That was right. When you were at a disadvantage in strength, only defensive counterattacks gave you any hope. As long as you could withstand the enemy's offensive, you could seize an opportunity to turn the tables in one stroke.
Sengoku had not considered this before because he had mentally limited himself. After all, in battles against pirates, the Marines usually held the advantage and took the initiative. But after hearing Sakazuki's words, he realized it.
With Ryan unifying the New World, the offensive and defensive relationship between the Marines and pirates had now reversed. Taking the initiative did not necessarily guarantee ultimate victory. When you held the advantage on the battlefield yet could not win, that was when you were in the greatest danger.
"Then we'll do it that way!" Zephyr's eyes lit up. After a brief consideration, he chose to support Sengoku's decision.
"I agree as well!"
When Tsuru, the Marines' chief staff officer, spoke those words, the overall strategy for what came next was settled. Only Sakazuki remained. As for Garp and Kizaru? Did either of them even have an opinion?
And so, a colossal war machine began to turn.
It was not just the Marines who were troubled by Ryan's affairs. The Five Elders were as well. The five old men, each holding immense authority, paced continuously outside the Flower Room's entrance, their expressions shifting without end, as though taking a single step forward would lead them into a bottomless abyss.
After a long while, they chose to leave.
After struggling in their hearts,
they ultimately could not bring themselves to awaken Lord Imu upon the Empty Throne.
Because they understood that everything they had came from Lord Imu. If Lord Imu became angry, they would be in trouble too. Most importantly, Lord Imu had already been