The Light Speed Admiral
Chapter 6: New Places, New Enemies
Previously, Admiral Kizaru and Fleet Admiral Sengoku journeyed to the home of the celestial dragons to find Rob Lucci who is there on secret business to find out what they can about Silver's activities in the South Blue and other possible operations he may have had during his time in the grand line. Upon meeting with Lucci the two officers are separated leaving Kizaru face to face with the killing machine Rob Lucci. Lucci explained the events surrounding Silver's escape from the Cipher Pol program and revealed that he had managed to track Silver until he met a strange individual and later went off the radar. Kizaru finds out that Silver was running weapons and other supplies for someone for at least the last two years before his death. Whoever these people who had Silver scared enough to work for them are Kizaru can tell from this minimum information that they have the supplies, man power and weaponry to pose a real threat if these assumptions are correct. Though for now the man of light must find his superior to report his new findings.
[Pangaea Castle]
(Kizaru's point of view)
"Hmmm, Silver and Lucci. Quite a story coming from a government assassin. It does not excuse the what Silver has done but it is still quite remarkable considering what could have if i had spared him." thought Kizaru as he was walking to Kong's office to find Sengoku.
Kizaru reached Kong's office to hear the voices Sengoku and Kong arguing about whatever issue that they were obviously talking about before with the elders.
"Aahh I suppose their little conversation wasn't as good as the one I had then." sighed Kizaru opening the door.
"This is outrageous that this is even being brought up now. Are you positive it is him?" Sengoku demanded
"Like the elders said it reeks of 'his' involvement. This is important, he is a danger and as fleet admiral you should know this already." replied Kong in an authoritative voice.
"Yes but this isn't just a regular man either we are now dealing with. This is an opponent who knows us well." said Sengoku trying to calm himself.
"That is why we should never have let him walked away." said Kong
"Ooooh let who walk away?" asked Kizaru
Both men turned to face him. Kizaru was confused at the grim expressions on their faces so he decided to lighten the mood.
"Ah is everything okay? It looks sooooo depressing in here." said Kizaru with his signature smile.
"Hmph. What's happening is an old issue has possibly come back to ruin everything we've built." said Kong sternly.
"Hmmmm, Sengoku we need to talk about something urgent. We should probably head back to Marineford now. It would not be too good to have the fleet admiral away from the fleet for to looooong eh?" winked Kizaru
Seeing the possibility of leaving right now Sengoku nods his head in agreement.
"Yes let's leave now." said Sengoku
Sengoku turned his head towards Kong while walking to the door.
"If what was said back there was indeed true then i'll handle this problem understand." said Sengoku
Kong only nodded his for there was no need for a response.
Walking out of his office the two left the castle in silence Kizaru could only wonder what could have happened when he left with Lucci. The two officers continued onward to their ship ready to leave. In about twenty minutes of fast pace walking and a lift down the red line the pair had finally made it to their ship. Sengoku spun around almost instantly facing Kizaru.
"Okay come on we need to speak in private now." ordered Sengoku.
Kizaru with a short nod followed his superior into the captains room of the ship as the sails went down and the ship began to leave the port.
"Alright you start first. We came here for information on a large scale slave operation. Afterwards I've got something to add myself about the issue I had back there. So what exactly did you manage to get out of Lucci?" Sengoku asked.
Kizaru explained briefly the history between Silver and Lucci without mentioning the part about Lucci essentially covering for Silver for two years. Adding that Lucci 'found out' about Silver appearing on the radar a few years after his escape running weapons for someone possibly in the South Blue. Sengoku's frown kept getting more pronounced as Kizaru's report continued. Obviously whatever happened with the elders seems to be affecting him too much. Kizaru stopping his report asks this commander a question he has been waiting to get an answer on.
"Okay what happened in there? Something important that I'm not going to like." Kizaru asked wondering if he'd get an answer now.
"Alright I'll tell you. When you went off with Lucci to discuss about Silver, Kong brought me to the main chambers of the elders and well our conversation wasn't the most pleasant." said Sengoku
Kizaru nodded his head for the fleet admiral to continue his encounter with the elders.
