Akainu fell silent, feeling the gazes from all around him, and realized for the first time that the position of Fleet Admiral was not an easy one to hold.
"What's wrong? Are you finding this spot a little hot on your butt now?"
Sengoku laughed loudly, patted Akainu on the shoulder, and then said.
"Don't worry, no matter how you got this position, you are at least the new Fleet Admiral of the Marine Headquarters. From now on, justice on these high seas will still need you to uphold it."
"However, this matter is of great importance, and it stems from accumulated grudges from the past. Let this old man decide this last time."
"Let's go to Holy Land Mary Geoise and see what kind of answer the Five Elders will give us."
"If he can't give us a reasonable answer, then let the Marine Headquarters become completely independent. This path may be difficult, but it doesn't mean it's impossible for us."
"As for the lost power, you've all seen it. The Five Elders have far too many methods for dealing with Devil Fruit. Not only can they directly seize them, but they can also nullify their abilities. Keeping this power around is a major threat to us."
"In hindsight, knowing about this beforehand wasn't such a bad thing; at least it saved my life."
"However, you'll probably have some headaches with Akainu and Kizaru from now on."
"Without Devil Fruit powers, you'll have no choice but to rely on Taijutsu. That old man Zephyr will definitely find that very entertaining."
In the end, Sengoku couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Akainu, Kizaru, and others were able to become Marine Admiral because they were actually quite talented.
He was simply Isshin on taking the shortcut of developing Devil Fruit and neglected Taijutsu.
Otherwise, Akainu wouldn't have secretly mastered the Eight Gates Released up to the Sixth Gate and even developed a complete combo attack under Bai Yu's repeated provocations.
Hearing Sengoku's teasing words, Akainu's usually expressionless face revealed a hint of helpless smile.
The thought of facing that stubborn old man, Zephyr, gave them a headache.
"Alright, enough chit-chat, Bai Yu, will you come with me?"
Sengoku snapped out of his thoughts and said.
"This time, the Marine Headquarters almost fell into the hands of the Five Elders. If it weren't for you, we probably wouldn't have the chance to continue standing here and talking."
"Therefore, whatever the outcome of this meeting with the Five Elders, I hope you can return to Marine Headquarters."
"You should know very well that the current strength of the Marine Headquarters has been greatly reduced. The only person who can truly maintain full combat power is Garp."
"With this lineup alone, it will be difficult to continue fighting against the Five Elders. The next time the Five Elders make their move, the Marine Headquarters may still not be able to escape annihilation."
These words immediately put everyone on edge.
Akainu's expression also changed slightly, and he clenched his fists even more tightly.
However, a sense of powerlessness quickly welled up in his heart, and he sighed softly.
" Bai Yu, Sengoku was right. The Marine Headquarters today is not what it used to be. Only you can shoulder the great responsibility of upholding justice."
"If you're willing to come back, you can become the Fleet Admiral!"
A collective gasp filled the arena.
They were clearly caught off guard by Akainu's decision.
After all, many people have heard about the rivalry between Akainu and Aokiji for the position of Fleet Admiral.
That was the position of Fleet Admiral, earned only after ten days and ten nights of fierce fighting and employing countless tactics.
This is enough to show that Akainu is determined to get this position.
Now, by simply opening his mouth, he's handing over this position to the company.
This was undoubtedly unexpected.
" Akainu..." Sengoku was also a little surprised.
Unfortunately, before Sengoku could finish speaking, Akainu shook his head and said...
" Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you yourself said that what just happened was a decision of the old era. As Fleet Admiral of the new era, shouldn't I also have the right to make a decision once?"
"This is the ocean where the strong prey on the weak. I, Akainu, am indeed inferior to Bai Yu. Whether in the past or now, I, Akainu, can take things on, and I can also let them go."
"Kid, if you nod, you'll be the next Fleet Admiral."
"This is something your grandfather has been longing to see, something he's been waiting for like the stars and the moon."
These words immediately put everyone on edge, and all eyes turned to Bai Yu.
Akainu's rare display of decisiveness and composure truly exceeded their expectations.
However, the problem facing them is the same as what Akainu said.
The current Marine Headquarters is like a sieve with countless holes; only those truly capable of shouldering this heavy responsibility are truly capable.
It's not the Sengoku, nor is it Akainu.
Looking across this vast ocean, only Bai Yu could accomplish that.
Feeling the eager gazes from all around, Bai Yu gulped down a mouthful of wine, shook his head with a bloodthirsty smile, and said...
"No, I refuse!"
"I'd rather be a marshal than a Fleet Admiral!"
"I have little interest in cleaning up this mess; let Sengoku and Akainu handle it."
"Grandpa, you don't mind, do you?"
Garp paused for a moment, then laughed and patted Bai Yu on the shoulder.
"Haha, you're just like me, young man. You're only cut out to be a hero, not a Fleet Admiral. It would be a miracle if you actually agreed."
"Let me tell you, this Fleet Admiral is thankless. Look at that old fellow from the Sengoku, has he lived a more comfortable life than me all these years? In his office, he doesn't dare to fart even a little loudly, and he doesn't dare to pick his nose."
"What's so great about Fleet Admiral has to constantly worry about his image? He'd be better off spending that time admiring the girls."
"However, if you've refused, then don't feel guilty. Actually, Sengoku told me privately that you had absolutely no interest in the Fleet Admiral's position; he was just asking casually."
A hearty laugh echoed across the ruined square.
The gloom and disappointment that had hung over the room in the face of Bai Yu's rejection vanished instantly.
In particular, the line "He's not cut out to be Fleet Admiral, but a marshal" is something no one can argue with.
According to Garp, this is something he inherited.
Of course, isn't this outcome a reflection of the relationship between Garp and Sengoku?
Looking at Garp, who was acting disrespectfully towards his elders, picking his nose and letting out a few loud farts, Sengoku shook his head helplessly and said with a wry smile.
"Okay, I knew this would happen."
"However, as you can see, the Marine Headquarters has now lost its Devil Fruit abilities, which is tantamount to cutting off its own arm. We don't know what methods the Five Elders will use next. I hope that if we encounter any more crises, you can lend a hand."
"Of course, our Marine Headquarters will also do everything in its power to strengthen our self-defense capabilities."