Garp, Sengoku, and Tsuru

Kong understood what Fleet Admiral Black meant.

They weren't giving up the search for the Rocks Pirates.

But if the Rocks Pirates made a move against anyone other than the Marines or the World Government, they would let it go.

In other words, if the Rocks Pirates attacked an Affiliated Nation or Kingdom, the Marines would put on a show but avoid a direct confrontation.

If their target was the Marines or the World Government, the Marines would certainly know.

Their surveillance network covered much of the first stretch of the New World. They would spot the Rocks Pirates the moment they approached.

The Marines would then withdraw and wait for their forces to gather before confronting them.

As for everyone else, they could only apologize.

The Marines needed time to concentrate their strength.

Kong would go to the New World to take command.

While there, he would capture Jaeger's Son—or kill him outright.

For the sake of the bigger picture, some things had to be sacrificed.

A hasty attack would only bring more losses and further weaken the Marines.

Capturing or killing Hades would give the World Government and its Affiliated Nations an answer.

An answer was enough. As for an Affiliated Nation that had already been destroyed, who would care?

They could only blame their bad luck for catching the Rocks Pirates' eye.

It was hard to swallow, but this was the best course for the Marines.

"Set out now. Muster thirty thousand troops and five Vice Admirals for the New World. The Marines' forces must be brought together."

Black gave the order. Only the more forceful Kong could keep the New World's factions in check and unite the Marines.

If necessary, Black would take the field himself against the Rocks Pirates, now stronger than they had been