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**Chapter 650: Atox's Betrayal**
There was still half a month until the official start of the second Sword Tournament.
The Pirate in the New World were no longer causing trouble, and the Marines' World Conscription was ongoing.
Every day, many people arrived at the recruitment locations to join the Marines, providing New Blood for the organization.
Everything seemed to be flourishing.
Marine Headquarters was also preparing, training New Recruits while planning to first Clear Out the Pirate in those Area.
More importantly, the Elite Training Camp was being held again.
Navy Chief Instructor Black Arm Zephyr had recovered his spirits.
Zephyr's appearance was a shot in the arm for Marine Headquarters, as if they suddenly had a reliable backing.
However, at this time, a major incident suddenly occurred, casting a shadow over the Marines' Development.
A Celestial Dragons had died, killed on his way back from a Member Nation.
In the Marine Conference Room, the atmosphere was extremely heavy.
Fleet Admiral Kong, Admiral Sengoku, Advisor Tsuru, and the recovered "Black Arm" Zephyr were all present.
This matter was too significant.
In the past, if a Celestial Dragons was killed by Pirate or died during War, no one would say much.
But this time was different, because the one who struck was none other than the current Marine Rear Admiral Atox.
"What should we do?"
Seeing the silent crowd, Advisor Tsuru spoke up.
"I don't know.
The Celestial Dragons are already applying pressure on us."
"But... it's such a pity."
Sengoku intertwined his fingers, shook his head, and then sighed.
That's right, it was a great pity.
This was also the thought of everyone else present.
How could such an outstanding Marines not make people feel regret?
Zephyr was present because Atox was a student he thought very highly of.
It had to be admitted that the first Elite Training Camp had the highest Quality of students in history.
Not only did it have the three most famous Monster, Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Dragon, but also many young Geniuses like Kyle, Shirek, and Moles.
Atox was also one of them, someone who could rank in the top ten.
After Graduation, he had also accumulated abundant Military Achievements, capturing a large number of Pirate, and had even survived two brutal Bloody Battles.
During the War, he had also Killed several Pirate with considerable Reputation.
Such a young Marines, only twenty-seven years old, could completely become a Marine Vice Admiral.
His Future prospects were bright, and he was a key target for the Marines to Cultivate.
He was now considered one of the Marine High Command.
Yet, no one expected such a thing to happen suddenly.
"That damned fellow made us lose an excellent Marines."
Zephyr slammed his palm down on the table in anger.
The sequence of events was actually not complicated.
A Celestial Dragons from the Nerona Family had gone to a Member Nation in the North Blue some time ago.
On his way back, he passed by a Small Island and, on a whim, sent people to Kill most of the Resident on the Island.
Only a small number of people survived.
Although it was difficult to understand the Celestial Dragons' thought process, that was just how Celestial Dragons were.
They did whatever they pleased, and there were quite a few Kingdom that had been destroyed because of them.
However, that Small Island was Atox's hometown.
Having no Sense of Awe towards the Celestial Dragons to begin with, he received the news from his hometown immediately.
Atox, in his fury, intercepted and Killed this Celestial Dragons on The Great Sea beforehand.
That was the course of events.
A Marines who was dedicated to Justice had thus become a Criminal.
No one said Atox did anything wrong.
But now, he had become an Enemy of the Marines.
The World Government was applying pressure, and the Celestial Dragons were also applying pressure.
Having experienced Bloody Battles, they were even more aware of how powerful the Energy and Strength possessed by the Celestial Dragons were.
Atox was naturally aware of this as well.
But he still did it, which meant he had made his Resolve.
"Regardless, we need to give the Government an explanation.
First, apprehend Atox and imprison him in Impel Down.
Try our best to prevent him from falling into the hands of the Celestial Dragons."
Sengoku rubbed his temples, then said calmly.
No matter what, the incident had already occurred.
Killing a Celestial Dragons was something many people wanted to do but dared not.
But this was a Taboo of the World Government.
Even just being subjected to a Threat required sending out a Marine Admiral, one of the Marines' Highest Combat Power.
Let alone directly Killing a Celestial Dragons.
Currently, there was only one Marine Admiral, Sengoku, which meant he had to take action himself.
Sengoku naturally knew Atox, this junior, this outstanding rising star within the Marines, very well.
He was a very excellent young Marines, who led by example, had a rigorous style, and held Justice in his heart.
Yet, he was ruined by this small "accident."
One could only say that life was unpredictable, and there was a sense of powerlessness.
They had already witnessed the Strength of the World Noble.
If Atox fell into their hands, he might have a chance to survive, but if he fell into the hands of the Celestial Dragons, it would be a fate worse than death.
They could only do their best.
The news had been completely Blockaded.
This malicious incident was sealed off immediately.
Since Atox acted alone, not many people knew about it.
Otherwise, once the news spread, the impact on the Marines would be even greater.
