"Why would the Holy Land issue an order like this?"
Unaware that Austin had already joined forces with the Five Elders, the Marines still regarded Austin's crew as their greatest hypothetical enemy.
They held meetings to discuss how the Marines would respond to the threat Austin and the others posed to the seas if the World Government ever lifted its restrictions.
But Kong knew a little more. As someone about to lay down his burden and take up a post in the Holy Land,
he was aware of certain developments. After all, Austin was someone the World Government had repeatedly shown consideration for. As a Marine who could speak directly with the Five Elders, Kong had long smelled that something was different.
Thus, he stopped Brannew from continuing his analysis of Austin's crew and had him move directly on to the next item.
Brannew did not dare object. He simply nodded and began discussing the next matter.
"As everyone knows, the World Government's new session of the Reverie among its member nations is about to begin. The burden of guarding it still rests heavily on the Marines."
"Colonel Meichuan Neiku, responsible for the North Blue..."
"Brigadier General Hikawa Okasaka, responsible for the South Blue..."
"..."
"Next are Vice Admiral Sakazuki, Vice Admiral Kuzan, and Vice Admiral Borsalino..."
The moment Brannew began reading out the final item, the Marine officers below erupted into an uproar and began discussing it among themselves.
"What?!"
"The three Admiral candidates are escorting one nation? Not even a major country like Alabasta receives such treatment!"
"Yeah, this is far too unusual!!!"
As the people involved, the three simply sat quietly in place, showing little reaction.
Borsalino sipped tea with pursed lips, Sakazuki folded his arms with his cap shadowing his face, and Kuzan looked listless and