Twilight's End A New Dawn

Chapter 21: Outrage and Fallout - A Fire Too Reckless

The world's reaction to Akainu's attack on Selene "The Moonblade" went far beyond whispers of intrigue—it ignited outrage and discontent across many circles. The live broadcast of the war revealed a troubling truth: Akainu, the champion of Absolute Justice, had recklessly attacked one of the Navy's own elite in the heat of battle.

Within the Navy: Outrage Spreads

The Marines themselves were divided. For many soldiers, Selene wasn't just another admiral—she was a symbol of reason and leadership, someone who inspired loyalty not through fear, but through trust and precision. The sight of Akainu turning his rage toward her struck a deep chord among them.

"How dare he attack her like that?" one Marine seethed, fists clenched. "Selene's the only one holding this place together!""That's not justice," another muttered bitterly. "That's madness.""If Akainu's willing to turn on Selene, who's next?" one officer whispered to a friend. "How long until he comes for us?"

For those disillusioned by Akainu's brutal methods, the attack on Selene confirmed their worst fears: Akainu's pursuit of Absolute Justice was reckless, dangerous, and uncontrollable. Many Marines began to question their future in the Navy, wondering if they could continue serving under such volatile leadership.

The Marines Loyal to Selene

Among the officers closest to Selene, the anger was even more palpable.

Lieutenant Ren, Selene's second-in-command, paced furiously on the deck of The Umbra, her fists clenched. "That bastard tried to kill her!""He won't get away with this," another Marine swore quietly, glaring in the direction of Marineford. "Selene's the reason half of us are still standing—and this is how she's repaid?"

Many within the Navy began to shift their loyalty further toward Selene, viewing her as the calm, rational leader they needed. Whispers began to circulate—"If Selene were Fleet Admiral, things would be different."

The Supernovas and Pirates: Fury and Fascination

Even pirates and criminals couldn't help but react to the reckless attack on Selene. They had fought the Navy for years, but Selene had always been different—a Marine who fought fairly, who didn't kill needlessly, and who saved lives even when she didn't have to.

"Akainu's lost his mind," Eustass Kid growled, slamming his fist against the railing of his ship. "Attacking his own just to prove a point? He's a damn fool.""The Navy's falling apart," Trafalgar Law mused, his gaze sharp. "If they're turning on each other like this, it's only a matter of time before the whole thing crumbles."

For many pirates, Selene's presence on the battlefield had been a source of frustration—she was an obstacle, but one they respected. Akainu's attack violated even the unspoken rules of war, and that made him a target of both anger and mockery.

The Revolutionary Army: A Fire in the Cracks

Within the Revolutionary Army, the attack was seen as the final sign of the Navy's impending collapse.

"Akainu's actions have exposed their weakness," Dragon said calmly, his piercing gaze locked on the reports from Marineford. "The cracks are spreading—and now even their admirals are at each other's throats.""If Selene leaves the Navy," Sabo added with a hint of hope, "the Navy will split—and that's the chance we've been waiting for."

The revolutionaries knew that the fallout from Akainu's attack could tip the balance of power in their favor. If Selene were to walk away, she would take half the Navy with her—leaving the World Government vulnerable to revolution.

In Mariejois: The Elders' Displeasure

In the halls of Mariejois, the Five Elders sat in simmering frustration, their patience with Akainu wearing thin.

"That fool has overstepped," one Elder muttered angrily, slamming his hand on the table. "Attacking Selene in front of the whole world? He's jeopardized everything.""The world has seen the cracks in our unity," another added, his tone grim. "If we lose Selene, the Navy will fracture—and the Revolutionary Army will seize the opportunity."

They knew that Akainu's obsession with Absolute Justice was becoming a liability. But removing him would spark rebellion within the Navy, and losing Selene would be equally catastrophic.

"We need Selene to stay," the eldest among them said quietly. "Without her, the balance will fall apart."Civilians and Allied Kingdoms: A Crisis of Faith

Across the seas, civilians and leaders of allied nations watched in shock and horror as the clash between Akainu and Selene played out live. For many, Selene was a beacon of hope—one of the few Marines who still embodied fairness and justice. Seeing her attacked by a fellow admiral shattered their faith in the Navy.

"If even Selene isn't safe from the Navy's madness," one kingdom's ruler muttered grimly, "how can we trust them to protect us?""The Navy was supposed to represent justice," a merchant whispered to his wife. "But now they're just fighting among themselves."

Many began to question their loyalty to the World Government, wondering if the Navy could still be trusted to maintain peace—or if it was time to seek new alliances.

Selene's Reflection: A Path Unfolds

Back on the battlefield, Selene stood quietly amid the chaos, her expression unreadable. The shockwaves from Akainu's attack on her were spreading across the world, but Selene remained as calm as ever.

She knew that the fire would burn itself out eventually. And when it did, the shadows she cast would remain. The Navy's unity was already crumbling, and Akainu had only hastened the inevitable.

"The world is watching," Selene thought, her amber eyes flickering with quiet understanding. "And soon, they'll see who's really worth following."

End of Chapter 21: The Fire Burns Too Hot

As the War of Marineford raged on, the world had witnessed the fracture within the Navy, and outrage against Akainu's actions spread like wildfire. Selene 'The Moonblade' stood at the center of it all, unmoved by the chaos but quietly calculating her next move.

The world had seen the fire consume everything in its path—but shadows never burned. And Selene knew that the time was coming when she would have to decide: stay in the crumbling structure of the Navy, or walk away and forge her own path.

Because the fire had grown too reckless—and shadows always knew when to leave.