Within the Marines, the aftermath of the Marineford War triggered an intense power struggle.
Following Sengoku's resignation, Aokiji assumed the role of acting Fleet Admiral. With Sengoku's recommendation and the backing of the Marine's pacifist faction, most within the organization already regarded him as the natural successor.
However, Akainu stepped forward at this critical moment, openly challenging for the position.
The World Government, favoring Akainu's uncompromising and iron-fisted approach, chose to support him instead.
Now serving as Marine Inspector General, Sengoku initially proposed resolving the matter through a vote. Akainu openly scoffed at the idea.
He knew all too well that in a vote, he would lose.
Aokiji had the support of Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, Zephyr, and several other senior Marines—not to mention the majority of the pacifist faction. Even with the Gorosei backing him, the World Government could not blatantly override the Marine's internal hierarchy, especially in a decision as consequential as appointing a Fleet Admiral.
In the conference room, tensions finally erupted.
"Sakazuki," Aokiji said coldly, breaking the silence. "Anyone could become Fleet Admiral. If you think I'm unworthy, I'll step aside and let Borsalino take the position."
His gaze hardened.
"But I will never allow you to become Fleet Admiral."
Akainu's eyes burned.
"Your ruthlessness is excessive. If you take control of the Marines, you'll destroy them from within."
Akainu snorted and fired back immediately.
"Don't exaggerate, Kuzan. Your lazy, half-hearted justice is exactly why you're unfit for the role."
He crossed his arms, voice sharp.
"Just hand the position over to me. I'll even let you keep slacking off afterward."
Sengoku rubbed his temples as the argument escalated. Their relationship had always been strained, but now—when the Marine's future hung in the balance—neither man was willing to yield.
"Enough," Sengoku said firmly. "You're both the Marines' top combatants. Is this really how you intend to behave? Arguing like children?"
Aokiji's expression darkened.
"It's not that I want to argue. Sakazuki is simply too extreme."
He continued coldly,
"If he thinks I'm unqualified, then fine—Borsalino can take the position. But Sakazuki absolutely cannot. If he becomes Fleet Admiral, the Marines will lose the trust of the world."
Akainu slammed his fist on the table.
"What do you mean, 'lose trust'?"
His voice rose with fury. "Don't think I don't know what you've been doing all these years—secretly letting pirates escape!"
He glared at Aokiji.
"Is that what a Marine is supposed to do?"
Aokiji didn't back down.
"The people I let go weren't pirates," he replied icily. "They were civilians captured by pirates and forced to work for them."
"They deserved help," he added. "They deserved to go home."
Akainu let out a harsh laugh.
"Innocent? Don't be ridiculous. Anyone who aids pirates is a criminal."
His voice turned cold and absolute.
"They should all be executed."
After that, Aokiji and Akainu continued to tear into each other, relentlessly exposing one another's flaws. Every discussion about the Fleet Admiral position inevitably turned into an argument. The moment the two met, sparks flew.
At last, Akainu grew tired of the endless bickering.
He slammed his fist down and issued a blunt challenge—they would settle the matter the old way.
A duel.
The winner would become the next Fleet Admiral.
The loser would shut his mouth for good.
Sengoku initially tried to dissuade Akainu from pushing things this far—but to his surprise, Aokiji accepted without hesitation.
With both Admirals determined to resolve the dispute through force, Sengoku had no choice but to allow it.
Marine Base G-5
After dismissing his subordinates, Vice Admiral Vergo, the commander of G-5, made a secure call.
The line connected quickly. A familiar voice came through—one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
"Vergo," Doflamingo said lightly. "Do you have new information for me?"
Vergo didn't waste time on pleasantries.
"Young Master… my identity will likely be exposed soon."
The words hit like a thunderbolt.
"What?" Doflamingo's tone shifted instantly. "Explain."
Vergo was one of Doflamingo's most valuable chess pieces—the deepest and strongest asset he had planted within the Marines. Over more than a decade, Vergo had risen from an insignificant soldier to a full-fledged Vice Admiral. Unless absolutely unavoidable, Doflamingo had no intention of abandoning such a piece.
Vergo calmly explained the situation.
After the Marineford War, the Marines were no longer merely suspicious—they were convinced that there was a traitor within their ranks. Someone had leaked classified operational plans, leading directly to the Marines' failure at the final stage of the war.
As Sengoku's final act before stepping down, he had ordered a comprehensive internal investigation.
Even though Vergo had infiltrated the Marines for over ten years, starting from the very bottom, the CP organizations were relentless. They had already begun to suspect him. All that was missing was definitive proof.
Once that evidence surfaced, death would be inevitable.
After hearing everything, Doflamingo fell silent for a moment.
If Vergo were exposed, it wouldn't end with just him—Doflamingo himself would inevitably be dragged into the storm.
Finally, Doflamingo made a ruthless decision.
"Then we cut off the limb to save the body," he said calmly. "Leave the Marines. Go to the Beasts Pirates."
"The Beasts Pirates?" Vergo frowned slightly—then quickly understood. "Young Master… you want me to infiltrate them?"
"Fufufufufu," Doflamingo laughed. "Exactly. Most of the family's business already involves cooperation with the Beasts Pirates. Once you're there, even if the Marines want you dead, they won't dare pursue you."
Vergo nodded.
"Understood. As long as I can leave the Marines, that's enough. If I stay any longer, CP will throw me in a cell the moment they find proof."
Doflamingo continued, his voice reassuring.
"You've worked hard all these years. Life with the Beasts Pirates won't be easy either—but Kaido favors Zoan-type Devil Fruit users."
"I'll help you acquire a Zoan Devil Fruit," he added. "Once you join them, Kaido will value you highly."
Vergo bowed his head slightly.
"Understood, Young Master. I won't disappoint you."
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