One Piece - I'm Whitebeard

"Well, since you no longer care about your old friendship, can I ask you something else? Why did you join the Whitebeard Pirates?" Ryokugyu asked, pressing further.

Although the action to instigate Kuzan this time seems simple, in fact Ryokugyu is well prepared. 

Even if he failed to bring Kuzan back to the Marines, he had other plans to deal with him.

"Does it really matter to you? No one cared about my thoughts when I was an Admiral. Now that I'm a pirate, suddenly it matters?" Kuzan said with a hint of self-mockery.

"Don't worry about that. The Marine Headquarters needs you now. If you return, you could have a chance to become Fleet Admiral," Ryokugyu said, following Akainu's orders.

Ryokugyu knew Kuzan had always wanted to become Fleet Admiral, believing it would allow him to implement his own ideas.

However, Kuzan didn't seem impressed. He responded calmly, "Fleet Admiral? You guys will say anything to win me over. Akainu's already a Fleet Admiral, and it's a hot position."

Kuzan didn't believe Ryokugyu's words at all. It was impossible. 

Akainu hadn't done anything wrong, so there was no reason to remove him as Fleet Admiral. Marines can't have two Fleet Admirals at the same time.

"Kuzan, you might not know this, but Fleet Admiral Akainu is suffering from a serious chronic illness. He's pushing for this war because he's aware that he doesn't have long to live, and no treatment will help him."

"So, Akainu knows his time is running out, so he wants to defeat the Whitebeard Pirates before he dies. He wants to achieve his goals and make his mark while he's still in power," Ryokugyu explained.

Kuzan fell silent for a moment, still doubtful. While it's not impossible that Akainu is sick, it's hard to believe.

"If Akainu dies, the Marine Headquarter will need a new Fleet Admiral. Among the current Admirals, Kizaru doesn't have leadership skills, you know how lazy that guy is and Fujitora and I were promoted through world conscription, so we do not yet have qualifications. But you do!"

"Think about it. This is exactly why the Marine Headquarter needs you, Kuzan. You have the strength and qualifications. If you return, the position of Fleet Admiral will be yours!"

This did make Kuzan a bit interested. Becoming Marine Fleet Admiral would allow him to fully implement his own strategies and influence Marine's direction, giving him the chance to make great changes.

Kuzan has his own grand vision and ideals, but as a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, leaving them is not an easy decision. 

The conflict among the pirates affects the war, adding complexity to his choices.

"Why should I trust you?" Kuzan asked.

"It's simple. Just come back with me, and everyone will confirm it," Ryokugyu replied.

"Okay, I'll leave the Whitebeard Pirates. No need for proof. What do I need to do now?" Kuzan said directly, and his direct and decisive withdrawal from the Whitebeard Pirates made the Ryokugyu a little surprised.

"No, did I persuade Kuzan so easily? Could it be a scam? No, Kuzan doesn't seem like the type to be deceived easily," Ryokugyu thought, but then he reassured himself.

"Haha, great! As long as you join our action against Whitebeard, you'll get a major achievement in this operation. Once Akainu steps down, you'll lead Marine," Ryokugyu said.

"Dealing with Whitebeard? Okay, no problem. Take me there right away," Kuzan said flatly.

The process went too smoothly. Although Ryokugyu had some doubts, he still felt a bit relieved about Kuzan.

"Okay, let's go!" Ryokugyu said happily. 

With one high-level combatant, Enel, injured, and the other, Kuzan, now on his side, the battlefield no longer needed much of his attention.

Ryokugyu took Kuzan and quickly left the battlefield. They moved swiftly through the white fog, and Marco noticed their departure.

"What's that? That figure looks familiar," Marco said, puzzled. 

He hadn't seen the figure before, but it seemed familiar. The speed at which it moved made it clear that it wasn't just anyone.

As far as the Whitebeard Pirates are concerned, they can definitely be counted on.

Since the figure had left the Whitebeard Pirates' area and was unlikely to be an enemy, Marco immediately went back to find out who was missing.

During Marco's investigation, he soon discovered that Kuzan was missing. Marco couldn't believe it and immediately suspected something was wrong.

"How is that possible? Did Kuzan betray us? Is he returning to the Marines?" Marco wondered, shocked.

Although Kuzan has been with the Whitebeard Pirates for over two years, few people know him well except Whitebeard 

Kuzan usually keeps to himself and rarely shares his thoughts with others. So when this idea crossed Marco's mind, he felt there was a possibility it might be true.

"Damn it, Kuzan, you better not let Oyaji down!" Marco said anxiously. He could only hope that Kuzan would turn against Marine rather than join them.

The battle in the white mist raged on, though with less intensity. Despite his concerns, Marco continued fighting, attacking many Marine troops from the air.

.....

On the other hand, the battlefield between Whitebeard and Akainu was shrouded in gunpowder smoke. After the massive explosion, both sides needed time to recover, but now their battle had resumed.

Whitebeard landed on the ground, where he felt more at ease. Although fighting in the air had been difficult due to the many strong opponents, the ground offered him a better position.

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TO BE CONTINUED

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