02 / A — The character’s story
The officer who walked away
What remains of a conviction after losing the right to lead?
The story here runs through Kuzan’s departure from the Navy.
Aokiji
An admiral made of ice.
Kuzan serves the Navy as Admiral Aokiji, using the Ice-Ice Fruit to freeze his surroundings and transform his own body. His power can bring movement to a sudden halt, giving him an imposing place among the officers enforcing the Government’s order.
Succession
A disagreement becomes a contest.
After Sengoku steps down, Kuzan fights Sakazuki for command of the Navy. The contest puts the institution’s future in the hands of two officers who cannot simply share its highest command.
Departure
Leaving the uniform behind.
Kuzan loses to Sakazuki and leaves the Navy. Defeat therefore changes more than his rank: the officer who might have led the organisation must continue without the position that once defined his place in the world.
