The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

So the Five Elders immediately reverted to their most familiar, old-fashioned tactic: internal checks and balances and supporting the opposition.

.......

One week after the award ceremony.

The Holy Land, Mary Geoise, the Hall of Power, Sakazuki, was secretly summoned.

"Why did you call me here?"

Sakazuki, draped in the coat of justice, stepped alone into the hall that symbolized the highest authority in the world.

As he spoke, the hardness and coldness between his brows did not diminish in the slightest. Looking at the five elders sitting on the luxurious sofa, his brows furrowed as usual.

There were no unnecessary pleasantries or formalities, which is consistent with his usual style.

Upon Akainu's arrival, the Five Elders exchanged glances, with Shepard X. Pitt speaking first, as always.

“Sakazuki, we summoned you to tell you something.”

"I want you to understand that in the eyes of the World Government, your belief in 'absolute justice'..."

This is the direction the navy should truly adhere to in the future! It is the most solid force for maintaining world stability!

Akainu remained silent.

Pittor first praised Akainu highly, then changed the subject and began to the true purpose of the summons.

“Gern’s actions, while seemingly powerful and bringing glory to the Navy, are fraught with uncontrollable risks and personal ambitions!”

He has hijacked the collective will of the navy, manipulated public opinion, and even openly challenged the rules. If this continues, the navy will inevitably go astray!

He tried to ignite Sakazaki's resentment towards Gern, but underestimated Sakazaki's appreciation for "facts" and "achievements."

Therefore, Akainu's brows furrowed even more deeply when he heard the Five Elders so bluntly belittle Gern.

Instead of showing agreement, his face instantly turned displeased, and he coldly interrupted...

"The position of Marshal is now held by Sengoku, while Gern continues to fulfill his duties in the New World."

His answer was concise and direct, highlighting the current situation.

Gern did not overstep his authority; he was still doing what he was supposed to do.

This is Akainu.

He is extreme, believes in absolute justice, and will carry out orders without mercy to eradicate everything he deems "evil".

However, he also has his own set of logic and principles, and he will never deny anyone's actual contributions and fulfillment of responsibilities.

He acknowledges the undeniable contributions and strength that Gern has demonstrated in protecting the New World and fighting pirates over the years!

Even if he might now have ideological differences with Gern, or even harbor competitive feelings towards him.

But he would never agree with the Five Elders' denigration of Gern's personal achievements and current duties on such a level.

The Five Elders' words, which were clearly meant to sow discord, only made him feel disgusted at being used as a pawn.

In his view, any conflicts should be resolved through direct confrontation based on strength and ideology within the Navy's internal rules, rather than through such backstabbing and slander.

Sakazuki's unexpectedly blunt reaction left everyone speechless for a moment...

"You're too honest, Sakazuki!!"

Topman Vochuli immediately chimed in, his tone filled with exasperation and frustration.

"You haven't even properly assessed your opponent!!"

"Gern moved his headquarters to the New World, seemingly for the sake of advancement and to fight against the Four Emperors!"

But have you ever considered why he specifically chose to relocate to G-10, a location he himself had meticulously managed and kept under tight control?!

"He is hijacking the entire navy to serve his personal ambitions!"

He will firmly control the navy's strongest force in his own hands!

"If this continues, the Navy will become a private tool for others to realize their ambitions, rather than a force of justice to protect the world!"

This is completely contrary to the pure and absolute justice you believe in!

“That’s right!!” At this moment, Jaigolusia Satan Saint used promises to win him over.

"We understand your current situation and believe in your abilities and beliefs."

The World Government needs you within the Navy to continue upholding your position and competing! We cannot allow Gern's faction to dominate!

"Moreover, the latest weapon being developed by the science unit—'Seraph'—is progressing smoothly."

"Once combat capability is successfully established..." His voice carried a clear implication: "Priority usage rights will be allocated to...your faction."

This is undoubtedly a huge temptation!

"Seraph" is a weapon of war that combines the power of the Seven Warlords of the Sea with cutting-edge technology.

Once acquired, it will greatly enhance the Akainu faction's hard power and its influence within the Navy.

The Five Elders' intentions were very clear: Given their inability to directly suppress Gern from the outside...

They want to revive and strengthen Akainu, the "opposition," within the Navy.

By using "ideological clashes" and "power struggles" to restrain Guern, the Navy was prevented from forming a monolithic entity.

This maintains the world government's indirect control and influence over the navy.

They viewed Akainu and his "absolute justice" as a thorn in the side of Gern's influence.

A nail they secretly manipulated to create internal friction and maintain balance.

.....

As Akainu listened to the Five Elders' denigration of Gern, his expression grew increasingly grim, until finally his eyes sharpened, and he rebuked them.

"Enough!!"

The Five Elders, who were having a good time talking, were speechless.

