Tsuru, the advisor, snapped back to reality from her surprise and asked seriously,
"Clarify your words, Akainu! Who died? Was it Saint Charlos?"
The last incident involving Celestial Dragon Saint Orpheus Charlos had caused a tremor in the government, but Tsuru had always suspected that Saint Charlos was not dead.
She had heard the rumors; there must have been some unknown circumstances that led the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) to confine the Celestial Dragons in the Holy Land, even going so far as to fake a death to escape.
But...
"Why mention him? Saint Charlos was confirmed dead long ago…"
As she spoke, Akainu suddenly realized something and shook his head.
"You're overthinking it, Tsuru San. I'm not referring to a specific individual, but to all of them except the Gorōsei."
At this point, Akainu lowered his baseball cap, speaking each word with gravity.
"The Celestial Dragons have been exterminated!"
Dīng líng kuāng dāng!
The sound of chairs crashing echoed in the conference room as a group of generals stood up in shock, overturning tables and chairs, their faces filled with horror.
Kizaru, with a sly pout, took a deep breath to calm himself and sighed.
"Ultimately... they couldn't hold on, could they?"
"What do you know, Kizaru?" Aokiji looked over seriously.
The death of the Celestial Dragons was a monumental event!!! Compared to this, Roger becoming the Pirate King was indeed insignificant.
In response, Kizaru did not answer but instead looked at Akainu.
"But Fleet Admiral, I think the Gorōsei hasn't officially notified us about this yet. How do you know?"
The best way to seal off information is to eliminate all informants.
In that secret laboratory in the Holy Land, aside from Vegapunk, the other researchers had been secretly executed by CP0 after Caesar's defection.
Logically, no one outside should know what happened unless...
"It was Rowen who told me. In fact, he hinted to me a long time ago to be prepared."
"But…"
"We didn't expect this day to come so soon."
For this, a few traces of fatigue appeared on Akainu's usually resolute face.
Kizaru understood instantly.
Indeed, Rowen was a crucial part of the plan. Although the last experiment had failed, it was undoubtedly the closest to success.
Adding to that Rowen's special identity at this time, it was not unreasonable for him to inform Akainu of this information in advance.
However...
"It seems the world is about to change…"
Kizaru leaned back against his chair, his wrinkled face showing signs of exhaustion, no longer displaying his usual nonchalance and lewdness.
Taking in the shocked expressions of the generals, Akainu sighed, "Everyone, this is the worst of times!"
"You all understand the implications of the Celestial Dragons' extermination, but I want to make one thing clear!"
A terrifying pressure suddenly erupted, drawing everyone's attention as Akainu spoke slowly.
"Even if the Celestial Dragons are exterminated, we are still the Marines who uphold Justice under the World Government!!"
"If anyone thinks that without the Celestial Dragons, they can entertain any bad ideas and do things that tarnish Justice, don't blame me for turning against you!"
No matter the era, someone must stand up for Justice.
Akainu said this, and he acted on it!
Chaos will certainly ensue.
But they themselves must not fall into chaos!!! If even the Marines, the only ones the people can rely on to uphold Justice, become a disorderly faction, then who will administer justice?
He is the embodiment of "absolute Justice," not merely a Tyrant.
He can be ruthless and merciless to eradicate wickedness, and he can also be unyielding for the greater good, even if it means facing death with honor! This is Akainu, a contradictory entity in the eyes of outsiders.
Everything he does is for one principle.
That is Justice!
"What's the reason? There must be a reason, right?" Tsuru asked with a slightly trembling voice. "Even the Gorōsei hasn't notified us; how can you be sure Rowen isn't deceiving you? That kid has always been a restless one…"
"Shut up, Tsuru!" Suddenly, Akainu shouted, interrupting her.
Then his tone softened as he looked at her.
"You already have a sense of the truth in your heart, don't you? So don't slander any colleague who has fought for Justice! That would bring shame to the Justice in your heart!"
