Although Akainu had regained his composure, it was quickly shattered. The people he contacted across the four battlefields soon brought him dreadful news.
"Vice Admiral Sakazuki, the communications team reports that they cannot reach the eastern, western, or southern battlefields." A Marine colonel entered Akainu's office aboard the warship. After saluting, he reported with an extremely grim expression.
Akainu's face darkened as he shouted, "How is that possible!"
"Out of so many officers, not a single one can be contacted?"
"That is indeed the case for now. The Den Den Mushi are unanswered. They may be locked in fierce battle and unable to spare the time."
"That still isn't right. With so many Marine officers, it's impossible that not one of them can be reached..." Akainu's expression shifted uncertainly. "Go relay my orders."
"First, have the communications team continue contacting every battlefield, with priority given to the southern battlefield."
"Second, have the communications team expand the communication range to include personnel below officer rank."
"If there is no contact information, have the communications team ask the officers and soldiers aboard the warships. They must have friends on the other battlefields."
"Find out what is happening on the other battlefields as quickly as possible, especially the southern battlefield."
"Yes."
After the Marine colonel left, Akainu's expression remained unsettled. Something felt wrong, and a terrible sense of foreboding rose in his heart.
A quarter of an hour later, hurried footsteps sounded. The same Marine colonel barged in without even knocking, his face full of anxiety and panic. Panting heavily, he tried to speak.
Akainu usually placed great importance on rules, but he did not hold his subordinate's breach of conduct against him now. Instead, he urged, "What is the situation? Have you contacted the other battlefields?"
"Vice Admiral Sakazuki, something terrible has