Following the battle in the Sabaody Archipelago, David was looking to the horizon in thought.
"We're just about to reach Marineford. Once we go in there, we'll be running into swarms of Marines helping Luffy get to Ace. Be prepared for anything." Leopardmon said before looking to David. "I know what this is about."
"Yeah… All I can say is that I am not looking forward to it." David said.
"Look, we don't like going there any more than you do, but if we want to get those Merc Association guys off your back about those Anarchy Kings they keep talking about, then we have to face it. And… We also have to face the possibility that you may end up losing yourself to your anger once Akainu punches a hole in Ace's chest." Leopardmon said. "I know you don't like when people see you like that because you try to maintain an image of being a nice guy, but bottling up those feelings isn't going to lead to anything good."
"You make it sound like you want to fight me." David said.
"When you're in that kind of state, no, I don't. No one wants to see you in that state." Leopardmon said.
"It doesn't just happen for no particular reason. First time it happened, it was when Eikichi died, then Rideaux when he tossed the Alternate Milla into the abyss, then it almost happened with the Regime's Diana when she pulled a sword to Cheetah's throat, then it almost happened with Nergal…" David started.
"I understand what you are saying. Everyone does, including Barbara. You have a kind heart, and you do not like unnecessary bloodshed. But the people you have listed, as you have said before, there are many like them who will not listen to reason. Sometimes… You just have to let go." Leopardmon said.
"I get what you're saying. Most of the time, I'm in control of my emotions, but… Every once in a while, there comes a time where I just snap." David said. "Not like Ace Neptune, who gets mad at...pretty much everyone, now that I think about it. And Bakugo… I wouldn't know where to even start with him."
"And that's just fine. It's perfectly normal to express these kinds of emotions in these kinds of situations, especially towards someone like Akainu." Leopardmon said. "I know this, because we Royal Knights have been at this for many years, centuries even. We've seen things that normal people couldn't comprehend or understand. Heck, we even saw Jexi go berserk when we originally went to Ylisse. So, we know what to expect when it happens to you."
"Again… I'm sorry for dragging you all into this. Fighting me when I go off the handle is probably the hardest thing that any of you would've had to do." David said.
"It would be. But, at the same time, we know that you have to let it all out. You'll feel a lot better about it afterwards." Leopardmon said.
"Leops… Yeah, you're right. Thanks. I'm glad I have you and the other Royal Knights around to mentor me on this kind of stuff." David said.
"Well, when you have to deal with the likes of Dynasmon and Examon, this is the kind of thing that works naturally." Leopardmon said. "They're pretty hot-headed themselves, and considering how powerful they are, we had to pull in their reins from time to time, so to speak."
"But like I said, I'm not hot-headed, I just do not tolerate disrespect of any kind. And Akainu is the epitome of it. But you're right, I'm going to have to deal with it." David said. "Just… If it does happen, I want you guys to stop me before I rough you guys up too badly, or while there's still something left of Marineford."
"Yes sir." Leopardmon saluted. "Shall I inform Barbara of this too? After all, she has displayed quite the strategic talent herself."
"If you wish. Because deep down, she knows that if she ends up being possessed by Circe or something like that, I would do the same for her." David said.
"You two are so much alike in more ways than either of you care to admit." Leopardmon said laughing a bit.
"You got that right." David smiled as Leopardmon left. He then took a deep breath. "Phew… I really needed that. It feels good to know they still have my back on this, and would stop me from going too far. However… It doesn't really make going there any easier. Guess it's time to face the music."