"The elders mentioned and then proceeded to show me several reports about some troublesome activity in the South Blue. Some of the reports indicated that around eighty cipher pol agents were killed in trying to investigate the issues going on there. One Luckily enough made it back with the reports he'd made about some of the illegal business happening over there. And for the record the things that are happening over there are worse than what I thought originally. Organised crime and smuggling, not mention the slavery issue. The mafia in the west blue would be the best comparison to what is happening over there now." said Sengoku seriously.
"Hmmmmm the mafia eh? That is not good but what would this mean for the marines and the rest of the government?" questioned the admiral.
"At first that's what I thought as well. But it is more than that, these people are organised similar to the mafia in some ways but more dangerous like a paramilitary similar to us Kizaru. Over the last three years thousands of rifles new and old have been smuggled into the south along with machine parts and other scrap metal. Reports of a slave trade operation not extremely large in terms of who gains that information and access to the slave market over there but by the sheer number estimated of people moved through the auction houses. Whatever this apparent organisation is about or there goals I haven't the slightest clue. But I will say this we do have a legitimated lead and means to identify some of the people involved." said Sengoku as he pulled two pictures from his pocket.
"That's photo is of Silver. But who is this?" wondered Kizaru inspecting the two pictures with the word smuggler under Silver's picture and slaver under the other.
"The picture of the second man is who we believe to be Silver's slaver contact in the south. A wealthy man named Lagos he is the owner of the largest shipping company in the South blue and is the second most well known after the shipping industry at Water 7 of course. He is pretty famous over there and well known if he was responsible for the slave trade there he would theoretically have the money and resources to run that kind of operation with the properties he's owns and ships that he has stationed." Sengoku said
"So this man Lagos is the slaver then? Hmmm he does not look like he could kill dozens of trained assassin's." said Kizaru smiling.
"No he can but whoever has been backing him up probably has." said Sengoku.
"I see but if the elders are now bringing this forward what does this have to do with us as of right now should we choose to proceed this current lead." said Kizaru
"Well Lagos and his main legitimate business are located in the former kingdom of Sladva. So we'll need to send someone over there to investigate and considering that dozens of cipher pol agents have died trying an undercover approach we need someone stronger to survive a possible encounter there. " said Sengoku
"Oh yeah they had that little revolution a while back did they not?" said Kizaru
"Yeah the revolution thirty years ago really changed things. For one they are a republic now, the Republic of New Sladva they call it now. Anyway the republic is essentially a self sustainable nation large enough and well versed in trade and politics to a large degree. Think of the land of Wano but open to trade with selective outsiders." said Sengoku
"Hmmm self sustainable, large merchant community and democratic. That is quite the development from the Sladva I once new of." said Kizaru rubbing his chin.
"Yes a lot has definitely changed considering their past." said Sengoku
"I mean once upon a time ago the Kingdom of Sladva could have waged war against the government and won considering their military might and size. I even heard stories of their warriors. Strong, fearless, obedient and efficient. They may not have had the massive influence the world government has but they were still a force to reckoned with back in the day. Just thinking about reminds me of the horror stories I'd hear as a boy about that place and their king." said Kizaru
"Ah yes king Andros was quite the ruthless leader in his hey day." said Sengoku
"I once heard a legend that he was so powerful and fearsome that even the celestial dragons feared him so much that some of them once kneeled towards him because of his strong spirit." said Kizaru staring off into space.
"I don't actually know if that's true or not but he was definitely someone to watch out for. Some say he was the definition of the fine line between good and evil. But anyway back to the matter at hand." said Sengoku.
"Okay how do you want to handle this then?" asked the man in white.
