197. Trail

The consequences of the paramount war started to appear throughout the world.

The other Yonko and their subordinates clashed several times over Whitebeard's territory.

Conflicts broke out and flames of war started to engulf the New World.

Marines were still unable to place a firm foothold in New World. However they finally stepped into the bigger stage. The Yonko were busy fighting to bother with them, and the Navy was more than happy to use this time to stabilise their position in New World.

Another important information to note was Sengoku's retirement. After the war Sengoku stepped down willingly.

Right now the position of Fleet Admiral was vacant.

A vote was taken among the marines to decide who would take up the post.

Popular candidates were Akainu and Aokiji.

However the decision was tied and this was a headache for the World Government since that position couldn't be vacant for too long considering how crucial this time was for them.

"I prefer you over that bastard."

Leo sipped on a cup of tea and said.

Aokiji was seated opposite to him. He was relaxing under the shade of the balcony with a piece of cake in his hand.

"Arara, Leo, he is still an admiral."

Leo scoffed, "That guy is arrogant and his justice is twisted. He is no different from a pirate and would do anything to achieve his goals. Admiral, my ass!"

Aokiji had a peculiar expression on his face, "You changed a lot after the war."

"Didn't we all?"

Leo raised his head and stared at Aokiji.

They stayed like that for several seconds before Aokiji leaned on his chair and sighed, "Leo, what is justice?"

"Are you talking about mine or yours?"

"Does it make a difference?"

Leo's mouth curled up, "Of course. Everyone has eyes and how they view the world is upto them. But...

"The justice the Navy showcase sometimes is shit!"

Leo spoke no more and enjoyed his tea.

Aokiji had a lot going on in his mind. After a while he stood up, looking at the vast sea, he said, "I am withdrawing from the run for Fleet Admiral."

Leo was surprised, "Why? If you persist you can definitely get the position, moreover, isn't this what you want? You can change a lot of things."

Aokiji turned around, "Yes, I can change a lot, but I will also be tied down. I plan to train a few subordinates who will only be loyal to me."

Leo raised an eyebrow, "That's rebellion."

Aokiji vaguely smiled, "Aren't you the same?"

Leo placed the empty cup on the table and got up, he had a brilliant smile on his face as he left.

Aokiji withdrew from the race for Fleet Admiral!

This news came as a shock to the marines. Many of Aokiji's subordinates raised their voice, however Aokiji simply said he wasn't interested and liked being an admiral.

Most knew it was a ridiculous excuse but what could they do?

With that Akainu took over Sengoku's position.

The first thing he did was to summon all vice admirals and rear admirals.

Leo smiled faintly when he received the summons.

Wrong move, Akainu.

Marineford, top floor.

Vice admirals and rear admirals were seated orderly around a large table.

At the head seat was Akainu.

Aokiji and Kisaru were also present. They were seated near Akainu, this was in accordance with their position.

"I'll get straight to the point, this is a trial."

Akainu said.

As soon as his words died down whispers broke out among the men and women present.

Leo smirked inside.

Akainu focused his eyes on Leo, "In the war against Whitebeard vice admiral Leo's actions were questionable and he is under suspicion of aiding pirates!"

His words stunned the marines present.

Some of the more experienced had an idea of what was happening. However they were helpless in this matter as it was partly true.

Chief strategist, Tsuru glanced at Leo who was indifferent to Akainu's accusations and narrowed her eyes.

"What do you have to say for yourself, vice admiral Leo?"

Akainu slightly raised his voice.

Leo was leaning on his chair. His expression was anything but caring.

"I have nothing to explain to you, Fleet Admiral Akainu."

Suddenly the atmosphere turned serious.

Akainu's body was giving off a heavy pressure.

"You are admitting your crimes?"

Leo grinned slightly, "You just warmed up that seat and you are already trying to stir up the pot, Fleet Admiral."

Leo's final words were stretched out. Those words Fleet Admiral sounded jarring to Akainu. He could hear the disdain in them.

"Fine! You want to hear your crimes? You saved Strawhat Luffy and Fire Fist Ace from being executed. One, the son of the Pirate King, the other, the son of revolutionary Dragon!"

"Both of them represent the evil in this world! You denied justice!"

Akainu's voice rumbled through the room.

Every marine in the room felt a stifling sensation when Akainu spoke.

Leo got up, a faint ripple spread out from him as it enveloped the room.

Akainu's momentum fiercely clashed against Leo.

A sharp glint flashed in Leo's eyes, "Justice? You don't qualify to use those words, Fleet Admiral!"

"I know a lot about your so called justice."

"Ohara."

When that last word was spoken the room descended into an abnormal silence.

Aokiji's expression fluctuated when he heard the word Ohara.

Leo continued, "How great you are, fleet admiral. You killed harmless innocent men, women and children because they were able to read ancient scripts."

"An entire island was destroyed. Why? Because they were proclaimed evil by you."

Suddenly Leo's presence started to change. If before he was like a sheathed sword, now he was like cold sharp blade that hung over everyone's head.

"Your words mean shit to me. I follow righteousness, not your made up justice. With my strength I could've travelled the world as I liked, but I chose the Navy because it represents something."

"So, fleet admiral, go fucking preach your justice to someone else."