Chapter 101: The Measure of the Marshal of Naval Headquarters
"Kill Sakazuki's accomplices? Is that what you're hinting at? Why beat around the bush? Just ask directly!" Aokiji put his legs back on the table, hands behind his head, his relaxed demeanor masking a sense of disillusionment.
For years, Aokiji had dedicated himself to the Marines, yet Kong and the Five Elders continued to doubt him. It seemed he needed to reconsider his future.
"Aokiji, drop the cynicism and adjust your attitude," Kong snorted, irked by Aokiji's arrogance.
Aokiji picked his ears nonchalantly. "I've said it before: the Marines must focus on evidence. Without it, I won't make judgments. That's just being responsible."
"If there's nothing else, I'll be off to search for Devil Fruits. As you know, Sengoku is still the Marine's marshal, and I must follow his orders," Aokiji replied with a smile, leaving no room for refusal as he strode out.
"Curse that brat," Kong muttered, about to pursue him, but Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro stopped him.
"Let him go," Ethanbaron said, watching Aokiji's retreating figure. Kong shook his head, realizing Aokiji's attitude had likely worsened the Five Elders' perception of him.
It was clear this was a test for Aokiji from the Five Elders, an opportunity he had failed to seize.
Back on his battleship, Aokiji commanded, "Set sail."
"Yes, sir," his deputy responded, relaying the order.
The battleship began moving, and the deputy asked, "Are you alright, sir?"
"What's there to worry about? Mind your own business. I'm going to sleep, and the same rule applies: don't disturb me, even if it's Uranus himself," Aokiji said, donning his blindfold and relaxing into a deep sleep.
These people underestimated him, thinking the promise of being Marine Marshal would make him betray his mentor, Chiba? Did they think he was an ungrateful opportunist?
Aokiji dismissed these thoughts, basking in the sunlight instead.
A few days later, at Marineford, Kizaru was at HQ.
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro sat at the head of the table, with Kong and Lucci beside him.
Kizaru, smiling, greeted them, "Oh, Commander, Lord Ethanbaron, why didn't you inform me of your arrival? I should notify Marshal Sengoku."
"No need, Kizaru. We'll see Sengoku shortly. First, we want to hear your thoughts on Chiba allegedly killing Sakazuki," Ethanbaron said. If a Marine Admiral could confirm Chiba's involvement, they could justify removing him from the position of Marine Marshal.
Unfortunately, Aokiji hadn't cooperated, so their hopes now rested on Kizaru.
"What?" Kizaru exclaimed, feigning shock. "Chiba killed Sakazuki? How could that be?"
"I know Sakazuki and Chiba didn't always see eye to eye, but they fought alongside each other during the Summit War. Bonds forged in battle are strong. I doubt Chiba would kill Sakazuki."
"Commander, Lord Ethanbaron, you must investigate thoroughly. Don't let a guilty person escape, but don't wrong an innocent one either," Kizaru said, maintaining his neutrality.
Kong's mouth twitched at Kizaru's diplomatic response. This man was indeed astute, perhaps too much so.
"Kizaru, I need a clear answer. Did Chiba kill Sakazuki?" Kong asked, his gaze piercing.
"Yo, how should I know?" Kizaru replied with a smile. "They left on a small boat without an escort. With their strength, who could follow them?"
"Perhaps Sakazuki, having lost, feels ashamed and is hiding?"
"Sakazuki is steadfast. Even in defeat, he wouldn't hide," Kong countered.
"Then I can't say. Aren't you searching for Devil Fruits to ascertain Sakazuki's fate? If you're still uncertain, it's premature to conclude anything."
"And even if Sakazuki died, it doesn't mean Chiba did it."
Kong pressed on, "Kizaru, tell me, who could kill someone as strong as Sakazuki?"
"This..." Kizaru thought of a few people, including Chiba, but mentioning them would offend them.
"I truly don't know," Kizaru shrugged, frustrating Kong with his evasiveness.
"Kizaru, stop dodging. If you had to choose between the Marines and Chiba, where do your loyalties lie?"
"Huh? Isn't Chiba part of the Marines, and our future marshal? Choosing him is choosing the Marines, right?" Kizaru replied with a grin.
"Kizaru!" Kong shouted, but Kizaru continued, "Commander, do you think you could face Garp with your strength?"
"Seeing the Summit War on TV is one thing, but facing Vice Admiral Garp is another. Whitebeard's Shock Fruit split Marineford with ease." Kizaru gestured to the rebuilt Marineford.
"After four months of reconstruction, it's improved. Back then, it was ruins, with houses reduced to sawdust."
Kizaru picked a piece of wood from the wall, crushed it, and let the sawdust fall. "Whitebeard's power did this."
"If I faced Whitebeard's attack, I'd be done for. Garp countered it with a single punch, shattering Whitebeard's power."