"Well the republic is not affiliated with the world government, in fact even now they have the man power and money to stop any military interference from us. Also because of the way they do business with the outside world they can maneuver around the government's attempts to stop there trade deals with other nations to gain political power over them. In fact one way the merchants there can get their products out into the outside market is to sell to the allies or small nations affiliated to the bigger nations part of the world government." said Sengoku
"Aaah I see, the government can block them from going to their territories directly but they can stop trade with allied non-member nations. Smart." said Kizaru
"Exactly. So my idea is that because Sladva is not allied with the world government we'll need an alternate plan of action than just having a fleet raid the place. My idea is that I want you to go there under your real name and see what you can uncover." said Sengoku
"Are you sure that is a good idea, we could have someone less conspicuous go instead." said Kizaru
"Dozens of agents already failed and the elders want someone strong who can fight their way out of there if need be and since you know all of this already I can send you instead of briefing one of the other admirals. Besides your not going alone, your going to take one or two vice admirals with you." said Sengoku
"Any of the vice admirals?" asked Kizaru
"Yes as long as they don't have any assignments already. Once we get to Marineford find and debrief the officers you chose and make sure to be prepared to leave in the next few days after that okay." said Sengoku
"Yes sir." Kizaru responded
"Alright that deals with that then. But what happened with Kong? I didn't sound like it was directly related to what you just showed me.
"It's better we leave that conversation for another time we should just focus on the matters at hand. Not the conspiracy theories coming out of him okay." said Sengoku quickly.
"Hmmmm best to just leave this topic alone for now." thought Kizaru
"Alright then I won't insist about any further for now" said Kizaru ending off the conversation.
Sengoku nodded his head as a response. The rest of the journey was quiet for the two marines and upon arriving at Marineford they were greeted by vice admiral Garp.
[Marineford, Port]
(Kizaru's point of view)
"Bwahahahaha Sengoku, Kizaru about time you two got back." said Garp stuffing rice crackers into his mouth.
"Oooooh Garp what a pleasant surprise. To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence." said Kizaru
"Hmph, Garp if I remember correctly you have a mountain of forms that needed to be done did you not?" said Sengoku sternly.
"Ah I'll get to it later, you worry too much I swear." said Garp ignoring the question.
"Worry! The reason I mention it is because you have a habit of disappearing when work is required." yelled the fleet admiral.
"Bwahahahhaha your real funny Sengoku. Oh yeah Kizaru I got a message for you." said Garp stuffing more rice cakes into his mouth.
"Ah message?" Kizaru said
"Hey don't change the subject!" said Sengoku grabbing Garp.
"Yes Aokiji told me he needed you for something so he's waiting for you in his office." said Garp
"Oh okay I guess I'll head over there to see him then." said Kizaru walking away from the two squabbling marines.
"Ha I swear those two are too much." thought Kizaru looking back to his two comrades.
[Marineford, Aokiji's office]
(Kizaru's point of view)
"Alright might as well head in now." thought Kizaru
Kizaru knocks on the door to see if Kuzan is in fact waiting for him here.
"Come on in." said Kuzan tiredly.
Kizaru walks into the office with his hands n his pockets and strolls up to Kuzan's desk to find the blue pheasant with his head on the table.
"Aaaahh Kuzan you wished to speak to me?" asked Kizaru
"Oh Borsalino, glad you could make it. I was hoping we could have another chat to pass the time again." said Kuzan lifting his head off the table.
"I'm up for drink if you are. I just got back anyway so I'm cool to just kick my feet up and talk." said Kizaru
"Cool I'll get the drinks. Hey now wait a minute since when did you get a new suit? White and gold huh?" said Kuzan
"Ah I've had this suit for two years and besides Sengoku said we have to look 'nice' to our celestial troublemakers." said Kizaru
"I still think it's better than your other one." said Kuzan grabbing two large bottles and two cups.
"Oh not you too." said Kizaru taking a seat in front of the desk.
"I think it's good change all the same." said Kuzan pouring himself a drink.
"Well anyway, I'm here now so what are we gonna talk about?" asked Kizaru as poured his own drink.
"I was going to ask what Sengoku and you were up to. He's being very private about whatever it is and seems very important and I've got a feeling that it's going to involve myself and the walking volcano later anyway." said Kuzan
"Well I suppose I better start from the beginning then. Well it started when I fought that pirate captain Silver back on Hookbait island over a month ago. He was pretty deep in the slave trade. he also made some very questionable remarks that have led Sengoku and myself into an investigation on the matter." said Kizaru
"Wait, wait, wait Slaves? And a few idle threats wouldn't really make Sengoku of all people take direct charge on this." said Kuzan taking a sip of his drink.
