Chapter 29: Chapter 29 : Akainu's Compromise
Red-Haired Pirates…
Shanks gripped the Den Den Mushi in his hand with a serious expression on his face.
His bond with Luffy ran deep, dating back to Luffy's childhood. He couldn't just stand by and watch Luffy get captured by the Marines.
The relationship between them wasn't just that of mentor and junior; it was a pact between men.
Shanks had to make his stance clear and do everything in his power to protect Luffy. And in this, he had the full support of his crew, the Red-Haired Pirates.
Benn Beckman, Yasopp, and the others rose from their seats, their expressions equally resolute. Luffy was their beloved junior, and they were ready to follow their captain's orders.
With a single command, the Red-Haired Pirates could change course and set sail for Windmill Village, where they knew the Marines would be coming.
...
Marine Headquarters!
Sakazuki, also known as Akainu, had a grim expression on his face, and it couldn't have been darker.
As a marine admiral, he found himself threatened, and in front of so many witnesses no less. This was a challenge he couldn't tolerate.
Before Akainu could vent his anger, Sengoku spoke up.
"You don't need to be so hot-headed. These images are just a starting point. We can't be certain about future events based solely on them."
"If we immediately set out to capture Straw Hat Luffy in the East Blue using these images, it would damage the Navy's reputation, and you wouldn't be satisfied either."
Sengoku genuinely believed this. After all, Luffy was still a rookie pirate about to set sail. Arresting him based solely on these images would be hasty.
There was also a touch of personal bias in Sengoku's thinking. Luffy was the grandson of his old comrade Garp. If they moved against Luffy, Garp would likely cause a scene, and given Garp's strength and temperament, it would be hard to control.
Red-Haired Shanks chimed in, his tone returning to its usual gentleness. "Look, Marshal Sengoku, you've earned your position as a Navy's Fleet Admiral for a reason. Your approach and consideration are far superior to many."
"Furthermore, Akainu, I'm not just helping Luffy; I'm helping you. Don't let Vice Admiral Garp's usual cheerful demeanor fool you. If you provoke him, you won't leave Marine Headquarters in one piece."
"As a Marine, you've probably never experienced the might of his iron fists, have you?"
"I've been on the receiving end, and I must say, it's terrifying. If you doubt me, give it a try."
Akainu glanced at Garp but found the old man grinning and giving him a thumbs-up.
The whole act was just a facade. Deep down, Akainu knew the terror of Garp's punches.
Despite his laid-back appearance, Garp was a force to be reckoned with. If he insisted on capturing Luffy and Garp intervened, Akainu might not be able to stop him.
Sengoku patted Akainu's shoulder, "Sakazuki, stay calm. These images are not definitive proof. As an Admiral, you should maintain composure."
Akainu pondered Sengoku's words. He did want to capture Luffy, whether the images were real or not.
Luffy posed a significant threat to the world government, and that was the justice he served—eliminating any threat to the World Government.
However, he was surrounded by obstacles. For now, he had to convince himself that Luffy's strength might have reached its limit.
Becoming one of the Four Emperors was an achievement beyond most pirates.
Maybe it was best to wait, gather more intelligence on the Straw Hat Pirates, and if necessary, apprehend them discreetly.
With that in mind, Akainu nodded, "Very well, I'll refrain from pursuing Straw Hat Luffy for the time being. But if he poses a greater threat in the future..."
"I hope that Admiral Sengoku will not hesitate to give the order for me to capture him."
With Akainu's concession, there was relief among those present, including Kizaru, Whitebeard, and Shanks.
Zoro, Nami, Robin, and their comrades, who had been anxiously listening, breathed sighs of relief. For now, the crisis was averted.
Sengoku smiled, "Let's move on. The Den Den Mushi transmission has ended."
The images and sounds in the sky vanished, and the Den Den Mushi disappeared from everyone's hands.
["All personnel, the communication time is over."]
A voice announced.
["Next, we will proceed with the list!"]
["Number 9: Sky Island, God of Thunder!"]
**********
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