Chapter 464: The Next Target is Determined!
Sakazuki stood frozen for a moment after hearing Zikas's defense.
It sounded unconvincing—almost laughable—but given Zikas's position, would a man like him really choose such a flimsy excuse?
The relationship between the Navy and the Dragon Hunter Pirates was already fragile. Over time, Sakazuki's hatred toward pirates had softened—something he never thought possible. Ryuunosuke's crew was different. They weren't mindless marauders; they'd done things that forced the world to question what justice truly meant.
But now, Zikas's words cast doubt once again.
Could there really be more to this than met the eye?
"I think the Dragon Hunter Pirates are behind this," Zikas said, his voice rising with confidence. "Their goal is to devour the Navy from within. Now that I tried to investigate, they're framing me to cover their tracks! Fleet Admiral, you can confirm it yourself—contact Commander Roja. I was just speaking with him before that maid attacked me!"
Sakazuki's eyes narrowed. He didn't want to believe it, but Zikas's tone was too certain—too rehearsed.
The Dragon Hunter Pirates had acted quickly, almost too quickly. They'd investigated, uncovered intelligence, and even caught the supposed spy—all in record time.
Could it really all be coincidence?
Before he could answer, Rem stepped forward, holding a small Den Den Mushi in her delicate hands.
"This is the Den Den Mushi Mr. Zikas used to make his call," she said calmly. "Is it one of your Navy's?"
She placed it gently on the desk, along with several small recording snails. "Rem also saw a few camera bugs on the way here. If you check them, you'll see exactly what happened—and who he called."
Her blue eyes softened, but her words hit like thunder. "We can call the number now if you want. Then we'll know everything. Mr. Zikas, do you have anything else to say?"
Rem smiled faintly. "Rem doesn't lie."
Her simple tone shattered whatever illusion of control Zikas had left.
The air in the room turned heavy. Sakazuki's jaw tightened. He felt anger rising—not just at Zikas, but at himself. For doubting his own instincts. For even momentarily considering that the Dragon Hunter Pirates could have been behind this.
"Zikas," he said slowly, "do you have anything else to say? This Den Den Mushi belongs to you. The camera bugs can confirm whether you contacted anyone suspicious. You've been with the Navy for years. I don't want to force a confession… but I won't tolerate deceit."
For a moment, there was silence. Then, Zikas began to laugh.
"...Hehehe…"
The laugh grew louder, crueler.
"Hahahahaha!"
He glared up at Sakazuki, his face twisted in madness. "Yes, I did it! But you know what's truly pathetic, Sakazuki? The Navy has fallen further than ever before! You've become the lapdogs of pirates—the Dragon Hunter Pirates' pet soldiers!"
His words echoed through the room, dripping with venom.
"You call yourselves justice? You're worse than the World Government's dogs! At least they had pride. But you—you've thrown away everything! The mighty Navy Government now bows to pirates!"
Sakazuki's expression darkened, magma heat simmering beneath the surface.
Zikas leaned forward, eyes bloodshot. "When Sengoku was Fleet Admiral, he'd never have allowed this disgrace! Under his command, the Navy stood tall! But you—you've led us into ruin!"
His voice was hoarse, yet full of hateful triumph. "You're a failure, Sakazuki! A loser pretending to be righteous!"
Levi and Kirito exchanged a glance, then quietly stepped aside. This was now an internal Navy matter. Interfering would only make things worse.
Sakazuki exhaled slowly, his tone cold and steady. "Are you done yet?"
He stepped closer. "So, what Rem said was true. You were in contact with the World Government. Tell me—who were you speaking to?"
Zikas sneered. "Lord Carmel."
The room fell silent.
He grinned, teeth bared. "And what will you do now, Fleet Admiral? What's the difference between a Marine admiral who kneels to pirates and a stray dog begging for scraps?"
If the saying went that dying men spoke their last truths, Zikas was the exception. He spat venom until the end.
Sakazuki's hand began to glow. "Is it really that man…?"
"Since you admit it," he said quietly, "prepare yourself."
"One last question—what's their next target?"
Zikas grinned through the pain. "Louge Town!" he barked. "But it's already too late. The birthplace of piracy will burn beneath the glory of the World Government! Hahahahahaha!"
Before he could finish, Sakazuki's fist erupted in molten fire.
Boom!
Zikas didn't even have time to scream.
The room filled with the scent of scorched air.
Sakazuki lowered his arm, his face expressionless. "The World Government's chief researcher has moved. Their next target is Louge Town."
He turned to Kizaru. "Send word to Fujitora. Forget the Charlos Kingdom. Head straight to Louge Town."
Kizaru nodded. "Even with Fujitora's speed, it'll be close. But we'll make it. If we can stop this attack in time, we can clear the Navy's name."
Kirito rose from his seat. "Let the Dragon Hunter Pirates assist. We have people stationed in the East Blue—Goa Kingdom, Shimotsuki Village, and nearby islands. It's not too late to act."
He glanced toward Sakazuki. "And for Louge Town… we should inform Garp. Given his connection with our captain, he'll understand."
Kizaru opened a small notebook, flipping through it casually. "Heh. Convenient. Garp's ship is already near the East Blue. Seems fortune's on our side."
Sakazuki sighed, slumping back into his chair. "Then let's proceed. The Navy will take the lead. If the Dragon Hunter Pirates move first, it'll look like they're covering their tracks."
The room grew quiet again.
"Fleet Admiral Sakazuki," Rem said softly, "you seem troubled by what Mr. Zikas said."
He looked up, surprised by her calm gaze.
Rem smiled. "The captain once said something I like very much. We make countless choices in life. Some right, some wrong. But we keep walking—to prove our choices were worth making."
[TL: You can also check out my newly released fanfic, Bleach: Ichigo Takes Over the Soul Society – just visit my profile if you want to read it.]
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