Ron's impassioned speech resonated deeply, not just with little Luffy but also with the Marines from the original world. His words carried a weight that ignited something in the hearts of those who listened.
(Original) Sengoku: "I have to admit, Ron makes a valid point. On the battlefield, your comrades are your most trusted partners. You need people you can rely on."
(Original) Garp: "Haha, Sengoku, doesn't this bring back memories? As much as I hate you sometimes, I always trusted you to cover my back."
(Original) Sengoku: "Yeah, back in our days, you, me, and Tsuru could always depend on each other. But looking at today's generation… I don't see that same trust. It's a shame. Sigh…"
(Original) Akainu: "Trust? Hah. I wouldn't trust my back to anyone—especially not a useless guy like Kizaru. Disdain.JPG"
(Original) Kizaru: "Eh? That's funny coming from you. I never trusted you either. If I ever got captured, you'd be the first to burn me alive without hesitation. Pout.JPG"
(Original) Aokiji: "Why even rely on others? I'd rather handle things alone. Less hassle. Yawn.JPG"
Sengoku from the original world read their conversation and couldn't help but sigh.
It was just as he feared. The kind of trust and camaraderie he once had with Garp and Tsuru didn't exist among today's Marines.
Especially with Akainu and Kizaru—two men who once stood as the rising stars of the Marines, now openly disliking each other. What had happened to them?
Sengoku distinctly remembered that Kizaru used to be more ambitious, and Akainu wasn't always so extreme. But somewhere along the way, their personalities had hardened, and their relationship had soured. Now, they could barely stand each other.
He understood that the Marines had grown larger and more complex over time, but this wasn't a healthy development. The kind of kinship they had in his generation was nowhere to be found in today's ranks.
But then...
Something shocking appeared on the public screen.
(Current) Akainu: "As expected of Commissar Ron, ideological training must start from childhood. Otherwise, people might end up as radical as I used to be. Right, Borsalino? Was I too extreme back then?"
(Current) Kizaru: "Oh, definitely. But then again, I was also lazy back then, almost lost my way. I guess we both had some issues to work out. Lately, though, our teamwork hasn't been great. Last month, when we fought the Golden Lion, you accidentally burned a hole in my cape."
(Current) Akainu: "Haha, yeah, about that… I forgot you were behind me. Thought it was Aokiji. He wouldn't care about getting burned, so I… might've lost control a little."
(Current) Aokiji: "Hey, hey, hey! So it's okay if it's me? I know you two are always together, but stop leaving me out! Every fight, you two take the front while I get stuck flanking alone!"
(Current) Kizaru: "Eh? Really? Hahaha. Okay, next time, we'll go around back and you take the front."
(Current) Aokiji: "Pfft! That's not the point!!! The point is that you two always act together and leave me by myself. I swear, I'm gonna cough up blood one of these days!"
(Current) Akainu: "Oh? How about all three of us take the front next time? Just a thought.JPG"
(Current) Aokiji: "Whatever, as long as you two stay together and stop ditching me."
Sengoku from the original world sat there, utterly stunned.
He rubbed his eyes, reread the conversation, and still couldn't believe it.
Did… did Akainu and Kizaru just casually joke around with each other?
Were they actually fighting side by side, back to back?
Was this the same Akainu who despised Kizaru, and the same Kizaru who never took anything seriously?
In another world, these two men were not just comrades—they were inseparable partners.
They had a bond stronger than what Sengoku and Garp had back in their youth.
He shook his head in disbelief. What kind of world was this?
Then, a comment from the original Akainu popped up, shattering the moment.
(Original) Akainu: "Are you kidding me? Another version of me actually trusts Kizaru? Did you burn out your brain with your own magma?"
(Present) Kizaru: "Hey, watch your words. If I see you badmouthing my partner again, don't blame me for being rude."
(Original) Kizaru: "Eh? Another me, did I read that right? You're actually defending Akainu? Shocked.JPG"
(Current) Akainu: "What's the problem? If you mess with Borsalino, you mess with me. If you mess with me, you mess with Borsalino. Warning.JPG"
Sengoku's brain short-circuited.
What did I just read?
Kizaru—normally indifferent—was defending Akainu?
Akainu—normally cold and ruthless—was standing up for Kizaru?
The two of them were protecting each other?
Sengoku felt a deep headache coming on. He never imagined such a thing could happen.
The Akainu and Kizaru he knew wouldn't trust each other even if their lives depended on it.
Yet, in that other world, they had achieved a level of camaraderie that even he had never seen before.
What happened in that world?
What changed them?
Sengoku had to find out.
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