My Honor Is Loyalty!

"Lord Im?"

Hearing this unfamiliar name, a hint of confusion flashed in Sengoku's eyes.

As the Marshal of Marine Headquarters, he had traveled to the Holy Land Mary Geoise and Marine Headquarters Marineford countless times. He had also been responsible for the security of the Holy Land Mary Geoise on several occasions, escorting the World Conference held every four years.

During this time, he would meticulously set up defenses in Mary Geoise to prevent any accidents.

Yet, even so, he had never heard of the title Lord Im.

If even Sengoku was unfamiliar with it, everyone else present naturally wore expressions of confusion, exchanging glances, and regarding Gion's words with skepticism.

Just then.

The top floor of the Headquarters Building.

As the elevator doors opened, Akira, standing in the elevator, stepped out without hesitation.

Immediately following him were Vice Admirals Strawberry and Bastille. Several other Rear Admirals ran out even faster than Akira, standing respectfully before the conference hall doors at the end of the corridor.

As Akira approached, the two Rear Admirals immediately opened the doors.

Seeing this, Akira didn't slow his pace, walking briskly into the conference hall with his head held high and chest out.

"Swish—"

Gion, the Hounds, and a group of Headquarters Officers in the conference hall, along with the soldiers standing behind them, all rose and took a step forward.

Akira did not head to his seat. Instead, under the gaze of everyone's attention, he strode quickly to Sengoku.

"Attention!"

Before Sengoku could react, Akira snapped his feet together and then raised his right hand towards Sengoku, "Salute to Marshal!"

As Akira's words fell, Strawberry, Bastille, and the Rear Admirals and Commodores following closely behind him also brought their legs together and straightened their bodies. Gion, the Hounds, and the others were no exception. They all straightened their bodies and, facing Marshal Sengoku, shouted in unison: "Loyalty!"

Sengoku did not show much reaction, calmly watching Akira salute him.

Menard and the other officers who had not yet submitted to Akira wore unfriendly expressions, watching Akira as if facing a great enemy.

"Vice Admiral Akira, you're quite busy tonight!"

After a brief silence, Sengoku sighed and said unhurriedly, "Using the lives and blood of your colleagues to achieve your ambitions, is this the justice you uphold?"

Hearing this, Akira took out a document from his pocket and placed it before Sengoku. He then took a step back and said, "Years ago, I met a prophet on Fish-Man Island. She said I would achieve success at the cost of countless lives. I don't believe that. In my opinion, life and death are decided by oneself. Marshal Sengoku, Marineford is now basically under my control. If you don't want to see more people die resisting, please sign this document!"

"Akira! You traitor!"

Before Sengoku could react, Menard suddenly stood up, his eyes red as he glared at Akira, "As long as we are alive, you will never succeed!"

"Seeking death!"

Strawberry and Bastille moved forward in perfect sync before Akira could even give the order.

The next second, Strawberry's Shigan pointed at Menard's chest.

At the same time, Bastille's greatsword was already at Menard's neck.

Following that, Gion instinctively gripped her sword hilt, and the Hounds bared their teeth in a bloodthirsty grin. If Menard, Akainu, Stiles, or others made any move, they would not hesitate to suppress and eliminate them.

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the conference hall became tense, and battle was imminent.

"Strawberry!"

"Bastille!"

Menard, held by the Shigan and the greatsword, his eyes red, said furiously, "Akira has only been at Headquarters for six years. What did he do to you that made you abandon the honor of the Navy and follow him in rebellion?"

"A soldier dies for his confidant," Strawberry said, coldly watching Menard, and stated in a deep voice, "My honor is loyalty!"

Bastille spoke without any unnecessary words, his voice leaving no room for refusal, "Sit down, or I won't show any leniency."

"You..." Menard was furious and instinctively took a step forward.

Just then, Sengoku slammed the conference table and said sternly, "Enough! Menard, sit down first!"

After speaking, he no longer looked at them and opened the document Akira had placed before him.

"Hmm?"

As soon as he saw the contents of the document, Sengoku's pupils contracted. He then looked up at Akira, incredulously asking, "Appointing me as acting Marshal of Headquarters? Akira, do you think this is realistic? The appointment of the Marshal of Headquarters is not up to me. Without the Holy Land's approval..."

"The Holy Land's approval is not needed."

Akira smiled slightly and said, "As long as the soldiers of Marine Headquarters, the Four Seas, and the major branches and fortresses of the Grand Line know that you are unwell, I will temporarily oversee all Navy affairs. Of course, Marshal Sengoku can choose not to sign. However, if you don't, many people will die tonight."

Hearing this, Sengoku fell silent.

As the Marshal of Headquarters, he naturally knew this was Akira's delaying tactic. As long as he could temporarily stabilize the soldiers of the Four Seas and the major Navy branches and fortresses of the Grand Line, Akira could eliminate all uncontrollable factors with his confidants at the smallest cost.

Once Akira completely controlled the Navy from top to bottom, the Holy Land would only have two choices: either compromise with Akira, who held the Navy hostage, and acknowledge Akira's legitimacy as Marshal of Marine Headquarters, or, in their rage, mobilize all combat departments of the World Government against the Navy taken over by Akira.

Seeing Marshal Sengoku fall silent, Akira also stopped standing and directly turned to walk to the empty seat opposite Sengoku at the conference table.

As soon as he reached the table, Gion, who was standing nearby, immediately moved her chair forward. After Akira sat down, she immediately placed her hand on her sword hilt and stepped back, standing to Akira's left. Then, Strawberry and Bastille quickly moved to Akira's right, both looking at the grim-faced Sengoku opposite them.

"Lord Sengoku, you cannot sign this!"

Suddenly, Menard stood up again, his emotions running high, "We are not without the strength to fight! As long as we fight with all our might and hold on until Vice Admiral Garp returns from his vacation, victory will surely be ours! Moreover, the Three Admirals have not fully declared their stance..."

Bang—

Before Menard could finish speaking, the closed doors of the conference hall were once again slammed open.

Immediately after, Sakazuki, now wearing the Marine Headquarters Admiral's coat and Navy cap, strode into the conference hall accompanied by Vice Admiral Momonga. Then, under the disbelieving gazes of Menard, Akainu, Stiles, and others, he walked directly to Akira's side.

"Admiral Sakazuki!"

Menard's pupils contracted, and he cried out in disbelief, "What... what are you doing? Even you... No, that's impossible! You're an Admiral who can't stand any impurities, aren't you? What about your absolute justice?"

At the same time, Sengoku looked up at Sakazuki and said gravely, "Sakazuki, is this your choice?"

Sakazuki slowly raised his head. A brief hesitation flickered in his eyes, but after just an instant, he cast aside all distracting thoughts and nodded with a resolute expression, "Yes."