The Road Ahead

Fujitora's kneeling had serious consequences, though only for other people. To Fujitora himself, it hardly mattered. Even after a shouting match with Akainu over the phone, he figured the man was just venting his frustration. Akainu had failed to secure the Fleet Admiral's position at first and had only gained it with the World Government's help. Then Aokiji joined Blackbeard, a slap in Akainu's face. The World Government changed the news of Donquixote Doflamingo's withdrawal from the Shichibukai to a false report, delivering a second slap. Fujitora had heard Akainu went to see Old Wu, where he had surely taken a third. By kneeling and damaging the Marines' reputation, Fujitora had unwittingly dealt him a fourth. As for the others, Akainu either couldn't get at them or couldn't afford to cross them. Fujitora worked under him, so it was only natural that Akainu would vent at him. But venting was all he could do. There was no way he could impose any real punishment.

"I bet Akainu's hair has gone completely white since you joined the Marines..." Li Ziming joked as he sat down beside Fujitora.

"Explosion Mage!" Fujitora's subordinates raised their guns and aimed them all at Li Ziming.

"Easy. Your boss already said a one stands for the Straw Hats, so why not let the dice decide everything?" Li Ziming shrugged. He showed no desire to fight.

"How's your body, kid?" Instead of lifting his dice cup, Fujitora took the wine Li Ziming had brought and poured himself a glass.

"Sir, that wine!" One of the Marines tried to stop him, but Fujitora waved him off without a care.

"Not bad..." Li Ziming poured himself a glass too, then began taking snacks out of the box to go with the wine.

"You little rascal. I knew there was