"This amounts to a split within the Marines," Fujitora pointed out. "Once the World Government discovers it, the consequences will be unimaginable."
"I know the risks," Akainu said in a deep voice. "But the threat before us may be more serious than we imagined. I would rather bear the charge of treason than watch the entire world be destroyed by the hands of injustice."
Ryokugyu and Fujitora exchanged a look, then finally nodded in agreement. Though Staff Officer Tsuru was worried, she also acknowledged Akainu's decision.
"Then from this moment on, this operation is absolutely confidential. Other than those present, not a single word is to be revealed to anyone." Akainu swept his gaze over the room and received everyone's confirmation.
After the meeting ended, the participants departed one by one. Akainu alone remained in the conference room, considering his next move. Having made such a momentous decision, he realized he needed more allies and more information.
Night fell. Akainu stood alone atop Marine Headquarters, gazing at the pitch-black horizon. Moonlight spilled across his resolute face, revealing a rare and complicated expression.
For years, he had believed in Absolute Justice. He had believed that the order represented by the World Government was the final line of defense protecting the world. But now that conviction had been shaken, and he found himself standing at an unprecedented crossroads.
"Justice... what exactly is it?" Akainu murmured. His fist involuntarily turned to magma, illuminating the darkness around him.
After deep consideration, he made an even bolder decision: he would meet Dragon in person. Only by joining hands with the Revolutionary Army could he obtain more information about the Five Elders' plans and devise more effective countermeasures.
This meant crossing the greatest boundary of his life, but for the sake of the world's future,