The Truth

A shiver ran through everyone. The mere idea that the legendary Ninja God was behind the destruction of Marineford and the death of Sengoku was terrifying. But amidst the disbelief and pain, a flame of anger burned inside Akainu. The death of Tokikake, the destruction of Marineford, and the murder of Sengoku were too harsh blows to bear.

If this news spread worldwide, he thought, he would be considered the most incompetent fleet admiral in history. The world government would seize the opportunity to take control of the Marines, and everything he had fought to protect would crumble.

He could not let that happen. "Tell me everything," he said firmly, approaching the warship. "Drake, tell me what happened after he arrived, word for word."

Drake, with a voice trembling from the gravity of the situation, nodded. "Admiral Sakazuki, we... recorded everything on the warship."

Akainu was surprised. He had not expected Drake to have the foresight to record the attack. "Quick, show it to me," he ordered, impatient to know the truth.

Drake, without wasting time, pulled a Den Den Mushi from his pockets and placed it in front of a projector screen. "King discovered we were recording," he explained, "but he ignored us."

Akainu frowned. King's attitude was arrogant and defiant. "Intentionally," he murmured, understanding the situation. "He knew we had recorded him, and he didn't care. He wanted the world to see this, his victory over the Marines."

Akainu's anger grew with each word. Not only had they destroyed Marineford and killed Sengoku, but they had also done so with insulting arrogance. "Enough!" roared Garp, unable to contain his fury any longer. "Let me see the recording right now!"

Drake, without hesitation, pressed the play button. After a few seconds, with the Den Den Mushi functioning, an image appeared on the screen. The screen began to move steadily, showing the chaotic scene of the attack on Marineford.

When Hashirama appeared on the screen, with his dark long hair and iconic Samurai armor, Garp couldn't help but show disbelief. Even though they had already confirmed Hashirama's resurrection.

Seconds, minutes... time passed. Watching Hashirama massacre the Seraphim with his own hands, brutally beat Sengoku, and cause the destruction of Marineford, the expressions of anger from those who had not participated in the Battle of God Valley gradually froze. The power and violence of this man left them stunned.

Finally, when the video ended, the whole place fell silent. Zizi! The sound of magma drops falling to the ground, burning the earth, broke the sepulchral silence.

Akainu was once again lost in his anger. He knew this sea was already disastrous, now it would be a catastrophe. Shortly after, a severe look shone in Akainu's eyes. "No matter how strong he is," he said with a murderous intent in his voice, "The Marines will not be afraid! This evil will be completely eradicated!"

"That's right...", Tensei responded, taking a deep breath to calm his agitated heart. "The Marines will not tolerate this sea becoming even more chaotic."

"Rahahaha... Then let's do it!" Ryokugyu laughed heartily. "I can't wait to fight him!"

However, one question tormented him: 'Will my devil fruit be stronger than his ninjutsu?' Saying this, a wave of energy spread from his body.

All of Marineford, which had been calm until now, began to shake. Under the astonished gaze of countless Marines, countless roots grew from the ground. Their continuous growth enveloped all the trees created by the Ninja God.

"Let's see...", Ryokugyu murmured with a defiant smile. Urging his roots to suck their nutrients, the trees created by ninjutsu began to wither and decay. However, when the natural energy entered Ryokugyu's body, he was surprised to discover that he could not digest and absorb it quickly. He could only devour it little by little.

Embarrassed, Ryokugyu stopped. He could not continue absorbing more of these trees.

"Come on, we have to settle this debt...", Tsuru said with a firm and chilling look, ignoring Ryokugyu's embarrassment. Seeing everyone's determination, Akainu was about to issue an order.

"Wait a minute!" Garp exclaimed, interrupting the crucial moment. "This matter must be analyzed with a cool head. It is better to inform the world government about this. After all, alone I cannot face him."

"What?!" Tsuru raged. "Garp, don't you want to avenge Sengoku with your own hands?! Hashirama tortured him to death!!"

"Garp, why are you doing this? Of all of us, you are the least suited to ask that we think with a cool head," Akainu intervened with a severe tone. "No matter how strong this God or whatever is, in front of us, he will die."

"No..." Garp replied, his eyes clouded by memories. "Sakazuki, you really cannot kill him, I tell you for everyone's sake, communicate this to the Gorosei!"

"Impossible," Akainu responded, gritting his teeth, determined. "His fate is sealed."

A sigh of resignation escaped Garp's lips. "I suppose it's inevitable," he said, "I'll tell you what happened 40 years ago in God Valley." Seeing Akainu's refusal, Garp seemed to age suddenly. A look of sadness crossed his weathered cheeks. "With Hashirama resurrected, there is no point in continuing to hide the story."

"The truth?" everyone asked in surprise, including Akainu. All they knew was that this man had been responsible for the world government adding a blank year to history. But... How had he died? There had never been a clear explanation. And the people who participated in that battle decided to remain silent, as if it were taboo.

"Back then, Hashirama was a rampant man," Garp began, his voice filled with nostalgia and bitterness. "Relying on his immense strength and strange abilities, he did as he pleased throughout the sea, and no one could face him..."

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