"Ahem... Crocodile, you can put me down now."
Michael lowered his voice as he spoke to Crocodile.
"Didn't you just fight Garling to a standstill? Look at your wounds, look at your pale face. As your subordinate, how could I just leave you ?"
"...I understand what you're saying, but couldn't you choose a different method? The princess carry is a bit too much."
"Can't blame me for this one—it's our height difference."
Crocodile shrugged, but the motion caused her impressive bust to press forward slightly.
But he didn't want to enjoy it in front of everyone.
So he needed to break this situation quickly.
The pale-faced Michael suddenly twisted his body, struggling free from Crocodile's embrace.
Then using Morning Star to support himself, he stepped one foot at a time toward the plaintiff's seat.
Spandam locked eyes with Michael, and Michael could actually see... gratitude in the other man's expression?
Michael raised an eyebrow slightly—this kid must really be under tremendous pressure.
He was actually hoping Michael would cause an even bigger scene to cover up his numerous mistakes.
Although Michael didn't like Spandine and Spandam as individuals, in a way, they were the perfect CP agent to keep alive in his opinion.
Because they were both stupid and evil, yet deeply beloved and trusted by the Celestial Dragons.
With so many CP dying under Figarland Garling's command, Spandam would likely continue being favored.
Having such "brilliant" talents in their ranks—the World Government should be secretly delighted... absolutely thrilled beyond measure.
"You... mind moving aside?" Michael's hoarse voice rang out—not loud, but echoing clearly in the silent open-air courtroom.
"Ah! Yes yes yes... please take the seat."
Spandam acted as if granted amnesty, quickly vacating the plaintiff's seat and even wiping the chair clean before leaving.
Then he retreated to stand beside the senior Marine officers.
This was where he'd been sitting before the trial began.
Michael turned to look at the senior Marine officers directly behind the plaintiff's seat, giving them a slight nod to indicate he was fine.
Then facing forward again, he spoke through the microphone:
"Hello everyone, I'm the Marine Grand Inspector who was speaking here earlier—'Silver Falcon' Michael."
"It should be obvious that I've just been through a fierce battle. I'm one of the luckier ones, barely managing to make it here."
"And what's truly heartbreaking is that many CP agents have permanently closed their eyes because of this incident… including the flagship of the Five Elders and two-thirds of the support ships being completely destroyed…"
"The one responsible for this atrocity is none other than the once-respected Saint Figarland Garling!"
"As the supreme commander of God's Knights, he inexplicably launched a devastating attack on the fleet, showing no regard for the CP agents aboard!"
"It was only after a brutal fight and a well-timed ambush that I managed to defeat Saint Garling!"
"The reason I've come here now is to formally charge Saint Garling and bring him to Judgement!"
"I will seek justice for those fallen CP agents!"
Michael's voice trembled slightly, his eyes brimming with tears, radiating an unmistakable righteousness.
Of course, when he mentioned seeking justice for the CP agents, some people immediately understood…
This kid was planning to stir up trouble.
First were the high-ranking Marines.
Seeing Michael's condition, they instinctively rose to their feet, ready to rush forward and assess the situation.
Michael was absolutely indispensable now—the future of the Marines depended on him. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹•𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒•𝙣𝙚𝙩
Then there were the Five Elders.
Though Michael had always considered them less than brilliant, if they momentarily set aside the arrogance brought by their unnaturally long lifespans, their wisdom undoubtedly far surpassed that of ordinary people.
They could see at a glance that while Michael's wounds were deep enough to expose bone, they were practically inconsequential.
Compared to Figarland Garling lying on the ground, Michael might not even qualify as lightly injured.
On top of that, Michael was using the "CP organization" as his rallying cry.
Everyone present knew full well that Michael had never gotten along with the World Government's people.
But even if they thought that, once Michael made his declaration in front of everyone, they had no choice but to hold their tongues.
After all, as the Marines began showing signs of breaking free from the World Government's control, the Five Elders had come to rely more heavily on the CP organization.
Many operatives originally intended to bolster the Regional Justice Faction through the World Military Draft had, after careful consideration, been reassigned to the CP spy network instead.
From CP1 to CP9—even the legendary CP0—the organization had never been stronger than in recent years.
That was also why they had approved Spandam's plan to lure the enemy away, sending CP9's elite geniuses undercover.
Figarland Garling had wiped out so many CP agents in one fell swoop.
How could the Five Elders not be furious?
And they didn't doubt Michael's account.
After all, since he was pressing charges, he must have ample witnesses and evidence.
Not to mention, the Five Elders knew Figarland Garling well enough…
He was absolutely capable of something .
"W-what? Vice Admiral Michael! Are you saying… Saint Garling slaughtered CP agents?"
Chief Judge Baskerville, who had just declared the shipwright Tom innocent, now had all three of his heads sweating profusely...
Wasn't this going too far?
How could they possibly have the right to judge a legendary figure among the Celestial Dragons?
After taking a sharp breath, they once again looked toward Michael.
Truthfully, they didn't want to be dragged into the conflict between Michael and the Five Elders.
"It's alright, Chief Judge Baskerville. I'm sure the Five Elders would also like to know why Figarland Garling suddenly went mad and slaughtered so many CP spies."
Hearing Michael's words, Baskerville instinctively looked up at the Five Elders seated above.
Catching a faint nod from them, Baskerville closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Then he raised his gavel once more.
"Plaintiff: Marine Grand Inspector, Vice Admiral 'Silver Falcon' Michael!"
"Defendant: Supreme Commander of God's Knights, Saint Figarland Garling!"
"According to the plaintiff's accusation, the defendant went berserk and massacred members of the CP spy organization, severely injuring the plaintiff who attempted to intervene!"
"Plaintiff and defendant, take your seats! Court is now in session!"
Meanwhile, "Big News" Morgans, seated not far away, was scribbling excitedly.
"Shocking! A Celestial Dragon Actually Did This!"