Kizaru understood Sengoku's implications perfectly.
Vegapunk's scientific prowess had grown so formidable that even the World Government viewed it warily.
Unconditional support from the Marines would inevitably face restrictions.
But Sengoku's words carried another meaning—while publicly they might provide modest additional support, the true extent of private assistance would depend on what benefits Vegapunk could offer the Marines.
Kizaru simply accepted this with his usual smile before settling back to listen to others.
Next came Sakazuki, whose remarks took a more sensitive and pointed turn.
"Jake has brought back such a large amount of gold and is willing to donate it to the Marines without compensation. First of all, I must acknowledge this. But what I want to say is that these funds should not primarily be used for education or the technology of Egghead Island, but rather for the current situation across the four seas—and most importantly, for Jake himself!
As everyone has seen from the recent incident at the branch naval base, even on a small, obscure island, such shocking corruption can emerge. So what about the larger, more important islands? What kind of situations might arise there? Can any of you predict that?"
"Over the years, our control over Pirates has gradually tightened, but our internal management has become somewhat lax. Or rather, we at the top have failed to establish unified internal oversight. I can directly point this out: within the Marines, there are two major factions led by me and Kuzan. While I know this situation is unavoidable, I still want to say that differing ideals of justice at the top will inevitably lead to division at the bottom."
Sakazuki's words were extremely sharp.
At this point, everyone present frowned slightly.
Kuzan even turned his head, his gaze clashing with Sakazuki's.
Sengoku coughed once before speaking, his tone carrying a note of severity.
"Each of us carries a different sense of justice. But as long as the core of justice remains unchanged, there is no such thing as division at the bottom. This is something I hope you understand, Sakazuki."
Sakazuki knew exactly what Sengoku meant—this was a pointed reminder not to say things that could undermine the Marines's internal unity.
But Sakazuki's personality was as extreme as the Devil Fruit he had consumed: fiercely unyielding.
Faced with Sengoku's warning, he didn't soften his words in the slightest.
"The facts are what they are, which is why I want to address this issue. For the Marines right now, we need a positive figure—one who can unify everyone, guide everyone. In my view, Jake's justice has that power. His justice is all-encompassing, capable of blending everything together, like the vast sky itself!"
"Whether it's my iron-fisted approach, Kuzan's gentleness, Borsalino's ambiguity, or the justice upheld by other high-ranking officers—we can all see reflections of ourselves in Jake's justice, can't we?"
"So, if it were up to me, the majority of that gold should be used for a major internal purge within the Marines. This wouldn't just quickly eliminate the parasites infesting our ranks—it would also greatly elevate Jake's reputation and swiftly unify the differing factions' ideals of justice. It would forge the Marines into a single, unbreakable force, as solid as an iron barrel!"
"Increase the number of naval disciplinary units! Establish daily oversight teams! Set up patrol squads to conduct random inspections at all branch bases, strictly monitoring and managing any potential signs of corruption!
Moreover, members of these patrol squads must undergo rigorous selection, and the squads themselves should report directly to Jake, free from the jurisdiction of any other department!"
"Allocate another portion of the gold to establish assessment standards for all regional branch bases. If..."
Sakazuki's words left everyone in silence.
Sengoku rubbed his temples and only let out a slow exhale after Sakazuki finished speaking before responding.
"I understand your point, Sakazuki. You're saying that since this gold was brought back by Jake, the majority of it should be used on him. You also believe this large-scale purge should demand more focus and manpower.
I'll consider those aspects.
However, regarding Jake's training, you're being too hasty. His current strength isn't enough to stand on his own yet. His development requires a more thorough and well-structured plan. So, I reject your second proposal."
"I know you might be confused, Sakazuki, but Jake's importance to us has never been higher. You don't realize just how much charisma he holds among the public, nor do you know how much our recruitment numbers have surged in the latter half of this year solely because of him. You also don't understand the devastating blow we'd suffer if Jake were to die."
"Publicizing the corruption within the branch bases was, in truth, the Marines's all-or-nothing gamble. We've staked everything on Jake. We cannot afford to fail, and we absolutely cannot accept his death. That's why, when it comes to his training, I refuse to take even the slightest risk—not even a fraction. We. can't. lose. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Sakazuki sighed before replying, "A truly strong flower cannot bloom in a greenhouse!"
"But at the very least, it shouldn't be destroyed before it even buds! Enough. Next, it's your turn to speak, Kuzan."
Listening to Sengoku's words, Kuzan ran a hand through his unruly hair and chuckled.
"I don't have much to say, really. I'm not much of a thinker. But if I had to suggest something about the gold, I'd allocate it toward improving the benefits for the families of fallen soldiers. I've been to many places—some branch base marines die, and their families don't even receive 100,000 berries a month in compensation. In many cases, 100,000 berries isn't enough to sustain them."
"Often, the families of these soldiers are robbed by local thugs after receiving their compensation. I hope we can use this gold to strengthen basic security measures and better protect the families of the fallen. The families of Marines in Marineford aren't the only ones who matter—those on other islands are people too, no different from us."
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