God Valley Report

Fleet Admiral Kong had listened in silence to everyone's remarks.

From questioning to promises;

From bargaining chips to oaths.

Only now did he speak again.

His gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, passing over Harald to lock onto Rock. His voice was low and hard. "Rock."

"You proposed this plan, and you are its guarantor."

"If anything goes wrong with this—"

"Whether Elbaf loses control, or the cooperation falls apart and causes unrest at the World Government level—"

Kong paused slightly, each word landing with immense weight. "Your rank, your future, and even..."

"Your freedom will serve as collateral."

"Even so, do you still insist?"

This was the final test, and the cruelest threshold.

At that moment, everyone's eyes focused on Rock.

And Harald, for the first time, truly realized—

This Vice Admiral standing before him was using everything he had to barter for Elbaf's future.

Rock did not hesitate.

He stepped forward and stood straight, his cape snapping in the sea wind as his voice echoed across the open grounds. "I insist."

"And—"

He raised his right hand and pressed it against the military insignia on his chest, his gaze utterly unyielding.

"I will bear—"

"All consequences that result from this."

There were no grand words, yet they weighed more heavily than any declaration.

A long silence followed.

Fleet Admiral Kong's gaze lingered on Rock for a long while before slowly shifting to Harald, then sweeping over Sengoku, Zephyr, Tsuru, and Garp.

As if confirming—

Once they set foot on this path, whether there would still be any way back.

At last, Kong slowly exhaled.

His shoulders, taut as stone, seemed to loosen by the slightest imperceptible degree at that instant.

"...Sengoku, Tsuru," he ordered in a deep voice.

"You will take the lead in drafting a detailed—"