Looking around at the various expressions of the generals in the conference room, Akainu no longer showed anger.
"The truth will eventually come to light; it's just a matter of time... Next, the world will face an unprecedented upheaval!"
"What we need to do is win the war against Orrick!"
"Then, we must accelerate the implementation of Rowen's global plan. All bases need to be alert and try to nip the crisis in the bud."
"I wish you all great success in the battles to come!"
...
In Akainu's view, what is the reason for the extermination of the Celestial Dragons?
That is not something the Marines should concern themselves with.
They are not mere officials; they are a fighting force, soldiers.
Thus, they only need to understand the impact of the Celestial Dragons' extermination and take appropriate measures.
Everything is for Justice! Meanwhile, someone who knows the reason all too well lay weakly on the ground, looking up at the figures revealed as the wooden boards were moved aside, weakly raising a hand.
"Help... save me..."
Sanji paused for a moment, glanced at Caesar, then casually turned back to shout.
"Hey, Luffy, I found a living person. It's a cowherd."
"Who are you calling a cowherd, you asshole!!!"
A few minutes later, on the deck of [The Sunny].
"Burp..."
Feeling satisfied, Caesar leaned against the mast, letting out a long sigh, "Ah, I'm saved!"
"Fortunately, I have sharp ears and keen eyes to hear the commotion outside; otherwise, it would be frustrating to commit suicide with guns!"
"So, are you a cowherd?"
Luffy squatted beside him, tugging at the misty clothing, and tilting his head.
Caesar: "..."
"I told you I'm not! Asshole, do you want to fight?!"
Disdainfully pulling his clothing back, the misty garment passed through Luffy's sides and then returned to his body, automatically reassembling into its original form.
Seeing this scene, Zoro and the others' eyes widened.
"This is... a Logia Ability user?!"
"By the way, you pirates are really bold; ever since this place was designated as a graveyard by the Marines, hardly any pirates dare to come to this island."
Having eaten and drunk enough, Caesar finally had the energy to carefully examine the group that saved him.
After all, he had already betrayed the government; pirates are pirates.
"However... haven't I seen you somewhere before?"
Suddenly, Caesar stared at Luffy with a puzzled expression, "I feel like I've seen that silly face somewhere... where could it be?"
"Before asking others' names, shouldn't you introduce yourself first, Marine?"
Nami walked over and said, "You should know we are enemies; there's no reason for us to save you."
"Caesar. Clown, right?"
At this moment, under Caesar's stunned gaze, Nico Robin slowly walked out from the cabin, leaning against the railing with her arms crossed.
"I've seen your information in the Revolutionary Army; you are one of the most important scientists under the World Government. The Super Electromagnetic Cannon we encountered came from your hands."
"Nico Robin!!!"
Caesar's eyes widened in disbelief as he turned around, "So you guys are the Straw Hat crew?!"
"Indeed, he is an enemy." Zoro, looking displeased, took out the sword he obtained from the terrifying three-masted ship and complained to Sanji, "Look at how much trouble your troublesome principles have caused!"
"Shut up. Do you want to fight, green seaweed head?!"
"Ah? What did you call me, curly brow?!"
Shuā!
As their gazes met, sparks flew in the air.
"Enough already, you two!!"
Boom! Boom!
Nami angrily shouted, smashing them both to the ground, then turned around.
"What should we do, Luffy? It seems we've brought back an incredible guy!"
One of the most important scientists under the World Government sounds quite impressive!
"Ah? Oh!"
Luffy was startled and asked, "You just said this place is a graveyard. What's going on?"
Nami: "..."
That's not the point, asshole!!
Not long after, the entire group arrived at the hillside, and Caesar pointed down below, shrugging.
"That's what it means."
The Straw Hats' pupils suddenly constricted, and Nami felt her hands and feet go weak, collapsing to the ground and covering her mouth.
"How... how could this be?"
(End of Chapter)
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