Kizaru pointed at Ethan, then Kuina, then the fifty Vanguard Squad Marines clutching their weapons with resolute faces.
"They'll all be sent to the gallows because of your arrogance."
Lorne paused slightly.
He turned back and looked at Ethan.
His ever-diligent adjutant, timid but always loyal, stood there stubbornly with tears streaming down his face, refusing to take a single step back.
Then he looked at Kuina.
The girl he had brought out of the East Blue was gritting her teeth. The blade in her hand trembled slightly, but there was no trace of retreat in her eyes, only absolute trust in him.
"Rear Admiral..."
Kuina spoke softly. Though faint, her voice reached Lorne's ears clearly.
"Whatever you decide, I'll follow you."
"Even if we're going to hell, I'll clear the way for you."
"Rear Admiral Lorne!"
Ryan and Bakel roared in unison, straightening their backs and slamming their spears against the ground.
"The entire Vanguard Squad swears to follow you to the death, Rear Admiral!"
Watching this, Kizaru could not help exclaiming.
"What frightening solidarity."
"That's precisely why I can't let you ruin your future here."
"Young Lorne, think of how many times Sengoku argued with the Five Elders in his office to protect you."
"Think of how Garp sparred with you every day to make you stronger."
"If you bring that foot down, you won't just crush a Celestial Dragon's head. You'll crush everything they've put into you."
Kizaru advanced step by step, placing himself between Lorne and the entrance to Pangaea Castle.
"There's more than one way to express justice."
"I don't object to you wanting to change this rotten world."
"But as you are now, you're not strong enough."
"At least, you're not strong enough to disregard an Admiral, the Five Elders, and all the rules