Chapter 73: You Know Nothing About Power

### Chapter 73: You Know Nothing About Power

From Zephyr's explanation, Carl quickly understood the situation and couldn't help but feel amused. So he was the reason Aramaki and Aokiji had joined the Marines ahead of time.

Meanwhile, Dragon had been silently observing Carl, clearly intrigued. After all, they were both Logia users. Carl had faced the Whitebeard Pirates at just seventeen and achieved astonishing results—naturally, this made them curious.

Aramaki, however, wasted no time. He ran straight to Carl, grabbed his hand, and declared loudly,

"Senior Carl! My name is Aramaki! I've seen all your achievements! I really admire you! Trash like pirates who ignore the government should be wiped out!"

The moment those words left his mouth, Akainu immediately showed approval, while Dragon frowned slightly. He disliked such extreme views and had no fondness for the World Government—one of the main reasons he had ignored Garp's advice to join the Marines.

He kept his gaze locked on Carl, waiting to see how the famed Marine prodigy would respond.

Carl smiled and replied calmly, "Hello, Aramaki. Welcome to the Marines."

Despite being six years younger than Aramaki, Carl's composed demeanor and confident tone made him seem like a superior. This only fueled Dragon's curiosity.

Before Aramaki could speak again, Dragon stepped forward.

"Senior Carl, it's an honor to meet you. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am—"

Carl interrupted him with a knowing smile.

"Monkey D. Dragon. I know who you are. Vice Admiral Garp mentioned you before. He was supposed to visit you that day but ended up running into the Whitebeard Pirates instead."

Dragon nodded. "Yes, and I'm very grateful. Without Admiral Zephyr and your support, my father would've been in serious danger."

"Haha, well, as Marines, that's our duty," Carl said with a chuckle. Then his expression turned slightly more inquisitive. "But Vice Admiral Garp also said you were hesitant about joining the Marines. Mind if I ask why?"

The others turned their attention to Dragon, curious as well. Typically, the children of high-ranking Marines entered the force as soon as they reached adulthood, yet Dragon was already 24.

Dragon was silent for a moment before countering, "Then may I ask, Senior Carl—why did *you* join the Marines?"

Carl's eyes glimmered with amusement.

"Me? I originally joined to gain strength. But now… I'd say it's for justice."

He spoke the truth. The concept of justice varied among Marines, and his justice was simple: **absolute justice**.

Hearing the word "justice," those around him showed different reactions. Akainu clenched his fists, reaffirming his own convictions.

Dragon, however, was unsatisfied with Carl's answer.

"Senior Carl values power so much—does your justice mean enforcing everything through absolute strength? You don't take prisoners, you execute pirates on sight. With all due respect, this doesn't align with Admiral Zephyr's ideals of justice at all."

His words were sharp, making Zephyr frown. However, as a teacher, he believed that every Marine had their own interpretation of justice, and as long as it wasn't excessive, he wouldn't interfere.

Akainu, however, stepped forward, his gaze cold.

"Monkey D. Dragon, there is nothing wrong with Carl's justice. Do you think just because you're Vice Admiral Garp's son, you can question him? Let me make something clear—there are no special privileges here. You're a soldier now, and Carl is a Rear Admiral. Didn't your father teach you how to speak to your superior?"

Borsalino, who had been silent, adjusted his sunglasses with one hand and slid the other into his pocket. He then casually stepped forward, standing beside Carl and Akainu.

The combined pressure from the three was overwhelming.

Aramaki swallowed nervously, while Kuzan was completely baffled by how bold Dragon was being.

Yet Dragon, at the center of this storm, remained unfazed, meeting Carl's gaze directly. The atmosphere grew tense, the air itself heating up.

Zephyr, at first, assumed Dragon was trying to show off his "connections" and had considered scolding him. But seeing the tension rise, he silently cursed, *"Garp, why aren't you here yet? Look at what your son is doing!"*

Carl, however, was the calmest in the room. He chuckled and said,

"Sakazuki, Borsalino, why do you both look so aggressive? This junior is just discussing justice with me. Differences in philosophy are normal."

Akainu snorted but backed off, though his glare remained locked on Dragon.

Borsalino smirked lazily. "Oh~ This junior certainly has strong opinions on justice. As expected of Vice Admiral Garp's son."

Dragon's expression darkened.

"Can you stop bringing up my father? I already said—joining the Marines was *my* decision!"

Borsalino, completely unfazed, simply flicked his ears as if he hadn't heard and retreated alongside Akainu.

Now that the tension had somewhat eased, Carl continued, "Dragon, what exactly do you mean? Do you think power is irrelevant? Or do you believe pirates shouldn't be killed?"

Dragon took a deep breath, regaining his composure.

"Of course, power is important. But I believe that one person's power is limited. Not all pirates are evil, and true justice can only be achieved through tolerance and equality, by uniting everyone's strength."

Carl couldn't help but chuckle.

Dragon's concept might have worked in a world like Earth, where individual power had limits. But in this world of supernatural abilities, where a single person could wipe out entire armies, justice wasn't hindered by morality—it was only hindered by *lack of power*.

Dragon frowned.

"Senior Carl, what's so funny?"

Carl ignored the question, his amused smile lingering.

Dragon's expression darkened further, irritation creeping into his voice.

"You don't seem to understand true power at all."