When Flevance was mentioned, Sakazuki instinctively lit another cigarette, but upon seeing Monet and Jake, he extinguished it immediately.
His voice grew somber.
"Jake's deduction isn't wrong. Among the Marine Headquarters vice admirals, we held a special meeting—a high-level conference regarding Flevance. During that meeting, we received the full analysis of the 'Amber lead Disease' from the World Government and the Marine Headquarters Science Division."
"And in that meeting, the conclusions were nearly identical to what Jake just theorized."
Hearing Sakazuki's words, Monet felt both confusion and shock.
Unable to hold back, she asked.
"If the World Government and the Marines knew the truth back then, why didn't they stop the neighboring countries from invading Flevance or send medical aid?!"
Sakazuki didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he turned his gaze to Jake and said slowly.
"Jake, speak your mind. It's just the three of us here—no one will take offense at what you say."
Hearing this, Jake instinctively looked up.
Upon seeing Sakazuki's extremely stern face, he nodded slightly, took a deep breath and said.
"Although this might damage the reputation of the Marine and the World Government, I'll boldly share my humble opinion."
"Those countries that attacked Flevance most likely had some secret agreement with the World Government or the Marine. By attacking Flevance, they illegally seized the wealth accumulated by its citizens, sold off its population, stone materials, resources and anything else of value for profit. While gaining massive benefits, they would hand over a portion to the World Government."
"That portion would serve as an extra contribution to the World Government beyond the Celestial Tribute. In turn, the World Government would use military funding to pressure the Marine into turning a blind eye or restricting their actions. After all, to the World Government, a bankrupt small nation that has outlived its usefulness has only one remaining purpose—to be drained of its last remaining resources."
"So, based on my speculation, the World Government and the Marine were fully aware of the truth behind Flevance's suffering but chose to allow the tragedy to unfold..."
At this point, Jake slightly raised his head and looked at Sakazuki, who was sitting in his chair with a dark, silent expression.
Although Sakazuki had told him to speak freely, Jake still felt uneasy after saying such things.
After all, Akainu's justice was absolute and extreme, leaving no room for even the slightest trace of evil.
His words might very well be interpreted as signs of disobedience.
Meanwhile, Monet lowered her head, her expression dazed.
Jake's words had shaken her long-held beliefs.
"Jake."
At the sound of Sakazuki's slightly somber voice, Jake stiffened slightly and immediately responded.
"Yes!"
The next moment, Sakazuki's expression softened a little and he sighed before saying.
"You guessed correctly. You're very smart—almost as smart as Fleet Admiral Sengoku. No, the fact that you could piece together the entire truth of Flevance from just fragments in the newspapers makes you even more better than Sengoku. Even without that Devil Fruit ability, you would still become someone not to be underestimated. But I want to ask you—how do you view this matter?"
Hearing Sakazuki's words, Jake felt slightly relieved.
He knew he had passed the most difficult hurdle.
As long as what he said next wasn't too radical, there wouldn't be any issues.
After some thought, Jake replied.
"It's a forced compromise with reality."
"I'd like you to elaborate."
"Simply put, it's because the Marine has no choice but to yield to the World Government—a result of this world's fundamental operating system."
At this point, Jake glanced at Sakazuki's furrowed brows again and quickly explained.
"Most of the Marine Headquarters' military funding comes from allocations by the World Government. This fact alone clearly shows that the Marines' actions are actually heavily restricted by the World Government. Both Flevance and several surrounding nations are member states. When it comes to internal unrest or rebellions within member states, the Marines cannot take independent action without permission from the World Government."
"Aside from direct pirate attacks on nations, where the Marines have the right to intervene, even if pirates instigate internal turmoil, as long as pirates aren't personally involved, the Marines cannot act independently."
"Crossing that line would be a provocation against the World Government. If substantial military funding were cut as a result, the Marines would be left fragmented—struggling not just to uphold justice, but even to sustain themselves."
"Therefore, to ensure the normal operation of Marine Headquarters and to protect justice across the vast majority of the seas, there are times when justice in certain regions must be deemed expendable. Harsh as it may be, that is the reality—so long as the Marines remain under the World Government's—"
At this point, Sakazuki's voice cut in, abruptly halting Jake's words.
"Enough! Jake! You've raised my expectations of you yet again. Your perspective surpasses mine—and many senior Marines—in certain aspects. But some matters aren't yours to discuss yet. Now, one final question: Are you aware that the family led by Doflamingo is currently in Flevance?"
Hearing this, Jake nodded slightly and replied.
"Yes. It's territory controlled by the Donquixote Family. And my relationship with that man, Doflamingo, is... particularly hostile."
"Then why did you agree to my request?"
"Because if you're sending Monet and me there, you wouldn't let us die. I trust you, Vice Admiral Sakazuki!"
Seeing Jake's resolute expression, Sakazuki's smile bloomed brighter than ever before.