Sengoku remained silent. The bigger picture was indeed as the Five Elders described. As Fleet Admiral, he could no longer view matters solely as a soldier from the lower ranks; he had to consider the broader battlefield beyond direct confrontation.
Laugh Tale and the Poneglyphs were undoubtedly the greatest threats to the World Government and the Five Elders. Compared to these, a "mere" Morgan William—even the dignity of the Marines—was insignificant.
"This is an all-encompassing war, Sengoku," the golden-haired elder declared. "Granting Morgan William the title of Seven Warlords of the Sea is not simply a concession; it's a strategic move to win this war. By removing an important operative from the ranks of the Four Emperors, and simultaneously gaining a powerful asset for the World Government, this is a zero-sum game."
Sengoku clenched his fists several times before letting out a long sigh, as if trying to expel the suffocating frustration from his chest. "But what about the Marines' dignity? How do we explain our previous actions?"
The elder with the map-shaped birthmark frowned upon hearing Sengoku bring up the Marines' dignity once again. Their attitude toward Dampier had been far more accommodating than their attitude toward Sengoku, despite Sengoku's strength far surpassing Dampier's, or even that of Morgan William, whom they hadn't yet met.
Perhaps it was because the Five Elders knew that compared to the Marines, Morgan William had more options, while Sengoku and the Marines were more obedient to the Government—a loyalty the Five Elders had long taken for granted.
"The World Government represents absolute justice. This means the Government cannot be wrong and will not be wrong. Therefore, the responsibility for these actions must fall on the Marines," the elder with the map-shaped birthmark said slowly. "However, as the face of justice for the Government, Marine Headquarters also cannot be wrong and will not be wrong. Ultimately, the blame must fall on the individual who caused all of this to happen."
Sengoku closed his eyes slowly, tilted his head back, and took several deep breaths before reopening his eyes to glare at the Five Elders. He spoke deliberately, emphasizing each word: "You are forcing loyal soldiers onto the path of crime!"
"If a soldier abandons justice and turns to crime because of a little grievance, it shows that their heart was never truly committed to justice from the beginning," the long-haired elder replied, his tone detached and cold.
The other four elders said nothing, but their expressions revealed agreement.
Sengoku fell silent as well. He knew that Morgan William's appointment as a Seven Warlord of the Sea was already decided.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford
Due to heightened security measures, the island was packed with Marines. The already narrow island, equipped with numerous fortifications and artillery, now felt even more cramped due to the influx of personnel.
Despite this, as one of the highest-ranking officers and a symbol of the Marines' might, "Akainu" Sakazuki still enjoyed special privileges.
In a traditional Japanese-style courtyard, Sakazuki sat cross-legged on a tatami mat, holding a pair of scissors. He was focused intently on a bonsai tree placed on the low table before him.
At forty-six years old, Sakazuki's physique was as formidable as ever. His bare upper body revealed muscles as hard as steel, showcasing his peak physical condition. Yet the wrinkles on his face betrayed the toll of years and military service.
His buzz-cut hairstyle and the massive tattoo on his left arm—lava-like patterns resembling ash and magma, interspersed with roses—added to his imposing presence.
Even in his leisure time, Sakazuki sat with his back straight, exuding the aura of a disciplined soldier. Anyone who saw him, even without knowing his identity, would likely recognize him as a military man.
As an Admiral feared by countless pirates and respected by countless Marines, Sakazuki appeared unusually relaxed.
"Admiral Sakazuki!"
The sudden intrusion of Vice Admiral Onigumo shattered Sakazuki's rare moment of peace.
"What is it?" Sakazuki asked without turning around, his gaze still fixed on the bonsai tree.
The bonsai before Akainu was far from what most people would consider aesthetically pleasing.
The pot bore the word "Justice," and the tree planted within had most of its branches pruned away by Sakazuki, leaving only the main trunk and a small cluster of leaves at the top. The rest of the branches had been mercilessly snipped off, leaving the tree bare and skeletal.
The tree's stark appearance mirrored Sakazuki's philosophy: he believed in absolute justice, tolerating no impurities. To him, anything outside of justice was unnecessary and had to be removed—even the branches growing from the trunk were "crooked" in his eyes and were ruthlessly cut away to ensure the tree grew "strong and upright."
"News just came from the Intelligence Office," Onigumo paused before continuing. "According to Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the Five Elders have agreed to grant Morgan William the title of Seven Warlords of the Sea. Additionally, they've recognized his status as the king of a World Government member nation, granting him the right to participate in the Reverie."
The previously calm Sakazuki's eyes flashed red, and black smoke began to rise from his right hand, which was holding the bonsai tree. With a loud "boom," the tree he had painstakingly pruned suddenly ignited and turned into a fireball. The scissors in his left hand had also melted into a puddle of glowing red molten iron, dripping onto the ground.
"Damned politicians, always indulging evil," Sakazuki growled through clenched teeth. "Because of them, justice remains unfulfilled!"
Yusolin Heller woke up drenched in sweat from a nightmare. He looked around and realized he was still in the cramped and stuffy soldiers' barracks. The stench of sweat and mildew in the overheated room oddly comforted him.
Yusolin Heller had dreamed a vivid nightmare—a dream where Morgan William, who should have been judged as a criminal, had transformed into a guest of honor for the Government. His past crimes were erased, while Yusolin Heller himself, along with his benefactor Captain Roy, were falsely accused and nailed to the pillar of shame.
"Thank goodness it was just a dream, just a dream..." Yusolin Heller muttered to himself, leaning against the bed and staring out at the night.
The moonlight was cool and serene, casting silver shadows through the forest. The trees swayed gently in the sea breeze, their rustling leaves blending harmoniously with the chirping of insects and birds, creating a natural symphony. Yet, despite the beauty, Yusolin Heller's expression remained somber.
Judging by his current surroundings, it was clear—he had been exiled.
(End of Chapter)
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