In the sky, Fleet Admiral Sengoku struggled to support the two massive volcanic peaks and iceberg, each capable of obliterating Marineford.
His eyes widened as he observed the densely packed undead below, relentlessly assaulting the Marines.
"All these… undeads, people killed by the Marines?" Sengoku's voice was low, almost a whisper of disbelief.
Despite his tone, his body revealed the truth—Sengoku already believed Shirogai's words.
"Heh, as expected of a righteous Marine," Shirogai sneered from the icy summit.
"You kill so many people, you forget the lives you've taken. Or, Fleet Admiral, do you truly believe the Marines haven't killed that many?"
"…"
Sengoku paused, considering, then said firmly, "Even if they did… the Marines do not kill without reason. All who were slain were criminals threatening world peace."
Shirogai smiled faintly, his voice smooth and cutting.
"'Threatening world peace,' you say? In reality, they were simple citizens of small nations unwilling—or unable—to pay the Celestial Dragons' tribute, the World Government's imposed fees. Weak allied nations, sentenced to death for reasons that made no sense."
Sengoku exhaled calmly, maintaining his composure.
"Even so, the Marines fulfill their duty and feel no shame before anyone."
"As expected of Fleet Admiral Sengoku, unwavering in your stance. Then you should understand, people like you and me… our positions will not be dictated by others," Shirogai replied with a faint smile.
Unlike Smoker, who once dreamed of reshaping the world with hope, or Admiral Aokiji, who struggled with the balance of justice, Sengoku's life was inseparable from the Marine organization.
His loyalty was absolute. Whether right or wrong, the Marine had to endure, stand tall, and impose justice.
A minor injustice to maintain greater justice? That was a necessary cost.
Sengoku inhaled deeply, his eyes locking on Shirogai standing upon the peak.
"Shirogai Yamikuro, turn back now. If you do not provoke the Marines further, you will not be hindered."
Only now did Sengoku feel a pang of regret.
Had he known Shirogai's nature earlier, he could have proposed diplomacy when the Gorosei issued the secret operation.
He had intended to subtly influence Shirogai with the Marine's sense of justice, perhaps even turning him into an ally.
Yet the Gorosei had ordered the Three Admirals to encircle and suppress Shirogai tonight.
Despite his reservations, Sengoku trusted that the Admirals' combined might would subdue even a Fifth Emperor.
But Shirogai was far more audacious than anticipated.
Learning of the plan, he retaliated, launching a destructive assault on Marineford alone.
If Sengoku hadn't continuously depleted his life force to hold the two colossal peaks, Marineford would have already been erased from history.
"What a pity, Fleet Admiral Sengoku," Shirogai said mockingly, a faint smile gracing his lips.
"Your words cannot compete with the words of the Celestial Dragons."
Bang!
He stomped down hard, the golden Buddha's surface creaking under the stress.
Tiny, dense cracks appeared across the deity's body—a clear sign of Sengoku's exhaustion.
The two massive mountains, heavier than small islands, strained against his fading strength.
"Hoo… hoo… hoo…"
Sengoku's golden face distorted, his labored breaths rolling through the air like thunder.
I cannot fall… if I do, the Marines below…
"Eh?"
Shirogai's eyes shifted toward the undead army, now forming a writhing mound.
A wry smile curved his lips.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you are now being confronted by the vengeful dead of your own Marines' victims."
Sengoku lowered his head, noticing the mass of undead piling atop each other.
Their combined height now nearly reached his toes.
"They… have finally returned?" Shirogai muttered sarcastically, turning to the distant sea before leaping lightly into the air.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, enjoy the gnawing of the innocent souls slain by your Marines."
---
"Marine! You killed us!"
The undead, densely packed, climbed the writhing corpse-mountain toward the golden Buddha in the sky.
Like ants, they gnawed at Sengoku's radiant surface, already marred with cracks.
"Kill… you…"
"Why… why did you kill me…"
"I was still a virgin, you know?…"
The sacred golden light dimmed, the immense Buddha appearing worn and fractured as the relentless undead chewed away, their hatred palpable in every sound and movement.
The righteous Marines below could only stare in stunned horror as the embodiment of their justice was gradually overtaken by the very victims they had created.
_______
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