Gern's pitch had actually already won Akainu over.
But who was Akainu?
A terminal case of paranoia, that was who. His brow was furrowed tightly enough to crush a Sea King, and he was clearly still wrestling fiercely with himself.
Gern was shrewd too. Seeing this, he immediately switched to "silent mode," giving Akainu plenty of time to fill in the blanks.
Then he put on an expression of "heartbroken concern for the nation and its people," while silently counting down.
Three, two, one... hooked!
He couldn't give Akainu too much time to think. Once the atmosphere was right, Gern barked out,
"Five years!!!"
"Five years?" Akainu raised his eyes and stared at Gern.
"That's right. I only need five years!
"Within five years, I'll completely consolidate the New World and establish the Marines' unshakable supremacy!"
"Five years from now, I, Gern Reginald Sigma, swear by the 'justice' I believe in!
"I will resign from every military post and retire for good!
"When that time comes, I will personally, with my own hands and my own words, recommend you-Sakazuki-to succeed me as Fleet Admiral!!
"And then, anyone who objects... I'll take them out!"
A deathly silence fell over the office.
Akainu stared fixedly at Gern, seemingly trying to judge whether his words were genuine.
Five years wasn't long for someone at the pinnacle of strength.
Spend five years clearing out a sea that, to him, was little more than a gathering place for small fry, in exchange for an undisputed-
An undisputed position as Fleet Admiral, personally installed by Gern, the "current boss"?
For Sakazuki, who had always yearned to sit in that seat,
And put his own ideals into practice, those terms held an almost irresistible appeal.
Because this was no longer just some empty promise!
This was practically