Azar stared at Jack with a soft look to his face and eyes. The Glossy sheen to his sclarea persistent as he registered the words that his grandfather; A man who had persisted in his attempt to get him and Leroy to become Marines.
A man the world around knew for the Victory of Charles Town. His Capture of Roger. The Defeat of Notorious Pirates, and even those that could be considered the the Posthumus title of Sovereigns, the Yonko of the Age Before the System was designated, And the same Man that was once considered to be one of the strongest men in the world…
Just told him that if he asked…He'd free him. Betray the entire system he'd fought for over 5 and a half decades to uphold, even when he more often than not disagreed with it because he thought it was the best thing he could do for the world, he'd throw all that away. Make history of a Betrayal as this even was televised to every corner of the world. And fight tooth and nail against them all just to ensure…
A Random Baby that he promised to raise by his rival…Could live another day?
But to the world. To Everyone, Jack Included except to Azar himself, was no mere 'Random Baby'
Jack continued to have his eyes locked. He did not choose to further convince his Grandson of an action. Because deep down. He was more conflicted than even Azar, the one making the decision. He needed to hear the words from the Grandchild in front of him to make the decision fully and commit to it…
"I..Y-" Azar stopped. Eyes continued to be locked onto Jack.
He thought about it…What would that mean? What would those actions mean? Would it mean that less people would get hurt? Was it worth it? Was…He Worth it? He knew even a thought like that is almost selfish when people were proving that he was. But above all else…Should he do it?
Would Denying it be denying those that are fighting and laying down their lives
He made his decisions well aware of what could happen…He became a pirate with the fact of what could happen…Would taking this out be running away from his consequences?
No…That much was certain. But-
Azar Looked away from Jack. Causing the Grandfather to furrow his brow and lean forward slightly.
"...No." He said with conviction. His eyes soft. But with a hardness of determination of the decision in his eyes. Jack however. Closed his eyes, a sigh releasing, his shoulders dropping before gazing to Azar again
"I knew what I was getting into when I left Goa when I was 19…A few years after you left." His eyes didn't look to Jack when he spoke those words "And I knew what would happen when I went after Vane. I knew that he was strong…And yet it still Caused me to be here."
"These are the Consequences of my Actions...All of this…" His eyes were focused on the fighting kilometers away. A tank was lifted and tossed a hundred meters away. Marines ran along the trench line like ant as the Redbeard Pirates acted like an opposing hill flooding through the crescent bay. Attempting to make way into the first Layer of the City. Blood, Dust, Iron, all vague scents carried by the wind of the encroaching destruction.
"To rely on you now. I feel would be a disrespect not only to myself and my agency. But also show I was in over my head…a…I don't know. That I'm not as strong as I am." He shook his head
"I just can't do it. I have to take Responsibility. I feel like I have a duty to see this out and not just fall back…Maybe its because I'm weaker than I think I am. And I dont want to drag you down with me…" Azar said. His energy sapped from the intense concentration of Sea Stone on his wrists.
"Baha…" Jack laughed under his breath. His head falling back as he breathed slow and heavily with his eyes closed. "I don't know if I should be proud of you for that responsibility…Or angry you don't want my help…" His head fell forward again.
"I Love You…Azar." He said solemnly as he pushed his hands on his knees and grunted as he rose to his tall stature. "I love you too…" He whispered back as Jack turned on his heel and began to descend back down the stairs of the Execution Platform.
"Focus on the fire of the Remaining Artillery to the Ships. They need to have no resort out of this." Adria, the Chief Advisor of the Marines and Vice Admiral spoke to Muromachi who then disseminated orders to other commanders and captains. With her Paramecia 'See See Fruit' allowing her a top down view of the battle field from the just below the edge of the Frozen Tsunami's ledge.
The Sound of Jacks foot falls came from behind Muromachi. Causing the fleet admiral to glance to the corner of his eye. With a breath he looked to Adria and spoke "Thank you, Vice Admiral. I shall also give the command to initiate the Harbingers for deployment."
"That is wise." She said simply as Muromachi loomed over her. She may have been 6'2, but compared to Muromachi's 10'1 she was totally dwarfed.
The Fleet Admiral and Hero of The Marines Passed by each other without even locking eyes. Jack knew that Muromachi heard or could feel how Jack was feeling. They'd known each other for decades.
"Trouble it is when the Family is involved…" Adria said as Jack crossed his arms and leaned against the steel crossed beams of the platform. Pulling a cigar from inside his suit jacket, he lit it with a flip light. A Tiger across the front, before releasing a puff of smoke from his lips
"Yeah. You can say that again…"
20 Minutes Have Passed