The Light Speed Admiral
Chapter 4: The Yellow Monkey's return
Previously Admiral Kizaru faced the notorious pirate captain Silver on Hookbait Island. Silver was a decent adversary though was in the end was defeated by the admiral of light, thus freeing the remaining survivors on the island free of his tyranny. Though right before his death Silver delivered a warning to Kizaru that people more powerful than him would find out about his involvement and hunt him down. Kizaru asked who they were though he received an ominous reply instead. Killing Silver and rejoining with Vice Admiral Momonga who had rescued the captives on the beach and in the pirate ships they continued to the Sunflower Orphanage. Reuniting with their loved ones or mourning for those they had lost Kizaru met with Morgan, Chiyo and Kallai. Hearing of Silver's death they were ecstatic that they were free once more. Kizaru upon promising the two girls that he would visit them when he had the time and was in the area left Hookbait Island with Momonga back to Marineford to report on what had occurred there.
[Marineford Navy HQ]
(Kizaru's point of view)
"Ah home sweet home eh Momonga." said Kizaru
"Yes sir. A truly impressive sight to look at." said Momonga
"Listen It has been a rough day for both of us. Why don't you go get some rest while I go speak with Sengoku." said Kizaru
"Huh really sir?" asked Momonga
"Yeah go on I'll handle everything from here." responded Kizaru
"Well thank you sir." said Momonga as he began to walk away.
"Ooooh and Momonga." said Kizaru making the vice admiral stop in his tracks.
"You did a great job today for both the people of Hookbait Island and the Marines you should be proud." said Kizaru as he started walking towards Sengoku's office.
Momonga did not say anything though instead nodded with a smile on his face as he picked up the pace and left.
[Sengoku's Office]
Kizaru reached the main door of Sengoku's Office. Knocking on the door twice a loud voice spoke to him allowing the admiral to enter the room.
"Ah Kizaru you have returned. With results I hope." Said the fleet admiral
"Aaaaahhh yes I have come to report on the mission. I also hope you don't mind but I let Momonga go off to either rest or proceed with any other duties." said Kizaru
"It's fine, come sit down here and report to me what transpired there." ordered Sengoku
Kizaru began to explain what had happened when arriving on hookbait Island. He informs Sengoku about the death toll and damages to the town and that roughly half the population is still alive. The other inhabitants were either killed in the assault or sold off somewhere. Kizaru mentions his encounter with Silver and his victory against the captain. Though Sengoku is more surprised at what Kizaru told him about what Silver was before he was a pirate. Kizaru also mentioned his clear insanity when talking and fighting the mad pirate.
"Whoa, Whoa hold on a second. You're telling me that this captain Silver was a former Cipher Pol recruit." said Sengoku
"Yes he was and he definitely had the skills to back them up. I mean it was safe to assume if he had dedicated more time to training his abilities when he was alive then he could have been much stronger than he was. though it is not all that he told me." said Kizaru
"Well what did he say to you then?" Sengoku asked
"He said that there were others stronger and more experienced than him. He also said that our days are numbered and all of the marines will be put to the sword of the new generation of pirates. I asked him in his dying moments but all he said was that they were 'powerful enemies that cling to the shadows'. Kizaru responded
"Well that certainly ominous of him but surely he must have been bluffing. I mean if he was as deranged as you implied then it is safe to assume that he might have been lying." said Sengoku
"I'm not so sure about that sir. Even though there are pirates much stronger than Silver he showed quite an impressive combat repertoire. Even though he was a deranged heathen he followed his code of freedom to the letter. He mentioned people stronger than him enough to keep him behaving without shackling him to the bottom of a ship. If he was telling the truth then this is a threat. A threat from someone who can obviously strike enough fear into a psychopath and make him do their dirty work. Said Kizaru
"Well that is concerning. I will look into it and see if there are any files buried that we can dig up so we can get a better understanding on Silver's character and the things he's done." said Sengoku
"Ahhh I remember now. Silver mentioned a name to me, someone he knew from his training days. Rob Lucci. He said he was his rival before he defected" said Kizaru
"Rob Lucci. Silver must have been a real tough bastard to be able to even contend against Lucci in a one on one fight without the added use of a devil fruit." Said Sengoku with a hint of surprise
"Well he did mentioned he lost against him when they fought for the last time. As far as I know they were roughly equal in strength for a time. At least they were until their last duel. said Kizaru with a shrug
"Again I will look him up and maybe I'll bring in Lucci to see if we can get some information on him before your encounter with him." said Sengoku
"Oookay then well if you don't need me for anything else then I will be going now to get some rest." yawned Kizaru
"Hmmm go ahead. Oh and before you go Aokiji came in a few hours ago looking for you. I told him you were on a mission so he decided to wait in his office. You should probably go speak to him before returning to your room." said Sengoku
"Ooooh Kuzan is asking for me is he. Well I best not keep him waiting for too long he will fall asleep faster than Garp can eat rice cakes." said Kizaru as he got up out of his chair and made his way for the door.
