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"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Borsalino saw himself as a scholar with splendid achievement. He would write a book on his research and publish it worldwide. His name will be known as one of the geniuses ever born. It felt natural to him to pursue the path of education.
Books were his friend. Any spare time he could have - in between his struggle to survive - he would read. He's not picky on what to read, well, not that he had the option to choose. Borsalino will read any book he could find. Stacked them in his small secret place built with used wood and tarps. As the night comes, an oil lamp is enough to help him finish a book all night.
Whether he understands or not, that matter isn't important. He remembers it, the sentences, and he's bound to understand it sooner or later. He wasn't the type to do experiments or try to see what was real or not, but sometimes he finds himself trying new things just because.
That's why he's surprised when he actually passed the Marine admission test.
"Do you want to become a Marine?"
Borsalino entered on a whim. Several other kids around his age agreed to take the test when the Marines comes into town. He tried to kill time because he'd finished a stack of books.
Weirdly enough, Borsalino didn't feel like he want to quit either. As if everything is natural and he has no other choice but to follow. Borsalino relies on books for years of his life. At that time, though, somehow, he binds to follow what others say. The officer who personally invited him talked to him; Borsalino was convinced.
The Marine is interesting in its way. He'd quickly finish reading all books related to the military organization. Borsalino understood the base of it, the concept, the motto, and his new duty. In reality, he's still trying to get a grasp of it. He judged that it was best to go with the flow at first. So many things to take in. A new way to learn is by observing.
Joining the Marine wasn't as bad as he thought. He does want to bring justice into the world though it won't be easy. His homeland was the proof of it. Anyhow, Borsalino enjoyed the start of his journey as the soldier of justice.
He met an equally interesting fellow. Borsalino knows that fellow is the closest anyone can get as the perfect soldier of justice. That person is burned with incomparable passion. The fellow piqued Borsalino's interest.
"What's your name? I'm Borsalino."
"I don't want to talk to you."
A little bit later, Borsalino finds out his name. Sakazuki is his name and somehow, Borsalino imagined a massive volcano after hearing it. It fits. That one is not the type to befriend others.
Meanwhile, Borsalino had a blast. He'd taken so much knowledge from many others in the Marine. He knows everyone and is friends with all of them. He gets to know, to learn, not that different from what he used to do. And so far there's only one that's willing to discuss it with him.
"What's your vision, Borsalino?"
Sengoku is a man worth all the respect he can get. All the decisions he made all born out of heavy calculations, and precise, risk. Borsalino never had any problem following his order. Borsalino understands the meaning behind it. Though, seems like Sengoku tried to lure him out.
Borsalino isn't the type to decide stuff. If others could do it, why him? He prefers to just do what is told to him. If it's ordered then there's no way Borsalino can refuse. There's no need to refuse. He understood what lies behind the orders. He can get on board with everything.
Rescuing civilized people? Sure, it's his job to ensure the safety of those in need. Capturing a whole pirate? They're a threat, yes. Borsalino believes in the decision made by the orders above. They're above him for a reason too.
In the end, he's one of the chosen.
"Eat this fruit."
Devil fruit, a power not to underestimate. He's even got one of the strongest and with it, he could work harder. Borsalino ate it.
"You're a vice admiral now."
Borsalino remembers the hard look on Sakazuki's face. They're both vice admirals now. Time flies so fast in a blink.
He dreamed to be a scholar and now he's known as Kizaru, one of the three admirals of the Marine. He likes bananas and the monkey is smart so he's not complaining. But he finds it funny to be able to come to this point.
Now, he gets to enjoy a hot coffee while reading a book on how to tend to bonsai trees. Sakazuki won't let him near his plants if he doesn't know a thing about them.
Borsalino closed the book along with a long hum. "Why is it so hard to tend to those trees, hm?"
"It's useless to read if you can't do it."
"Well.., Sakazuki, it's because you never let me."
The silence followed by a pen scribbled on the paper was the response. Borsalino got off the couch and walked towards Sakazuki. Stand by his side.
"Are you still mad with that.., Aramaki..?"
"That fool can't be helped."
The call half an hour ago was not the loudest Sakazuki can get on the call. Yet it was definitely one of the moments where he's clearly pissed off.
"I can go fetch him," Borsalino offered. This is how it's supposed to work. To offer things and let the superiors decide.
"No." Borsalino expected the answer.
"Hmm." Borsalino glanced towards the open door of the office. Out there, someone is disobeying orders. Issho's case in Dressrosa, he can accept it Issho means well and bring no harm to the Marine. But that new other guy ignored the order just because he wants something personal? It doesn't click well with him. "You can have faith in me, Sakazuki."
"What's wrong with you?" Sakazuki rolled his eyes and their eyes met.
"I can do my job, is what I mean, you know?"
"Then do it. You haven't done any of your work paper and here you are."
"Hm, hmm." Borsalino pursed his lips in a smile when Sakazuki isn't looking at him anymore. Guess he has to start working now or Sakazuki might actually scold him. He's been kind enough to wait until he can finish the bonsai trees book. "You.. don't have to worry."
Borsalino patted Sakazuki's shoulder before he left the office. Both of them could use the time alone right now. Perhaps Borsalino was pushing himself by being there just to ease Sakazuki. Sakazuki might not need it at all.
It doesn't matter now, right?
Borsalino put his trust in Sakazuki so that he can lead the Marine through this harsh situation. He'll give Sakazuki any support of any kind.
He figured Sakazuki wasn't the type to appreciate initiative from others long ago. And that's why Borsalino knew they could get along together like perfect puzzle pieces.
The one who gives order and the one who will do it.
It's not a sinful thing to do.
"Hang on, Borsalino."
Borsalino turned around immediately, hands in pockets, leaning against the threshold. He's sending Sakazuki a look with his eyes closed.
"Yes, Sakazuki?"
"Go check on something for me."
Sakazuki didn't look at him anymore and that's the time when Borsalino feels safe to look at the Fleet Admiral. Who knows. Sakazuki might see right through him if they held eye contact for too long.
"You really like to order me around, huh?"
"Borsalino was it? You're strong. I want you to follow my plan."