"Remember, Atox Betrayed the Marines.
It has nothing to do with the Celestial Dragons."
Sengoku's expression turned serious and stern.
The Truth had to be concealed, not only for the World Government but also for the Marines.
The impact of Atox's Betrayal was far less than the impact on the Marines if it was revealed that Atox Betrayed because of the Celestial Dragons' actions.
The current Development of the Marines was on an upward trend.
At this critical Time, they could not afford to be shaken.
Once it was exposed, the impact on the Marines would be extremely negative.
Although this was somewhat unfair to Atox, Sengoku had to do it.
For the Big Picture of the Marines, this was clearly the best approach.
Everyone present could understand the meaning behind Sengoku's words.
Although it was somewhat cold and heartless, it was the reality.
Fleet Admiral "Steel Bone" Kong did not speak, which was equivalent to supporting Sengoku's decision.
Although Sengoku was currently only an Admiral, he already undoubtedly possessed the Power of a Fleet Admiral.
Kong had been Supporting Sengoku's Growth to become a qualified Fleet Admiral.
Now, his presence was more like providing a safety net for Sengoku.
To be honest, Sengoku could become Fleet Admiral at any Time; he already had the Qualification and Ability.
However, the somewhat awkward situation was that Sengoku was currently the only Marine Admiral.
Once Sengoku was Promoted to Fleet Admiral, there would be no Admiral left in the Marines.
Garp had no interest in the Admiral position.
Although Zephyr held the Military Rank of Admiral, his Energy was focused on the Elite Training Camp.
He also had no interest in becoming an Admiral again.
Over the years, he had seen enough to understand many things.
Therefore, until a new generation of Marine Admiral appeared, Sengoku could not become Fleet Admiral, and he had to personally handle many matters, such as the apprehension of Atox this time.
Over the years, Kong's heart had long become as hard as Steel.
He had actually seen this kind of thing many times.
Especially before the Rise of the Rocks Pirates, when Great Sea was slightly more Peaceful, such situations occurred frequently, because at that Time, the Celestial Dragons were also more Active.
He had also felt helpless and hesitant, but he had long been able to Endure it, and his inner Conviction in Justice would not waver.
Advisor Tsuru sighed, also tacitly agreeing to Sengoku's decision.
Even with great Wisdom, in the face of some matters, one was Powerless.
Facing such an outcome, Zephyr was clearly unable to Accept it.
He left in anger, choosing only to avoid the situation.
(end of chapter)
There was still half a month until the official start of the second Sword Tournament.
The Pirate in the New World were no longer causing trouble, and the Marines' World Conscription was ongoing.
Every day, many people arrived at the recruitment locations to join the Marines, providing New Blood for the organization.
Everything seemed to be flourishing.
Marine Headquarters was also preparing, training New Recruits while planning to first Clear Out the Pirate in those Area.
More importantly, the Elite Training Camp was being held again.
Navy Chief Instructor Black Arm Zephyr had recovered his spirits.
Zephyr's appearance was a shot in the arm for Marine Headquarters, as if they suddenly had a reliable backing.
However, at this time, a major incident suddenly occurred, casting a shadow over the Marines' Development.
A Celestial Dragons had died, killed on his way back from a Member Nation.
In the Marine Conference Room, the atmosphere was extremely heavy.
Fleet Admiral Kong, Admiral Sengoku, Advisor Tsuru, and the recovered "Black Arm" Zephyr were all present.
This matter was too significant.
In the past, if a Celestial Dragons was killed by Pirate or died during War, no one would say much.
But this time was different, because the one who struck was none other than the current Marine Rear Admiral Atox.
"What should we do?"
Seeing the silent crowd, Advisor Tsuru spoke up.
"I don't know.
The Celestial Dragons are already applying pressure on us."
"But... it's such a pity."
Sengoku intertwined his fingers, shook his head, and then sighed.
That's right, it was a great pity.
This was also the thought of everyone else present.
How could such an outstanding Marines not make people feel regret?
Zephyr was present because Atox was a student he thought very highly of.
It had to be admitted that the first Elite Training Camp had the highest Quality of students in history.
Not only did it have the three most famous Monster, Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Dragon, but also many young Geniuses like Kyle, Shirek, and Moles.
Atox was also one of them, someone who could rank in the top ten.
After Graduation, he had also accumulated abundant Military Achievements, capturing a large number of Pirate, and had even survived two brutal Bloody Battles.
During the War, he had also Killed several Pirate with considerable Reputation.
Such a young Marines, only twenty-seven years old, could completely become a Marine Vice Admiral.
His Future prospects were bright, and he was a key target for the Marines to Cultivate.
He was now considered one of the Marine High Command.
Yet, no one expected such a thing to happen suddenly.
"That damned fellow made us lose an excellent Marines."
Zephyr slammed his palm down on the table in anger.
The sequence of events was actually not complicated.