Kizaru leaves Sengoku's office with both of his hands in his pockets strolling to Kuzan's office which to Kizaru's annoyance was on the opposite side of the building from his own office.
"Ahhh why can't Kuzan have his office a little closer to mine. Just so I can get there without much hassle." said Kizaru
[Aokiji's Office]
Kizaru made his way through the base with relative ease and finally managed to reach a door with a blue outline that had the word 'Aokiji' written on it.
"Hah finally made it. Let's see if he's awake in there" said Kizaru
Kizaru knocks on the door then opens it slightly to reveal his fellow admiral sitting at his desk with his signature sleeping mask on. Kizaru walks in and he notices the words 'Lazy Justice' written on a banner behind Kuzan.
"Ah you're finally here Borsalino." said Kuzan slowly moving his mask from his eyes.
"So you were awake? Well that is a surprise." said Kizaru with a smile
"Haha very funny." Kuzan replied
"Sengoku said you came looking for me." said Kizaru
"Yeah I did though he said that he sent you out on a mission. So I thought I would wait." said Kuzan
"So what exactly did you need then?" Kizaru asked
"Well I thought I might have a chat with you Borsalino. I mean it has been a while since we were able to afterall." Kuzan replied
"Oooh I guess it has been a while since we actually sat down and had a chat." said Kizaru taking a seat in front of Kuzan's desk.
"Let me get something for us to drink." said Kuzan as he got out of his seat towards his liquor cabinet on the left side of his office. He came back with two glasses and a two large bottles of alcohol.
"Well I guess what kind of conversation would it be without some refreshments eh." said Kizaru
"You got that right." said Kuzan pouring Kizaru and himself a drink.
"So how was your mission?" asked Kuzan passing Kizaru his drink.
Kizaru explained what had happened from when he was called into to Sengoku's office, to when he had arrived on Hoobait Island, the damage to the town and his battle with Silver.
"Hmmm I see. Well it's a good thing you two were there. A crazy pirate plus innocent people is never a good combination." said Kuzan as he continues to drink.
