With the investiture ceremony concluded, the decision was set in stone: New Marineford would be constructed through a massive expansion built upon the former G-2 base in the New World.
There would be no turning back.
Through masterful political maneuvering and overwhelming strength, Gern Reginald Sigmar had staged a flawless counteroffensive before the entire world—forcing the World Government into a corner.
But an eight-hundred-year-old regime does not crumble from a single setback.
If the World Government could so easily relinquish power and calmly accept a new order dominated by Gern—
Then it would not be the World Government.
And so, without hesitation, the Five Elders returned to the method they knew best.
Internal balancing.
Cultivating opposition.
…
One week after the ceremony.
The Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
The Hall of Authority.
Sakazuki had been summoned in secret.
"What do you want?"
Draped in his coat of Justice, Sakazuki stepped alone into the grand chamber symbolizing the highest authority in the world.
His face was as hard and cold as ever. His brows knit instinctively as he looked toward the Five Elders seated upon their lavish sofas.
No pleasantries. No excessive reverence.
It was entirely in character.
The Elders exchanged glances as he entered. As usual, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter spoke first.
"Sakazuki. We summoned you to make something clear."
"In the eyes of the World Government, the 'Absolute Justice' you uphold… is the true path the Marines should follow in the future. It is the most solid force safeguarding the stability of the world."
Sakazuki said nothing.
Ju Peter continued, offering high praise before shifting smoothly toward the true purpose of the summons.
"Gern's recent actions may appear strong and glorious, winning honor for the Marines. But his methods are fraught with uncontrollable risks and personal ambition!"
"He hijacks the collective will of the Marines, manipulates public opinion, even openly challenges established rules. If this continues, the Marines will inevitably stray from the proper path!"
He was attempting to ignite Sakazuki's dissatisfaction.
But he underestimated Sakazuki's recognition of fact—and of merit.
As the blunt disparagement of Gern continued, Sakazuki's frown deepened. His expression did not show agreement.
It darkened.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku still holds the seat," Sakazuki interrupted coldly. "Gern continues to carry out his duties in the New World."
His reply was concise and direct.
Gern had not overstepped.
He was doing his job.
That was Sakazuki.
Extreme. Ruthless in his belief in Absolute Justice. Unyielding in carrying out orders and eradicating what he deemed evil.
But he had his own logic. His own code.
He would never deny another man's concrete achievements or fulfillment of duty.
Gern's years of guarding the New World, suppressing pirates, and demonstrating overwhelming strength—
Those were ironclad facts.
He acknowledged them.
Even if their ideals diverged.
Even if rivalry simmered beneath the surface.
He would never join in belittling Gern's contributions or current responsibilities.
The Elders' obvious attempt at sowing discord instead left him with a sour taste.
In his view, any conflict should be resolved within Marine rules—through strength and ideology in open confrontation.
Not through backroom denigration.
Sakazuki's blunt reaction caught them off guard.
"You are too straightforward, Sakazuki!" Saint Topman Warcury cut in, his tone urgent with frustration. "You fail to see your opponent clearly!"
"Relocating Headquarters to the New World may appear progressive—an advance against the Four Emperors!"
"But have you considered why it must be moved specifically to the G-10 base he has fortified like an iron bastion?!"
"He is binding the entire Marine force to serve his personal ambition! He is placing the Marines' greatest strength firmly under his own control!"
"If this continues, the Marines will become a private instrument for one man's ambition—not a righteous army protecting the world!"
"That runs fundamentally counter to the pure and absolute justice you believe in!"
"Exactly!" Saint Jaygarcia Saturn added, shifting to a tone of calculated persuasion. "We understand your current position, and we believe in your ability and conviction."
"The World Government needs you to maintain your stance within the Marines. Continue to compete. Gern's faction must not be allowed to dominate unopposed."
"And furthermore…"
His voice lowered meaningfully.
"The Scientific Division's newest weapon—the 'Seraphim'—is progressing smoothly. Once it reaches full combat readiness…"
"The priority of deployment… will be granted to your faction."
That was no small temptation.
The Seraphim—war machines combining the power of the former Warlords with cutting-edge science.
Control of such weapons would significantly bolster Sakazuki's hard power—and his voice within the Marines.
The Five Elders' intentions were transparent.
Since they could not suppress Gern directly from outside, they would strengthen Sakazuki internally.
Fan the flames of ideological conflict.
Encourage competition for power.
Prevent the Marines from uniting into an unbreakable whole.
Maintain indirect control through division.
They viewed Sakazuki—and his Absolute Justice—as a nail to be driven into Gern's sphere of influence.
A nail they could manipulate from the shadows to create friction and preserve balance.
…
The more Sakazuki listened, the darker his expression became.
Finally, his gaze sharpened like molten steel.
"Enough."
The Five Elders paused mid-sentence.
"…Sakazuki," Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro's hand rested lightly upon the hilt of Shodai Kitetsu. "Do you realize whom you are rebuking?"
"Heh." Sakazuki let out a cold laugh.
"I've known Gern—worked alongside him—longer than the five of you have dealt with him combined."
He stepped forward.
His presence did not retreat in the slightest.
"That man's justice may differ from mine in form…"
"But its essence. Its intensity."
"Is not weaker than Sakazuki's."
"When I first served beside him, it was he who awakened me from hesitation—who showed me what 'Absolute Justice' truly meant."
"What it meant to allow not a single stain of impurity."
His voice tightened, then rose.
"Yes, we later disagreed on how to execute justice. We even walked divergent paths…"
"But…"
His tone became iron.
"I will not allow you to insult the justice he upholds."
The air in the chamber grew heavy.
"And in the end…"
Sakazuki's cold eyes swept across the Five Elders.
His words tore straight through their pretense.
"You're simply frightened."
"Frightened by the 'Calamity Justice' that could overturn your chessboard… and grind your rules to dust."
...
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