119. Winner, Sakazuki

"In terms of top combat power, they may not be the strongest. However, in terms of military strength, once a war starts, they will be the mightiest force. Even the forces under the command of the Four Emperors cannot compare. And under the moon, their Sulong form unleashes the power that makes the whole world tremble. Even the strongest clans can't rival them."

"No matter how strong you are, I will still refuse," Luffy said, sounding a bit distressed. "What I want is adventure and banquets, not change or other troublesome things. Even though you are friends with Inuarashi and Nekomamushi, I can't agree with this request because I can't do it. This is different from Toki's time."

Inuarashi and Nekomamushi were not yet close friends. Additionally, Toki had been in a desperate situation with a willingness to risk her life, which was different from what the Minks were asking for. Luffy understood that Nekomamushi and Inuarashi needed a promise for the future, but he couldn't promise the future to anyone, not even his crew. Every member of his crew had set out to sea, fully aware of the risks.

"Everyone has their own path. If you want change, then go to sea with full resolve," Luffy said, laughing. This was the rule of the sea.

"You're a unique man, Straw Hat," Nekomamushi and Inuarashi said, exchanging glances and looking at Luffy with an inexplicable expression.

"Forget it. We don't need any promises from you. Maybe your actions will naturally bring change to this world. And this Time-Time Fruit is also yours."

"Don't refuse, this isn't our thing. It's something Lady Toki left for you," Nekomamushi said, pushing the Time-Time Fruit into Luffy's hands with a smile.

"However, I must remind you, do not eat this fruit lightly. Lady Toki has already explained its dangers, but I need to emphasize them. Eating this fruit won't enhance your current strength. It will only send you into the future, and you can't go back. You might get lost in time. So, only use it if absolutely necessary," Nekomamushi warned seriously.

"I understand," Luffy nodded. He wasn't very interested in the fruit. If Nami or someone else wanted it, they could have it. After obtaining the Road Poneglyph rubbing, the crew continued their festivities with a grand banquet. The joy of being pirates lay in their celebrations.

While Luffy's crew enjoyed their party on Zou.

On an unnamed island in the Calm Belt, a fierce battle had just ended. The once vibrant island had turned into a landscape of magma and frost.

In the sea of hot magma, Akainu panted heavily as he climbed out. Despite being a The Magu Magu no Mi Fruit user, he was covered in frostbite and severe injuries. Blood dripped from his face, streaming from his numerous wounds. Yet, compared to Akainu's state, Aokiji's condition was far worse. He lay on the ice, his right leg below the knee, swallowed by magma, and the wound frozen over with ice. His upper body was marred by severe burns, and he had lost consciousness.

These two former top Admirals had fought to such an extent over the position of Fleet Admiral, resulting in devastating injuries. If news of this spread, it would surely terrify all the Marines.

"Why go to such lengths, idiot?" Akainu panted, his gloves glowing red like molten iron. Standing over the unconscious Aokiji, he hesitated. One punch could end his comrade's life, but despite their past as allies, Akainu couldn't deliver the final blow. The magma on his gloves dripped as he stood there, unable to strike.

"So stupid," Akainu cursed.

Akainu stepped onto the Moonwalk and left the island.

Far from the island, a Marine warship was docked, having waited for the outcome of the battle between Akainu and Aokiji.

On the deck of the warship, Marine soldiers spotted a man approaching via Moonwalk in the distance. Despite being covered in blood, his determined look left no doubt—it was Sakazuki who stood victorious.

"Get the headquarters' transponder snail," Akainu ordered upon landing on the warship. His cold eyes and the strong smell of blood made the soldiers break out in a cold sweat. One of them quickly handed over a transponder snail.

"I'm Sengoku. Is the result out?" Sengoku's serious voice came through the transponder snail.

"This is Sakazuki," Akainu replied in a deep voice.

There was a brief silence on the other end.

"I see," Sengoku said after a pause, then hung up without inquiring about Aokiji. The terms were clear: the winner becomes Fleet Admiral, and the loser remains silent.

The defeat wasn't just Aokiji's; it was also a blow to Sengoku and Garp, who had supported Aokiji.

"So Sakazuki is the new Fleet Admiral," Sengoku sighed softly, then quickly composed himself. Regardless of who it was, the Marines needed a leader—be it Sakazuki or Kuzan.

"It really is Sakazuki," Garp said calmly upon receiving the news from Sengoku while on vacation at Windmill Village. He had tried to persuade Kuzan before the battle, knowing Kuzan's strength wasn't a match for Sakazuki's. However, he had underestimated Aokiji's resolve to fight.

"I hope you don't do anything foolish, Kuzan," Garp murmured, concerned for his former pupil, whom he had mentored extensively. He understood why Kuzan had fought so hard for the Fleet Admiral position—he wanted to change the Marines' sense of justice from within.

Garp worried about what Kuzan might do now that his hope for reforming the Marines had been dashed. The fear of Kuzan making a rash decision in his disillusionment weighed heavily on Garp's mind.

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