Who Stays Behind?

If Akainu had been standing here right now, Sabo's threat would never have worked. As long as the criminals could be wiped out, Akainu would turn a blind eye no matter how great the sacrifice.

But Ron could not.

Even if he wanted to, he could not do it.

He was the Navy's designated future admiral, but neither the Five Elders nor Sengoku would want a second "Akainu" taking an admiral's seat.

They appreciated Akainu's loyalty and obedience to orders, but one double-edged blade like a Hawk Faction Officer was enough.

In other words, the Government needed them to have different public personas to ensure the Navy remained full of vitality and competition, rather than allowing one faction to dominate and rule unilaterally.

Ron represented the Navy's rising power, an independent and newly formed faction. Even Aokiji, whom Sengoku held in such high regard, would be targeted to maintain the balance between the hawks and doves. Why would Ron be an exception?

If he became a second Akainu, Ron could guarantee that his admiral's seat would be in immediate danger.

Sabo's move had seized upon Ron's one weakness that barely counted as a weakness...

Ambition!

From the day he decided to challenge the highest seat, Ron had never stopped moving forward, resolutely advancing toward his goal.

As long as he would not back down, then this weakness existed.

Of course, only Sabo, a handful of others, and Ron himself knew this. Even Sabo had merely guessed it, deducing the answer from Ron's leniency toward the Revolutionary Army back then.

So in everyone else's eyes, Ron's hesitation was moving.

"Give the order to attack, Vice Admiral Azure Dragon!"

Law made no attempt to hide the fact that, despite being a Shichibukai, he was willing to obey Ron's orders. With a resolute