Akainu smiled at the sight of Onigumo and the others bracing for battle. "It's only one division of the Whitebeard Pirates. Don't get so nervous!"
Onigumo and the others gave awkward smiles, though the smiles looked forced. As Marine Vice Admirals, they knew how important this mission was. How could they not be nervous?
"I'll make the first move. You just need to guard the exits from town!"
"Remember to leave one exit open and let some of them escape. Just make sure Namur, the Eighth Division commander, doesn't get away. Understood?" Akainu turned to the Marines behind him and laid out his orders.
He was speaking mainly to those other than Onigumo. To ensure the mission went perfectly, Sengoku had kept it under tight wraps. Every Marine below the rank of Vice Admiral taking part was in the dark.
Some of the elite Marine soldiers looked incredulous. Most of them had served under Akainu for years.
They knew exactly how Akainu treated pirates: he wiped them out. And these were the Whitebeard Pirates, the most powerful pirate crew in the world. Normally, leaving none alive would have been a given.
Yet Akainu had told them to leave an opening and let some escape.
"Admiral Sakazuki!" A Marine captain stepped forward.
Before he could ask his question, Akainu snapped, "Follow orders! A soldier's most basic duty is to follow orders. Your commanding officer taught you that when you first joined the Marines. Do I need to teach you again?"
The Marines immediately stood at attention, and the captain who had stepped forward burned with shame.
He had not meant to question Akainu's orders. But hearing those words from Akainu was so unbelievable that it might as well have been news that the dead could come back to life. It overturned