Kizaru: I Have Something I Must Say! (44)

"But I have to give it a try!"

Aokiji continued, his words firm and impassioned. "Letting Akainu lead the Marines is far too dangerous!"

Dangerous to enemies, and even more so to allies.

There was no denying he was a good general, but that did not mean he was a qualified commander-in-chief!

After Ron's verbal provocation, Aokiji suddenly realized that his heart was not as detached and indifferent as he had made it seem.

In Ron's words, he was a hypocrite!

He clearly could not stand it and was furious beyond measure, yet he insisted on putting on an "Ah, I understand you" act and doing things against his own will.

When Ron ruthlessly tore away that scar—or rather, that disguise—letting blood flow from the wound and exposing his true thoughts beneath the open sky, Aokiji understood.

It was time to make his voice heard!

And stand by it without wavering.

If he backed down now, Aokiji would never forgive himself for the rest of his life.

Hearing this, Garp looked at him solemnly. Noticing the passion burning in those eyes, he suddenly grinned.

"The way you look now reminds me of when you were still following behind me and learning, Kuzan."

"Hm?"

Aokiji looked up at him in confusion.

"I've never said this over the years, but I've long been fed up with your lazy way of doing things! I just never pointed it out because that was your own business."

Garp waved a hand and pulled out a doughnut from a greaseproof paper bag.

Aokiji: "..."

Sorry, I understand the reasoning.

But what right do you have to lecture me?!!!

Put down that doughnut before you talk!

Ignoring Aokiji's resentful stare, Garp chewed on the overly sweet doughnut as he spoke.

"But now, you've shown me that you