Admiral Kizaru's mouth spilled fresh blood. He lowered his head, his gaze hidden behind his sunglasses, fixed on the blazing magma fist that had pierced straight through his chest.
Even so, his expression remained composed, almost indifferent, as he spoke in his usual slow, drawn-out tone.
"Cough, cough… how terrifying. Sakazuki, the heat of your fist is truly something."
He did not question how Sakazuki had uncovered his hidden identity, nor did he condemn him for delivering a fatal blow to an old comrade.
Instead, he kept his usual demeanor, offering a dry, almost humorous remark at the edge of death.
…
Fleet Admiral Akainu stood silently, a cigar clenched between his teeth as he watched the man before him, his sworn brother, now impaled and dying. The scars across his face seemed harsher than ever, his expression heavy with conflict.
Truthfully, he had never wanted this outcome.
Because Borsalino was more than a colleague.
They had risen together from nothing, fought side by side through countless battles, and stood firm in the face of death more times than they could count.
They were brothers.
But fate left no room for hesitation.
Whether he wanted to or not, this was a decision he had to carry through.
"W-what just happened?!"
The Marines aboard the warship finally reacted.
"Oh my god, Fleet Admiral Akainu attacked Admiral Kizaru?!"
"H-how is this possible?! Why would Sakazuki suddenly strike Borsalino like that?! He pierced his chest with magma!"
Panic spread across the deck. Shock, fear, and confusion gripped every Marine who had witnessed the scene.
To them, these two men were pillars of justice.
Unshakable.
So why were they trying to kill each other?
Could there be some hidden conflict, something so severe that it demanded death?
Most of them had not heard Akainu's earlier declaration.
They did not know the truth.
That the man known as Admiral Kizaru was the Vice Commander of the Revolutionary Army, the very organization the World Government sought to erase at all costs.
The most dangerous infiltrator had been standing at the very peak of the Marines.
"This is not something these soldiers should witness…"
Observation Haki spread quietly across the battlefield. Sensing the turmoil in their hearts, Admiral Fujitora let out a faint sigh.
"This will only shake their faith in justice."
He tightened his grip on his sword and lifted his head, his blind eyes facing forward.
"All Marines, remain at your posts. This matter falls under direct orders from the World Government. No one is to act without command."
"Yes, sir!"
Though confusion lingered, discipline prevailed. The Marines steadied themselves, though their eyes could not help but drift back toward the scene.
"Borsalino… this white flower on my coat will bloom in memory of your death."
Admiral Aramaki did not spare a glance at the uneasy soldiers. His eyes remained fixed on Kizaru, filled with what seemed like regret.
"What a waste. You could have stood at the very top of this world, above all others. Instead, you chose to betray the Celestial Dragons and side with a filthy organization hiding in the shadows."
Kizaru slowly raised his head, his bloodied lips curling into a faint, mocking smile.
"Cough… cough… the strongest… people?"
His voice broke as more blood spilled from his mouth.
"Heh… no matter how strong… they're still just dogs… kept by nobles…"
His fragmented words carried nothing but ridicule.
The other Admirals fell silent, each reacting differently to his final defiance.
…
Not far away, Admiral Verglas remained as she always was, lying peacefully as if untouched by the chaos.
Her body rested lightly atop a floating sphere, her posture relaxed, almost unreal in its elegance. The coat of justice draped over her like a blanket, concealing her form while adding to her ethereal presence.
Her breathing was steady, her face serene.
She appeared completely asleep.
Yet no one believed that illusion.
Every Marine knew.
She was aware of everything.
From the slightest shift in movement to the faintest ripple of intent, nothing escaped her strange, dreamlike state.
Many had made the mistake of underestimating her.
Pirates cornered by an Admiral would often feel a surge of hope upon seeing her.
"A sleeping Admiral? This is my chance!"
"If I defeat her, I'll become famous across the seas!"
"…Such beauty. If I capture her…"
But reality was merciless.
Anyone who approached her with hostile intent would collapse without warning.
Silently.
Effortlessly.
Most never opened their eyes again.
Victory without battle.
That was the terror of Admiral Verglas.
Unlike the well-known powers of the other Admirals, her ability remained a mystery.
Some believed she possessed a Paramecia-type fruit that controlled sleep.
Others thought she wielded hypnotic powers.
A few even speculated she was the embodiment of dreams themselves.
But no one knew the truth.
Only one fact was certain.
She was dangerous.
Her origins were unknown, her rise sudden. During the World Conscription, she had emerged as an unstoppable force, earning her position as Admiral without a single recorded injury or defeat.
Untouchable.
Unmatched.
And among all the Admirals, she stood alone as the only woman.
With overwhelming strength and breathtaking beauty, she had become the most admired figure within the Marines.
===
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