[TIOP] Chapter : 126

“Blackbeard? What’s there to discuss? We’ve completely lost control of him,” Jack said with a shrug, settling onto the chair.

Among the three admirals, Jack was the newest. His appointment wasn't just about power—it was a nod to his achievements and stature in the navy.

“So, you’re suggesting we officially recognize him as one of the Four Emperors?” Aokiji asked, brows furrowed.

The Navy had just brought down one Emperor, only to see another rise in his place. And unlike Whitebeard, whose old age made him more predictable, Blackbeard was far more cunning and dangerous.

“What choice do we have? You had your chance to kill him at Marineford—and you didn’t,” Jack replied bluntly, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction.

Back during the Battle of Marineford, Jack had pushed to eliminate Blackbeard, but his objections were overruled. In the end, Blackbeard escaped with his accomplices. Still, there was a silver lining: Jack had taken down “Champion” Jesus Burgess and seized several of Blackbeard’s territories in the New World.

“We’re in no condition for another major operation right now,” Akainu said grimly. “Our forces are still recovering. That battle cost us dearly.”

He had long advocated for global conscription. With Jack gaining more supporters within the Navy, Akainu hoped to expand his own influence by leading the recruitment effort—ideally making those new soldiers loyal to him.

“Oh dear, pirates these days are really frightening… terrifying,” Kizaru chimed in lazily, his usual mocking tone and unreadable expression casting an odd air over the room.

“In that case,” Aokiji said with a sigh, rubbing his temples, “the Navy won’t be making any formal moves on this matter.”

Jack leaned back, unimpressed. “You called me back for something this trivial?”

“Of course not,” Aokiji replied, knocking lightly on the desk. “What are your thoughts on

Akainu’s proposal for a global conscription?”

As always, Kizaru offered no real input—neither supporting nor objecting.

Jack frowned but remained silent. Since Akainu’s attempt to overthrow Aokiji had failed, Jack had been cautious around him. Raising objections now might just provoke unnecessary trouble.

“Jack?” Aokiji pressed. “What’s your view?”

“For something of this scale, shouldn’t the World Government have a say? What’s their stance?” Jack asked instead, avoiding a direct answer.

“The World Government is against it, naturally. Massive recruitment means massive costs. Do you think they'd willingly part with that kind of funding?” Aokiji said with a wry smile.

Originally planning to reject the idea, Jack now hesitated. He remembered that a powerful figure known as “Green Bull”—a man with admiral-level strength—might join the Navy during this very conscription. But with the current roster full, Jack wasn’t sure history would repeat itself the way it did in the anime.

“Personally, I’m not opposed,” Jack finally said. “Recruitment is good for the Navy—but there needs to be a clear standard. It’s not just about strength. Mentality and character matter just as much. The Navy needs its own brand, its own identity. Just look at the G1 Division. I don’t need to explain how much it’s helped with our reputation and cohesion.”

Akainu raised an eyebrow, surprised. He’d expected Jack to object, not support him. His expression softened slightly.

Aokiji sighed again. “Even so, the World Government won’t budge. Their purse strings are too tight.”

Jack smiled knowingly. “Now you see why I keep saying the Navy needs economic independence. We can’t keep begging the World Government for every coin.”

“I’ll deal with the Government,” Akainu said suddenly. “It was my proposal in the first place. But I have one condition—I want to oversee the conscription personally. Borsalino can continue leading the science division, and Jack already handles the G1 Branch. I’m the only one with the bandwidth for this.”

Jack immediately understood what Akainu was aiming for—and it wasn’t just recruitment. He considered it briefly, then responded, “I support Akainu’s proposal. Having the fleet admiral lead such an important initiative would show strength. But given how busy you are right now, it makes sense to delegate this to Akainu.”

His response caught everyone off guard.

Akainu was especially stunned. He was sure Jack would resist, given his ties to Aokiji’s camp. Yet here he was, offering his full support.