"The amount of people he was confident in selling was enough to trigger some alarm bells in his head. I mean Silver had captured hundreds of women of all ages. He easily had a place to sell them and the way he had made it out back then seemed to me like he had done this thing before." said Kizaru
"Ararara, the world really is a dangerous place no matter you go eh." said Kuzan
"You're telling me. Well right before I kill him he mentions how he was a former initiate of cipher pol and he had a falling out with Rob Lucci. So we both went to find Lucci at Pangaea Castle to see if he new anything about him to go off of." said Kizaru
"Well don't keep me in suspense come on." urged Kuzan
"He told me afterwards that he managed to track down Silver and managed to keep an eye on him. Though he admitted that Silver went of the radar about two years back. But he also told me Silver was running weapons for someone out in the South Blue." said Kizaru finishing his drink.
"Damn guns too? But wait if Silver went off the grid and Lucci didn't know anything else then, is that it over?" asked Kuzan
"I was thinking along the same lines until went back to meet up with Sengoku who instead had an unpleasant meeting with the elders. He showed me several files and pictures. A picture of Silver and another man by name of Lagos. Apparently Silver was a smuggler for Lagos or whoever else down there." said Kizaru
"Hmm sounds organised to me if they've kept this under the noses of the government." said Kuzan
"Yeah well we have an idea on why this has happened. This operation is apparently taking place in the Republic of Sladva and Lagos is one of the most powerful men there. Around eighty cipher pol agents have already been killed to get this information which still isn't a lot. So Sengoku wants me to go there myself." said Kizaru
"Sladva? Wow already sending an admiral already huh." said Kuzan
"He wants me to go under my real name, not as an admiral." said Kizaru waving the comment off.
"Well he certainly would not just let you go alone." said Kuzan
"He wants me to go with at least one or two vice admirals. Sengoku doesn't want to send all of us so he just needs to send one and because this came about from what I did it is my job now." said Kizaru
"Hmmm I see. Well have you decided who your going to take?" asked Kuzan
"I'd most likely ask Momonga to tag along on this adventure." said Kizaru
"He's definitely a solid choice." said Kuzan
"Yes he is. but enough about myself and what I have been running around doing, What about you?" asked Kizaru
"Well Sakazuki wasn't exactly in a friendly mood as usual and it escalated into an argument between him and I." Kuzan responded
"Oh great so what was it about this time?" asked Kizaru
"You should know why Borsalino. I know you of all people know what day it is today. After all how could you forget him and the whole drama with that issue." said Kuzan seriously.
"All of us swore to never mention him after what happened." said Kizaru
"How can we knowing one of the people responsible is working with us now." said Kuzan
"Look that whole issue was scary to begin with and it's best we leave it alone." said Kizaru trying to end the subject.
"Come on after everything that happened. You were one of the first people to suggest going after the one responsible." said Kuzan
Kizaru said nothing in response.
"Ararara Borsalino we should have stood with him back then but instead we didn't myself included." said Kuzan
"Kuzan look I'm not going to disagree with you in fact I completely agree. We should have stood behind him but we did not. We made a choice, all three of us did and we stood by Sengoku's ruling on the matter. Was it the best. No of course not, but the alternative would be all three of us in impel down or dead." said Kizaru looking up to the ceiling.
"I still don't feel right about it despite how long it has been since then." said Kuzan quietly
"Neither do I but reminiscing about how life used to or what it could be for long periods of time won't change anything. It would most likely make someone feel worse about something rather than anything else." said Kizaru
"Yeah I suppose your right Borsalino." said Kuzan
"Haaaaah I think I should get going. I have to see if Momonga will be available for this mission." said Kizaru get up from his seat.
"Alright well talk later. Oh and by the way I suppose it goes with out saying that you should stay away from Sakazuki right now." said Kuzan
Kizaru merely nodded and left the office.
