"Cover Story Serial: Rob Lucci Arc" "You specifically took leave and slipped out just for this, Lucci?"
"Enies Lobby, a forest outside the CP-9 base. Blueno, Kalifa, Kumadori, Fukuro, and the others stared dumbfoundedly at Rob Lucci ahead of them. He had just climbed a large tree and rummaged around in a bird's nest for ages before finally finding a pigeon egg, smiling in satisfaction."
"Counterproductive?"
To everyone's surprise, Vail's expression darkened instantly:
"Hmph, what does a little commotion like this amount to? If we really let all those slaves escape, then you... Marine Headquarters would be the ones making a complete fool of themselves!"
"But..."
Tsuru had just furrowed her brow and opened her mouth when Vail abruptly waved a hand, cutting her off without room for argument. "Enough! No need to say any more! Ten warships—this is the bare minimum attitude Marine Headquarters needs to show! Understand?"
"..."
Tsuru was slightly taken aback. Her lips moved twice, but in the end, she silently sat back down without another word.
Seeing this, nearly every high-ranking officer present frowned slightly.
Tsuru was not only the chief of staff of all Marine Headquarters, but also a legendary hero of the older generation. She was over sixty, and practically every vice admiral present was her junior, treating her with great respect.
Even Steel Bone Kong, now commander-in-chief of the armed forces, had always spoken to Tsuru gently and courteously. When had anyone ever seen her treated so rudely?
Quite a few people were indignant. Noah and Aokiji narrowed their eyes as well, anger rising within them for no reason.
"Besides that, we'll need five vice admirals to serve as commanders."
Vail paid no attention whatsoever to the shift in atmosphere around the conference table. His sharp gaze swept across both sides