One Piece : The Strongest Fleet Admiral

As soon as Sakazuki said these words, the atmosphere instantly became deadly silent.

Kizaru was stunned for a moment, then suddenly stood up from the sofa, almost turning into photons to escape.

His eyes, hidden under his sunglasses, suddenly widened, and he quickly glanced around with observation haki.

His lips slightly parted, the cigarette in his mouth fell to the ground, and he asked in disbelief:

"Sakazuki, you... do you know what you're saying?"

Kizaru had a vague premonition in his heart just moments ago.

He had guessed that Sakazuki might say something beyond his expectations next.

But this! Sakazuki dropped a bombshell the moment he opened his mouth!

If Kizaru didn't know that Sakazuki was still a top powerhouse with a sharp mind and senses, he would've thought the man had gone senile.

He could hardly believe that while he was busy running around looking for traces of the Celestial Dragons' attackers, the real culprit was sitting right in front of him.

Sakazuki, noticing that even the usually carefree and lazy Kizaru was showing an emotionally out-of-control side, couldn't help but smile secretly. Leaning back slightly, he continued in a more comfortable posture:

"Kizaru, the two of us joined the Marines together from North Blue. We went through battles at the lowest ranks and swore our oaths under the flag of justice!"

"Back then, we both dreamed of becoming Marine generals, each of us determined to contribute to the justice of the world!"

"But at some point, we went our separate ways within the Marines.

"I became a hawk—hardline, militant—and you, a centrist, a wall-sitter. Whichever side benefits you, you lean towards it!"

Hearing this, Kizaru calmed down a bit, though he noted that "wall-sitter" didn't sound very flattering.

Sakazuki continued:

"No matter what camp we're in, you know me better than anyone else in the Marines. You should understand the absolute justice I uphold!"

Kizaru nodded. He knew Sakazuki's dedication to eradicating evil.

But the Celestial Dragons were an exception! Kizaru couldn't help but roar in his heart.

Sakazuki, as if reading his thoughts, continued calmly:

"I've always kept the absolute justice I believe in buried in my heart. Outwardly, I show coldness and ruthlessness, like a hawk loyally obeying my superiors' orders."

"I've endured, step by step, to climb to the very top!"

"Now, sitting in the Fleet Admiral's chair, my goal is clear: to purge the seas, eliminate the garbage of this world, and restore peace and tranquility!"

"If I just wanted to kill pirates, I could've done that as a Vice Admiral or Admiral. But my goal goes far beyond that!"

Kizaru couldn't help but feel shaken.

Yes, with Sakazuki's strength, he could've stayed in any rank and hunted pirates. As an Admiral, he'd have more freedom to act and wouldn't be bogged down by the bureaucracy of a Fleet Admiral.

Why then, go through the trouble of aiming for the Fleet Admiral's position?

Kizaru himself never competed for the role because it was too much work. Why not just relax and fish in troubled waters as a general?

Sakazuki's tone grew somber, his words filled with intensity:

"This world is too dark, cold, cruel, and filthy—a twisted and crumbling place!"

"It turns good people into devils, drives ordinary civilians into piracy, and forces everyone into despair."

"For the vast majority of civilians, this isn't a world fit for humans. It's a hell of darkness and hopelessness!"

"Under the shadow of this blackened sky, they see no light. They live in fear, crushed under the weight of the World Government, the nobles, and the ever-present threat of pirates!"

"And those so-called gods—living in luxury high above on the holy land—what are they? The Celestial Dragons? They're nothing but depraved tyrants!"

Sakazuki stood up, locking eyes with Kizaru, his presence dominating the room.

Sakazuki stopped sitting and slowly stood up from his seat, reaching eye level with Kizaru.

He raised his hands, and with a thought, they immediately turned into blazing hot lava.

The molten magma churned on Sakazuki's arms, yet not a single drop fell to the ground.

The dark red glow of the magma illuminated the faces of both Sakazuki and Kizaru in a fiery red hue.

At this moment, Kizaru no longer had his usual playful, obscene smile. He stood silently, lips pressed tightly together, staring at Sakazuki expressionlessly.

Through his thick sunglasses, it almost seemed as though he could see the fiery determination burning in Sakazuki's eyes.

"I try my best to use my magma to burn the evil in this world. I try my best to use my justice to save the ordinary people who are in desperate situations, just wanting food and clothing!"

The veins on Sakazuki's face bulged as the magma on his arms roiled more violently, almost as if it might erupt towards the Holy Land of Mariejois at any moment.

"I just want the source of sin to be punished as it should be. I just want the despised soul to be redeemed with justice!"

Sakazuki gritted his teeth, his words pouring out one by one with sheer force.

Finally, he roared the words buried deep in his heart.

"This world cannot continue as it is!"

The room fell into a deathly silence again.

After a long pause, the sound of sobbing unexpectedly came from a corner.

"Hug... sorry! I got too emotional!"

Hibari, noticing the stares of both men, quickly used both hands to wipe away the tears streaming down her face.

Sakazuki turned to look at Hibari. Taking a deep breath, he composed himself.

"Kizaru, the world is sick—terribly sick!"

"It needs a surgeon willing to perform radical surgery, someone who dares to cut away the cancer that should not exist."

Kizaru remained silent, standing straight and still.

The thick sunglasses covering his eyes made it impossible to discern his expression.

But for someone who often spoke in a carefree tone, like 'Oh my, how scary,' Kizaru's silence was unnerving.

For him to remain quiet for so long could only mean he was deeply unsettled.

And that was indeed the case. Kizaru's heart churned like a stormy sea, a massive wave of thoughts crashing through his mind.