Watching Roger's Execution from the Start

As his words fell, Kong swept his cloak around, leaving everyone with a view of his towering back as he strode away.

"Now, let's discuss our troop deployment around Marineford. If you have any questions, speak freely."

Sengoku watched Kong leave, gathered his thoughts, and turned the discussion to Marineford.

"The Family Residential Compound behind Marineford must be evacuated in advance!"

Zephyr, silent until now, spoke in a hoarse voice. He rarely attended meetings of the Marine high command.

But that did not mean he had withdrawn from its inner circle.

The current Three Admirals, the soon-to-be fourth Admiral, White Hou, and more than half the mid-ranking officers at Marine Headquarters had all studied under Zephyr. So had the base Colonels assigned across the Four Seas.

It was no exaggeration to say that if Zephyr called, a large portion of the Marines would follow him without hesitation.

Sengoku had no reason to ignore him.

"That is a problem. Whitebeard's power is far too troublesome. Once war breaks out, no one in the residential compound behind us will survive."

Sengoku nodded. "We also need to ensure their evacuation is safe. The officers fighting on the front lines must have nothing to worry about."

"I'll assign a Vice Admiral to escort them personally."

The families of most Marine officers lived there. They could not expect the Marines to fight on the front lines while worrying about their families' safety.

"No. I'll go myself."

Zephyr shook his head slowly but firmly, without a trace of fear in his eyes.

"..."

Sengoku stared at his old comrade, something caught in his throat.

"I'm old anyway. Atlas helped me with my chronic ailments, but..."

"I'm still old!"

Zephyr pointed to his heart, a bitter look on his face.

"...All right. I'll entrust their safety to