The words spread on the wind, reaching everyone's ears and making many of the Marines' expressions shift.
River's name carried considerable weight, especially at headquarters. Just thinking of fighting the man they had once respected, even worshipped, left many of them heartsick and hopeless.
"Are we really going to fight Admiral River?"
"Why? I honestly feel like he's the one who stands for justice!"
"Just yesterday, I still believed in him. He was the man I wanted to spend my whole life striving to become."
"I really can't bring myself to attack Admiral River!"
At that moment, voices rose throughout the Marine ranks, making the officers' expressions turn grim.
This is a huge problem!
River's influence had undoubtedly dealt a devastating blow to Marine morale. They could not bring themselves to attack the man who had once embodied their faith, the pinnacle they aspired to.
Even the justice the Marines upheld was now being questioned by their own men.
"Don't forget who you are! You're Marines!"
An officer roared, trying to stem this dangerous tide.
"But whose justice are we really fighting for?"
Someone challenged him, his voice trembling.
His answer was a merciless slap from his superior.
"Stop letting your thoughts wander! We're on a battlefield!"
"If your resolve wavers, your life could be over in the space of a breath!"
As that icy voice rang out, a vice admiral leaped forward and stood before River, staring at him with a grave, solemn expression.
"If I had a choice, I'd never want to fight someone like you!"
River recognized the man and smiled faintly. "Then step aside, Doberman."
"We have our duty. Our mission is to take you down."
"River!"
Doberman spoke in a low voice.
"Then there's nothing I can do!"
"My companions are still waiting for me."