“Sakazuki, do you know who you’re scolding?” Izanbaron V. Nassjuro placed his hand on the hilt of the first generation Oni-no-Kami sword.

"Heh." Akainu sneered, "I've known Gern for longer than all five of you have ever dealt with him!"

Having said that, he stepped forward, his resolve unwavering: "That man's sense of justice may manifest itself differently from mine."

But its essence and strength are by no means weaker than mine, Sakazuki's!

"Back then, when I first worked with him, he was the one who awakened me from my confusion and showed me what 'absolute justice' meant! What pure justice that cannot tolerate the slightest filth is!"

"Although we later disagreed on, and even went against each other's views, on how to uphold justice... but..."

Sakazuki's voice rose, carrying an unyielding and unyielding force.

"I will absolutely not allow you to insult the 'justice' that Gern upholds here!!"

"And, in the end..."

Akainu coldly swept his gaze over the five, his voice mocking, mercilessly piercing through the veil of pretense.

"You're just terrified by his 'natural justice' that's enough to overturn your chessboard and crush your rules!!"

Chapter 496 Incompatible as Water and Fire

Akainu's words, "You're just scared!!"

It struck at the Five Elders' most sensitive spot, making their faces instantly turn extremely ugly!

Shepard X. Pitt Saint clenched his fists tightly, Topman Vochuli Saint's breath hitched noticeably, and the other three also flashed with a mixture of shock and anger in their eyes.

Because only now do they truly realize...

This is no longer just Sakazuki's personal subjective prejudice!

This is a sign, a dangerous signal!

This indicates that the navy, this massive violent machine, is gradually developing a sense of "independence" and "self-will" that is breaking away from the control of the world government!

Needless to say, even top-tier combatants like Sakazuki, who were originally considered "obedient" and "controllable," are now being challenged.

They also began to show skepticism towards the World Government's directives and to make judgments based on their own beliefs, rather than absolute obedience!

This escalating trend is more terrifying to them than any powerful pirate crew!

“Sakazuki!” Topman Vochuli threatened, attempting to regain control.

"Don't forget! We can support you, and we can support Kuzan too!"

"The position of Marshal is still up to us!"

He continued to try to use the lure of the position of Fleet Admiral and the existence of rivals to pressure and force Akainu to submit.

Unfortunately, he was met with a cold laugh from Sakazuki that was undisguised and full of sarcasm.

"hehe."

"You are welcome to try!" Akainu's voice was firm.

"Although I really hate that lazy bastard right now, if Kuzan were to truly submit to your control..."

If the O'Hara incident had happened back then, he wouldn't have changed so much, and wouldn't have developed such deep doubts about so-called 'justice'!

After saying this, Akainu gave the Five Elders no chance to waste any more words, turned around abruptly, and walked towards the entrance of the hall.

But just before stepping out the door, he stopped, without looking back, leaving behind only a few resounding words.

"If you want to support me, then support me."

"I don't care if you don't support it."

"I, Sakazuki, disdain your charity!"

Finally, as if remembering something, his tone carried both a reminder and a declaration:

"As for the naval science force..."

"If I remember correctly, it also had the prefix 'navy' in it!"

"Sakazuki!! You!"

"I have other extermination missions to complete, I'm not going to join in!!"

Akainu's figure disappeared outside the gate, leaving only the five world's highest-ranking officials with gloomy expressions inside the Hall of Power.

From today onwards, the Navy's sword has not only found a wielder like Gern who wants to take the initiative, but the sword itself has also become hot to handle!

.........

Outside, Akainu left the suffocating Hall of Power and walked up the magnificent staircase toward the elevator shaft leading to the G-1 base below.

However, right at the entrance to the passage, he bumped into someone he absolutely did not want to see at that moment.

Kuzan, also clad in a coat of justice, with a lazy expression...

They were walking out of the elevator below, clearly having been "summoned" as well.

For a moment, the two people, who were like oil and water, unexpectedly met at the entrance of this passageway, which symbolized the center of power.

The moment their eyes met in mid-air, they both saw a knowing look and a cold mockery in each other's eyes.

Almost instantly realized

The world government is hedging its bets!

Having just finished dealing with Akainu, he turned his attention to Aokiji, attempting to create competition between the two and manipulate the balance.

"Heh." Akainu broke the silence first, letting out a cold snort from his nose.

"I hope you won't make me as disappointed in your 'justice' as they are in their assessment of Gern."

He was referring to the Five Elders' denigration of Gern's "ambition theory," the subtext being...

If your "burning justice" ultimately succumbs to the manipulation of the world government, that would be equally despicable.

Hearing Akainu's barbed taunt, Aokiji not only didn't get angry, but stopped in his tracks and gave a sarcastic smile.

“Sakazuki,” Aokiji said calmly, but every word was piercing, “You should thank me.”

"Hmm?" Akainu frowned, puzzled.

"Because..." Aokiji continued slowly, "If I hadn't stopped you back then..."