Although Shishu sympathized with Akainu, what had to be done still had to be done. The Holy Church had come to the New World to wipe out all the World Government's power at sea.
The three fleets began retracing their route. Before long, they ran into the Marines who had pursued them.
"Listen up, all Marines! Your Marshal Akainu has already given up resisting. Everyone, lay down your weapons immediately. Do not resist."
The booming announcement rang out, and the flag officers aboard the Marine fleet all wore expressions of disbelief.
"We demand to see our Marshal!" a Marine vice admiral shouted back.
Shishu turned to Akainu, who was still slumped on the deck. "Marshal Akainu, your turn!" Once Shishu finished speaking, an announcer from the Holy Light Clerics handed Akainu the microphone.
Akainu hesitated, then took the microphone and struggled to stand. Hexia hurried over to support him as he swayed unsteadily.
Akainu glanced at Hexia with dull eyes, then looked away. Hexia said nothing more, knowing that anyone would be suffering at a moment like this.
Akainu staggered toward the bow.
When the Marines saw their Marshal, worry filled their faces. Although Akainu was usually strict with his subordinates, there was no denying that, of the Three Admirals, he had been the most dedicated and hardworking when it came to wiping out pirates. Many Marines looked up to him.
Akainu looked toward the Marines, his eyes wavering. He opened his mouth to say something, only to swallow the words back down.
The Marines all waited silently for their Marshal's answer.
"Marshal Akainu, this will all pass. These Marines who survive will be able to carry out true justice in the future!" Shishu seemed to see Akainu's inner conflict and spoke softly.
Hearing Shishu's words, Akainu gave him a