Rosinante's Shock

Rock's gaze was light, as though it had merely swept past by chance.

Yet it landed with perfect accuracy on Rosinante.

In that instant, that faint flicker of emotion—

Struggle, restraint, complexity.

None of it escaped his perception.

He did not expose it, merely setting down his teacup slowly.

"Ding."

The porcelain lightly touched the tabletop with a crisp sound.

"By the way."

Rock spoke casually, his tone returning to its usual indifference.

"When I came back—"

"I don't think I saw them."

He slightly raised his eyes toward Sengoku.

"Did they all go out on missions?"

Sengoku had still been suppressing his anger.

Upon hearing this, his emotions naturally subsided as well.

He returned to being the calm, rational Marine Admiral.

He gave a soft snort, carrying a trace of helplessness.

"Isn't it because of that stunt you pulled in Loguetown?"

There was a complicated undertone in his voice.

It was both helplessness and tacit approval.

"The speech, the Intimidation, the executions."

"After all that—"

"Marine morale exploded across the board."

As he spoke, his gaze shifted slightly.

It fell on Rosinante, though he said nothing more.

With just one look, Rosinante immediately understood.

He stepped forward half a pace, standing straight as his steady voice rang out clearly.

"Report."

"Chief Instructor Zephyr has dispatched Vice Admiral Sakazuki, Vice Admiral Kuzan, Vice Admiral Borsalino, as well as Bullet, Gion, Kaji, and other mid-ranking officers."

"Each is leading a fleet—"

"To carry out suppression operations in waters with frequent pirate activity."

"Based on the current time, each fleet should already be nearing its target waters."

After a slight pause, he added.

"The overall strategic objective is—"

"To capitalize on the momentum and crush the pirates' arrogance."

Once he finished speaking, the office fell silent again for a moment.

Rock gave