Red-Haired hesitated for a long time, but in the end, he did not stop Kozuki Oden. This was the last shred of a man's dignity. If Red-Haired stopped him now, Oden would be too ashamed to live even if he survived.
The battle in Wano Country might have been the Red Hair Pirate crew's worst defeat since its founding.
They had lost a dear companion, and countless subordinates were dead or wounded. Red-Haired felt as if a knife were twisting in his heart.
But Red-Haired was different from Luffy. Though he was usually just as carefree, he was a rational man. When disaster struck, he could make the hard call.
"We... retreat."
He forced that last word out through clenched teeth.
The Red Hair Pirate crew kept fighting their way toward the shore. If they reached it, they would be safe.
The sea was vast, and the nearby waters held ships belonging to the Red Hair Pirate crew.
When Werther reached the Pier, he noticed that Kozuki Oden had split off from Red-Haired's group and was fleeing along the coast in another direction.
"Kaido, you take Red-Haired. I'll take Kozuki Oden."
Kaido hated being ordered around by Werther, but at this critical moment, he merely snorted and went after Red-Haired.
Werther's decision was sound. He and Red-Haired were now sworn enemies. If Werther could make him stay, he would.
As for Red-Haired's wife Grace, the most Werther would do was spare her life. He truly did not care beyond that.
The moment Red-Haired chose to help Wano Country, this outcome became inevitable.
Out at sea, there was not always a right or wrong side.
Was Werther evil? Of course not. He was the victor of this war, and victors came away looking splendid.
Then was Red-Haired good? Of course not.