"What?! How could Fleet Admiral Kong and the World Government let this happen?!"
In the Black Order's Marshal's Office, Sengoku expressed his disbelief and anger over the recent events involving Z's family to Makima, sitting calmly in her chair, reading through documents.
At this moment, Sengoku was venting the Navy's frustration to Makima. "If they can't even protect the family of an Admiral, where is the security for the Navy?!"
"Pirates have no bottom line. No matter how well you protect, there will always be gaps," Makima replied, still focused on her papers. She seemed unbothered by the incident. "You were a Navy Admiral yourself. You should understand the Navy's deployment and Z's character."
"To be frank, with a personality like Z's, it's only a matter of time before he suffers."
Z was known as the "non-killing Admiral." He wouldn't deliver the fatal blow even when facing the most heinous pirates. If any pirate were to be captured by an Admiral, they would hope it was Z, knowing he wouldn't kill them.
It was a miracle someone like him could survive in the pirate world, largely thanks to his strength.
"Well…"
Sengoku was at a loss for words, as Makima's assessment was accurate. He knew Z's character all too well.
"I just hope this incident doesn't shake his beliefs. You know, although his conviction may seem foolish, if he abandons his past ideals just because of personal suffering, he would be no better than a clown."
"A clown?" Sengoku frowned.
Makima set aside her documents and smiled faintly. "It would show that his previous commitment to 'non-killing' wasn't based on any noble ideals, but simply because he had never experienced true suffering."
"He could lightly pat the shoulders of survivors whose families and friends were slaughtered by pirates and tell them that every life is precious, so he won't kill the pirate responsible, no matter how heinous the crimes. Yet, when he suffers the same fate, why can't he tell himself the same?"
"Yes, life is precious, a gift from the heavens, and should never be taken lightly. But what separates humans from beasts is our understanding and appreciation of life. Only by valuing others' lives do we earn the right to our own. Blind non-killing and valuing the lives of others, regardless of their actions, will inevitably lead to more innocent deaths. That burden will eventually return to us."
Sengoku found himself at a loss for words. He hadn't expected Makima to speak such truths.
His initial anger turned to regret, and he sighed deeply. "Z's approach to dealing with things has always been flawed, but I thought as an Admiral, his family would be adequately protected."
"Entrusting the lives of those you care about to others while allowing enemies to roam free is a recipe for disaster. Pirates whom Z spared won't feel grateful; they will harbor even greater hatred. With them targeting him, it's inevitable his family would be at risk."
Sengoku understood the logic and finally stood up, sighing again. "Regardless, we've been friends for years. I want to go to Marine Headquarters."
"Of course." Makima resumed reading her documents, stating, "Send my regards to Kong."
Sengoku nodded and left.
Sitting alone in the Marshal's office, Makima wondered if she could use Z's current situation to her advantage.
However, for now…
The pain Z had experienced wasn't sufficient.
According to the usual trajectory, Z finally broke down after his family was killed, his students were murdered, and the pirate responsible became a Warlord. It was only then that he harbored the thought of destroying the New World, signifying his psychological collapse.
A man who once wouldn't kill even the most vicious pirate eventually sought to eliminate countless innocent civilians in the New World just to kill pirates. The irony was palpable.
He shifted from one extreme to another.
However…
Genichi didn't dislike such people.
Extremists provided the most benefits. The former "non-killing Admiral" was of no use to Genichi. The "fallen" Z, with his extreme emotions, became valuable.
Should she go and stoke the flames now?
Makima smiled. The words she had spoken to Sengoku were meant for Z.
Over time, she had gained substantial control over Sengoku, implanting subconscious suggestions. He would convey Makima's words to Z, believing he was advising an old friend without realizing the manipulation.
Makima's words were a preemptive strike, subtly igniting Z's transformation, ensuring his hatred targeted pirates and himself.
A person who despises themselves is more susceptible to influence.
Makima continued reading, flipping to the next page.
This page wasn't a World Government order or a mission to be issued. It was a simple letter.
A letter from Rayleigh.
Makima smiled. She had previously signed a contract with Rayleigh, making him one of her subordinates.
And now, before Rayleigh even started working for her, he was already asking for a reward.
This reward…
It was related to the curse on Roger!
Since their conversation with Toguro, the Roger Pirates had been worried about this curse, except for Roger, who seemed completely indifferent.
Roger didn't care, but as his old comrade, Rayleigh couldn't be so carefree.
So, seizing an opportunity, he secretly sent a letter to the Black Order.
Toguro had mentioned that if anyone could deal with Roger's curse, it was Makima.
So Rayleigh had no choice but to do this, even knowing how dangerous Makima was and even suspecting…
That Makima might have placed the curse on Roger herself!
But he had no other options.