If the four Marine Admirals were divided into four factions, Akainu would undoubtedly represent the radical faction, Aokiji the moderate faction, Kizaru the passively neutral faction, and Longinus the actively neutral faction.
These factions occupied roughly three, two, one, and four parts of the Marines respectively. The moderate faction was mainly unable to surpass the radical faction because Aokiji, their "leader," was simply too ineffectual.
Longinus enjoyed the greatest popularity in the Marines. Aside from the fact that his ideals resonated with the most people, the bigger reason was that his ideals could be reluctantly accepted by both the moderate and radical factions.
Thus, when West announced the Five Elders' decision, the entire hall erupted in an uproar. It seemed that no one was standing on Akainu's side. After all, even the radicals themselves believed that Longinus was the only likely candidate for Fleet Admiral.
However, after West explained the reason, the radical faction finally realized that this might be their chance to make their uncompromising justice the mainstream voice within the Marines.
And so, a different kind of voice soon emerged among the protests.
"I support Admiral Akainu. Only Absolute Justice can truly eliminate the evil in this world!"
"Admiral Shirozou is a fine man, but he isn't ruthless enough. With that kind of personality, he can't lead the Marines out of their confusion!"
"If this were an age of peace, Admiral Shirozou would become the best leader. But in this chaotic and lawless era, only Admiral Akainu can bring an end to evil!"
Although only a small portion of the people were voicing these opinions, their radical resistance created such momentum that they barely managed to stalemate the opposing side.
"I didn't expect Admiral Akainu to have this kind of popularity within the Marines. It seems the Five