Kuzan looked at Kong with a stunned expression.
He knew that Kong was a man who pursued ultimate strength.
However, in the eyes of the Marines and the public, Kong had always been a kind and approachable leader who cared deeply for both his subordinates and ordinary people.
He often said:
"With great power comes great responsibility. Our strength exists to protect the weak and preserve peace throughout the world."
Kuzan never expected those words to come from the mouth of the man he respected most.
It completely overturned his understanding of Kong.
Was this still the same Fleet Admiral who once stood for protecting the weak?
If anyone heard this conversation, they would find it difficult to believe.
"It's hard to imagine Kong Marshal saying something like that."
Kong lowered his fist and turned toward Kuzan.
"You didn't expect this old man to say something so extreme, did you?"
Kuzan remained silent for a moment before nodding.
Kong continued,
"Haven't you heard the saying? Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."
"Protecting the weak endlessly only makes them complacent. They lose their motivation and become accustomed to receiving without contributing."
"At first, it seems harmless. But eventually, they begin to believe such protection is something they deserve."
"They become just like those pigs above."
Kuzan was shocked once again.
He could not understand what Kong had experienced after becoming Commander-in-Chief of the World Government that had transformed the once gentle Kong into such a radical old man.
After a brief hesitation, he asked,
"Then what is Kong Marshal's opinion regarding this war?"
Kong's expression remained indifferent.
"The world is already peaceful enough."
"For hundreds of years, it has adapted to the rule of the World Government."
"There is no need for a new regime."
The meaning behind those words was obvious.
Kong had chosen the side of the World Government.
Before Kuzan could respond, Kong spoke again.
"Kuzan, I hope the Marines do not make the wrong decision in this matter."
Kuzan's heart immediately tightened.
Could this old man know about the Marines' plan to join forces with Peach Garden?
That shouldn't be possible.
At present, only the highest-ranking Marine officers knew about it.
Could there really be a leak?
He forced himself to stop thinking about it.
The people involved were all comrades he trusted completely.
After saying that, Kong shifted his attention elsewhere.
Having served in the Marines for decades before becoming Commander-in-Chief of the World Government, he knew many of the secrets hidden beneath the organization's surface.
He understood better than most that the existence of the World Government was far from glorious.
But as a veteran who had lived through countless wars, he also understood the devastation war brought to the world.
Naturally, the ideal outcome would be a world without war.
Once a large-scale conflict erupted, it would not only affect those fighting on the battlefield.
Even if a new regime ultimately took power, the transition itself would plunge the entire world into prolonged chaos.
As a soldier who had spent his entire life fighting and had finally reached an age where he could enjoy peace, Kong had no desire to see the world consumed by turmoil once more.
...
Elsewhere, the appearance of five members of the God's Knights quickly altered the flow of battle.
The five warriors were like sharp blades thrust into a stalemate.
They tore open a massive gap in the tightly packed forces of the pirates and Revolutionary Army.
One female member of the God's Knights examined her opponents and revealed a bloodthirsty smile.
"Hehehehe... Wolf Road, Wolf End, it's been a very long time since you've tasted blood."
The moment she finished speaking, she charged forward.
Crack!
Before her claws could reach their target, a tornado suddenly appeared in front of her.
Her advance came to an abrupt stop.
Her expression immediately became serious.
The swirling sand transformed into the figure of a tall man with slicked-back hair.
The moment she recognized him, excitement flashed across her face.
"Sand Crocodile, Crocodile?!"
She extended her tongue and slowly licked the sharp claws on her hand.
"Hehehehe... Let your blood satisfy the thirst of my blades."
Crocodile glanced at the woman before him.
She was exceptionally tall.
Her fitted uniform accentuated her curvy figure, while years of battle had given her the dangerous aura of a wild predator.
Her dark eye makeup and fierce gaze made her resemble a sleek leopard waiting to strike.
But Crocodile paid no attention to such things.
Women had never interested him.
To him, they were merely distractions.
Especially after that incident, he had even less interest than before.
At least for now.
His eyes revealed only disappointment.
"A woman?"
"Since you're another dog of the World Government, prepare to become a mummy."
He cracked his neck as he spoke.
Vial Emily stared at Crocodile, excitement growing in her eyes.
Most men became distracted by her appearance and figure during battle.
She hated that.
Unlike many women, she gained no satisfaction from such attention.
As a warrior of the God's Knights, what she desired was battle.
A truly exhilarating battle.
"Hehehehe, good!"
"Let me see whether the famous Ion Pirates deserve their reputation!"
The moment she finished speaking, she vanished with Soru.
Whoosh!
Crocodile tilted his head slightly.
A razor-sharp claw swept past his temple.
Immediately afterward, he raised his hand.
Conqueror's Haki coated his palm.
Then he struck.
Bang!
The powerful palm strike slammed directly into Vial Emily's slender waist.
Her body shot backward like a cannonball.
Boom!
The ground shook violently as she crashed into it.
Vial Emily flipped back onto her feet.
Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.
She stared at Crocodile, who remained spotless in the distance.
Shock filled her face.
"Conqueror's Haki?!"
"How is that possible?!"
She found it difficult to believe.
Those who possessed Conqueror's Haki were individuals with the qualities of a king.
If Crocodile possessed such power, why would he willingly serve under Rolan?
Meanwhile, Crocodile looked at her and slightly shook his head.
A casual strike had already injured this little cat.
Slowly, he began walking toward her.
Each step carried an increasingly oppressive aura.
His cold voice echoed across the battlefield.
"If the so-called God's Knights are only this strong..."
"Then I'll have to send you ahead to explore the road to hell."
Vial Emily felt the chilling pressure growing stronger.
The shock in her eyes gradually vanished.
In its place was pure excitement.
She touched the spot where Crocodile had struck her.
A strange sensation emerged from deep within her heart.
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
Startled, she immediately shook her head.
Her gaze locked onto Crocodile once more.
"So what if you have Conqueror's Haki?"
"It's not like I haven't killed people who possessed it before."
"Prey like you makes the hunt worthwhile."
As soon as she finished speaking, her body transformed.
A nimble female leopard appeared in her place.
Black flame-like clouds wrapped around her upper body.
An awakened Ancient Zoan.
Crocodile finally became serious.
"An awakened Ancient Leopard Zoan."
"Not bad."
"Now that's a little interesting."
The leopard slammed all four paws against the ground.
Instantly, she became a streak of light.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
The flashes of light circled around Crocodile continuously.
Faster.
And faster.
As her speed increased, countless afterimages formed around him.
The battlefield around Crocodile transformed into a dazzling world of light.
Inside those streaks, Vial Emily watched the tall figure standing calmly at the center.
For some reason, the sensation from that earlier strike surfaced i
n her mind again.
Her face reddened slightly.
Why am I thinking about that at a time like this?
She quickly shook the thought away.
Her eyes sharpened.
"Divine Wilderness, Phantom Claws!"
With a fierce shout, countless claw strikes erupted from every direction simultaneously.
===
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