Chapter 6: A Verbal Jab at Absolute Justice

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Selene strode gracefully through the halls of Marineford, her long coat trailing behind her. As always, her movements were fluid and calm, but her sharp mind never rested. She knew the tides of the Marines were shifting, and the philosophy of Absolute Justice—preached by Fleet Admiral Sakazuki (Akainu)—loomed like a storm cloud over the entire Navy.

The idea of justice through unrelenting force and sacrifice never sat well with Selene. Justice was about more than just power. She had seen too many good Marines lose their way, chasing victory at the cost of everything else. To her, justice wasn't about sacrifices; it was about responsibility, care, and precise action.

As she made her way toward the Fleet Admiral's office, Selene spotted none other than Akainu himself striding down the corridor in her direction. His presence radiated power and control, and his expression—perpetually etched in a scowl—darkened as soon as he noticed her.

"Admiral Selene," he said curtly, his deep voice filled with disapproval. "Your presence is overdue for a debrief."

Selene gave him a charming smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Apologies, Fleet Admiral. I was too busy... not getting my people killed."

Akainu's eyes narrowed, and the tension in the hallway grew thick. "Justice demands sacrifices. That is the only way to ensure order."

Selene tilted her head slightly, as if amused by his words. "Ah, yes—'Absolute Justice,'" she said, her voice light and playful, but with a razor-sharp undertone. "I always forget how eager you are to trade lives for your ideals."

Akainu's expression hardened. "It is the duty of every Marine to lay down their life for the cause of justice. Hesitation is weakness."

Selene chuckled softly, the sound like a cat toying with a cornered mouse. "Is that what you tell yourself every time someone dies under your command?" She let the words hang in the air for a moment, her amber eyes gleaming. "Seems to me like Absolute Justice is just a fancy way of saying, 'I'm okay with losing.'"

Akainu's fists clenched, the air around him seeming to grow hotter. "Careful, Selene. Your words tread dangerously close to insubordination."

Selene stepped closer, her gaze unwavering and sharp. "No, Fleet Admiral. My words tread dangerously close to the truth." She gave him a slow, deliberate smile. "You see, you keep throwing lives into the fire, thinking it'll win the war. But the funny thing about fire..." She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a smooth, almost dangerous whisper. "It burns out when there's nothing left to feed it."

Akainu's scowl deepened, the magma beneath his skin barely contained. "Only the weak hesitate, Selene."

Selene straightened, her smile calm and unbothered. "Only the careless make sacrifices without thinking, Sakazuki." She folded her arms, her playful demeanor masking a sharp edge. "The difference between us? I don't need to sacrifice anyone to win. I don't play with pieces—I protect them. That's real justice."

The two admirals stood locked in silent tension, their opposing philosophies hanging heavily in the air between them. Selene's gaze remained steady—calm, confident, and utterly unapologetic—while Akainu's eyes burned with frustration, though he kept his fury in check.

Finally, Selene gave him a small, polite bow, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Good talk, Fleet Admiral. Let me know if you ever want to discuss... real justice."

With that, she turned on her heel and strolled away without a care, her heeled boots clicking rhythmically on the stone floor.

End of Chapter 6: Shadows vs. Fire

As Selene disappeared down the corridor, Akainu stood rooted to the spot, his rage simmering beneath the surface. He despised Selene's playful attitude and hated how her words cut deeper than most. She had dared to challenge his belief in Absolute Justice—and, worst of all, she wasn't wrong.

For her part, Selene continued walking, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. She never cared much for empty ideals. Justice, in her mind, was about protecting those you care about—not throwing them away in the name of power. Let Akainu burn as many bridges as he wanted—she would always win in the shadows.

Because, at the end of the day, justice wasn't a flame. It was a blade—and Selene wielded hers with precision.

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