Rayleigh, Gaban, and Saul.
These three were all remnants of the Roger Pirates.
But in terms of the significance of their execution, they were inferior to the already-deceased Whitebeard and Roger's surviving bloodline, Fire Fist Ace.
That was true, but if Rayleigh, Gaban, and Saul were publicly executed, it would still have a considerable deterrent effect on the seas.
That was precisely the meaning of a public execution.
But the problem was—
These three had an unbreakably close relationship with Maud.
If Marine Headquarters decided to publicly execute Rayleigh and the other two, it would inevitably draw a massive attack from Maud.
Even the Four Emperors' Red-Haired would not stand idly by.
In that case, Marine Headquarters would have to gather forces from all over the world once again, or launch another World Military Draft, in preparation for a full-scale assault by the Maud Pirates and the Red-Haired Pirates.
Relying on the advantages of favorable terrain and popular support, Marine Headquarters was confident it could eliminate all its enemies, including the Maud Pirates, in a public execution.
But if the Red-Haired Pirates also became involved, the outcome would be difficult to predict.
Even if they achieved victory, it would be a Pyrrhic victory that Marine Headquarters absolutely could not accept.
In the first place, ever since the war at Marineford had ended, Marine Headquarters' priority should have been to recover as quickly as possible and build up enough strength to continue maintaining order.
Provoking the hostility of the Maud Pirates and the Red-Haired Pirates at such a critical juncture would be extremely unwise.
Not to mention that Maud held the lives of three Celestial Dragons in his hands.
Therefore, even if Akainu decided to eliminate the criminals at any cost, he probably would not receive the World Government's support.
This