When Flevance was ntioned, Sakazuki instinctively lit another cigarette, but upon seeing Monet and Jake, he extinguished it imdiately.
His voice grew somber.
"Jake's deduction isn't wrong. Among the Marine Headquarters vice admirals, we held a special eting—a high-level conference regarding Flevance. During that eting, we received the full analysis of the 'Amber lead Disease' from the World Governnt and the Marine Headquarters Science Division."
"And in that eting, the conclusions were nearly identical to what Jake just theorized."
Hearing Sakazuki's words, Monet felt both confusion and shock.
Unable to hold back, she asked.
"If the World Governnt and the Marines knew the truth back then, why didn't they stop the neighboring countries from invading Flevance or send dical aid?!"
Sakazuki didn't answer imdiately.
Instead, he turned his gaze to Jake and said slowly.
"Jake, speak your mind. It's just the three of us here—no one will take offense at what you say."
Hearing this, Jake instinctively looked up.
Upon seeing Sakazuki's extrely stern face, he nodded slightly, took a deep breath and said.
"Although this might damage the reputation of the Marine and the World Governnt, I'll boldly share my humble opinion."
"Those countries that attacked Flevance most likely had so secret agreent with the World Governnt or the Marine. By attacking Flevance, they illegally seized the wealth accumulated by its citizens, sold off its population, stone materials, resources and anything else of value for profit. While gaining massive benefits, they would hand over a portion to the World Governnt."
"That portion would serve as an extra contribution to the World Governnt beyond the Celestial Tribute. In turn, the World Governnt would use military funding to pressure the Marine into turning a blind eye or restricting their actions. After all, to the World Governnt, a bankrupt small nation that has outlived its usefulness has only one remaining purpose—to be drained of its last remaining resources."
"So, based on my speculation, the World Governnt and the Marine were fully aware of the truth behind Flevance's suffering but chose to allow the tragedy to unfold..."
At this point, Jake slightly raised his head and looked at Sakazuki, who was sitting in his chair with a dark, silent expression.
Although Sakazuki had told him to speak freely, Jake still felt uneasy after saying such things.
After all, Akainu's justice was absolute and extre, leaving no room for even the slightest trace of evil.
His words might very well be interpreted as signs of disobedience.
anwhile, Monet lowered her head, her expression dazed.
Jake's words had shaken her long-held beliefs.
"Jake."
At the sound of Sakazuki's slightly somber voice, Jake stiffened slightly and imdiately responded.
"Yes!"
The next mont, Sakazuki's expression softened a little and he sighed before saying.
"You guessed correctly. You're very smart—almost as smart as Fleet Admiral Sengoku. No, the fact that you could piece together the entire truth of Flevance from just fragnts in the newspapers makes you even more better than Sengoku. Even without that Devil Fruit ability, you would still beco soone not to be underestimated. But I want to ask you—how do you view this matter?"
Hearing Sakazuki's words, Jake felt slightly relieved.
He knew he had passed the most difficult hurdle.
As long as what he said next wasn't too radical, there wouldn't be any issues.
After so thought, Jake replied.
"It's a forced compromise with reality."
"I'd like you to elaborate."
"Simply put, it's because the Marine has no choice but to yield to the World Governnt—a result of this world's fundantal operating system."
At this point, Jake glanced at Sakazuki's furrowed brows again and quickly explained.
"Most of the Marine Headquarters' military funding cos from allocations by the World Governnt. This fact alone clearly shows that the Marines' actions are actually heavily restricted by the World Governnt. Both Flevance and several surrounding nations are mber states. When it cos to internal unrest or rebellions within mber states, the Marines cannot take independent action without permission from the World Governnt."
"Aside from direct pirate attacks on nations, where the Marines have the right to intervene, even if pirates instigate internal turmoil, as long as pirates aren't personally involved, the Marines cannot act independently."
"Crossing that line would be a provocation against the World Governnt. If substantial military funding were cut as a result, the Marines would be left fragnted—struggling not just to uphold justice, but even to sustain themselves."
"Therefore, to ensure the normal operation of Marine Headquarters and to protect justice across the vast majority of the seas, there are tis when justice in certain regions must be deed expendable. Harsh as it may be, that is the reality—so long as the Marines remain under the World Governnt's—"
At this point, Sakazuki's voice cut in, abruptly halting Jake's words.
"Enough! Jake! You've raised my expectations of you yet again. Your perspective surpasses mine—and many senior Marines—in certain aspects. But so matters aren't yours to discuss yet. Now, one final question: Are you aware that the family led by Doflamingo is currently in Flevance?"
Hearing this, Jake nodded slightly and replied.
"Yes. It's territory controlled by the Donquixote Family. And my relationship with that man, Doflamingo, is... particularly hostile."
"Then why did you agree to my request?"
"Because if you're sending Monet and there, you wouldn't let us die. I trust you, Vice Admiral Sakazuki!"
Seeing Jake's resolute expression, Sakazuki's smile blood brighter than ever before.
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