Seagulls soared in the sky and a gentle breeze caressed his face as Jake stood on the deck, surrounded by a group of concerned Marine soldiers.
"Jake! Are you hungry? Old Anderson here may not have many talents, but I'm a first-rate fisherman. I stayed up all night to catch a big fish for you. I'll stew it for you to eat today!"
"You old bastard Anderson, normally it's hard to get even a bowl of fish soup from you. You're being so generous today, what a sly old man!"
"Hahaha, you little brat. I usually save money to find a wife for my son, but now that young Jake here has healed my leg, I can go on duty with you guys again and catch those damn pirates!"
The atmosphere on deck was lively as everyone gathered around Jake.
They weren't excessively fawning over him, but showed genuine gratitude and care.
To them, Jake was like a rising star - someone who would surely become an excellent Marine officer in the future!
Looking at the overly enthusiastic crowd around him, Jake patiently responded to their enthusiasm.
But just then, a rather serious voice rang out, startling the soldiers surrounding Jake back to their posts.
"Jake, Vice Admiral Sakazuki will be coming here in person today to conduct a detailed investigation into the Aston Kingdom incident. He will also give you and Monet official Marine ranks. So do your best, stay in good form and don't be nervous. Vice Admiral Sakazuki is a man who upholds justice!"
Hearing T-Bone's words, Jake was surprised.
He had originally thought Vice Admiral Sakazuki would only inquire via Den Den Mushi, not come in person.
But after brief consideration, Jake realized he would make the same choice if he were in Sakazuki's position.
The reason was easy to guess - when your subordinates include a Mythical Zoan user and a Logia Devil Fruit user, anyone would want to come see for themselves.
First, to show respect and goodwill.
Second, to fully recruit them into their camp.
Based on the timeline in the original story, Akainu's hawkish Marine faction wasn't very large yet.
It was also likely around the time he would be promoted to Admiral.
Choosing to come recruit Jake and Monet was perfectly normal.
So from the moment he met T-Bone and decided to join the Marines, Jake had been prepared to face Sakazuki.
"Yes, Lieutenant Commander! I definitely won't disappoint Vice Admiral Sakazuki!"
Just then, a steady and rugged voice sounded behind the two of them.
"Is that so? Then how do you plan to satisfy me?"
Upon hearing that voice, T-Bone immediately straightened up and turned to salute Akainu.
The surrounding Marines also immediately stopped what they were doing and saluted him when they saw Sakazuki.
Seeing this, Jake also wanted to salute Sakazuki along with T-Bone and the others, but Sakazuki stopped him.
He shook his head slightly at Jake, then said.
"I haven't acknowledged your status as a Marine yet, kid. Salute me after you've earned my approval. Lieutenant Commander T-Bone, bring him and the other kid to see me."
With that, Sakazuki walked straight towards the ship's cabin.
Watching his retreating figure, T-Bone bent his knees slightly, then said to Jake in a gentle tone.
"Don't worry Jake, Vice Admiral Sakazuki won't give you a hard time. You just need to express the justice you want to achieve in your heart! Don't be nervous, we'll wait for you here."
With that, he patted Jake on the shoulder.
Jake looked in the direction T-Bone was gazing, and saw that almost every Marine on the ship was smiling at him.
Some gave him a thumbs up, others made peace signs and some made gestures of encouragement.
Seeing this, Jake smiled at T-Bone and the other Marines.
"Vice Admiral Sakazuki will acknowledge my justice, I promise you all."
Inside the room, Sakazuki looked through the window at the now smiling Jake and chuckled softly.
"Arrogant brat, let me see what your justice is really like."
***
Two minutes later, Jake brought Monet, who had been helping in the kitchen, to Akainu's office.
With a creaking sound, the door was pushed open.
Akainu was now sitting in T-Bone's seat, his expression impassive as he looked at Jake.
Without beating around the bush, he asked directly.
"Tell me, what is your justice, Jake Lawrence? I hope your justice lives up to what you told T-Bone earlier."
Hearing this, Jake raised his head to look at Sakazuki.
The man before him was even more muscular than he appeared in the anime.
His features were rugged, his beard neatly trimmed.
His eyes were fierce - the kind of fierceness you'd never forget after seeing once in a crowd.
But Jake simply met Akainu's gaze and stated his justice in a calm yet firm tone.
"My justice is simple - justice for ordinary people, nothing more."
Hearing Jake's words, Sakazuki shook his head.
"I need something more specific. I don't like such ambiguous answers."
"I want to eliminate all the pirates in this world, kill all the high and mighty people who casually murder innocent civilians, end the so-called Great Pirate Era and then create a world where ordinary people can sail and travel freely without worry."
Listening to Jake's words, Sakazuki suddenly smiled.
He looked at Jake, his words tinged with an emotion.
"Your justice is very ordinary. Many Marine soldiers say the same thing."
"If justice held by many people is considered ordinary, then let it be ordinary."
"Stubborn brat. But I acknowledge your justice. I hope you can accomplish what you've said - kill all the pirates and... those you call 'high and mighty'. What about you then, Logia kid? What's your justice?"
Hearing Sakazuki's words, Monet took a deep breath.
Perhaps due to their conflicting Devil Fruits, she seemed somewhat afraid of the middle-aged man before her.
"I just want to prevent others from suffering the hardships I've experienced. That is my justice."
Sakazuki looked at the two of them, gazing at their somewhat thin figures, then said in a deep voice.
"Then let me see your determination! Starting today, I will put you through two weeks of special training! During these two weeks, if you want to quit the Marines, you're welcome to do so at any time!"