The Final Battle (7)

Time rewound slightly... Navy "Temporary Headquarters."

"Sakazuki, you bastard, you dare come back?!"

"Do you know how many comrades this will get killed?"

"You don't deserve to be a Marine!!"

The moment Akainu stepped into the headquarters, his former colleagues, companions, and subordinates erupted in fury. Some had even begun to regard him with hostility and murderous intent!

"Everyone, calm down!"

"But Vice Admiral Tsuru, he..."

"I said—quiet! The Sea Kings outside are rampaging. This is not the time for infighting. Everyone else, withdraw in an orderly manner according to the plan. Report to me immediately if there is any urgent intelligence... Sakazuki, come with me."

Using her authority and the looming crisis to suppress everyone's anger, Tsuru motioned for Akainu, who had become the target of all blame, to follow her... Bang!

Tsuru, who had always been mild-tempered and kind to her comrades, and maintained a calm attitude even toward heinous pirates, slammed the cabin door shut after Akainu entered. Her brows were furrowed with severity. "Why did you do this, Sakazuki?"

"Why ask when you already know, Vice Admiral Tsuru? Obeying orders is a soldier's duty." Akainu spoke flatly, without a trace of guilt in his eyes, much less any hesitation.

"Is that so... Then what was the reason?"

The anger in Tsuru's eyes receded like the tide, while her spirit visibly withered. It was as though she had aged several years in an instant... Whatever the reason, she could not forgive the Five Elders who had issued the order. They were people, not tools that could be discarded at any time!!

Akainu did not hide anything and spoke bluntly. "Something happened at the Holy Land. Reg..."

"I see... If it was for the Celestial Dragons, then it could only have been for them. So, Sakazuki, when did