Meeting the Fleet Admiral

Chapter Five: Meeting the Fleet Admiral

Admiral Kizaru boarded the navy ship with his usual languid grace, the light of the early afternoon sun glinting off his pristine uniform. As Coby and Raoul followed, Kizaru turned to Coby with an appraising look. "Coby, I want you to push beyond your limits," he said, his voice unusually serious. "I've heard good things about you from Hero Garp himself. This was one of the reasons that made me insist on choosing you."

Raoul's eyes widened in surprise at this revelation. "Garp? The Hero of the Marines?" he asked, turning to Coby with newfound curiosity.

Coby nodded, though he seemed reluctant to elaborate. Before he could respond, Vice Admiral Smoker stepped in, his expression as stern as ever. "You two, follow me. The Fleet Admiral wants to see you."

As they moved through the labyrinthine corridors of New Marineford, the air grew heavier with each step. The fortress was a hive of activity: marines of all ranks marched with purpose, their boots echoing sharply against the polished floors. The walls were adorned with banners and emblems, symbols of the Marine's might and authority. Raoul and Coby could feel the weight of history and expectation pressing down on them.

They walked in silence, the tension palpable. Raoul's mind raced, thoughts of the upcoming meeting mingling with his admiration for the former Admiral Aokiji and the current Admiral Fujitora. Their more compassionate approach to justice resonated with him far more than Akainu's brutal methods. However, he knew that he could not express these thoughts here, Akainu was the Fleet Admiral, and this was an undeniable fact. Raoul's admiration for Aokiji and Fujitora and his rejection of Akainu's justice will not change this fact.

Finally, they arrived at a massive door, emblazoned with the symbol of the Marines. Smoker knocked once before pushing it open. The room inside was imposing, dominated by a large desk made of dark, polished wood. Behind it sat Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, known throughout the world as Akainu or the Lava Dog. His presence was overwhelming, a palpable force that seemed to radiate intimidation and authority. His broad shoulders and scarred face were a testament to countless battles, and his piercing eyes burned with fierce determination.

The atmosphere was suffocating. Raoul could feel the tension in the air, a mix of fear and respect emanating from everyone in the room. Coby's breath hitched, a shiver running down his spine as he faced the most powerful man in the Marines. Raoul, on the other hand, remained calm, though he felt the weight of Akainu's gaze.

Akainu's eyes narrowed as he looked them over. "So, these are our new Vice Admirals," he said, his voice a low growl that sent chills down Coby's spine. "I expect nothing but absolute dedication and results from you both."

Akainu continued, his gaze now fixed on Coby. "I know you're familiar with Garp's teachings. Let me make something clear: we are at war. The Yonko—Kaido, Big Mom, Blackbeard, and Shanks—are threats that must be eliminated. And the Straw Hat Pirates, especially their captain Monkey D. Luffy, have been missing for a year. This is unacceptable. We cannot allow pirates to roam free, undermining our authority. Do you know why I'm telling you this now? Because I remember the day you threw yourself in front of me at Marineford like a crying girl to stop the war. If it weren't for Shanks' intervention, you would be dead, but it doesn't matter, the past is the past."

He leaned forward, his eyes burning with intensity. "You will hunt those pirates down, bring them to justice, and restore order. Do I make myself clear?"

Coby nodded vigorously, though his face was pale. "Yes, Fleet Admiral."

Raoul met Akainu's gaze evenly. "Understood, Fleet Admiral."

Akainu's lip curled slightly in a semblance of a smile. "Good. Now, get to work. The world is counting on us."

As they left the office, the oppressive atmosphere lifted slightly, but the weight of Akainu's words lingered. The corridors of New Marineford were bustling with activity, but now, every step felt more significant, more urgent.

Coby exhaled deeply, still shaken by the encounter. "I've never felt pressure like that before," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Raoul placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't let him get to you. We have our own way of doing things, and we can still make a difference."

Coby nodded, though the doubt lingered in his eyes. "Thanks, Raoul. I'll do my best."

Raoul smiled. "We both will."

With that, they walked out of the imposing office, ready to face the challenges that awaited them as Vice Admirals of the Marines. The sprawling base of New Marineford, with its towering structures and bustling activity, lay before them, a constant reminder of their duty and the immense responsibility they now carried.

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