Elio certainly wouldn't sit still and wait for death. Even without the system, even if the Chief Justice and the CP9 commander-in-chief colluded, he wouldn't allow himself to die here.
The most crucial point was that, thanks to his years of effort finally bearing fruit, he was no longer the green rookie who only wanted to survive. He had long since begun secretly laying out plans involving the Navy Headquarters Vice Admirals.
As a transmigrator, how could he remain under someone else's thumb for long?
Now that the system had appeared just in time, he no longer needed to hesitate. He made a firm decision in his heart.
After a brief silence, Elio slowly stood up and approached the iron bars. Looking at the eight officers outside, eagerly awaiting his words, he said calmly and deliberately:
"I have a plan. You must carry it out immediately."
As soon as he said this, the eight officers' faces lit up with joy as they stepped closer to the bars.
"Spandine, the three-headed monster-like judges of Enies Lobby, it doesn't matter who they are. None of them are my true targets."
Sweeping his gaze over the officers, a gleam of ambition gradually ignited in Elio's eyes.
"If we're going to act, then let's go big. My goal is to take Fleet Admiral Sengoku's place."
Hearing this, the eight officers were stunned at first, then immediately saluted with fervent expressions, shouting in unison:
"Loyalty!"
Navy Headquarters – Officers' Dormitory, Building No. 8
Building No. 8 was home to officers ranked from Second Lieutenant up to Lieutenant Colonel. Those attending officer training shared dorms, but the rest had their own rooms.
Room 301, 2nd Floor
A young officer wearing a Navy Headquarters Lieutenant Colonel's coat stood grimly in front of his desk, staring intently at a thick stack of Berry on the table; exactly 12 million Berry
Though he was now a Lieutenant Colonel with his own warship, he knew full well that it would have been impossible to get promoted so quickly relying solely on himself.
After all, before this, he was only a Major stationed at a branch in the West Blue. The reason he was transferred to HQ was entirely due to a fellow townsman working at HQ, who recommended him to Vice Admiral Elio.
Through this acquaintance, he learned about Elio's deeds, how the Vice Admiral was known for his kindness and would lend a helping hand to anyone truly in need, regardless of rank.
At the time, he had contacted his old acquaintance at HQ via a Transponder snail out of desperation. His mother was seriously ill, and his modest salary at the branch couldn't cover the medical costs.
He had begged everyone he could. All he got was cold rejection. His commanding officer even considered discharging him for frequently taking leave to care for his mother.
In despair, he reached out to his fellow townsman.
With little hope, he explained his situation. To his surprise, Elio not only responded but also personally traveled from HQ to the West Blue branch, arranged for his mother to be taken to the best hospital, and paid all her expenses.
Thanks to Elio's help, his mother slowly began to recover. Just as he was wondering how to repay the Vice Admiral, a transfer order suddenly appeared; he was to bring his mother and report to HQ.
After arriving at HQ, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, became one of Elio's subordinates, and his mother was moved into the Marineford family housing area, where she received medical care from Navy doctors.
"Stark, do you know why I helped you?"
Elio had asked him once.
He shook his head because he truly didn't know why such an important figure would go to such lengths for a lowly major.
Elio's reply stayed with him ever since:
"Because even at your most desperate, you never considered abandoning justice.
Of course, as a Marine, that's how it should be.
But Stark, sometimes justice must be weighed against circumstance.
If my own mother were gravely ill and I had no one to turn to,
I'd abandon this so-called justice in a heartbeat.
Because there's nothing in this world more important than your own family.
For my mother, I wouldn't hesitate to fight the entire world!"
That was the day he understood:
If you can't even protect the ones you love most, what meaning is there in justice?
From then on, he held a deep gratitude toward Elio.
He built connections in HQ, met like-minded colleagues, and with Elio's support, gained a solid foothold.
But good times didn't last long.
Before he could fight alongside Elio, the Vice Admiral was imprisoned.
Knock knock knock~
Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed through the room.
Immediately afterwards, the door behind him was kicked open.
"Colonel Stark!"
"Vice Admiral Elio needs you! Right this moment!"
Hearing this, Stark quickly turned around.
When he saw the two officers who barged into his room, his initially confused gaze turned fanatical in an instant.
His posture straightened. He raised his hand in salute.
"Loyalty"
Following his declaration, shouts of "Loyalty!" echoed throughout Building No. 8, spreading from room to room, eventually rolling across the entire dormitory like a tide toward the other officers' buildings and the enlisted barracks.
At the same time...
Navy HQ – Senior Officer Residential Area
Dozens of young officers moved quickly under the cover of the night towards various villas.
Two of them arrived at the edge of the residential area and rang the doorbell without hesitation.
As the bell rang, the door of a three-story villa opened.
A middle-aged man stepped out, wearing a deep red suit and a Marine cap.
He was none other than Sakazuki, one of the Navy's three Admirals and the embodiment of "absolute justice."
With his magma Logia powers and ruthless methods, eliminating even civilians or comrades if necessary to achieve his mission, many in HQ kept their distance from him.
Yet the two young officers showed no fear as he appeared, frowning.
They stepped forward, chins up, and said in unison:
"Admiral Sakazuki, Vice Admiral Elio requests your presence!"
"Huh?"
Sakazuki's eyes narrowed, locking onto the two officers. An invisible pressure burst forth, pinning them in place.
Feeling the Admiral's overwhelming aura, the two officers began to tremble slightly, struggling to breathe.
But even so, they didn't flinch.
They stood tall and held their salutes.
"As expected from Elio's men…"
A faint glimmer of admiration passed through Akainu's eyes.
Then, he took a step forward.
"Lead the way."