At this point, even pretending not to know was impossible. Momonga could not deceive his own heart.
Looking at Lowett, whom he could have finished with a single thrust, he gripped his sword hilt and took a deep breath. "Even if I'm held accountable, I'll risk it all!!"
Since he had come to the East Blue, wouldn't it be a huge loss if he didn't put on an East Blue traditional performance?
He would rather defy orders than let Lowett live!
Lowett's cheek twitched.
What kind of grudge was this? Smoker wasn't even dead.
But... you took the bait!
This was the answer I wanted to hear!
The corner of his mouth curled up slightly as he spoke.
"Are you sure being held accountable will be the end of it?"
That line again!
Momonga's eyelids twitched furiously.
He could feel himself being persuaded by Lowett bit by bit. Because he knew very well that his justice would not waver.
"Indeed, you are a Vice Admiral of Headquarters, holding great power. Even if you are held accountable for the grave military crime of disobeying orders, nothing much will happen to you... At most, you will be suspended for investigation, or ordered to reflect on your mistakes in some other way."
"But once that happens, how long will it take before your superiors trust you again?"
Trust took years to build, yet could collapse in an instant.
"And during that time, how many major events will unfold across the sea? How many people will suffer?"
"But you will only be able to watch helplessly. You chose to watch helplessly."
Lowett's vision was starting to darken, so he got straight to the point.
"Do you really think your life belongs only to you, for you to throw around as you please? Do you