Marineford.
Fleet Admiral's Office.
After Sengoku finished reading the report from Ink Tide Island, his blood pressure instantly shot up.
"Smoker!"
"T Bone!"
"They executed Karma?!"
"He was a subordinate captain under Whitebeard!"
The documents on the desk crackled as he slammed his palm down, and even the teacup on the table shook twice.
Tsuru sat to one side, her brows slightly furrowed.
She merely lowered her head and stared at the report, her gaze lingering for a long time on the words "slave ledgers," "human trafficking list," and "arms smuggling inventory."
Meanwhile, on the sofa.
Rock lounged there with a cup of tea in hand, looking surprisingly relaxed.
After finishing the report, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
"Not bad."
"Those two brats didn't disappoint me."
As soon as he said that, Sengoku whipped his head around and snapped, "Now isn't the time to praise them!"
"Whitebeard has already made his move!"
"The Moby Dick is heading toward Ink Tide Island!"
Rock took a sip of tea and replied blandly, "Then let him move."
"The Seven Warlords New Regulations have just taken effect. The Navy's New Order needs its first battle too."
Sengoku's expression darkened completely.
"You really intend to go to war with Whitebeard?"
The atmosphere in the office instantly grew heavy.
Rock slowly set down his teacup, its bottom making a soft sound as it touched the table.
He raised his eyes, and something like lightning flickered deep within his pupils.
"It isn't me starting a war with Whitebeard."
"His flag is blocking the path of those who deserve to die."
Sengoku fell silent at those words.
He did not refute him, because he had seen the contents of the report as well.
Behind every cold number was blood hidden beneath the shadow of Whitebeard's flag.