《One Piece: Rising》Chapter 25: Kuzan! Answer Me, Will You Stand by My Side?

Xayuki's speech possessed an almost hypnotic quality. Combined with the subtle influence of his Observation Haki, the atmosphere in the plaza ignited like wildfire. Chants of "LOYALTY!" thundered across Marineford, each wave more powerful than the last.

The most fervent responses came from those who had served under Xayuki throughout his meteoric rise. These soldiers and officers shouted with such intensity that their voices grew hoarse, their faces flushed with passionate conviction. Some even began chanting more radical slogans—"STORM THE HOLY LAND!" and "BREAK FROM THE WORLD GOVERNMENT!"—elevating the collective fervor to unprecedented heights.

The sheer intensity of the response left the two Admirals and the Vice Admirals led by Gion utterly astonished. While Xayuki's oratory skills were undeniably impressive, such ability to inspire was expected of any high-ranking commander. Before tonight, John Giant had been considered the Marine's most compelling speaker, routinely delivering rousing addresses during significant events at Headquarters.

Yet the scene unfolding before them now transcended anything John Giant had ever achieved. Every Marine present—from the lowest recruit to the Vice Admirals standing alongside Gion—appeared almost entranced, raising their fists and shouting with an almost religious fervor.

Even Sengoku and Zephyr, observing from the conference hall, were left speechless by the thunderous waves of devotion echoing from the plaza below.

However, they quickly identified something unusual in the phenomenon.

"A rare manifestation of Observation Haki?" Sengoku withdrew his gaze and shook his head with a wry smile. "He's channeling his consciousness through his speech, creating a profound resonance with everyone present. No wonder he managed to secure such unwavering loyalty from so many officers in just six years."

Zephyr offered no response. Instead, he suddenly turned toward the entrance of the hall.

Following his gaze, Sengoku saw Kuzan standing at the doorway, the document bearing Sengoku's signature held loosely in his hand, his expression inscrutable.

"Instructor Zephyr," Kuzan began, stepping into the room without ceremony, "do you truly support everything Xayuki is doing?" His voice carried an unusual weight. "You must have heard his declaration just now—that the era of Celestial Dragon privilege must end. If such sentiments reach the Holy Land, the Marines will be plunged into irreversible conflict."

Zephyr's expression hardened slightly. "Are you planning to intervene, Kuzan?"

"No." Kuzan's face remained impassive. "I simply want to understand your true position."

Zephyr offered a faint, bitter smile. "My position hardly matters now, Kuzan. You've always been one of my most perceptive students. You know as well as I do that the Marine organization I once believed in died long ago."

"And I understand you equally well," he continued. "Ever since Ohara, you've carried the weight of Sakazuki's actions. You secretly allowed Nico Robin—the sole survivor—to escape. You even abandoned your 'Burning Justice' philosophy in favor of 'Lazy Justice.' Weren't these choices born from your own disillusionment with the Marines?"

Kuzan exhaled slowly, frost crystallizing in the air before him. "Instructor Zephyr, I—"

"Wait a moment."

Before Kuzan could finish, Sengoku stepped forward abruptly, his expression one of genuine shock. "You were responsible for Robin's escape from Ohara? Kuzan, how could you have taken such action? If the Holy Land discovers this, your career—your very life—will be forfeit!" His voice rose with each word. "You know better than anyone that the World Government's greatest taboo is those who study the Void Century. As a high-ranking officer, how could you deliberately allow Nico Robin to escape? What were you thinking?"

Before Sengoku could continue his admonishment, Zephyr intervened forcefully. "Enough, Sengoku! Kuzan, pay no attention to these empty threats. Marine Headquarters now answers to Xayuki, not the World Government." His voice carried absolute conviction. "So what if you spared Nico Robin? It's meaningless now. As long as you remain here and support Xayuki, with the combined strength of the three Admirals and a Marine force more unified than ever before, even the Holy Land's discovery of your past actions would be inconsequential!"

Kuzan nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing as he processed this information. "I see. Your position is clear, Instructor. No matter what course Xayuki charts—even if it leads to direct conflict with the World Government—you will stand with him without reservation."

Zephyr's gaze was unwavering. "Without question."

Following the coup, Marine Headquarters gradually settled into an uneasy calm in the wake of Xayuki's galvanizing address.

Accompanied by the two Admirals and several Vice Admirals, Xayuki made his way back to the upper floors of the headquarters building.

Rather than proceeding to the conference hall, however, he walked directly to the Fleet Admiral's office. Before Gion could step forward to open the door, it swung open from within.

Kuzan's towering figure emerged from the office, his expression unreadable as he regarded the assembled officers.

"Admiral Kuzan?" Gion immediately moved forward, her posture shifting to one of defensive readiness. "What were you doing in the Fleet Admiral's office?"

Kuzan glanced briefly at her before focusing his attention on Xayuki. With his characteristic drawl, he asked, "Xayuki... no, I should address you as Fleet Admiral Xayuki now, shouldn't I? I'm curious—if I were to depart from Marine Headquarters today, whom would you appoint to fill my position among the three Admirals?"

"Depart?" Xayuki replied with a slight smile. "Admiral Kuzan, your departure is not an option I can permit. As a Logia-type Ice-Ice Fruit user of exceptional power, allowing you to leave would constitute an unacceptable strategic risk." His tone remained conversational, but the underlying steel was unmistakable. "You have precisely two choices: remain here and pledge your loyalty to my command, continuing your service as an Admiral—or be eliminated."

Kuzan's brow furrowed slightly as his gaze swept across Sakazuki, Borsalino, and the Vice Admirals. "You fear I might journey to Mariejois and inform the Five Elders of your actions."

"That path is already closed to you."

Xayuki moved past Kuzan with casual confidence, circling around to take his place behind the Fleet Admiral's desk. "Information regarding your role in Nico Robin's escape from Ohara has already been dispatched to the Holy Land. The moment you step outside this building, the Five Elders will learn of your transgression."

After a calculated pause, Xayuki's tone softened perceptibly. "The world is changing, Kuzan. After your conversation with Sengoku and Instructor Zephyr, you chose to wait here rather than flee. Deep down, you've already made your decision. These questions you pose are merely attempts to secure some face-saving justification for what you already know you must do." He leaned forward slightly. "The transformation of Marine Headquarters is already complete. Your options have narrowed to a single path."

"I won't offer you convenient excuses."

"Instead, I extend a formal invitation: if you've grown weary of your internal conflict—if you wish to reignite the justice you once believed in before disillusionment dimmed its flame—then remain here and join my cause."

"In my homeland, there was an ancient saying: 'Are kings and nobles born to their status?' The answer, of course, is no. Power belongs to those with the vision and will to claim it."

"Eight hundred years ago, twenty kings united to create the World Government. If we stand together now, eight hundred years later, we can forge an era of true justice that surpasses their flawed creation!"

Having delivered this declaration, Xayuki settled into the Fleet Admiral's chair with deliberate ceremony. Looking up at Kuzan's towering figure, he raised his voice with commanding authority:

"So, Admiral Kuzan, I ask you directly: will you stand by my side?"

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