Therefore, no one is indispensable to this ocean. After the hype fades, everyone will eventually return to their own lives and no longer focus their attention on the Straw Hat Pirates and the Marines.
Of course, some people don't feel the changes in the sea and remain immersed in their own little lives, but some clever people have already sensed that a new era is about to arrive.
Although they didn't know why the Marine Headquarters had suddenly calmed down, they were quite clear in their hearts that… At this moment of transition between the old and the new, the Marine Headquarters would definitely not remain quiet forever.
Unlike outside, inside the Marine Headquarters, although neither the Marine Headquarters nor the World Government had announced any information about the election of the next Fleet Admiral, the officers within the headquarters could all sense the suddenly somber atmosphere.
This was neither the solemnity before a public execution nor the despondency after one; rather, it was an atmosphere that defied description, yet made everyone truly aware that a change was about to befall the Marine Headquarters.
Especially as time went on, both the hawks and doves within the Marine Headquarters quieted down, seemingly waiting for something, which made the neutral factions realize that something was wrong.
Despite knowing the full story, the high-ranking officers from the Marine Headquarters remained silent, quietly awaiting the final outcome.
Even the protagonist of this important drama, Sakazuki, is the same.
Although he had already received the instructions from above, he did not reveal anything to his followers.
For example, right now…
"Admiral Akainu..."
Vice-Admiral Onigumo, who had come to report, put down the documents in his hand but did not rush off to the next task as usual. Instead, he looked at Sakazuki in front of him with a hint of something in his eyes.
But before he could finish speaking, Sakazuki, who was looking down, seemed to have already guessed what he was going to say. Without even raising his head, he interrupted him, saying, "Don't ask what you shouldn't ask."
"Understood!"
Upon hearing Sakazuki's words, Onigumo's expression immediately turned serious, and his inner hesitation vanished instantly.
Although Admiral Akainu did not give him a direct answer, Onigumo understood from his reply that the information circulating within the Marine Headquarters during this period was likely accurate.
However, there is another piece of news...
Onigumo paused for a moment, then decided to speak up, "I heard that Admiral Aokiji's trip this time was actually for special training!"
"Shut up, and get out of here!"
However, Sakazuki remained silent, head bowed, his tone cold, "You should be down there doing your job, not worrying about these pointless things!"
"Yes!"
This time, upon hearing Sakazuki's words, Onigumo didn't linger. After bowing, he solemnly bowed again, turned around, and left. His serious and earnest expression made it seem as if he wasn't the one who had been hesitating and struggling just moments before.
But what he didn't know was that after he left, Sakazuki stopped, slightly raised his head, and stared at his retreating figure.
He fell silent, a hint of seriousness and doubt flashing in his eyes, and muttered to himself, "Special training?"
That guy went off for special training?
But given their current strength, what kind of special training could they possibly undergo to improve their abilities in such a short time?
Although Sakazuki responded the way he did to Onigumo, he actually still held his longtime colleague and current competitor in high regard.
Ice and magma!
Neither of them was entirely confident that they could defeat the other.
However, as someone who also possesses his own beliefs and sense of justice, he would never give up so easily.
Over the years, the doves have already proven their thinking wrong. In order to prevent the coming era from becoming completely chaotic, he must become the next Fleet Admiral.
Only in this way can he carry out his beliefs and achieve his goal!
Even if this path is about to be filled with blood and fire, he will walk it steadfastly.
Justice is justice, and there can be absolutely no compromise. It must be thoroughly implemented in order to bring peace to this era.
Absolute Justice is his justice!
Look at what dovish ideology has brought to the Marines.
Even during a previous public execution, some marine officers dared to stand up and question his orders.
This is utterly ridiculous, a disgrace to the Marines!
Sakazuki's face was indifferent, and his expression did not change in the slightest.
However, the hand that was gripping the document tightly, almost crumpling it into a ball, indicated that he was not as calm as he appeared.
With a firm and earnest tone, he murmured to himself, "For the sake of peace, some losses are necessary. Let me see whose justice is right, Kuzan!"
Regardless of who wins or loses, the times will change.
...
Time passed slowly, and the entire sea remained calm and tranquil.
Meanwhile, Kuzan has been undergoing special training with Ian.
Although he doesn't quite understand why Ian is so obsessed with his left foot, and even suspects that Ian wants to take revenge for what happened back then and break his left foot, he has still benefited a lot from fighting Ian during this period.
For example, his feet seem to have become much more agile!
His left foot could handle any sudden attack with ease, even in head-on collisions.
And although his Devil Fruit abilities didn't increase much, his physical skills improved significantly.
It has to be said that Ian's strength has improved remarkably in just a few years!
It made him regret that he hadn't just kidnapped him and taken him to Marine Headquarters back then.
Kuzan was a little confused. He had clearly said that there was no need to rush, that they could rest a little in the evening and have a meal, but Ian insisted on fighting him for ten days and ten nights.
It's really hard to figure out what Ian is trying to do.
You know, he's different from Ian; he can't just eat sunlight!
But now… sensing the return of midday, Kuzan covered his left foot with a thick ice shield, withstood Ian's axe, and quickly created distance. His entire body radiated a chilling aura as he stood in the icy landscape, staring intently at Ian with a solemn expression. "It's time I saw your strongest state, Ian!"