Sengoku nodded and said gravely:
"I understand. Gather the Vice Admirals at Headquarters and have them lead troops to the New World."
"Deploy every available warship."
"As for your mission..."
"Follow Sakazuki's assignments once you arrive."
Though somewhat confused, the soldier still shouted:
"Yes, sir!"
He ran off to relay the orders.
Sengoku folded his hands and closed his eyes in thought... as though the shrill alarms outside could not reach him.
Yet his conversation with Sakazuki two days earlier kept replaying in his mind.
Two days earlier.
Late at night.
Sengoku stood by the fortress's rampart, holding a Den Den Mushi.
Sakazuki's voice came through, explaining something... then:
"That's the gist of it. You only need to send troops and put on a convincing show."
"Just make the whole world think a major war is about to break out..."
Sengoku's brows knitted tightly:
"If the situation gets out of control..."
"It will drag the entire New World into war."
"This plan involves too many people."
"You've drawn in three of the Four Emperors alone. Plenty of high-ranking government officials are involved in Hale Nock's business too, Sakazuki."
Sakazuki's voice came through:
"So what?"
"Those who die in battle die with honor."
"You're too soft, Sengoku."
"The sky won't fall."
"As long as the world isn't destroyed, there's nothing we can't do."
"As for the government... anyone with objections can come find me in the New World."
Click-
The sound of the Den Den Mushi hanging up rang out.
Sengoku listened to Sakazuki's somewhat aggressive words without getting angry.
He gazed out at the distant sea, recalling his experiences over the years...
He always considered things from the perspective of the bigger picture-what could be gained, what could be lost...
A long while passed.
Sengoku sighed softly, then turned