On the Plaza, Akainu's speech gradually shook the soldiers' resolve.
"Did Fleet Admiral Aokiji really do those things?"
"How could he? Don't we know what kind of man Fleet Admiral Aokiji is?"
"Exactly! Admiral Akainu even killed his own soldiers before. We can't trust him!"
"But isn't the timing too convenient? With former Fleet Admiral Sengoku's abilities, could an ordinary person have harmed him?"
The Marines broke into heated discussion, unsure whether they should keep fighting. Akainu waved for the soldiers and Fleet behind him to hold position, then stood alone on the Port's Coast.
Surrounded by countless "enemies," he spread his arms as if embracing the sun—one-handed version.jpg.
"Every word I've said is true! If you don't believe me, my life is yours to take!"
To attack or not to attack—that was the question.
Seeing Akainu take such a stand, one soldier gritted his teeth, rushed forward, and drove his blade into him.
Shnk!
But Akainu did exactly as he had promised. He left his life in their hands, neither fighting back nor using his elemental form. He simply let the blade pierce his belly!
Even an Admiral like him was badly hurt by that!
Blood at the corner of his mouth, Akainu looked at the soldiers before him and shouted, "Who else?!"
"I'm next!"
A Rear Admiral stepped forward and drew his weapon. "It's not that I don't believe you, Admiral Akainu! This sword is for my younger brother. You killed him just because he pleaded for a pirate!"
"Marines cannot bow to criminals! Your brother crossed the line!"
Akainu roared at him, eyes wide, then spread his arms again. "If you hate me, then come! I won't resist!"
"I..."
Akainu had told the truth. The Marines had rules: shielding a criminal was a serious offense. Compared with