"That would amount to a split within the Marines," Fujitora pointed out. "If the World Government finds out, the consequences will be unimaginable."
"I know the risks," Akainu said gravely. "But the threat before us may be far worse than we imagine. 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 glance, then finally nodded in agreement. Although Staff Officer Tsuru was concerned, she also accepted 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 across the room and received everyone's confirmation.
After the meeting ended, the participants left one by one. Only Akainu remained in the conference room, contemplating his next move. Having made such a momentous decision, he realized he would need more allies and more information.
Night fell. Akainu stood alone atop the Marine Headquarters building, gazing at the pitch-black horizon. Moonlight fell across his resolute face, revealing an unusually complicated expression.
For years, he had believed unwaveringly in Absolute Justice, believing that the order represented by the World Government was the last line of defense protecting the world. But now that conviction had been shaken, he found himself standing at an unprecedented crossroads.
"Justice... what exactly is it?" Akainu murmured. His fist involuntarily turned to magma, lighting up the darkness around him.
After careful consideration, he made an even bolder decision: he would meet Dragon in person. Only by joining forces with the Revolutionary Army could he obtain more information about the Five Elders' plan and devise more effective countermeasures.
This meant crossing the greatest boundary of his life, but for the sake of the world's future, he