Not Acting Rashly

The quiet of the reception room stood in stark contrast to the fighting outside.

Beyond the window, the Giants fought with all their might. Their towering figures formed walls of steel, holding the enemy firmly beyond the defensive line.

The Neo Marines fought and bled on the battlefield too. Enel's Thunderbolt flashed through the air, striking down swaths of enemies;

on the other side, the Vice Admirals loyal to the World Government swung their blades and led their soldiers in a relentless effort to tear through the Neo Marines' lines.

Even so, Neo Marine reinforcements kept coming.

Every so often, a Pacifista swept across the sky, its mechanical combat power putting immense pressure on the Neo Marines at the front.

"The fighting outside is getting more intense."

Kuzan gestured toward the window with his teacup and said casually,

"But it looks like our side is holding up."

Sengoku nodded slightly, a trace of relief in his voice:

"The Giants are dependable. Their warriors were born to fight."

Tsuru set down her snack. Her tone was calm, but her words carried a deeper warning:

"Still, the battle outside isn't the most dangerous part.

The real test could come at any moment."

The reception room fell silent again. No one said another word.

Their gazes grew more intent, reflecting the composure that came only from countless battles and the passage of years.

The smoke outside thickened, but the fragrance of tea still lingered in the room.

It was a fleeting calm, one that might shatter in the next instant.

Creak...

The door was thrown open, and a strong gust swept the warm scent of tea from the room.

Garp's towering figure appeared in the doorway. Dust and blood from the battle had stained his familiar Marine uniform dark.

Even so, he stood