Xayuki would never passively await his doom. Even without the system's intervention, even with the judge colluding with Spandam, he wouldn't surrender to such a fate.
More importantly, after years of careful planning, he was no longer the naive recruit who merely wanted to survive. He had long been positioning himself strategically within the Marine hierarchy.
As someone from another world, how could he remain subordinate forever?
Now that the system had appeared at this critical moment, he didn't hesitate. His decision was immediate and resolute.
After a brief silence, Xayuki slowly rose and approached the iron bars. Looking at the officers who waited eagerly outside, he spoke with measured confidence: "I have a plan that requires your immediate execution."
At these words, the officers' faces brightened with anticipation, and they stepped closer to the bars.
"Spandam? Those three judges disguised as a three-headed monster? None of them are my target!"
Sweeping his gaze across the gathered officers, a spark of ambition ignited in Xayuki's eyes. "If we're going to act, we'll act decisively. My goal is—" he paused, his voice unwavering, "to replace Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
The officers froze momentarily in shock. Then, one by one, their expressions transformed into fervent determination as they saluted in perfect unison: "Loyalty!"
Marine Headquarters, Officer Dormitory Building No. 8
Building No. 8 housed officers ranked between Ensign and Captain. While those attending officer training shared quarters, established officers enjoyed private accommodations.
On the second floor, in Room 301, a young officer wearing a Marine Captain's coat stood motionless before his desk. His eyes were fixed on a substantial stack of Belly notes—exactly 12 million.
Though he now commanded his own vessel as a Headquarters Captain, he knew his rapid ascension hadn't been achieved through merit alone.
Before his transfer, he had been merely a Major at a Marine outpost in the West Blue. His opportunity came only because a fellow townsman stationed at Headquarters had recommended him to Vice Admiral Xayuki.
Through this connection, he'd learned of Xayuki's reputation—a high-ranking officer known for his extraordinary generosity, who extended help to anyone truly in need regardless of their position in the hierarchy.
At the time, he had contacted his acquaintance out of sheer desperation. His elderly mother lay gravely ill, and his meager branch salary couldn't begin to cover her mounting medical expenses.
He had pleaded with everyone he knew, only to be met with cold indifference. His commanding officer had even threatened dismissal for his frequent absences to care for his mother.
In his darkest hour, he reached out to his Headquarters contact with little hope. To his astonishment, Vice Admiral Xayuki personally responded to his plea.
After learning of his circumstances, Xayuki had left Headquarters, traveled to the West Blue, and personally arranged for his mother's transfer to the finest medical facility available, covering all expenses without hesitation.
Thanks to Xayuki's intervention, his mother's condition gradually improved. Just as he wondered how he could possibly repay such kindness, transfer orders arrived, instructing him to bring his mother to Marine Headquarters.
Upon arrival, he received an unexpected promotion to Captain and assignment as one of Xayuki's direct subordinates. His mother was provided comfortable accommodations in Marineford's family residential district, with specialized medical personnel attending to her needs.
"Stoke, do you know why I helped you?" Xayuki had asked him then.
He had shaken his head, genuinely unable to comprehend why such a prominent figure would extend such extraordinary assistance to a lowly branch officer.
Xayuki's answer remained etched in his memory:
"Because even in your most desperate hour, you never considered abandoning justice. Of course, as Marines, that's our expected standard. But Stoke, there are times when justice must yield to higher priorities. If my own mother lay dying, and all avenues for help were exhausted, I would set aside so-called justice without hesitation. Because in this vast world, nothing supersedes a mother's importance. For her sake, I would stand against the entire world if necessary!"
These words had revealed a profound truth: if one couldn't protect those they loved most dearly, what meaning did their conception of justice truly hold?
From that day forward, he carried his gratitude silently in his heart. At Headquarters, he navigated complex relationships, forming bonds with like-minded colleagues. Under Xayuki's protection, he established himself firmly within the Marine hierarchy.
But fortune proved fickle. Before he could fully repay his debt of gratitude, Xayuki was imprisoned.
Knock, knock, knock—
Suddenly, urgent pounding echoed through his quarters.
Before he could respond, the door burst open.
"Captain Stoke!"
"Vice Admiral Xayuki needs you now!"
Hearing this, Stoke spun around immediately.
When he saw the two officers who had forced entry into his room, his expression transformed from confusion to burning resolve in an instant. He straightened his posture, snapped a crisp salute, and declared with unwavering conviction: "Loyalty!"
As Stoke's declaration rang out, the cry of "Loyalty!" echoed from other rooms throughout the dormitory. Voice after voice joined the chorus, merging into a powerful wave that swept through the building and spread rapidly to other barracks and quarters across the base.
Marine Headquarters, Senior Officer Residential Area
Under night's protective shroud, dozens of young officers moved with swift purpose toward the private residences scattered throughout the elite district.
Two officers approached the gates of a secluded compound at the area's perimeter. Without hesitation, they activated the entrance bell.
The sound barely faded before the door of a three-story residence swung open. A middle-aged man emerged, wearing a Marine cap and a dark crimson suit.
This was none other than Sakazuki, one of Marine Headquarters' three Admirals, codenamed Akainu.
As a Logia-type Magma-Magma Fruit user and the embodiment of "Absolute Justice," Sakazuki was feared throughout the ranks. His willingness to sacrifice allies and civilians alike in pursuit of his mission had earned him a reputation that kept most Marines at a respectful distance.
Yet the two young officers at his gate showed no fear, even as he emerged with a pronounced frown. They stepped forward in perfect unison, saluting crisply as they announced: "Admiral Sakazuki, Vice Admiral Xayuki requests your presence!"
"Hmm?"
Sakazuki's eyes narrowed dangerously as he fixed his penetrating gaze upon them. An invisible wave of pressure emanated from his imposing figure, instantly enveloping the young officers.
The overwhelming aura of one of the Marines' supreme combatants made them feel as though they were suffocating. Their bodies trembled involuntarily beneath the crushing weight of his presence.
Yet remarkably, they maintained their posture—backs straight, salutes unwavering.
"Not bad. Truly soldiers trained by Xayuki."
Observing their steadfastness, a flicker of grudging respect crossed Sakazuki's stern features. Without further comment, he stepped forward decisively: "Lead the way."
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
Weekly Stable Updates with 30+ Chapters Always Available. High-Quality and Consistent Translations Are the Channel's Top Priority.
Current Books:
Naruto: Deidara's Struggle
God-Tier Kazekage: Building the Ultimate Hidden Sand Village
Naruto: The Ōtsutsuki Bloodline Development Manual
One Piece:The True Codex
One Piece: Rising to Fleet Admiral
👉patreon.com/GoldenLong