A Celestial Dragons from the Nerona Family had gone to a Member Nation in the North Blue some time ago.
On his way back, he passed by a Small Island and, on a whim, sent people to Kill most of the Resident on the Island.
Only a small number of people survived.
Although it was difficult to understand the Celestial Dragons' thought process, that was just how Celestial Dragons were.
They did whatever they pleased, and there were quite a few Kingdom that had been destroyed because of them.
However, that Small Island was Atox's hometown.
Having no Sense of Awe towards the Celestial Dragons to begin with, he received the news from his hometown immediately.
Atox, in his fury, intercepted and Killed this Celestial Dragons on The Great Sea beforehand.
That was the course of events.
A Marines who was dedicated to Justice had thus become a Criminal.
No one said Atox did anything wrong.
But now, he had become an Enemy of the Marines.
The World Government was applying pressure, and the Celestial Dragons were also applying pressure.
Having experienced Bloody Battles, they were even more aware of how powerful the Energy and Strength possessed by the Celestial Dragons were.
Atox was naturally aware of this as well.
But he still did it, which meant he had made his Resolve.
"Regardless, we need to give the Government an explanation.
First, apprehend Atox and imprison him in Impel Down.
Try our best to prevent him from falling into the hands of the Celestial Dragons."
Sengoku rubbed his temples, then said calmly.
No matter what, the incident had already occurred.
Killing a Celestial Dragons was something many people wanted to do but dared not.
But this was a Taboo of the World Government.
Even just being subjected to a Threat required sending out a Marine Admiral, one of the Marines' Highest Combat Power.
Let alone directly Killing a Celestial Dragons.
Currently, there was only one Marine Admiral, Sengoku, which meant he had to take action himself.
Sengoku naturally knew Atox, this junior, this outstanding rising star within the Marines, very well.
He was a very excellent young Marines, who led by example, had a rigorous style, and held Justice in his heart.
Yet, he was ruined by this small "accident."
One could only say that life was unpredictable, and there was a sense of powerlessness.
They had already witnessed the Strength of the World Noble.
If Atox fell into their hands, he might have a chance to survive, but if he fell into the hands of the Celestial Dragons, it would be a fate worse than death.
They could only do their best.
The news had been completely Blockaded.
This malicious incident was sealed off immediately.
Since Atox acted alone, not many people knew about it.
Otherwise, once the news spread, the impact on the Marines would be even greater.
"Remember, Atox Betrayed the Marines.
It has nothing to do with the Celestial Dragons."
Sengoku's expression turned serious and stern.
The Truth had to be concealed, not only for the World Government but also for the Marines.
The impact of Atox's Betrayal was far less than the impact on the Marines if it was revealed that Atox Betrayed because of the Celestial Dragons' actions.
The current Development of the Marines was on an upward trend.
At this critical Time, they could not afford to be shaken.
Once it was exposed, the impact on the Marines would be extremely negative.
Although this was somewhat unfair to Atox, Sengoku had to do it.
For the Big Picture of the Marines, this was clearly the best approach.
Everyone present could understand the meaning behind Sengoku's words.
Although it was somewhat cold and heartless, it was the reality.
Fleet Admiral "Steel Bone" Kong did not speak, which was equivalent to supporting Sengoku's decision.
Although Sengoku was currently only an Admiral, he already undoubtedly possessed the Power of a Fleet Admiral.
Kong had been Supporting Sengoku's Growth to become a qualified Fleet Admiral.
Now, his presence was more like providing a safety net for Sengoku.
To be honest, Sengoku could become Fleet Admiral at any Time; he already had the Qualification and Ability.
However, the somewhat awkward situation was that Sengoku was currently the only Marine Admiral.
Once Sengoku was Promoted to Fleet Admiral, there would be no Admiral left in the Marines.
Garp had no interest in the Admiral position.
Although Zephyr held the Military Rank of Admiral, his Energy was focused on the Elite Training Camp.
He also had no interest in becoming an Admiral again.
Over the years, he had seen enough to understand many things.
Therefore, until a new generation of Marine Admiral appeared, Sengoku could not become Fleet Admiral, and he had to personally handle many matters, such as the apprehension of Atox this time.
Over the years, Kong's heart had long become as hard as Steel.
He had actually seen this kind of thing many times.
Especially before the Rise of the Rocks Pirates, when Great Sea was slightly more Peaceful, such situations occurred frequently, because at that Time, the Celestial Dragons were also more Active.
He had also felt helpless and hesitant, but he had long been able to Endure it, and his inner Conviction in Justice would not waver.
Advisor Tsuru sighed, also tacitly agreeing to Sengoku's decision.
Even with great Wisdom, in the face of some matters, one was Powerless.
Facing such an outcome, Zephyr was clearly unable to Accept it.
He left in anger, choosing only to avoid the situation.
(end of chapter)
