Twilight's End A New Dawn

Chapter 9: The Hidden Risk - A Navy Divided, A World Unraveled

The room within Mariejois remained eerily quiet, the weight of the discussion pressing down on the Five Elders. The mere idea of eliminating Selene "The Moonblade" carried terrifying consequences—not just for the Navy, but for the entire balance of the world.

The Elders exchanged grim looks. Ending Selene would not be a simple matter of silencing a rogue admiral. Her influence, her reputation, and the lives she had saved were woven into the very fabric of the Navy and beyond.

Selene's Reach Across the Navy and the World

"She's saved too many lives," the mustached Elder said gravely, resting his hands on the table. "And not just among the Marines—entire nations owe their survival to her."

The Elder with the sword nodded. "Selene's not like Sakazuki. She protects more than just the law. She's earned the loyalty of civilians and officers alike. If we move against her..." He trailed off, but the implications were clear.

Another Elder spoke, his voice low and deliberate. "There would be a split within the Navy. A fracture we could not repair."

It was an undeniable truth: Selene's leadership was a lifeline for those who believed in measured, compassionate justice. Many Marines, disillusioned by Akainu's ruthless policies, followed Selene's lead—not out of rebellion, but because she represented the kind of justice they still believed in.

And if Selene were to be eliminated or betrayed by the World Government, those same Marines wouldn't hesitate to turn their backs on the Navy.

The Danger of a Fractured Navy

"If we end Selene, we risk more than just her loyalists defecting," the bald Elder said darkly. "There will be chaos within the ranks. Marines will be forced to choose between the ideals of Selene and Sakazuki—and the choice won't be easy."

"Many would leave the Marines altogether," the mustached Elder added grimly. "And those who stay might turn on each other. We would see factions forming—a civil war within the Navy. And we would be left with a force that's shattered, weakened, and vulnerable."

The Elder with the sword rested his hands on the table. "And that would be just the beginning."

Selene's Influence Beyond the Marines

"It's not just the Navy that we need to worry about," another Elder murmured, his voice heavy with concern. "If we eliminate her, the world itself will react."

Selene wasn't just admired within the Marine ranks—her actions had earned the trust and gratitude of countless civilians, nations, and allied forces. She had saved entire kingdoms from disaster, negotiated peace where others failed, and brought down pirates without unnecessary bloodshed.

"She's become more than just an admiral," the Elder continued. "She's a symbol. A beacon of hope for those who believe in justice without sacrifice."

"If she were to fall..." The mustached Elder leaned forward, eyes dark with understanding. "The people would lose faith—not just in us, but in the Marines."

The ripple effect would be unstoppable. Civilians would rise in protest, allied kingdoms would question the World Government's authority, and pirates and revolutionaries alike would seize the opportunity to spread chaos.

The Balance of Power Unravels

The Five Elders knew all too well that the Marines were already under strain. Akainu's extreme policies alienated many officers and citizens, and Selene's presence was the only thing keeping some semblance of balance.

"If the Navy fractures, the world will follow," one Elder said grimly. "And we'll be left without the only force capable of keeping the seas in check."

"The Revolutionary Army would grow bolder," another added. "Pirates would run rampant, sensing weakness within the Marines. Without Selene holding things together, the entire system we've built will begin to crumble."

"And if that happens..." the bald Elder with the sword said slowly, "even Sakazuki won't be able to hold it all together with brute force alone."

A Dangerous Gamble

The room fell into a heavy silence. The Five Elders knew they were caught in a dangerous game.

If they allowed Selene to continue operating freely, she could grow even more powerful, perhaps even too powerful to control.If they tried to eliminate her, they risked shattering the Navy and plunging the world into chaos.

"She walks a dangerous line," one Elder muttered. "And so do we."

Another Elder leaned back in his chair, his expression grim. "For now, we can only do one thing."

The Elders' Decision: A Delicate Balance

"Keep her close," the mustached Elder said at last. "Give her the freedom to operate on her own terms. Reward her success, tolerate her defiance... but keep her within the fold."

"We cannot afford to lose her," the Elder with the sword agreed. "If we push her away, she'll take half the Navy with her—and the rest will fall soon after."

"And if she ever shows signs of rebellion..." one Elder began darkly.

The others exchanged knowing glances. If Selene ever turned against the World Government, there would be no stopping the storm she would unleash. In that case, they would have no choice but to end her—and deal with the fallout.

But for now, Selene remained too valuable to eliminate. She was their shadow, their balance against Sakazuki's fire. She was both their asset and their greatest threat—and they would do everything in their power to keep her on their side.

A Blade on the Edge

The Five Elders rose from their seats, their expressions grave. "Monitor her closely," one said. "We cannot afford any missteps."

They knew that Selene walked the fine line between loyalty and rebellion—and that line grew thinner with every passing day. For now, they would let her operate freely, trusting that her actions would align with their goals.

But the future was uncertain. Selene was a storm waiting to break—and when it did, the world would never be the same.

~End of Chapter 9: A Shadow in the Balance...

As the Five Elders dispersed into the shadows of Mariejois, one thought lingered in each of their minds:

Selene "The Moonblade" was both their salvation and their doom.
If they kept her close, they might weather the storm.

But if they pushed her too far...

The Navy would fracture. The world would shatter. And Selene's blade would be the first to fall.