Chương 114: Chapter 114: I, Akainu, Am the True Upholder of Navy Justice
Zephyr's eyes widened as he read the newspaper in his hands. It was as if he'd seen a ghost. He couldn't believe it. The World Government had become this shameless. They were blatantly lying to glorify Sakazuki, elevating him while belittling Kuzan. Even Zephyr couldn't help but marvel at their skillful manipulation of the narrative!
"Are you really surprised? Haven't they always been like this?" Lin Yan chuckled as he observed Zephyr's stunned expression, as if the older man had just discovered the world's evil. "With this, Kuzan probably can't stay in the Navy anymore. I wonder how many are eagerly waiting to see him fail."
Zephyr's face darkened. Though he was now with the Whitebeard Pirates, he still had feelings for his former students. Sakazuki was the exception. Zephyr felt a surge of indignation at the injustice Kuzan was facing.
"Lin, what are you getting at?" Zephyr asked seriously, his earlier silence gone.
Lin Yan just smiled casually. "Do we really need to ask? Didn't we agree from the start?"
"Of course, we're going to recruit Kuzan!"
...
Navy Headquarters, Marineford.
Bang!
"Sakazuki, you owe me an explanation." The office door was kicked open once again. This time, Kuzan stood there, his face expressionless. But anyone sharp-eyed could see the rage simmering beneath his calm exterior.
"An explanation? What explanation?" Sakazuki, as if expecting this, remained composed and smiled at Kuzan. "Kuzan, don't be rash. This was a direct order from the World Government; I had no choice but to comply." He appeared reasonable on the surface. But everyone could see the smug glint in Sakazuki's eyes. So what if he won? In the end, the position of Fleet Admiral was his! His steadfastness had been rewarded! Kuzan was too lax! Only he, Sakazuki, could be the true upholder of Navy justice!
"...Is this your answer?" Kuzan looked coldly at Sakazuki. "Throwing away your promises just for this position? Sakazuki... is this all you amount to?" If Kuzan had once viewed Sakazuki with any warmth, it was now gone, replaced by complete indifference. They were both high-ranking officers. True officers had their pride. Their duel was meant to decide not only the victor but also life and death, with the winner becoming Fleet Admiral and the loser remaining silent. This was their promise as the strong! Yet, it seemed Sakazuki had thrown this promise away. He was unworthy of being called strong! Kuzan was thoroughly disillusioned with Sakazuki.
"Kuzan! Watch your words! Now, I am the Fleet Admiral!" Seeing Kuzan's cold and disappointed gaze, Sakazuki felt a sting in his heart and roared in anger.
But Kuzan just looked at him calmly. "Yes, you are the Fleet Admiral. I should congratulate you... but."
"You are no longer my Fleet Admiral." With that, Kuzan turned and left. He didn't look back, showing no reluctance. He was completely disillusioned with his former colleague and comrade. If a strong person could abandon their dignity and promises, what else were they capable of?
"..." Sakazuki stood there, watching Kuzan's retreating figure, his gaze growing cold. "So this is your choice..."
Kuzan walked down the corridor, looking somewhat lost, his face calm. But those who knew him could see the change. Kuzan's eyes had lost their usual light.
"Kuzan?! What's wrong?!" Garp, who was approaching, noticed and was startled. He quickly came over, concerned. He had high hopes for this promising young man.
"Vice Admiral Garp? Don't worry, I'm fine." Noticing Garp, Kuzan shook his head with a bitter smile. "I just talked with Sakazuki, and it didn't go well."
"...." Garp fell silent. He knew the outcome could not have been good. After all, Kuzan was the victor. Yet, due to a decree from the World Government, he had to give up the Fleet Admiral position he had rightfully won. Anyone would be troubled by this. Garp was also displeased. But there was nothing to be done; this was an order from the World Government! As long as he remained in the Navy, Garp had no choice but to accept it.
"Kuzan, listen to me. Even without the Fleet Admiral position, you still..." Garp tried to comfort the young man by patting his shoulder, but Kuzan interrupted him.
"Vice Admiral Garp, this is the last time I'll address you like this." Kuzan looked seriously at Garp. "After today, we probably won't see each other much."
"...Kuzan?! You?!" Garp was stunned, his expression changing drastically.
"I'm leaving the Navy."
Despite Garp's reaction, Kuzan's smile was calm. "Thinking back, why did I join the Navy? As Teacher Zephyr said, it was to uphold justice."
"But Vice Admiral Garp, what is justice? I can no longer see it clearly." Kuzan sighed softly. He had joined the Navy to uphold justice. But now, what was justice? Kuzan could no longer see it. He wasn't regretting winning against Sakazuki or losing the Fleet Admiral position he deserved; he was questioning the Navy's current sense of justice. So this life of self-deception had to end.
"Vice Admiral Garp, you are one of the few people I respect in the Navy, so before I leave, I must warn you." Kuzan sighed and then looked seriously at Garp.
"Be very careful of Sakazuki. He's very dangerous now..."
...
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