Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
The atmosphere in the enormous office was somewhat grim.
Everyone seated inside had taken part in the operation against Lott's Crew two days earlier.
Two of them stood out in particular: Akainu and Kuzan.
Akainu was covered in bandages and sat in a wheelchair off to one side. Despite his severe injuries, he still had a cigar clenched between his teeth, plainly a hardened smoker.
Kuzan was likewise covered in bandages, seated on the other side.
Of the Three Admirals, Kizaru alone had only his right leg bandaged.
Sengoku sat at the head of the room and looked around. Seeing that everyone who had participated in the battle bore injuries to some degree, he could not help sighing.
"All right, I trust everyone knows why we called this meeting?"
Everyone nodded at his words. Even Garp, who was usually rather eccentric, wore a serious expression.
After receiving their responses, Sengoku said, "Good. Then let's each share our thoughts on the Lott Pirates."
Akainu's right fist turned to magma and melted the armrest of his wheelchair. The mere mention of Lott's Crew had him seething.
"We should go crush Lott's Crew right now, before they've recovered!"
Sengoku could not help frowning at Akainu's words, but he said nothing to discourage the diligent Marine Admiral.
Kuzan, however, spoke up. "Sakazuki, take a look at us. Where do we have the manpower to deal with Lott's Crew now? Our injuries seem even worse than theirs. Going after them in our current condition wouldn't be any different from going to our deaths, would it?"
"Or are you saying you can beat them all by yourself?"
Bang!
At those words, Akainu raised his fist and slammed it onto the desk.
"Don't tell me Lott's Crew beat the courage out of you? A