After returning from his latest mission, Smoker found himself face-to-face with someone he couldn't avoid talking to. Akainu, one of the fiercest Admirals in the Marines, was waiting for him in the headquarters meeting room.
The atmosphere was tense as Smoker entered the room, where Akainu sat, his expression harsh and his eyes sharp with intensity.
"Smoker, I've heard about your recent actions." Akainu said in a dry tone, as if the words themselves carried a threat. "You think you have the right to decide who lives and who dies, don't you?"
Smoker frowned slightly as he stood in front of Akainu, his cigar burning between his lips. "Justice doesn't mean killing without reason. We're here to protect the innocent, not to spill innocent blood."
Akainu smiled coldly, his voice growing sharper. "You're right that justice should protect the innocent, but I believe in something more stringent. When the wicked cross the line, we must destroy them without hesitation, regardless of the cost."
Smoker remained silent for a moment, then replied coldly: "So you're saying you're willing to kill civilians, soldiers fighting for justice, and anyone who stands in your way?"
Akainu sat up straighter, leaning forward slightly, and then responded strongly: "If you're not willing to pay the price, you have no place in this fight. I've seen too much in my life. Those who hide behind the mask of 'justice' to live in peace while continuing to bring chaos must be eradicated."
Smoker smiled faintly, his gaze fixed on Akainu. "If justice means indiscriminate killing, then why do we call it justice? You're just using it as an excuse to destroy everything."
Akainu's expression froze for a moment, his face becoming even more serious. "Don't let your mercy become your weakness, Smoker. Justice is not something we give to our enemies, it's something we take from them."
Smoker did not back down, continuing to stare at him with steady eyes. "I don't believe in justice enforced by power. True justice is something that builds, not something that destroys. If you can't tell the difference between enemies and those fighting by your side, how can you be a protector of peace?"
Akainu narrowed his eyes and then burst into a short laugh. "You're mistaken about justice. The world is harsh, and there's no room for mercy. But I think you'll find that out soon enough."
At that moment, there was a long silence between them, and Smoker decided to end the conversation. "Maybe, but I will continue to fight for the justice I believe in, even if it's different from what you see."
Akainu stayed silent for another moment before saying: "I know you don't have the ability to stop me, Smoker. And one day, you'll realize that justice is only complete when it's carried out without hesitation."
Then, Akainu stood up from his seat and walked towards the window, looking out at the horizon. "But that's fine. Keep walking your path. In the end, everyone will choose the path they believe in."
Smoker looked at him with respect but didn't give any further reaction. He turned around and walked out of the room, knowing there was a fundamental difference between him and Akainu's understanding of justice, but he was confident in his
own path.
— End of Chapter —