Akainu Was the True Guardian of Marine Justice

Zephyr's eyes widened as he held the newspaper in his hand.

He had this look on his face, like he'd seen a ghost.

He never expected this.

Some people in the World Government have become so shameless these days.

They not only blatantly lied to embellish Akainu's image, but also embellished his reputation with all sorts of plagiarism.

They even went so far as to praise Aokiji while belittling him.

Even Zephyr had to admire how incredibly beautiful this subtle writing style was!

"Well, you're not used to it yet? Haven't those people always been like this?"

Seeing Zephyr's speechless expression, as if he were discovering evil for the first time, Lin Yan laughed heartily.

"In that case, Aokiji probably won't be able to stay in the Navy anymore, right?"

"Right now, I wonder how many people are waiting to see him make a fool of himself."

Zephyr's expression turned ugly upon hearing this.

Although he is now a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, Zephyr still has feelings for his former students.

Of course, Akainu is an exception.

At this moment, Aokiji encountered such injustice, and Zephyr was also somewhat indignant.

"Lin, so what do you mean?"

His expression had completely vanished from its previous silence, and Zephyr looked up at Lin Yan with a serious expression and asked.

Lin Yan simply smiled in response.

"Is that even a question? Didn't we already discuss it from the beginning?"

"Of course, we're going to recruit Aokiji!"

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

Bang!

"Sakazuki, you need to give me an explanation."

Just like before, the office door was kicked open again.

This time, however, it was Aokiji who kicked down the door.

Aokiji's face remained expressionless.

But anyone with eyes could see the fury hidden beneath that calm expression.

"Explanation? What explanation?"

As if he had anticipated this, Akainu's expression remained unchanged; he simply smiled and looked at Aokiji.

"Kuzan, don't get so angry. This is an order directly from the World Government; I couldn't refuse it."

On the surface, he appears to be reasoning with people.

But anyone could see the smugness in Akainu's eyes.

What's the point of winning?

In the end, the position of Fleet Admiral will still belong to me, Akainu!

My perseverance has paid off!

Aokiji, you're too lazy! Meow Meow said.

Only I, Akainu Sakazuki, am the defender of justice in the Navy!

"... Is this your answer?"

Aokiji looked coldly at Akainu in front of him.

"To get this position, you're willing to abandon your promises? Sakazuki... it seems that's all you're capable of."

Before this, Aokiji's gaze towards Akainu still held a hint of warmth.

Now, it's utter indifference.

They were all Admiral skilled generals.

Even the most skilled individuals possess their own dignity.

The two had previously stated that this duel would determine not only victory but also life and death; the winner would become the Fleet Admiral, and the loser would remain silent.

This is the promise of the strong!

However, at this moment, Akainu seems to have completely forgotten about this promise.

He doesn't deserve to be called a strongman!

Aokiji was completely disillusioned with Akainu.

"Aokiji! Watch your words! I am now the Fleet Admiral!"

Seeing Aokiji's cold and disappointed eyes, Akainu suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart and roared in anger and embarrassment.

However, Aokiji simply glanced at him calmly.

"Yes, you're now Fleet Admiral, I should congratulate you... but..."

"You are no longer my Fleet Admiral."

After saying that, Aokiji turned and left.

There was no turning back, no lingering attachment.

Aokiji was completely disillusioned with his former colleague and partner.

If a strong person can abandon their own dignity and promises, what else is incapable of doing?

"..."

Akainu was left standing there, stunned, watching Aokiji's departing figure, his eyes turning cold.

"So that's how it is... This is your choice..."

Aokiji walked down the corridor with a somewhat lost look on his face. Although his expression was very calm, it would not be hard for someone who knew him well to tell.

Aokiji's eyes no longer held the same sparkle as before.

"Kuzan?! What happened to you?!"

Garp, who was coming from the opposite direction, noticed this scene.

Seeing Aokiji's dejected expression, Garp was startled and quickly stepped forward to ask him with concern.

He highly valued this promising young man.

"Vice Admiral Garp? Don't worry, I'm fine."

Only noticing Garp after hearing the voice, Aokiji shook his head and gave a wry smile.

"I spoke with Sakazuki before, but it didn't go well."

"..."

Garp then fell silent.

He knew, of course, that the conversation between the two would not end well.

After all, Aokiji is the victor in front of them.

However, due to an order from the World Government, they were forced to relinquish the Fleet Admiral that they had already secured.

Anyone would find this unbearable.

Garp was naturally very dissatisfied.

But there was no other way; it was an order from the World Government!

As long as he remains a member of the Navy, Garp has no choice but to accept it.

"Kuzan, listen to me, without the position of Fleet Admiral, you also..."

In the end, Garp could only sigh, pat Aokiji on the shoulder, and try to comfort the young man.

However, before he could finish speaking, Aokiji waved his hand, interrupting him.

"Vice Admiral Garp, this is the last time I'll address you like that."

Aokiji looked at Garp intently.

"I think after today, we'll probably have very few opportunities to meet."

"... Aokiji?! You?!"

Upon hearing this, Garp paused for a moment, then his expression suddenly changed drastically.

"I'm leaving the Navy."

However, despite Garp's drastically changed expression, Aokiji's smile remained somewhat indifferent.

"Thinking back, why did I join the Navy in the first place? Like Professor Zephyr said, it was to uphold justice, of course."

"But Vice Admiral Garp, what is justice? I'm starting to lose sight of it."

Aokiji sighed softly.

His initial motivation for joining the Navy was to uphold justice.

But what about justice now?

At least Aokiji is no longer visible.

Yes, he wasn't regretting winning against Sakazuki, nor was he regretting losing the Fleet Admiral position he deserved; it was just that he couldn't quite see the justice in the Navy anymore.

So it's time to end this self-deception.

"Vice Admiral Garp, you are one of the few people in the entire Navy whom I admire, so before I leave, I must remind you of something."

Aokiji sighed and came back to his senses, then looked at Garp with extreme seriousness.

"Sakazuki is very dangerous right now, please be extremely careful..."