One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 298: Sakazuki—You May Not Believe It, but I Have a Very Good Relationship with the Celestial Dragons!

The benefits of Marine Headquarters are quite generous, especially for high-ranking officers. After all, Admirals and Vice Admirals are the backbone of the Marines, constantly on the front lines facing the monsters of the sea.

Even Zephyr, despite retiring, still lost an arm due to the dangers of battle.

This alone demonstrates the high risks they bear. Take Sakazuki, for example he fought fiercely on Whole Cake Island, and while others might cough up blood from the ordeal, he only spat out seawater instead.

Though top-ranking Marines rarely die in battle due to their immense strength, their chances of suffering serious injuries are extremely high.

Given that these men risk their lives upholding justice, it's only reasonable for Marine Headquarters to provide them with excellent treatment.

After all, with their strength, they could easily leave the Marines and carve out a life of wealth and prosperity elsewhere on the seas.

As one of Marine's highest combat forces and a sitting Admiral, Sakazuki naturally enjoys significant privileges.

His personal estate in Marineford is quite large.

Although Sakazuki is known for his cold and iron-blooded demeanor, his courtyard has a refreshingly vibrant feel to it.

Lush greenery flourishes, with neatly pruned trees and carefully cultivated plants filling the space.

Perhaps due to his rigid personality, every tree in his yard is meticulously trimmed not a single stray branch sticks out, all of them towering straight toward the sky.

Maybe this reflects his unyielding mindset as well?

At nearly fifty years old, Sakazuki remains unmarried and childless, still a lone wolf.

Perhaps his "Akainu" moniker has something to do with it, he might be destined to bear the title of a lone dog for life.

At this moment, he was shirtless, sitting before a bonsai tree, holding a large pair of shears in his hands. He carefully snipped away excess branches, leaving only the main trunk, standing tall and rigid.

A cherry blossom tattoo stretched across his left chest, partially obscured by the numerous battle scars covering his torso. His shaved head and solid muscles made his imposing presence all the more clear and commanding.

The severed branches burned to ash in his hand, the residual magma-like heat reducing them instantly. A gentle breeze carried the ashes away, letting them fall as fertilizer onto the grass below.

As Sakazuki meticulously pruned his bonsai, three Vice Admirals approached, Onigumo, Doberman, and Dalmatian.

"Heh, I knew the Admiral would be tending to his plants," Doberman chuckled.

Dalmatian grinned as well. "It's his hobby, after all."

Onigumo, however, said nothing. Instead, he skillfully walked into the inner hall, retrieved a teapot and several cups, and set them down on a nearby table. After pouring the tea, he finally broke the silence.

Previously, while consolidating power, Claudius needed the stability provided by the moderates.

But soon, when he made his move, he would require the strength and decisiveness of the hawks those who dared to fight and conquer.

This was why Sakazuki was convinced that Claudius would turn to him next.

"So... what are you implying?" Doberman asked, still piecing things together.

Sakazuki no longer kept them in suspense.

"I believe that Saint Claudius intends to nominate me as the next Fleet Admiral. And I believe my chances are very high."

At those words, Doberman, Onigumo, and Dalmatian were stunned.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku was still in power and widely respected even Sakazuki admired him.

So why bring up the next Fleet Admiral so suddenly?

Was Fleet Admiral Sengoku planning to step down? That made no sense, he was still doing an excellent job!

Before the three of them could voice their confusion, Sakazuki continued:

"The selection of a new Fleet Admiral isn't a sudden event. It takes years for the signs to emerge."

"After all, the Marine system is massive and requires stability."

"While it won't happen immediately, I've noticed the early signs."

"That's why I need to be prepared. If the Fleet Admiral's position does open up... I intend to take it!"

Sakazuki knew that Fleet Admiral Sengoku wouldn't be stepping down anytime soon.

But the signs of change were there.

And to strengthen his claim, he needed the backing of someone influential someone like Saint Claudius.

Yes, Sakazuki had already made up his mind.

He would secure Claudius' support just as Sengoku had once done.

But this time, unlike back then, Claudius had options.

And Sakazuki intended to make sure he was the only choice.