"Hey Borsalino. Can I ask you something? Inquired the admiral
"About what exactly?" asked Kizaru slightly confused
"About the way the navy is or at least the way it is now. I mean when we joined it felt like we were a source of good, a symbol of strength and loyalty. Though most of the navy follows a code of justice that I once considered necessary rather than finding their own personal sense of justice. Look at some of the people we have serving in the navy. Corrupt, cruel and oppressive. It has given us a bad reputation across the for blues." said Kuzan
"Well were marines Kuzan. We follow the rules and uphold justice though I do admit that we have horrible men in our ranks. I mean take one look at the G-5 base. It is atrocious, they'll let anyone in, They are cruel in their methods, anyone who opposes them are more or less burned at a stake and to top it all off they refuse to follow orders from officers. Though I does not mean that it is justice that fails to uphold a marine, rather it is the marine who fails to uphold justice. The men at G-5 are just plain savages." said Kizaru
"Yes they definitely are savages, though the vast majority of marines carry the belief of absolute justice. The same type of justice as Sakazuki. Come on Borsalino haven't you ever wondered if maybe following their orders and or ideals is a bad idea or at least their way of completing tasks, whether it be catching pirates to helping innocents?" Kuzan asked
"Yes I have considered it before that is why I follow my own sense of justice and concept of righteousness. The same way as you do. The differences between us are the details of our sense of justice Kuzan." Kizaru replied
"I suppose so, though it should be noted that were not exactly viewed that well in the world." Kuzan said
"Hmmmm, I suppose you are correct in saying that. Though we help innocents when were able. We may be admirals but that does not mean we can save everyone. Sometimes we need to have faith that we can persevere through an issue." said Kizaru honestly
"I guess, but it should not be like that. We should focus when required and step in when needed. Not like Sakazuki who would most likely melt anyone marine or civilian to protect the image of the world government and his absolute justice. Hell you might as well call it extreme justice for the amount of bodies he leaves behind." said Kuzan
"Most criminals deserve to die Kuzan. We may be the face of the world government, but do you see those over privileged nobles doing this hard work. Without us protecting them they have nothing to really defend themselves. Without our aid a yonko like Kaido or Whitebeard could do some serious damage if they really wanted to. Hell Monkey. is another contenter and his little revolutionary army. We must ensure that innocents are protected." said Kizaru
"But still not all criminals need to die. For example, if a man steals a loaf of bread to feed his family that makes him a thief, a criminal. But it was for a just cause so that he could help his family. He might have been desperate and stealing is his last resort. So should we as marines execute a poor man only looking out for his family or should we hunt down the bigger names and send a message to the rest of the world that real criminals get real punishment? That we let a few small fry go and hunt down the more famous criminals we presented the opportunity or specifically ordered." Kuzan said
"We could focus on hunting bigger names and higher bounties because of their threat level in the eyes of the government. But it is usually small time criminals that get overlooked. I mean Silver for example was by no means a famous pirate but his skills, ferocity and fearlessness made him a destructive force in his own way. He carried out murder, slavery and rape. The same can be said for other punks in cities and low level pirates out at sea. Small time pirates don't ever appear on a high ranked marines to do list unless the do something completely stupid right in front of them. And besides a loaf of bread can be replaced, There is no need to call a man a thief. If anything the loaf simply went missing one morning. It should also be noted that being view and called a criminal is very subjective and can be overlooked if it is for a noble cause of course." said Kizaru
"Our sense of justice and honor are different though similar in approach in some way i guess." said Kuzan
"Yes they very much are my friend, though it does not mean I see your methods as completely inadequate. I may disagree on when you decide on taking action and against who you take action against. But I will admit that the standard absolute justice is something I do not follow. I never have now that I think about it." said Kizaru smiling
"Ararara, I could never figure you out you know." said Kuzan smiling while shaking his head.
"Ooooh is that right." said Kizaru
"Yeah you always had your own way. It reminds me about the basic absolute justice of the navy, though you still factor in the moral aspect of the actions of someone to influence a decision. But I can never see a pattern with you though. It makes you unpredictable. Sakazuki would kill someone for questioning the marines and the government. Though an encounter with you Borsalino could be a variety of things. It could be a casual conversation with that same smile on your face, or it could result in them being kicked at lightspeed. It is also never in any present order. I never know when your going to kill someone, arrest them or simply walk off. Even your attitude screams 'unclear' with the way you walk, talk and how you react to almost all situations. On one hand I think you are one of the most dangerous men I have ever met and on the other you are the most fearless marine I have ever served with." explained Kuzan
"Ooooh well that is quite an assessment on myself. I must say this conversation is quite interesting indeed." Kizaru said the same carefree smile.
