The vast council chamber fell into a brief dead silence.
They looked at Yamakaji's Transponder Snail, which had been hung up on directly, then subconsciously turned their gazes toward Akainu.
They had been looking forward to the wagered battle between Laxus and Akainu for three months.
They had thought Qin Yu would leave without a word and that the battle would fall through.
They had never expected Qin Yu not only to return to Marine Headquarters as scheduled, but also to boast that he had a ninety percent chance of winning.
Where did that leave Akainu's pride?
Was he completely disregarding the elite Marines personally trained by Akainu?
"Hmph, what an arrogant fool. I'd like to see what gives him the nerve to claim a ninety percent chance of victory." Akainu's face darkened as he snorted disdainfully. "For Fleet Admiral Sengoku's sake, I had intended to let this matter go."
"Since he refuses a toast only to drink a forfeit, I'll break that pride of his in front of all the Marines."
"Sometimes, no one gives you face—you have to earn it yourself. If anyone is to blame, it is him for not knowing his own limits!"
After throwing out those words, Akainu abruptly rose to his feet under everyone's watchful eyes and strode out of the office.
Sensing the gunpowder in his words, everyone present exchanged uneasy looks.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, what should we do next?" Tsuru was the first to speak.
The question immediately drew countless gazes.
In their eyes, Qin Yu's bold declaration was a sign of pride.
But one's strength and temper had to be proportional, at the very least.
Akainu was clearly serious now. If this was not handled properly, the situation could spiral completely out of control.
Other than Sengoku, no one else could