"I'm nowhere near that strength. Facing Garp or Chiba would be my end."
"Garp's strength is unmatched, and Chiba, his grandson, is formidable too."
"Known as Little Garp, Iron Fist Chiba's reputation precedes him."
"I'm a Marine Admiral with a modest salary, happy to deal with small-time pirates. But facing Garp or Chiba? That's a death sentence."
Kong fumed, "Kizaru, the Marines isn't just a job; it's a sacred duty."
Kizaru thought, "You're the commander-in-chief. If dealing with Garp or Chiba is necessary, why not do it yourself? Don't make me cannon fodder."
Sincerely, Kizaru said, "I understand the mission and hold it dear. Anything else, Commander?"
Realizing his approach was failing, Kong shifted tactics, "Kizaru, Chiba can't be Marine Marshal anymore. We believe you're the most suitable candidate."
"No, no, no..." Kizaru shook his head. "I'm only fit to be an Admiral. My strength is lacking. I couldn't even beat Marco in the war. Ace is stronger, and I'm no match for him, let alone Shanks or Kaido."
"Making me the marshal would mean Marine's downfall."
"In my view, old man Sengoku should remain marshal. If you must remove Chiba, let Sengoku continue. He's the best choice."
Kong, exasperated, yelled, "Kizaru, you're hopeless. Get out."
Kizaru chuckled, "This is my office."
"Then leave this office too."
"Your rank trumps mine, so I'll leave," Kizaru said, smiling as he exited.
Kong, furious, cursed, "Only Sakazuki was fit to be marshal. I shouldn't have entertained any contest, just made him marshal."
Ethanbaron sighed, "Enough of this. Let's see Sengoku."
In Sengoku's temporary office, Kong and Ethanbaron entered.
Sengoku, with darker, fuller hair and sharper eyes, reminded Kong of a younger Sengoku, brimming with vitality.
"Why does he look so young?" Kong wondered, suspecting Chiba had provided Sengoku with valuable resources.
"Welcome, please sit. I'll finish this paperwork first," Sengoku said, focused on his documents.
Subordinates occasionally delivered more files, piling them high on the desk. Kong grew impatient, "Sengoku, we're here for a rare visit. Can't you set work aside?"
"And you won't be marshal much longer, so why bother?"
Sengoku glanced at Kong, then continued his work. "I don't care about appearances. If you don't want to watch, the door's there."
Kong grumbled, "Sengoku, is this how you treat old comrades? Do you want to be marshal?"
"I've been dismissed. What more do you want?" Sengoku paused, then resumed. "Did Aokiji and Kizaru tell you to ask me to continue as marshal?"
Kong winced at the leaked conversation details.
"After reviewing things, we believe you're still the best choice for Marine's marshal," Kong stated seriously.
Sengoku approved a document and directed his subordinate, "Handle this urgently. Protect the people and assets of Sak Island."
"Yes, sir," the subordinate replied, taking the document. Sengoku picked another, continuing, "I'm old and prefer to step back. Chiba defeated Sakazuki and returned. He should be Marine's marshal."
Sengoku knew the Five Elders likely disagreed but wanted to advocate for Chiba.
"Chiba's actions are too severe. Killing a Marine Admiral disqualifies him. We'll bring him to Mariejois for questioning and then decide. We've approached you because the Five Elders collectively agree you're the best choice," Kong explained.
Sengoku glanced at Ethanbaron, who said, "Though you damaged Marine's prestige at the Summit War, you left Whitebeard's strength on display. Marineford's fall can't be entirely blamed on you, so we believe your prior punishment was too harsh. You, Sengoku, should continue as marshal."
"I'm too old. Find someone else," Sengoku replied.
Kong, infuriated, retorted, "Who else? Akainu's status is unknown, and Aokiji and Kizaru lack responsibility."
"If we had options, we'd not ask you."
Ethanbaron frowned, "Kong, speak with respect to Sengoku." Ethanbaron thought Kong's words would only harden Sengoku's resolve.
Ignoring Ethanbaron's advice, Kong vented his frustrations, "I want someone who can control Aokiji and Kizaru and handle unruly soldiers."
"If these forces become chaotic, they'll disrupt world peace."
"At that point, the world's poorest suffer most."
"If not for them, if not for world peace, would I beg Aokiji, Kizaru, and then you, Sengoku?"
"I've said enough. The sea's in turmoil, demons rampage. Sengoku, will you serve the people and as Marine's marshal?"
"If you won't maintain peace, tell me now."
Sengoku was moved. Was it for ordinary people? For world peace?
He pondered, realizing relinquishing Marine's marshal, even to Chiba, worried him. Youth lacked experience, and strength alone wasn't enough.
"Alright, for the people and world peace, I'll serve as Marine's marshal again."
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.