Why did Aokiji resign as admiral and leave the Marines?

Aokiji, also known as Kuzan, was a renowned admiral in the Marine Forces and a key figure in the storyline of One Piece. However, he surprisingly resigned from his position and left the Marines. In this text, we will delve into the reasons behind Aokiji’s departure.

**Background: The Ice Admiral**

Aokiji was appointed as an admiral by the Marine Headquarters due to his exceptional abilities in controlling ice. He was a formidable opponent and a valuable asset to the Marines. His tenure as an admiral was marked by his involvement in several significant events, including the search for the Void Century’s lost technology and the Battle of Marineford.

The Incident at Impel Down

Aokiji’s resignation was triggered by an incident that took place during his visit to Impel Down, the maximum-security prison. He had gone there to retrieve a certain prisoner – Crocodile, who had infiltrated the Marines and was a wanted criminal. During this mission, Aokiji discovered that the warden, Maggose, was using the prisoners for his own experiments.

The Confrontation with Maggose

Upon learning about the unethical treatments of the prisoners, Aokiji confronted Maggose and demanded an explanation. However, instead of apologizing or justifying his actions, Maggose revealed that he had been acting under the orders of Admiral Akainu. Aokiji was shocked and disappointed by this revelation as he considered Akainu to be a trustworthy friend.

The Impact on Aokiji’s Decision

Aokiji couldn’t ignore the suffering of the prisoners and decided that he could no longer serve under an admiral who would allow such atrocities to occur. He tendered his resignation, expressing his dissatisfaction with the Marine Forces’ treatment of their own people.

The Aftermath

Aokiji’s departure from the Marines was a significant event in One Piece’s storyline as it highlighted the complex nature of the organization and its members’ motivations. It also opened up opportunities for new alliances and developments within the series.

In conclusion, Aokiji resigned as admiral and left the Marines due to his discovery of the unethical treatment of prisoners at Impel Down, which was being carried out under the orders of Admiral Akainu. This incident shook Aokiji’s faith in the Marine Forces, compelling him to leave in protest.