One Piece : From Slave to Fleet Admiral

After leaving the Fleet Admiral's office, Sakazuki exhaled deeply.

He pulled out a cigar from his coat, lit it with his Devil Fruit ability and took long, heavy drags.

He didn't have many hobbies.

When overwhelmed with frustration, only cigars could offer him some solace.

Of course, if Jake were here, he would later collaborate with Vegapunk to develop e-cigarettes—especially brands like Relx—so even people in the pirate world could enjoy a pure smoking experience.

Recalling Sengoku's earlier words, Sakazuki felt his anger rising involuntarily.

He knew full well how dangerous Flevance was and the dire situation there.

But… right now, Jake was the only one who might be able to save them!

He had personally experienced Jake's healing abilities.

That kind of treatment, which seemed to reach deep into the soul, could undoubtedly cure the illnesses caused by mining the toxic ore.

It wasn't about building his reputation for promotion to Admiral.

Given his current achievements and seniority, even if he slacked off now, he would still secure a spot among the next generation of Admirals.

He just wanted… just wanted to give those civilians a sliver of hope to survive.

At this thought, Sakazuki couldn't help but let out a faint, mocking laugh.

Did he even have the right to say such things?

Weren't the people of Ohara civilians too?

Wasn't he the demon who personally decided to send the civilians to hell?

What right did a demon like him have to speak of giving others hope to live?

Enough, enough.

Why overthink it?

Sakazuki took a deep drag from his cigar, the smoke gradually obscured everything before his eyes.

He loved this sensation - how cigars emptied his mind and blurred all boundaries through the haze.

In this smoke-veiled world, nothing had sharp edges anymore.

All jagged angles softened into ambiguity.

White or black, everything dissolved into exquisite shades of gray.

I am Sakazuki!

Who needs others' approval for my actions!

To live or die!

To curse or thank me!

I gave the order to kill Ohara's people!

But does that conflict with my desire to save Flevance?!

As these thoughts crystallized, the cigar in Akainu's mouth burned to ashes.

In that moment, his decision was made.

*****

The "Buru Buru" ring of the Den Den Mushi startled Jake, whose face grew concerned seeing the snail adopt Sakainu's stern expression.

Was this call coming to reprimand them?

Putting a finger to his lips, Jake signaled Monet for silence.

"Sakazuki-san?"

"Hmm. Jake, is Monet with you?"

Their faces fell - this was indeed going to be a scolding.

Monet answered softly, "I'm here, Sakazuki-san."

The snail nodded in Sakazuki's mannerism, then unexpectedly broke into a smile as his unusually gentle voice came through.

"You both performed excellently. Without you at Gourmet Town, the disaster could have been irreparable. You've earned this promotion through merit! You represent the Marine's future!"

Their worried expressions immediately brightened.

Exchanging grins, they responded cheerfully.

"We only did our duty. Actually, since I was partly responsible for-"

Jake's humility was interrupted as Sakazuki continued.

"No need for modesty. Your performance was outstanding. Beyond this matter, I'm informing you that your Flevance assignment is canceled. The promotion stands, but you may choose any island deployment."

"Why?"

Jake frowned at this unexpected change.

Sakazuki's tone brooked no argument, "No particular reason. I've simply reconsidered."

Yet for once, Jake refused his superior orders without question. Uncharacteristically, he pushed back.

"I'm afraid I cannot comply with your request. Flevance isn't just a mission assigned by you, Sakazuki-san—it's my own choice. My Devil Fruit powers can change the lives of civilians there, save countless lives, and revive a dying nation. If I were to change my mind and abandon it simply because it's too dangerous, that would mean I'm utterly unworthy of the words on this Marine coat."

"Justice never retreats in the face of danger! Justice for Flevance has been delayed far too long! If we let it remain absent, then I could never bear the weight of those 'justice' word for the rest of my life!"

"My abilities and talents should be the foundation for saving more people, not an excuse to hide safely behind the lines!"

As Jake spoke, a long-absent smile appeared on Sakazuki's face.

Sengoku, seated across from him, watched the Den Den Mushi's imitation of that resolute expression with complex emotions, feeling a surge of admiration.

Monet's voice chimed in then, clear and firm.

"Sakazuki-san, I feel the same as Jake. If we lacked the power to help, I might have been able to convince myself otherwise. But knowing we have the ability yet still being told to give up—I can't accept that."

"If T-Bone-san had thought the same way back then, would Jake and I even be alive today? Kindness and justice should be passed forward, not hidden away for any reason!"

Sakazuki's expression grew brighter.

Sengoku, whose lips had remained unmoving until now, finally allowed a smile to surface as he nodded slightly at Sakazuki.

The next moment, Sakazuki's voice came through, laced with faint amusement.

"You arrogant brats! Talk to me again after you've placed in the top three of the training camp! Damn fools!"

With that, Sakazuki hung up the Den Den Mushi.

Turning to Sengoku in the chair, he said with a laugh.

"That was their own decision. They have their own justice."

Sengoku took a bite of rice cracker, chuckled, then sighed.

"Yes... their own justice. Quite different from ours."