The blazing sun hung over the main entrance to the Council Hall in Mary Geoise.
Akainu walked out of the Council Hall without expression, though a hint of satisfaction showed in his eyes.
The matter of military funding had been settled, even if he didn't know why.
He had stormed off to confront the Five Elders and received an answer immediately: the order had been rescinded, and funding would continue as usual.
Akainu found it baffling. The World Government was practically toying with the Marines. But he hadn't dared push too hard this time. If his attitude got the funding cut again, his triumph would turn to disaster.
The thought was absurd, but not impossible.
As Akainu left the Council Hall, an elderly man with an eyepatch approached him.
"I've been looking for you for a long time, Sakazuki."
The one-eyed elder's face was stern. He showed the Fleet Admiral no respect, addressing Akainu by name—and even drawing the rapier at his waist.
Anger surged through Akainu, but he didn't dare strike first in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise.
"Who are you? If you cause trouble here, don't blame me when I burn you to ash."
The one-eyed elder remained expressionless. He held his sword angled toward the ground and stood perfectly straight.
"Who I am doesn't matter. I came to teach you a lesson. Think before you act from now on. Since you're still serving as Fleet Admiral, I'll settle for taking one of your arms."
Akainu sneered, as though he'd heard a joke.
"Take one of my arms? That's the funniest thing I've heard in a while. What a ridiculous day. First my funding gets cut for no reason, and now you want an arm. You must think I'm an easy target."
Gurgle, gurgle. Magma began dripping