in the square.
Under Tsuru's orders, many generals and soldiers had gathered together.
Tens of thousands of people crowded together, like a colony of ants.
Their expressions were remarkably consistent—puzzled and uncertain.
In this tense atmosphere, the main players of the day, Rear Admiral Hououin and the veteran Vice Admirals led by Archibald, took their places.
Hououin's face was bruised and swollen, his right eye nearly shut from a nasty bruise. But when he saw the gathering, a look of satisfaction gleamed in his intact left eye.
The veteran Vice Admirals beside him were limping, covered in bandages.
Looking out at the mass of soldiers, confusion spread across their faces.
However, a few of the more astute Vice Admirals seemed to realize something, their faces suddenly darkening as they tried to back away.
But before they could take more than a few steps, two strong hands clamped down on their shoulders.
Garp, grinning widely, and Sengoku, with a stern expression, blocked their retreat.
The three Marine legends guarded every corner, ensuring no one could escape.
Seeing this, the more quick-witted veteran Vice Admirals swallowed nervously.
Realizing they couldn't leave, they reluctantly returned to their positions, trying to hide behind their colleagues.
Minutes passed, but there was no movement from the office building.
Akira did not appear in the square.
Tsuru glanced towards the empty window of the Fleet Admiral's office, her eyes narrowing as if she had understood something.
"The reason everyone has been summoned," Tsuru began, stepping forward to take the microphone and address the soldiers below, "is that a very unfortunate incident occurred at headquarters last night."
Her voice was steady, yet carried the weight of the situation.
"Rear Admiral Hououin got into a public altercation with several Vice Admirals in the department, resulting in a serious brawl."
"Not only that, but Archibald Vice Admiral and several others were injured."
"Because of this, headquarters has decided that Rear Admiral Hououin must address the senior Vice Admirals in front of everyone."
"An apology and a thorough review are expected."
Marineford fell into a heavy silence.
All eyes were on Hououin and the veteran Vice Admirals.
"Did a Vice Admiral really lose to a Rear Admiral? Is this… is it true?"
In the tense silence, someone suddenly voiced this disbelief.
The atmosphere in the square felt like a powder keg about to explode, and it quickly grew noisy.
"Something did happen last night, but no one knew the details. I didn't expect it to be something like this."
"Rear Admiral Hououin is really gutsy, daring to fight against the Vice Admirals, and not just one of them."
"Hey, hey, you're missing the point! Didn't anyone catch that Rear Admiral Hououin fought several Vice Admirals alone—and won?"
"Judging by the results, it seems that's exactly what happened. Rear Admiral Hououin injuries aren't that serious, but it's the Vice Admirals who got the worst of it."
"Wait a minute... If Hououin is this strong, why is he only a Rear Admiral?"
"Whoa… does that mean my superior, Rear Admiral Momonga, could take on multiple Vice Admirals and win too?"
The crowd's chatter, though disorderly, was kept to a murmur, with no one daring to speak too loudly. But even the most reserved whispers couldn't escape the sharp ears of the high-ranking officers.
Up on the platform, Hououin, who should have been panicked after his mistake, stood tall like a victorious general.
The veteran Vice Admirals who had been beaten by a younger officer were red with embarrassment.
By now, even the most oblivious bystanders understood the situation.
This wasn't an explanation for the incident—it was public humiliation.
A group of dignified Vice Admirals, defeated by a single Rear Admiral and left seriously injured, was not something they could easily live down in the Marine.
The thousands of questioning eyes below were like arrows, piercing their pride and making them squirm with discomfort.
"Tsuru, what are you doing?" Archibald stammered as he approached Tsuru, his voice trembling.
"This is just a small matter. We could have dealt with it privately. Why make such a big scene?"
The other veteran Vice Admirals quickly nodded in agreement, echoing his sentiment.
"Yes, yes, let's just move on."
"It's really not that big of a deal. There's no need for such a huge spectacle."
"Tsuru, you should have discussed this with us first."
Tsuru looked at them with pity in her eyes.
It's too late!
This situation had escalated beyond their control.
"Hououin, apologize!" Tsuru's gaze bypassed the Vice Admirals, settling firmly on Hououin, her voice cutting through the noise in the square.
Tens of thousands of eyes turned to Hououin.
"Apologize?"
Hououin suppressed a smile, glanced briefly at the office building, and then stepped forward, raising his voice.
"Apologize? I don't see why I should."
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