"Alright I better head over to his office to see if he's there." thought Kizaru
[Marineford, Momonga's Office]
(Kizaru's point of view)
Kizaru left Kuzan's office in search for Momonga calmly walking to the vice admiral i questions office. Upon reaching the door and knocking twice Kizaru got his answer.
"Come in." said Momonga
Kizaru walks in to see Momonga eating his lunch.
"Ah admiral Kizaru, I did not expect a visitor right now." said Momonga putting his sandwich down on his plate.
"Ooooh it's okay I just came back from a meeting with Aokiji about what Sengoku and myself were up to." said Kizaru
"Oh okay, but again I wasn't expecting to see you now sir. I am assuming you need my assistance with something?" asked Momonga
"Yes Sengoku has ordered me to head out on a very important mission and I'd have to leave in the next couple of days. So i was wondering If you weren't already busy to come with me on this mission. Now I must remind you that this mission is very important and I need someone come with me. Orders from the top what can you do." said Kizaru in a relaxed tone.
"I have no work I currently need to do that's urgent so sure my answer is yes. I will accompany you on this mission." said Momonga
"Ah I knew I could count on you. So listen I'm going to let you in on some information that must not be spread around understand." said Kizaru
"Yes sir." Momonga responded
Kizaru began to explain the events of what happened as a result of the mission on Hookbait island. From Silvers last words to Lucci's findings in Silvers final years of life and to the report given to Sengoku by the five elders.
"Dear god if all that is true, even if it is just in the south. This could actually turn out worse than in the west." said Momonga taking in all the information.
"Yes I know. We'll be heading out in a few days. So be prepared. It will be a long trip to Sladva." said Kizaru
"Okay good well now that has been settled I best get some rest." said Kizaru
"Yes sir, call me when you need me." said Momonga picking up his sandwich again.
Kizaru left Momonga's office in favor of going back to his own quarters to end the day peaceably.
[Marineford, Kizaru's Quarters]
(Kizaru's point of view)
"Haaaaaah finally I get rest in peace." said Kizaru falling backwards on the soft bed.
A knocking sound at the door to Kizaru out his state of bliss.
"Aaaaah I can't even get a break for a whole two minutes. Who is it?" asked Kizaru
"Hey Borsalino it's me." said a familiar voice.
Kizaru got off his bed a walked over to his door unlocking it. Opening the door he is surprised to see Sakazuki standing in front of him.
"Sakazuki, I did not expect to see you." said Kizaru in a slow tone.
"Well I need to talk to you can we head out to the balcony." said Sakazuki
"Okay sure come on." said Kizaru
The two admirals walked out to the medium sized balcony of Kizaru's quarters, taking a seat at the small table that was there. Once the two were seated Kizaru started the conversation off.
"Alright Sakazuki. I know if this had something to do with work you would said so already or sent someone else to come and get me. So what is going on?" asked the light man.
"You already know why I am here. Don't you?" said Sakazuki with a knowing look.
"Yes I do, Kuzan and I were talking about it before." said Kizaru
"What, he spoke to you about it as well!?" said Sakazuki getting angry.
"Calm down. The conversation we had just landed in that particular conversation. Just relax alright." said Kizaru in a calm voice.
"But still he shouldn't be bringing up that topic regardless. We swore not to mention it." said Sakazuki with a scowl.
"Well he does have a point. We never talk about it." said Kizaru
"He was a traitor in the end Borsalino, a traitor to justice." said Sakazuki firmly.
"He was important to all of us even you. Almost twenty years we knew him before the whole incident. One of shichibukai is someone responsible for his injury and his distaste for the government. Not to mention what happened to his family." said Kizaru
"I,I suppose you are right about it but he still could have stayed. Not leave the way that he did." said Sakazuki
"Sure knowing the man that severed his arm off is now a shichibukai and losing his family will keep him doing the governments bidding." said Kizaru sarcastically.
"Ah this is just tiring. Thinking about it, damn shichibukai." said Sakazuki
"I feel the same way you know." said Kizaru
"The shichibukai are nothing but filthy pirates. We should just have them executed by the sword and be done with them. I mean seriously marines and pirates working together, Hmph pathetic." said Sakazuki folding his arms.
