Inside the translucent square soundproof enclosure.
The four people seated in different directions all wore solemn expressions. The nearly frozen atmosphere made the air feel like heavy lead, pressing down on everyone.
"What exactly are you trying to do?"
In the oppressive silence, Dawn's gaze turned sharp. Facing Sakazuki's questioning, he replied without the slightest courtesy, "If even the Fleet Admiral lacks the confidence to carry out his own justice, then what say does the Navy have!?"
The moment those words were spoken, Sakazuki's expression immediately darkened. For a time, the air seemed frozen solid, terrifyingly quiet.
"I never expected you to hold such thoughts." Sakazuki's tone was stern. "Do you understand the consequences if the World Government learns of this?"
"Of course I do, but I never asked you to go that far, did I?" Dawn spread his hands. "The Navy's development naturally requires time, and there is no need for us to become independent. But we must have a voice.
Only by developing the Navy into a semi-independent force can it gain the confidence to have a voice, rather than acting as a thug that can only obediently follow certain unacceptable orders from above.
I believe our positions are aligned on this point, aren't they?"
Dawn looked around at the three expressionless men. "No matter what kind of 'justice' it is, conflict with those above is unavoidable. It is time for the Navy to change!"
Seeing the atmosphere grow heavy again, Dawn waved his hands repeatedly. "Don't be nervous. We're merely discussing the Navy's development strategy. Besides, Whole Cake Island is territory we conquered. There is absolutely no way we're giving it back.
And it is probably unavoidable for Marine Headquarters to be stationed there. I only hope that, while turning it into an unshakable fortress, it can