He was serious. With his strength, agility, and power increasing to more than 500 and his advanced Haki and conqueror's infusion—a feat that had left even Issho stunned during their last spar. While his base strength is still lower than the other admirals and Garp, it got covered with his use of chakra and sage mode.
Soon, the hall filled. Sengoku stepped up to address the assembly, his speech rousing the navy's fighting spirit. He then announced his retirement, saying it was time for the younger generation to lead, while he and Garp would focus on training new marines.
As the ceremony reached its climax, Aokiji prepared to take the mantle of Fleet Admiral. Representatives from the World Government watched from the wings.
Then, Akainu stood up. "I oppose Aokiji's appointment!" he declared.
A ripple of shock ran through the crowd—no one had expected this public challenge. But the senior brass and Aokiji himself looked unperturbed, as if they had anticipated the move.
Akainu hesitated, sensing the shift in the room. But with no choice, he pressed on.
Before he could elaborate, Sengoku stepped forward. "Sakazuki, today is Aokiji's succession ceremony. Are you questioning his qualifications?"
Akainu fell silent for a moment. "No. But I believe I'm better suited to lead as Fleet Admiral."
Sengoku cut him off with a sharp wave. "If Aokiji is deemed qualified, then this matter is settled. Any further challenges will have to wait until after he takes office."
Akainu's eyes flickered with frustration. He realized the World Government—who had once backed him—was now conspicuously silent. The game had changed.
Jack chuckled quietly. "Heh… This is getting interesting."
Garp leaned over, curious. "How'd you know Akainu would pull this stunt?"
Jack shrugged with a sly grin. "A little birdie in the World Government mentioned it—half as a joke while we were drinking."
Garp sighed heavily. "If this turns ugly, we could lose an admiral-level fighter. That would cripple us."
Jack blinked. He'd been so focused on protecting Aokiji that he hadn't considered Akainu's own reaction. A humiliated Akainu wouldn't just retreat—he'd seek retribution.
Just then, a World Government official stepped forward. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku—while you're retiring, allow me to make a point. I agree with Admiral Sakazuki. The post of Fleet Admiral should go to the strongest candidate, selected purely by merit, not politics."
Before Sengoku could respond, Jack's voice cut through the hall like a blade. "This isn't your place to meddle in navy affairs."
The official sneered. "Ah, is this the so-called Rear Admiral Jack? 'Soon' to be promoted to admiral, I hear."
Jack's gaze turned icy. "Spare me your provocations. Whether it's Akainu or anyone else promoted, I'll be taking that admiral's seat regardless. And as for you—even if I'm just a Rear Admiral today, it would take me only seconds to end you."
Jack's sharp words left the World Government officials red-faced and speechless.
"Admiral Akainu," Jack said calmly, turning to him, "this is the Navy Fleet Admiral succession ceremony. Wouldn't it be better to wait until it's over before we discuss anything else?"
Akainu's eyes blazed. "And who do you think you are, to order me around?" His fury was barely contained. He couldn't lash out at the others, but Jack? He was the perfect target for his simmering rage.
Jack let out a cold laugh. "You mutt—I'm trying to save you from further embarrassment, and this is how you thank me? Do you really think I'm afraid of you?"
Akainu's fists clenched, turning to magma, trembling with fury. His body tensed, ready to attack at any moment.
"What's wrong? Looking for a fight? I'm right here!" Jack sneered. "A petty man like you dreams of becoming Fleet Admiral? Don't make me laugh."
Akainu's eyes turned fierce as flames danced around his magma-clad fist. "Fine! Let's see if you're worthy of that admiral title you're about to receive!"
"Enough!" Sengoku roared, his face flushed with anger. "Both of you—if you keep this up, I'll show you what real strength looks like!"
The clash of words was so explosive that the lower-ranking marines were left dumbstruck, while the nearby reporters could barely contain their excitement. Originally, today was supposed to be a proud day—Aokiji stepping up as Fleet Admiral and Jack ascending to Admiral, a sign that the navy had strong new leaders. But no one expected Akainu to challenge the ceremony, trying to seize power right then and there.
And yet, it seemed the navy's higher-ups had anticipated Akainu's move and shut it down before it could grow.
Then Jack confronted the World Government delegates, further igniting tensions, while Akainu redirected his rage at Jack. But Jack wasn't the kind to back down—they nearly turned the ceremony into an all-out brawl until Sengoku stepped in to cool things down.
Reporters snapped photos like mad, eager to capture every second of this unexpected drama. Had Sengoku not intervened, they might've witnessed the most chaotic promotion ceremony in navy's history.
Back among his comrades, Garp eyed Jack with suspicion. "What the hell were you thinking, kid? Why poke the bear now of all times?"
Jack grinned, scratching his head. "I figured Akainu's the vengeful type. After losing face today, he might have quit or stirred more trouble. So I stepped up and turned this into a matter of the World Government meddling in our navy's business. But that hothead didn't get it—he nearly came at me. Honestly, if Sengoku hadn't stopped us, I'd have beaten him down like the rabid dog he is!"
Before Jack could gloat further, Garp smacked him on the head. "Who are you calling 'dog' now, huh?"
Jack winced, rubbing his head. "Alright, alright—I got carried away, old man!"
Their voices weren't exactly low, and everyone around—most of them high-ranking officers—heard every word. Even Akainu, standing not far away, caught their exchange. And suddenly, the marines began looking at Akainu differently.
Jack's remarks planted a seed of doubt: was Akainu colluding with the World Government? After all, every marine—fought for their own vision of justice, not to become lapdogs for political overlords.
Akainu felt their stares. His plan had crumbled before his eyes, and without the promised support from the World Government, he had nothing to show for it. Worse, he remained stuck as an admiral, under the gaze of an increasingly wary navy. His hatred for Jack only deepened.
Thankfully, Sengoku's firm hand kept the ceremony from collapsing entirely. Akainu knew now that his ambitions had been blocked—the government had abandoned him at the critical moment, and without their backing, he couldn't press his claims.
Following Aokiji's succession as Fleet Admiral and Jack's own promotion ceremony to Admiral, code-named Kurohyou (Black Panther).
Sengoku, after a few brief words, passed the stage over to Aokiji—now officially the new leader.
Jack couldn't help but think: Aokiji might appear lazy on the surface, but that's just his shield. With real power now in his hands, Jack was sure Aokiji would begin to show his true colors.
Fortunately, Aokiji had a favorable view of Jack. Granny Tsuru had already told him: it was Jack who first raised the alarm about Akainu's scheme. Without him, the outcome today could've been very different—Aokiji might've been forced out of the navy entirely.
Thanks to the earlier outburst, Jack's own ceremony went by swiftly and without any hiccups. Akainu, though still seething, kept silent—Sengoku had given him a subtle signal, promising a private explanation later. Akainu wasn't about to make another scene… not yet.
When the ceremony wrapped up, Jack draped the admiral's cloak over his shoulders, then turned to Akainu with a cool smile.
"Admiral Sakazuki," he called, using Akainu's real name, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "Today marks my promotion. I'm sure some still think I'm too young or not strong enough for this rank. Perhaps you'd care to spar with me—give everyone a clear and direct measure of my strength?"
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