"I'm with you there old friend. When I found out what had happened I want nothing more than to kill him for what he did. But you have to admit he is one fearsome opponent." said Kizaru
"Hmm he may be strong but I refuse to yield to someone whose existence goes against what we stand for." said Sakazuki
"Look Sakazuki not everything has to be so black and white. It does not have to conform to a lazy or absolute way of thinking. But with a mixture of understanding, compassion, resolve and determination almost anything is possible. I swear you and Kuzan argue to much." said Kizaru
"We are opposites, Kuzan and I. We are allies in the sense we are both marines but our elements oppose each other like our sense of justice." said Sakazuki
"Yes you are magma. Hot, destructive and dangerous. A force that cannot be easily blocked if at all. While ice can be an immovable force that is so cold that there aren't many things that can break through if the ice is strong enough. Our devil fruits definitely influence the way we can physically handle threats but doesn't have to be the excuse we should fall back on." aid Kizaru
"Magma is a force that can be destructive but I see it as a tool to administer the justice that is needed for the scum of this world for that is my job, it is what I feel I must do. What about you Borsalino? What is light to you?" said Sakazuki
"Hmmmm what is light to me?" thought Kizaru rubbing his chin taking in the question he had been asked.
"Light cannot be what it is without darkness. Where light shines, a shadow shall follow whomever it shines upon. With light there are many things possible that can both harm or heal those it inflicts. Seeing the marines when I was younger I was inspired to join the fight against pirates because of the damage their 'freedom' has cause for the people of the places they visit. Some people can enjoy freedom in many other forms rather than piracy. But alas those poor fools could not back down. But back to your question. Light or the power of light comes with a great responsibility because it can represent a power for good but even light can be corrupted. So for me I carry my justice in my own more neutral way to keep the balance between the darkness that lingers in all beings and light that can also exist within someone as well. The pika pika no mi granted myself this power to manipulate and become light and feeling how light can harm and save people is very eye opening to me. To see how I could affect what happens around me with my power. The force of light can be quite deadly in the wrong hands, but as long as the person who wields it's power has the will to resist against the darkness and follow their will of justice. Then I see bright things to follow them." said Kizaru
Sakazuki had a look of surprise on his face as he heard his friend speak about his element. Clearly it must have been a surprise receiving an answer such as that one.
"That was very enlightening Borsalino." said Sakazuki getting up from his seat.
"So that's it eh?" said Kizaru with a smile.
"Yeah, I going to leave now. See you around Borsalino." said Sakazuki walking to the door.
"Hey Sakazuki. Maybe one day the shichibukai will be brought down." said Kizaru still seated.
"Maybe one day." said Sakazuki leaving the room and closing the door.
Hearing the door close Kizaru sighed loudly at the long tiring day that he has endured. Staring at the sunset that he had just now noticed he reminisced about the man that he looked up to, no still looked up to.
"I'm sorry. I should have stood by you back then but I did not. As a student to a teacher, A fellow comrade. Maybe one day we'll meet again master Zephyr." said Kizaru getting out from his seat.
"Dracule Mihawk... One day you and I will settle things for good." thought Kizaru as he walked away from the balcony back into his room over to his bed deciding to just fall asleep then and there once he landed on the bed.
Next Chapter: The Republic of Sladva
Authors Notes:
New enemies and new places indeed. The man of light now journeys to the South Blue to continue his investigation where many others had failed. Kuzan and Sakazuki, personality and devil fruits in great opposition. Luckily despite the tension they both still work together. Kizaru is very neutral in many regards. Though he still favors the marines. The light of the marines versus the darkness of piracy. I wonder which side shall prevail.
P.S : some of the characters and parts of the time line have or will change depending on where the story goes. So if there is something that is written that is not canon don't worry too much about that. This is my version of the One piece time line. So there will be things that are different either to a small degree or a major degree from the main story. So don't be too surprised if certain events or characters get changed or come back.
I do not own one piece.
Please leave a review and I hope you enjoyed this chapter of the light speed admiral :)