After the Marineford War, the balance of power within the Marines had shifted dramatically.
Aokiji had been acting as Fleet Admiral, supported by former Fleet Admiral Sengoku and the Marine pacifist faction, positioning him as the natural successor.
But Akainu was not one to be sidelined.
Known for his ruthless methods, he contested the position fiercely, earning the backing of the World Government, who favored his iron-fisted approach.
Sengoku, now retired from his post and serving as Marine Inspector General, had intended to settle the succession through a voting system.
Akainu dismissed this plan outright, knowing that Aokiji's support from senior Marines like Garp, Tsuru, and Zephyr would guarantee his loss.
Even though the Gorosei supported Akainu, they could not interfere directly with internal Marine decisions.
The appointment of Fleet Admiral remained a delicate matter, one that required careful handling.
In the Marine headquarters' conference room, Aokiji confronted Akainu.
"Sakazuki, anyone can hold the position of Fleet Admiral.
If you despise me, I can step aside and let Borsalino take it, but I will not allow you to take command.
Your brutality would ruin the Marines."
Akainu's response was immediate and sharp.
"Hmph, Kuzan, your lazy attitude makes you unfit to lead.
Step aside, and I will allow you to slack off, but I will take this post and restore discipline to the Marines."
Sengoku sighed as he watched the argument escalate.
Their rivalry had always been intense, and now, with the future of the Marines at stake, neither would yield.
"Enough.
Stop arguing.
Both of you are the highest combat powers in the Marines.
Act like it."
Aokiji's gaze was cold.
"I do not wish to argue, but Sakazuki refuses to accept reason.
He says I am unfit, yet allows Borsalino to lead.
The Marines cannot be entrusted to him; the trust of the World depends on competent leadership."
Akainu's eyes flared.
"What do you mean 'competent'?
You've been secretly letting pirates escape.
Is that how a Marine should act?"
Aokiji remained unfazed.
"The ones I let go were not pirates.
They were victims, coerced into piracy.
We should help them return home."
Akainu sneered.
"Innocent?
Helping pirates only creates criminals.
They should all be executed."
The argument continued, each Admiral exposing the perceived flaws in the other, their debate growing heated over who was truly fit to command the Marines.
Finally, Akainu laid down a challenge.
"The position of Fleet Admiral will be decided by combat.
The victor takes the role, and the loser remains silent."
Aokiji did not hesitate.
"Agreed.
Let our abilities speak for themselves."
With both men determined to settle the dispute through force, Sengoku had no choice but to allow the duel.
---
Meanwhile, at Marine Base G-5, Vice Admiral Vergo dismissed his subordinates and made a private call.
The voice of a familiar figure echoed through the line: Donquixote Doflamingo, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
"Vergo, did you need new intelligence?" Doflamingo asked.
Vergo's opening statement shocked him.
"My identity may be exposed soon."
Doflamingo's confusion was immediate.
Vergo had been his most reliable asset within the Marines, and one of his strongest.
A decade-long rise from a lowly soldier to Vice Admiral had cemented Vergo's position.
Exposing him now risked untold consequences.
Vergo spoke with quiet resolve.
"The Marines are investigating an internal spy who leaked intelligence during the Marineford War, causing their operations to fail at the last moment.
Evidence may soon reveal me as that spy."
Doflamingo's eyes narrowed, the situation becoming clear.
If Vergo were discovered, the repercussions would be severe.
"You must leave the Marines," Doflamingo decided, voice calm yet commanding.
"Go to the Beasts Pirates."
Vergo's brow furrowed.
"As an undercover agent?"
Doflamingo chuckled softly.
"Yes.
The family's current operations are closely tied to the Beasts Pirates.
Joining them ensures the Marines cannot touch you, no matter what."
Vergo nodded firmly.
"Understood, Young Master.
I will not fail you."
Doflamingo reassured him.
"You have served well.
Life with the Beasts Pirates will be difficult, but Kaido values Zoan-type Devil Fruit users.
I will find a Zoan Devil Fruit for you.
With it, you will be highly regarded in Kaido's ranks."
Vergo bowed, resolute.
"I understand.
I will serve faithfully, Young Master.
Rest assured."
Thus, a former Marine Vice Admiral prepared to infiltrate the Beasts Pirates, a key pawn in the shadowed games of power that stretched across the New World.