West Blue, Kesike Island, late at night.
Rolka looked at Robin, asleep with her head on the table, and sighed inwardly.
He gently carried Robin to bed and tucked her in.
He walked over to the table and put away the book, Industrial Revolution.
Then he turned and left the room, vanishing without a trace in a few swift movements.
On a quiet hillside.
Rolka sat on a huge rock, gazing at the scattered lights of the town below.
He dialed Sakazuki's Den Den Mushi. A few seconds later-
"How is it going, Carol?"
Hearing Sakazuki's voice through the Den Den Mushi, Carol fell silent for a few seconds.
"Making steady progress."
Sakazuki's voice came from the stern-faced Den Den Mushi.
"What is it? Something on your mind?"
Thinking of Robin, Carol sighed.
"She's only eight."
Sakazuki's voice came through.
"Going soft?"
Carol said,
"Yes..."
Sakazuki was silent for a few seconds before speaking again.
"People develop feelings when they spend enough time together. That's understandable."
"But feelings have no place in people like us."
"It's precisely because of those feelings that we cause even greater harm."
"Her background is pitiful, and what she's been through is tragic."
"But the operation cannot stop. What we're planning isn't for a single family or a single nation."
"Nothing is beyond sacrifice. Not even you. Not even me."
Carol fell silent for a long time.
"I understand."
Sakazuki's voice came through.
"The darkness before dawn is the hardest to endure."
"If we can do this ourselves, we shouldn't leave it to those who come after us."
"One generation bearing these sins is enough."
"Get some rest."
Carol composed himself.
"Yes."
"Good night, Admiral Sakazuki."
Click-
The call disconnected, and Carol gently closed the Den Den Mushi.
He swept that unwelcome pity and sympathy