"Yes it definitely has been." said Kuzan
"I must say though, why did you bring up those types of topics?" asked Kizaru
"I guess it is because out of every officer here I feel as if you would be better in understanding the issues I have or that we face out there without heavily favouring one side over the other. You a very neutral in that aspect. I find it quite unique in comparison to the one track mind of most marines." said Kuzan
"I see It's just I have never had anyone truly question the collective justice that most marines follow for a long time until now." said Kizaru
"Well the times are changing. It feels like a deathly shiver down my spine just thinking about it." said Kuzan
"I've gotten the same feeling before as well. It felt like a warning that I should be prepared for a new generation of pirates. More stronger than the last. Said Kizaru
"I get the same feeling as well, It seems off." Kuzan said
"Hmmm as wonderful as it is talking with you I must be going now it's roughly sunset now." said Kizaru getting up from his seat
"Of course, well it was a pleasure to speak with you Borsalino. We should do this more often. It feels like the old days when we used to drink and talk. Since becoming admirals I don't think we get to do that as much" said Kuzan following Kizaru to the door.
"Indeed." said Kizaru
Kizaru shook Kuzan's hand and walk out from the office and began to walk back to his quarters to get some rest. He reached his room after a short while and entered the office. Kizaru removes his coat and places it on the coat rack near his bed. Kizaru lies on his bed contemplating what happened just before.
"Hmmm, That chat with Kuzan was quite something. I haven't had a conversation like that in a long time. Hell Kuzan has changed a lot since we were vice admirals, he used to believe in absolute justice as much as Sakazuki. In fact his moral compass has virtually flipped over in the last fifteen years. Actually this change in him practically started ever since the incident at… Ohara." thought Kizaru
Kizaru closes his eyes as the feeling of sleep overtook him. For Kizaru this is a moment of peace when he does not need to worry about the responsibilities of his job. He definitely understands why Kuzan likes to sleep a lot.
[Three Days Later]
(Kizaru's point of view)
Kizaru continued about his usual business signing papers in his office. It almost makes him wish he was out fighting again but no he was stuck with the boring part about being an admiral.
"Ah I still hate this part of the job." said Kizaru as he stared at the pile of paperwork.
"Marine ship repairs, paycheck rises and other useless release forms." Kizaru said to himself
"I do not know for the life of me why I get stuck with this. I should really sneak this on one of the vice admirals desks." Kizaru said
"Actually, that gives me a perfect idea." said Kizaru
Kizaru straightens out the remaining unsigned papers on his desk. He grabbed the large stack of documents and then dispersed into light. Reappearing at a certain vice admirals desk, one Monkey D Garp to be precise.
"That is much more nicer, Better him than me. I best leave now before he comes back." said Kizaru
Kizaru disperses again reappearing in his office. Sitting down and leaning back on his chair and putting his feet up on the desk. To his delight he can hear the screams of Garp as he must have entered his office only a few short moments after he left.
"Ah much better." said Kizaru in delight
Kizaru was brought out of his bliss with the sound of someone knocking on his door rather harshly.
"Oh what now. Come in." said the light man
Kizaru watched as the person who knocked stepped in revealed to be vice admiral Garp and he did not look so happy.
"Kizaru, I know it was you who put that pile of boredom on my desk." said Garp with annoyance
"Ooooh, I can assure you that I still have my paperwork right here on my left. I had just finished signing the last page about two minutes ago." said Kizaru
"Man he got here quick. I am quite surprised." thought Kizaru
"Now that is a load of bullshit, I know for a fact the only person fast enough to put those demonic pieces of paper on my desk without me noticing is you. I mean I know it was you because I was the one to put them on your desk in the… oh never mind." said Garp
"Is that the only reason why you're here? To accuse me of placing a stack of papers on your desk." Kizaru said amused
"No actually I am here to tell you that Sengoku is calling a meeting for all the vice admirals and admirals. He said that it would take place in about four hours. They are setting up now so I came to tell you to be prepared." said Garp
"Did Sengoku say what this meeting is regarding?" Kizaru asked
"All he said was just the same old basic things blah blah blah. He just wants to push the monthly meeting to today instead of next week. At least that's what I'm guessing I did not really pay much attention to him talking." said Garp
"Of course you didn't think to listen to your superior officer." Kizaru said
"Ah respect like that is earned Kizaru, that and I'm his best friend it is my job to mess with him." Garp said with a big smile.
