Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
"What did you say?!"
The four Five Elders could not hide the shock on their faces as they looked at Akainu, who had come to report, unable to believe what they had just heard.
"Hiss..."
The swordsman Elder suddenly sucked in a breath. While wiping his weapon, he had accidentally cut his finger on the blade.
Akainu's face darkened at this. He took a deep breath.
"We searched the entire battlefield, including the seafloor, and still found no sign of Ron."
"Only from the Vivre Card he left with Colonel Ain did we learn that he was abducted. Someone took advantage of his exhaustion after his battle with Redfield and kidnapped him!"
"The destination, barring any surprises, is Wano Country!"
"That bastard Oric, how dare he?!"
Longbeard Five Elder rose furiously to his feet, gritting his teeth.
"What was bound to come has finally come."
The blond Five Elder set down the wineglass he had crushed and sighed.
"Akainu..."
"Yes!"
"Notify everyone. Prepare for battle!"
The Five Elders looked at Akainu sternly. "This war concerns the Government's eight-hundred-year authority and dignity. We will not be allowed to retreat. Do you understand?"
"What about Ron?"
Akainu glared back without yielding. "The enemy did not kill him on the battlefield because they could not. That does not mean he will still be alive after they bring him back... Are you going to abandon him?!"
"If necessary... yes!"
Longbeard Five Elder nodded solemnly. "This war is unlike any before it. Even we are prepared to make sacrifices at any moment."
"Your duty is to stabilize the situation and oversee the Navy's command in battle!"
"Before you fulfill your own responsibilities, you are not to act rashly!"
"Damn it!"
Akainu clenched his fists so tightly that his nails sank into