Plot Twist?

"I'm not falsely accusing him, because I've done nothing wrong. The reason I'm saying that Vitus is the one working with Dragon is purely based on my suspicions. If he hadn't framed me first, I wouldn't have made this claim without solid evidence."

Jon's expression was calm, making it impossible for even Kong to read his true thoughts.

"You say Vitus is the one colluding with Dragon? Then let's hear your reasoning."

"First, as I said earlier, if I really were working with Dragon, how could I have let myself be caught? And if I were caught, why would I leave him alive?"

"Second, my conflict with him is well known. He has every reason to want me gone. Especially since, during my fight with Dragon, I sent him to call for reinforcements. But by the time our battle was over, the reinforcements still hadn't arrived. That alone is suspicious."

"Third, the timeline. Fleet Admiral, you should know that while I was on good terms with Dragon, I've spent a long time stationed at Marine Headquarters, rarely interacting with anyone.

"But Dragon and his mysterious forces didn't just appear overnight. It would have taken them years to reach their current level. If I had been working with him, the timeline wouldn't match up at all. On the other hand, Vitus had multiple missions alongside Dragon—he had plenty of time to form an alliance."

"Finally, there's the issue of personal relationships. Dragon's betrayal obviously makes people suspect those who were close to him, but what if he and Vitus intentionally created the illusion of being enemies? Their apparent hostility would make them the least suspicious pair, allowing them to escape scrutiny."

"Fleet Admiral, that's my reasoning. While I don't have solid proof, I believe Vitus is far more suspicious than I am. I am willing to cooperate fully with any investigation, but at the same time, Vitus should also be investigated."

After listening to Jon, Kong furrowed his brows.

Now, he truly had his doubts.

While Jon's argument was based on conjecture, it did hold some merit.

Of course, that didn't mean Kong's suspicions about Jon had disappeared. Words alone weren't enough to prove innocence.

If they were dealing with a regular soldier, Kong would have already followed the better to kill than let go approach.

But Jon and Vitus were both outstanding young Marine officers, each with certain political backing. He had to consider the opinions of his subordinates and couldn't just execute them without proof.

"I will have both of you investigated. Until we uncover the truth, neither of you are allowed to leave Marine Headquarters."

Kong's decision was swift—Dragon's betrayal was one thing, but he would not tolerate a spy within the Marines. He was determined to get to the bottom of this.

Jon left Kong's office with a cold smile.

He had expected Vitus to report him, so he had been preparing for this moment all along.

This time, he would make sure to crush the man who had always been a thorn in his side.

Kong wasted no time—he immediately ordered a thorough search of both Jon's and Vitus's quarters, flipping everything upside down.

This investigation quickly drew the attention of Vice Admiral Tsuru.

When she learned that the order came from Kong, her expression darkened.

Dragon's betrayal had already shocked her, but she absolutely refused to believe that Jon was conspiring with him.

Kong hadn't even given her a heads-up, which only made her feel even more distrustful.

However, she didn't interfere.

She knew as well as Jon that the only way to clear his name was through cooperation.

Kong's goal was simple—catch them off guard with a surprise search before they had time to react.

But despite the thorough inspection, nothing suspicious was found in Jon's room.

On the other hand, Vitus's room… had some interesting discoveries.

Marine Headquarters Conference Room.

Kong sat at the round table alongside Sengoku, Tsuru, and Zephyr.

Standing in front of them were the six Marines who had participated in the recent mission—Jon, Vitus, Sakazuki, and three others.

The latter four looked confused, clearly unaware of the real reason for this meeting.

Kong wasted no time.

"I called you all here because of Dragon. Someone has reported that one of you is colluding with him."

"Colluding with Dragon?"

Sakazuki and the others were visibly shocked, exchanging uncertain glances.

Jon remained expressionless, while Vitus looked pleased.

At this moment, Vitus still had no idea what had happened.

Before his room was searched, he had already been summoned by Kong, so he didn't even realize that the investigation had turned toward him as well.

He simply assumed his plan had succeeded and that Jon was about to be punished.

"Fleet Admiral, that's impossible," Doberman was the first to speak.

"We all worked together during the mission. Only Jon and Vitus actually encountered Dragon.

"I saw the battlefield myself—it was utterly devastated. There's no way they could have staged something like that. And as for the rest of us, we never had the chance to interact with Dragon at all."

"It doesn't matter if you think it's impossible," Kong said sternly.

"I'll be blunt—two people were reported.

"Vitus accused Jon of working with Dragon.

"Jon accused Vitus of working with Dragon.

"Now tell me—who do you believe?"

"…What?"

Even Sakazuki was stunned.

So this wasn't about any of them—it was just Jon and Vitus accusing each other?

Vitus froze.

Something was wrong.

Wasn't Jon supposed to be arrested and executed?

Why was he suddenly under suspicion too?

"Jon, Vitus," Kong's sharp gaze swept across the two of them.

"If you admit to it now, I can be lenient. But if I find solid proof, there will be no mercy."

Without clear evidence, even Kong wasn't sure who was telling the truth.

Normally, a case like this wouldn't require his personal attention.

But since both sides had escalated the accusations directly to him, he found himself intrigued and decided to see it through.

Jon remained silent.

But Vitus couldn't hold back.

"Fleet Admiral, Jon is framing me!" he shouted anxiously.

"Everyone knows I've never gotten along with Dragon. I have no reason to work with him!"

That was the worst thing he could have said.

Because it immediately reminded Kong of Jon's earlier argument—what if their hostility was just a front?

Vitus had walked right into a trap.

"Enough," Kong cut him off.

"Since neither of you are willing to admit it, we'll just have to wait.

"I expect we'll have an answer very soon."

Vitus turned pale.

He slowly turned his head and glared at Jon, his eyes filled with fury.

Jon, on the other hand, didn't even look at him.

He just stood there, completely at ease.

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