"I guess so, I will see you at the meeting then vice admiral." said Kizaru with a smile of his own.
"Yeah, see you there." said Garp as he left Kizaru's office.
"Well if Sengoku's meeting isn't for another four hours then I might as well get some sleep." said Kizaru as he closed his eyes.
[Three and a half hours later]
Kizaru waking up from his nap looks to the clock on the wall indicating he has roughly thirty minutes until the meeting. He decides to leave early and walks out of his office and heads towards the meeting area when he came across a familiar vice admiral strolling through the corridor.
"Ah well if it isn't vice admiral stainless." said Kizaru smiling at his colleague.
"Admiral Kizaru it is a pleasure to see you. I see you are heading towards the meeting area." said Stainless
"Yes I am, I thought I would get there early so Sakazuki wouldn't be so moody." said Kizaru
"Haha well I was about to head over there now. Would you like some company until the meeting starts sir?" asked the vice admiral
"Sure I would appreciate some company before the several hours of Sengoku raving." Kizaru replied
"Yes indeed. I also heard from Momonga yesterday about the mission you two were sent on." Stainless said
"Ah yes terrible business. For the people who were killed and their homes that were destroyed." said Kizaru
"Well you did what you could sir and that is more than what most people are willing to do in this day and age." said Stainless
"True very true." Kizaru responded
The two officers continued their walk towards the meeting room after a few minutes had reached their desination with roughly twenty minutes until the meeting started. The two men walked into the room to see Momonga and Kuzan talking at the large table in the middle of the room.
"Ah Kizaru, Stainless we were wondering when you to would get here." said Kuzan waving at the two men.
"Ooooh well we wanted to be early to the meeting after all. Don't want to make Sengoku pop a vain in anger." said Kizaru
"For some reason I don't believe that." said Kuzan
About twenty minutes later the two admirals continued to talk, a tall man in a red suit walked in wearing cap the said 'marine' on his head. This man was none other than Admiral Akainu or Sakazuki.
"Aaah well if it isn't our favorite grumpy admiral." said Kizaru
"Hmph, Kizaru you take situations too lightly and I am not grumpy." said Sakazuki taking a seat next to Kuzan.
"Sure you're not you just have a permanent scowl on your face." said Kuzan chuckling
Akainu simply frowned at the comment made by the ice man, though before he could retort Sengoku, Garp and the rest of the vice admirals who were available in Marineford came in soon after them.
"Okay everyone be quiet. The meeting is beginning now so I don't want any distractions." said Sengoku
Everyone who had just came in on time took the remaining seats available. The room became silent and Sengoku took that as his moment to begin.
"Alright everyone I have called you in today to discuss some plans I have for you all regarding the position of our forces in the four blues, the state of our prisons, notable pirates and general fitness of high ranking officers in the establishment." said Sengoku
Everyone seemed to be understanding so Sengoku continued on with his speech. Kizaru sat there bored and only half paying attention to what was being said. This continued for about two and a half hours. He could already see Garp fighting the urge to sleep through this boring lecture. After another hour had gone by Sengoku had concluded the meeting and the officers started to leave drained at listening to the fleet admiral for so long. Though before Kizaru left Sengoku called his name.
