Akainu's Resolve

"I am personally very pleased and appreciative of your decision to go to the New World for training, but from the perspective of Fleet Admiral, I still have to remind you that the New World is full of hidden talents and powerful individuals. Before you have absolute certainty, it would be best not to leave the g-5 Branch base," Sengoku kindly advised.

"Okay, I understand." Perhaps it stemmed from the incident two years ago, but Drake always had this cold demeanor towards everyone, and Sengoku had long been used to his attitude.

However, seeing Drake's noncommittal expression, Sengoku knew that he probably hadn't listened to much at all, so he shook his head and said, "Forget it, you should go back and rest for a while. Don't always keep your mind too tense. A balance of tension and relaxation is the right way."

"Yes, then I'll take my leave."

After leaving the Fleet Admiral Office, Drake did not return to his residence, but went straight to the training ground reserved for the Marines High-Level.

Where there are people, there is conflict; where there is conflict, there is strife. Even the Marine Headquarters, which claims to uphold Absolute Justice, is not as glamorous as it appears on the surface, and is not immune to the existence of various factions.

Akainu's strong and ruthless style is very popular in the Navy, attracting a large number of followers. Therefore, the hawkish faction can be said to be extremely powerful in the Navy. Vice Admiral like Doberman and Onigumo are willing to follow him.

Therefore, in order to promote internal harmony, each party has its own exclusive training grounds to avoid disputes and clashes. This has become a common practice among the Marines High-Level.

As soon as Drake stepped into the training ground, he noticed a powerful slash rushing towards him with undiminished momentum. If it were two years ago, he would probably have been in a panic and had to use all his trump cards to block it. But for him now, he simply raised his right arm and swung it lightly. His fist, which was covered in black light, dispersed the slash's energy.

This is precisely why the Navy separates the high-level training grounds from the Elite Training Ground; even a ripple from a battle between Vice Admiral could be enough to kill officers below the rank of general.

Doberman and Onigumo, locked in a fierce battle, noticed the commotion at the door and launched a coordinated attack on Drake.

Drake seemed very familiar with this scene. Without any hesitation, he instantly transformed into a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex and swung his thick tail at the two Vice Admiral.

Neither side held back, each move was deadly; to an outsider, it would seem as if the two had some deep-seated, irreconcilable hatred.

With the two veteran Vice Admiral going all out, Drake did not last long before showing signs of defeat. However, he still gritted his teeth and persevered, fighting the two Vice Admiral in silence.

However Doberman and Onigumo were both senior Vice Admiral, so they naturally noticed that Drake was nearing exhaustion and quickly withdrew from the battle.

"Not bad, your strength has improved greatly since last time. If it were a one-on-one battle, I'm afraid neither of us could suppress you." Onigumo was usually stern and unsmiling, actually revealed a slight smile. If his subordinates saw this, they would definitely think the end of the world was coming.

"That's right. If you can maintain this momentum and continue to make great strides, I believe it won't be long before Fleet Admiral Sengoku considers developing you into Admiral Candidate."

"You flatter me, seniors. I haven't even been a branch Vice Admiral for very long, so it's too early to talk about Admiral Candidate." Drake was very clear about his position, remaining humble and not letting the praise around him go to his head.

Drake wasn't the only one who felt ashamed and then rallied to his cause. These two veteran Vice Admiral had tried more than once to wash away the shame from Roy, and therefore never relaxed their self-discipline.

Although the constant stream of news about Roy's victories had largely extinguished their desire for Roy, the obsession with becoming stronger remained in their hearts. Even though their potential had been almost fully tapped, they still insisted on battling every day.

However, it is precisely because of this that they have such high hopes for Drake. Compared to the two of them, Drake still has unlimited potential, and the higher-ups' plan to cultivate Drake into Admiral Candidate is not just empty talk.

"Moreover, compared to that person, my strength is still far inferior." Drake revealed a trace of deep-seated hatred at the right moment, his knuckles cracking as he clenched his fists.

The training ground was deathly silent, like the calm before a storm.

For Doberman and Drake, that name was undoubtedly a taboo subject. If it had been anyone else, the two of them might have fallen out. But Drake was different; after all, they were in the same boat on this issue.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Comparing yourself to that kind of monster will only make you feel hopeless," Doberman, offering comfort instead of criticism.

"The one who laughs first may not laugh last. Just you wait, his time is almost over," Onigumo sneered sinisterly.

"Wait, could it be that Admiral Akainu has really made up his mind?" Drake subtly revealed a hint of shock. "By the way, I heard that Admiral Akainu went to Sabaody Archipelago this time to stop that person from clashing with the Celestial Dragons, right?"

"Your information is too outdated. The Celestial Dragons were beaten up by a reckless Supernovas, and Akainu 'Admiral mission this time is to quell the overall situation."

"This is practically a godsend! With such a terrible thing as the Celestial Dragons being attacked, it would be more appropriate to have a Shichibukai take the blame!"

Drake's expression shifted rapidly, and after a long while, he exhaled a breath of stale air. "If this matter succeeds, it will be fine, but if it fails, even Admiral Akainu will not be able to avoid being held accountable by the World Government."

"After all, given the status and position of Admiral Akainu and that person, if they were to actually go to war, it would undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences, and might even trigger suspicion and conflict between the Shichibukai and the Marine Headquarters, destroying the stable situation on the seas!"

Hearing Drake's words, Doberman snorted coldly, "You're overthinking it. With the Marine Headquarters' top combat force mobilized, there can only be one outcome. Moreover, Admiral Akainu is not as merciful as that old man and will not give that person any chance."

Onigumo continued, "Moreover, unlike those politicians who only talk big, we have all had the experience of fighting that person head-on, and we should know how terrifying he is. His growth rate is beyond anyone's imagination. In just two years, he has completed a journey that most people cannot finish in a lifetime. Moreover, unlike most pirates who only care about the present, he has a meticulous mind and the aura of a king. He is so shrewd that he is not like a young man at all. If he is allowed to grow, the entire landscape of the sea may be changed in his hands!"

"Therefore, Akainu Admiral to kill him here. It was a wrong start, but it will never be a wrong result."