11 Chapter 9: Praise & Meeting
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GunnerGhost: " Law san, my crew members aren't backing me up with comments, collections, and votes for my work. Help me with your Ope Ope no Mi"
Trafalgar Law: " I don't care...."
GunnerGhost: "..."
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Sakazuki remained oblivious to Kong's exclamation as his attention was wholly captivated by another matter.
Fear score from Kit Harrington: +82!
Fear score from Heidi Clark: +69!
Fear score from Korrus Gillen: +264!
A series of alerts sent Sakazuki into a profound shock. Within a short span, he accrued thousands of fear points, with the tally still rising.
"Vice Admiral Sakazuki, Vice Admiral Sakazuki."
In his excitement, an urgent voice suddenly pierced through, causing Sakazuki discomfort. Initially disoriented by the call, he swiftly regained his composure. After all, it was his own name being called. The primary reason for his momentary lapse was his unfamiliarity with his current identity, hence the delayed reaction in his joyous state.
"What's the matter?"
Sakazuki swiftly exited the main menu, barely able to pose a question before being met with Kong's wide-eyed stare, prompting him to wonder, "What's wrong?"
Kong inquired, "Why do I experience a delay when speaking to you?"
Sakazuki felt a tinge of embarrassment, momentarily overshadowed by the overwhelming influx of fear. "This is the first time I've employed this tactic, so I was momentarily disoriented by the efficient execution. What's the issue?"
"You performed exceptionally well."
Kong openly expressed his admiration, remarking, "Sakazuki, your strike was precise, dealing a heavy blow to the airborne pirates. Most of their vessels have been obliterated, rendering them unable to remain at sea. They have no choice but to advance, yet this is our Marine Base; their demise is certain."
After enduring an intense battle, Sakazuki's strike proved decisive, leaving Kong exhilarated.
"However, Sakazuki, the range of your attack was extensive, resulting in significant casualties among our own troops."
Sakazuki acknowledged this observation, though he saw no fault in it. This was warfare. Despite his first-hand experience, he was no novice. Sacrifices were inevitable in the pursuit of justice.
"Admittedly, there were some casualties, but there was no alternative. The nature of this technique entails a wide-reaching impact. Even I struggle to control it. However, in the name of justice, their sacrifices were not in vain."
Kong turned away silently, his indifference evident. Having heard Sakazuki's rationale, he redirected his focus to the battlefield.
Sakazuki's attack had dealt a significant blow to the pirates, prompting Kong to order an immediate assault by Marine forces. Like wolves among sheep, the Marines swiftly descended upon the disarrayed pirates.
The subsequent battle did not endure, thanks to Sakazuki's Meteor Volcano, which inflicted heavy losses upon the pirates, further diminishing their resolve. However, the pivotal moment came in the skies, as Garp and Sengoku, in tandem, brought down the formidable Golden Lion, the pirate chief admiral.
With the defeat of the Golden Lion, the already demoralised pirates swiftly capitulated, falling prey to Marine Headquarters. Only a handful managed to escape aboard the lone remaining vessel, their fate uncertain.
Having intervened once, Sakazuki refrained from further action in subsequent skirmishes. Unfortunately, despite the pirates' defeat, his fear score saw minimal increase, sporadically rising by a few dozen points.
By the war's conclusion, he had amassed over 6,000 fear points, adding to his existing balance, bringing it to 8366.
While the Marines tended to the aftermath of battle, Sakazuki delved into his Cheat abilities. He discovered only the Haki Fruit available for purchase, priced at 1,000 points each for Armament Haki, Observation Haki, and Conqueror's Haki.
The lottery system was straightforward, costing one hundred points per draw, with earnings and expenditures tied to fear points, of which he had yet to expend.
Before he could make a purchase, Sakazuki was summoned to a meeting by Fleet Admiral Kong, gathering senior Marine Headquarters executives. As a young Vice Admiral and prospective candidate for Admiral, he belonged to this elite group and was thus entitled to participate in high-level discussions.
The meeting commenced promptly, reflecting Marine Headquarters' efficiency even in the wake of conflict.
Sakazuki wasted no time, escorted to the meeting room by a seaman. Upon arrival, he found the room filled to capacity.
An evaginated oval table dominated the space, with an empty seat at its centre where the Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters would preside. Flanking either side were several individuals.
Presently, only two Admirals occupied positions in Marine Headquarters: Sengoku and Zephyr. Sengoku occupied the foremost seat on the left, with Zephyr mirroring him on the right. Below them sat Garp, followed by an empty chair, then six other Marine Vice Admirals.
Opposite Zephyr sat seven more individuals, including Vice Admirals Crane, Kizaru, and Aokiji, the latter positioned at the end, being the youngest among them.
With only one vacant seat remaining, Sakazuki required no prompting, taking his place without hesitation.
As soon as Sakazuki settled in, the Fleet Admiral of the Marine, seated at the head of the table, initiated the meeting without delay. He delved into the day's events, displaying a preparedness that left no room for pause. Initially attentive, Sakazuki's interest waned as he scanned the faces in the room.
Observing his colleagues, he noted that aside from the prominent figures like Sengoku and Garp, he recognised only Kizaru and Aokiji among the Vice Admirals. The others appeared to be in their forties or fifties, with the exception of the Vice Admiral seated at the end of his row, who appeared younger, perhaps in his thirties.
Sakazuki also noticed several individuals casting curious glances his way, their intentions unclear to him.