"Kizaru, I need to speak to you for a moment." Sengoku said
"Aaah what is it you need of me?" Kizaru asked
"I need to talk to you about Silver." Sengoku responded
"Alright then you have my attention." said Kizaru
"I've been trying to locate Rob Lucci to see if we can spread some light on his character. Though he's currently out in the field so there is a small possibility of being able to get him in Marineford for the sake of him remaining undercover. But he is suppose to report to Mary Geoise two weeks from now, so we'll see if we can't ask him why a defector like Silver was able to roam the seas as he did." Sengoku explained
"I did not think you would go that far Sengoku." said Kizaru
"Normally I wouldn't but from the description of the man and the nature of his business at Hookbait Island corresponds to the reports on an underground slave ring that was reported in the south blue. I'm almost certain that those reports and the man in question fit together seamlessly." said Sengoku
"Well I suppose. Any way I assume it will be you and myself during this trip to the holy land." said Kizaru
"Yes we will be heading out together in two weeks time, so remember to wear something nice." said Sengoku
"Alright then. Am I free to leave now sir?" asked the admiral
"Yes you may." Sengoku responded
Kizaru left the meeting room walking back to his quarters to end the day. Though he did at least get a lead on Silvers past in the form of Rob Lucci, but something still bothered Kizaru. It continued to give him a bad feeling, like one hundred small insects were crawling all over his spine. Though he suppressed the feeling and sat down on his bed ready to start a new day tomorrow.
[Unknown Location]
(Unknown point of view)
"Where the hell is Silver? We sent him out less than a week a go and he was suppose to round up some new merchandise. But now I've gotten a call saying he didn't turn up." said an unknown man pacing back and forth around the room.
"I do not know. Silver would not dare challenge us, not after last time." said another unknown figure who was sitting down and calmly reading a book.
"Well the buyer is pissed off and paranoid that this deal was a set up. This is very important, the man is a rich and powerful buyer from the South Blue who came in person to receive the product. We cannot afford to fuck this relationship up because Silver decided to fuck around." said the first man raising his voice.
"Oh please the fucker probably took this a choice to run. I keep telling you not let him live but nooooo. You just have to keep him in with us." said another voice belonging to a woman.
"Calm down the both of you. Silver is deranged but he is not an idiot. Even if he ran we would catch him and if he decided to fight it would end the way it did the first time though instead of sparing him we will make his demise long and painful." said the calm man
"The little shit better be dead or have a good excuse for fucking this deal up or I'll kill him myself." said the irritated man
"We'll figure this out, but for now we should call him to see what has happened. Then after we make sure to keep his leash extra tight to ensure no future failure. said the calm man
"I'll go call him." said the mysterious woman
The strange woman walks off towards another room and picks up a standard den den mushi. She attempts to call Silver though the line is not connecting, frustrated she returns to the two men to inform them of this dilemma.
"The crazy idiot's line wouldn't connect." said the mysterious woman
"What! What do you mean it wouldn't connect!?" demanded the irritated man
"I meant what I said the line would not connect." said the mysterious woman
"Be quiet you two." said the calm man
The two stopped talking and the calm man took that as his sign to continue.
"We'll just have to send someone to find Silver." said the calm man
"And if they can't find him." said the mysterious woman
"Then we have a problem to deal with then." said the calm man as he closed his book and walked out of the room.
Next chapter : The Holy Land
Author note : Well that was an interesting chapter. Silver may be dead but the adventure continues as Kizaru and Sengoku decide to head to the centre of the world government to find Rob Lucci, the former rival to the dead captain. Kizaru met up with Kuzan and had an interesting chat about the current news and ideals of the modern navy that they are now apart of. Kizaru suspects a reason for the nature of the conversation with the ice man but can't think of a solid reason. Though he compares how Kuzan was as a Vice Admiral to now and sees how different he has changed in the last 15 years. Don't worry about why Kuzan brought those types of topics about loyalty and justice up. Because the nature of their conversation will be brought up in the next chapter or the one after so don't worry about it too much. Not only that but Admiral Akainu or Sakazuki as Borsalino prefers to call him has arrived in the story although briefly. But the mysterious people Silver mentioned have noticed his absence and are looking into his disappearance. It seems Kizaru has a few more days before they figure out the reason why Silver did not call in or why he missed his deal with another slaver. Don't fret to much, as long as I'm able I will continue to update this story and there should be another chapter later this week so that's good.
I do not own the rights to one piece or the characters from said series. I only own my own created characters such as Silver.
Please leave a review and again thank you for reading this chapter of the Light Speed Admiral and I hope you enjoy the upcoming chapter, see you all next time :)