In the eyes of many, even though Jazz was just a kid, he had already been openly designated as Ronglin's successor. This trip to Zou for sightseeing alone made that clear. Alliance Leader Ronglin had not even brought a personal bodyguard, taking only Jazz aboard with him. It was clearly another move to highlight Jazz's status.
Jazz was now the undisputed next Alliance Leader of the Star Alliance. He represented Ronglin. The Nebula's pursuit of the enemy was obviously a lone and dangerous operation, and catching up to provide support was the most important thing. Not only had Hawkins failed to provide support, he had instead concentrated his forces on wiping out the remaining enemy troops. This enraged those who supported Jazz.
"Alliance Leader! Hawkins is being far too presumptuous! He actually disregarded Lord Jazz's safety!" someone complained to Ronglin about Hawkins.
Ronglin watched the changes on the battlefield and nodded. "In theory, protecting Jazz is indeed very important. But realistically speaking, the Second Fleet couldn't catch up to the Nebula anyway. Rather than letting another remnant enemy force escape while still failing to catch up to the Nebula, it would be better to give up on supporting the Nebula and turn to annihilate the enemy remnants. If it were me, I would do the same."
"But..." Everyone was rendered speechless. They had only spoken out of concern for Jazz, but now that Ronglin, the person most concerned about Jazz, approved of Hawkins's decision, they had nothing more to say.
"Enough. Momousagi is guarding Jazz. What are you afraid of?" Ronglin smiled. "Withdraw all the escort ships around the Starry! Concentrate all firepower on annihilating the enemy. I don't think anyone would be foolish enough to try attacking the Starry!"
Well, that settled it. They had just lost their duty