Ch282 The Weight of Justice
CH282 THE DAY THE ICE BROKE
Though Kong didn't fully grasp it, he sensed something was wrong.
"This guy…"
Kong narrowed his eyes, frowning.
A wave of anger surged through Marshal Kong, but he knew there was nothing he could do.
He was well aware that the actions of the World Government had stirred unrest— not only among Marine generals but also within the broader support systems, even in the medical corps.
The loss of Sengoku had struck Garp hard. It wasn't just a death— it was a symbol of everything unraveling.
"Marshal kong," Garp said, his tone half-joking, half-weary, "you're not trying to get me to take up the position of Marine Admiral, are you?"
He turned and left, his cape fluttering behind him.
Aokiji watched him go, then turned to Kong, "There are more and more troublemakers out there," he said grimly. "And I'm preparing for war."
This was no idle threat.
It all stemmed from the horror of the Sabaody Archipelago massacre— and even more so, from the brutal truths exposed by .
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It hit him like a thunderclap— deafening and eye-opening.
Kong finally understood the sheer cruelty and calculated coldness of the colossal force that was the World Government.
Justice, as far as the Marines were concerned, had long since lost its meaning.
"The Five Elders summoned me earlier," Kong said grimly. "They brought up the question of the next Marine Marshal… and wanted my opinion."
His face hardened into a solemn mask.
Turning to Aokiji, Kong looked at him with a heavy gaze. "You know Kizaru's nature better than anyone. If he takes command… the Marines are bound to spiral into chaos."
The arrogance of the World Government— their belief in their divine authority— had tainted everything.
Kong glanced at Aokiji, whose expression remained unreadable. Still, Kong hesitated, then continued quietly, "I know how you feel about the World Government. Your silence says more than words ever could, but— "
Aokiji cut him off, his voice cold and resolute.
"I've had enough. I'm done playing along with this facade. The Marine's so-called 'justice' is nothing but a hollow cover for the World Government's corruption."
He looked straight at Kong, his resolve unshaken.
"Let me make it clear, Marshal Kong— I will not become the Marine Marshal."
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Though his face was pale, he gave no indication of where he stood. Silent. Unwavering.
What shocked Kong most was how firm Aokiji's decision was.
"I've made up my mind," Aokiji said calmly. "I'm leaving the Marines."
He paused, a trace of frustration surfacing. "Besides, I heard the top brass wanted Akainu to take the lead anyway— not me."
He looked up, sharp-eyed.
"How much damage has the Marine's name suffered already? Is this the kind of justice they want to uphold?"
Aokiji's gaze pierced through Kong— the Commander-in-Chief, once a towering figure, now searching for something to hold onto.
Kong slammed the table, unable to contain his frustration. "Damn it! Why is everyone so damn stubborn?"
Aokiji didn't flinch.
Kong had once hoped Aokiji would take the initiative to meet with the Five Elders. Then maybe, just maybe, he could restore what was broken.
But now...
"Akainu's gone," Kong said, his voice cracking slightly. "Out of all the admirals left… only you have what it takes, Aokiji."
But Aokiji remained still, unaffected by the desperation in Kong's eyes.
Then, with cold finality, he added:
"Let them clean up their own mess."
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Aokiji stood in silence, the weight of disillusionment heavy on his shoulders. The World Government— once a symbol of order— had revealed its true colors. Cruel. Corrupt. Detached from justice.
He wasn't ready to wear the title of Marine Marshal. Not because he lacked strength, but because the soul of the institution was rotting.
The massacre at Sabaody had shattered any illusion of righteousness the Marines still clung to. Justice, if it ever existed, had been abandoned entirely that day.
He lifted a hand slowly, brushing off Kong's plea as if it were dust on his coat.
"Lower your head, they say. Act obedient, show your strength in silence..." Aokiji muttered, not angry— just tired. Disappointed.
Kong called out again, but Aokiji's expression didn't change. He had already made peace with his decision.
"If they really want me to take that seat," Aokiji said flatly, "and if another Sabaody like incident happens… If they expect me to follow orders like Sengoku did, following orders from men who've never seen the battlefield— then no. I won't do it. I can't do it."
Kong tried to reason with him, his voice faltering.
"Aokiji, about that matter— "
But Aokiji cut him off.
"The world saw what happened. That battlefield wasn't just a fight— it was a broadcast. A message. Blood Demon Ren may have acted with or without intent, but the result was the same. A spectacle of injustice, masquerading as order."
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"Bastard—!"
But Aokiji didn't flinch. He turned his back to the room, walking away with the quiet confidence of someone who no longer cared for the approval of the system.
"If there's nothing else," he said coolly over his shoulder, "I'll be on my way."
With deliberate calm, he reached into his coat, pulled out a folded letter, and placed it firmly on the desk in front of Kong. "This is my resignation," he said. "Consider it a formality."
His voice remained composed, but the fire behind his words was unmistakable.
"The seas are in chaos," he continued. "I'll stay for now— carry out my duties as an Admiral, do what needs to be done… but I won't be here past six months. That's my limit."
Without sparing a glance back, he strode toward the exit, his coat billowing behind him like a banner of rebellion.
Kong, still shouting, froze as Aokiji disappeared from sight. The defiance in Aokiji's back was louder than any insult. Shadows crept into his expression.
"Wait.... Aokiji...."
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