After their brief introductions, Sakazuki led the two of them to the Fleet Admiral's Office at Headquarters.
Aramaki chattered nonstop along the way, while Sakazuki occasionally nodded in acknowledgment. Issho sensed the soldiers they passed...
Inside the Fleet Admiral's Office.
They took their seats, and a soldier came in to pour tea.
Sakazuki sat in the Fleet Admiral's chair and looked at the two men before him.
"With the war underway, this simple welcome will have to do."
"You've both been in the Navy for some time now."
"What do you think of the Navy as it stands? Let's talk."
Aramaki replied with somewhat exaggerated enthusiasm:
"No complaints, none at all."
"Under your leadership, Mr. Sakazuki, this Navy is simply perfect!"
"Hahahahaha!"
Issho nodded as well.
"Indeed, under Fleet Admiral Sakazuki's leadership."
"Even the lowest-ranking Navy soldiers possess unshakable conviction. Such an army deserves admiration."
"But..."
He hesitated, unsure how to begin.
Sakazuki noticed Issho's hesitation.
"There are no outsiders here."
"Whatever you're thinking, feel free to say it."
Issho nodded, thought for a moment, then spoke.
"Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, your approach to leadership is perhaps a little too harsh..."
"To some extent, many innocent people may be killed outright by the Navy during battle."
"Take the Germa Kingdom. Betraying the government and colluding with the Four Emperors was certainly reprehensible, but that was a decision made by the kingdom's leaders. To destroy the entire kingdom without leaving a single survivor, that..."
Aramaki looked displeased. He had carried out that mission, after all, and missions like that were very much to his liking.
"Hey! Issho!!!"
Before he could say more, Sakazuki raised a hand to stop him.
Sakazuki looked at the newly appointed Admiral.
"Issho is right. This approach to leadership does indeed cause many innocent casualties."
"In fact, I