Aokiji, too, was surprised. He hadn’t connected the dots until Jack spoke, realizing then that this might’ve been Jack’s way of signaling something—perhaps even issuing a subtle warning.

Kizaru, of course, remained a spectator through it all. With no ambition for promotion and nearing the twilight of his career, he had no horse in this race. Admiral would be his final rank, and he seemed more than content to sit back and watch the political theater unfold.

“Well, that may be true,” Aokiji said with a smile after a moment of thought, “but I have another assignment in mind for Akainu. I’ll take charge of the conscription effort myself.”

“I object!” Jack interrupted before Akainu could even respond. “No offense, Fleet Admiral, but let me speak plainly. With your ties to the World Government, pushing this through will cost far too many favors—and political capital. Akainu, on the other hand, has fewer entanglements. That’s why I firmly believe this task should remain with him.”

Akainu was genuinely taken aback. Jack’s unexpected support felt like a calculated gesture of goodwill. Was there something going on behind the scenes? Had Jack had a falling out with Aokiji?

Though Akainu had his own strategies for dealing with Aokiji, it would certainly be easier if Jack offered a way forward himself. He didn’t mind letting someone else pave the road—especially someone as resourceful as Jack.

Aokiji was equally surprised, unsure of Jack’s intent—until he noticed the subtle signal Jack discreetly gave him.

After a brief silence, Aokiji nodded, choosing—for once—to place his trust in Jack.

“In that case, let’s proceed as suggested. This meeting is adjourned. Jack, stay behind a moment,” he said calmly.

Akainu, satisfied with the outcome and hiding a smirk, stood up and left without another word.

Kizaru, ever the bystander, offered a half-lazy grin and exited as well. He enjoyed the show but wanted no part in the backstage drama.

Once the others were gone, Jack activated his Haki, cloaking the room to ensure privacy. “Don’t worry, Fleet Admiral,” he said with a light chuckle. “I know what Akainu is aiming for—but he won’t succeed.”

“Oh?” Aokiji raised an eyebrow. “Do you understand the consequences if things go sideways?”

“I do,” Jack said confidently. “Sakazuki just wants to use this recruitment drive to boost his influence. But even if he oversees it, so what? You’re the Fleet Admiral. The final decisions are yours. At worst, he may sway a few people to his side. But anyone who truly believes in justice won’t follow him blindly.”

Jack leaned back, his tone relaxed. “And besides, you control the recruitment standards. As long as that remains in your hands, the Navy’s foundation won’t shake.”

Aokiji smiled, shaking his head. “Poor Sakazuki… it’s his misfortune to be going up against you.”

Jack shook his head, his expression turning serious. “No, I wouldn’t say that. He’s still one of us. We just walk different paths. He has his version of justice, and I have mine. This isn’t the time for infighting. We need to strengthen the Navy first. Who knows—maybe in the end, he’ll become a true ally.”

The longer Jack lived in this world, the more real it became to him. These weren’t just characters in an anime—they were living, breathing individuals with beliefs, desires, and histories. While fate may push them along a particular path, Jack had already shattered the original story when he saved Ace. The world was evolving—changing in ways even he couldn’t predict.

Everyone had their own ideals. And if he understood those ideals well enough, Jack could use them—turning rivals into reluctant allies, and ideals into shared goals.

Akainu’s willingness to negotiate with the World Government would come at a cost, but if it strengthened the Navy, it was worth it. Jack had no intention of standing in the way. And now that the Navy had a way to address the lingering side effects of its past wounds, the more funding Akainu could secure, the better.

Meanwhile, Jack had already made contact with multiple kings around the world. They were merely waiting for him to complete his objectives. Once he did, they would support his vision of a new Navy—one guided by reformed principles and forward-thinking policies.

After finalizing a few key details with Aokiji, Jack left Marineford. But as the Pearl sailed into the open sea, it carried two unexpected passengers—uninvited, and possibly unwelcome.