At this moment, the upper echelons of the Navy were gathered, and everyone's gaze was unanimously focused on Sengoku.
They knew in their hearts that the core of this meeting was to await the Five Elders' decision on the disposition of the two division commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Those two were not just ordinary pirates, but Whitebeard's family—an identity that was enough to make everyone's scalp tingle.
The air in the office seemed to have frozen, and time seemed to have slowed down.
Everyone was doing their own calculations, guessing what would happen next.
Sengoku sat at the head of the table, his gaze calm, but the slight furrow between his brows betrayed his inner worries.
His fingers tapped lightly on the table, as if waiting patiently, and as if making final preparations for the impending storm.
Akainu Sakazuki wore a grim face, his hands clenched into fists on his knees.
For him, any existence that threatened justice should be ruthlessly eliminated.
His eyes flashed with hidden anger, as if he had already foreseen the cruelty of the next battle. And he would never back down.
Kizaru Borsalino maintained his usual lazy appearance, but a glint of shrewdness flashed from time to time in his half-closed eyes.
He understood that the complexity of this matter far exceeded ordinary conflicts.
The Whitebeard Pirates were one of the most powerful pirate groups in the world, and now, they might be facing a devastating war.
Kuzan leaned back in his chair, his expression seemingly relaxed, but he was secretly pondering various possibilities.
His gaze occasionally swept out the window, as if trying to find some answers from the blue sky.
He knew that this decision would profoundly affect the entire Navy, and even the world's landscape.
Everyone was waiting, waiting for the order from Mary Geoise, waiting for the Five Elders' final decision.
The two Whitebeard Pirates division commanders who had been captured by Blackbeard, Jozu and Thatch, were now imprisoned.
How to deal with these two not only concerned Whitebeard's attitude, but could also trigger an unprecedented storm.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
Suddenly, a knock on the door broke the silence in the office.
Sengoku nodded slightly, signaling for the person outside to come in.
A stern figure walked in, holding a thick document in his hand, his face grave.
He was the Five Elders' messenger, specifically responsible for conveying the Five Elders' will.
The atmosphere in the office suddenly tensed at this moment, and everyone's nerves were stretched to the limit.
The messenger lowered his head slightly, his voice not loud, but exceptionally clear in this oppressive environment, "The Five Elders have decided that the two division commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates—Jozu and Thatch—will be detained in Impel Down to demonstrate the Navy's power to the world."
Sengoku's gaze suddenly sank, and a complex emotion welled up in his heart.
Detaining them in Impel Down was undoubtedly the best way to deal with these two at present.
However, as long as these two were in the Navy's hands, they would be a hot potato.
Although he knew this was the best solution, such a decision meant that the Navy would be standing in the center of the storm, bearing fierce attacks from all sides.
Sakazuki's face showed a sneer, which was exactly the result he had been expecting—to declare the power of justice to the world in the most direct way.
However, he also knew in his heart that this decision would bring an unprecedented bloody battle.
Borsalino's smile was as lazy as ever, but a hint of imperceptible sharpness flashed in his eyes.
Although he didn't actively cause trouble, he wasn't afraid of it either. If pirates took the initiative to come to his door, he would still slack off properly.
Kuzan's eyes seemed even more profound, and he knew that the World Government's decision was completely unhelpful to the Navy.
He... couldn't figure out the World Government's intention with this decision for the time being.
Sengoku took a deep breath and slowly stood up, looking at each of the generals present with a firm gaze.
He knew that from this moment on, the Navy's fate had been firmly tied to this storm.
And they had to meet the upcoming challenges with the most steadfast posture.
The World Government's messenger stood in the center of the conference room, coldly sweeping over the naval officers present, his eyes filled with condescending arrogance.
Although he knew that his strength was far inferior to these naval officers, he could still look down on them, because he represented the World Government - a behemoth that was above them in both strength and power.
He was very satisfied with his trip, especially seeing that these high-ranking generals did not refute at all, but silently accepted the order.
He nodded slightly, and couldn't help but feel a hint of complacency in his heart.
No matter how strong these people are, they are just tools, and the value of tools lies in obedience.
However, at this moment, a steady voice broke the silence.
"I'd like to say a few words."
Jin'an said, his voice not loud, but full of strength and calmness.
The World Government's messenger was slightly stunned, and then turned to look at Jin'an.
His eyes were full of contempt and disdain, as if looking at an insignificant object.
"Oh? What does General Jin'an have to say?" He deliberately dragged out his tone, with a condescending sarcasm.
Jin'an's eyes were firm, and he looked directly at the other party without fear, as if the contemptuous gaze could not shake his heart at all.
His tone was calm, but with an undeniable force, "The World Government should know that the Navy Headquarters has fought against those great pirates before, right?"
The man raised his eyebrows, seemingly bored by Jin'an's question, but nodded, "I know."
Jin'an continued, "Then they should also know that in that battle, the Navy suffered heavy losses and paid a huge price."
A trace of impatience flashed in the eyes of the World Government's messenger, but he still nodded, already understanding what Jin'an wanted to express.
However, before Jin'an could finish speaking, the man interrupted him, "You don't need to ask any more questions. The World Government provides military expenses for the Navy, and your duty is to do as you are told. You don't need to think about anything else."
His voice was full of arrogance, as if all the problems had been solved by his simple sentence.
When Jin'an heard these words, a sense of understanding welled up in his heart, but he knew that it was useless to say more.
The World Government's attitude has always been like this - they only care about the results, not the process.
In the eyes of the Five Elders, as long as there are enough resources, the Navy's personnel losses can be replenished at any time.
As for what kind of dangers these navies will face, they don't care at all, and perhaps even hope that the next batch of navies will be more obedient and undoubtedly obey orders.
The messenger looked at Jin'an triumphantly, as if he had already gained the upper hand.
He smiled slightly and continued, "Since General Jin'an has taken the initiative to speak, then I will announce the order of the Five Elders by the way."
He paused, looking around, enjoying the feeling of all eyes focused on him.
Then, he cleared his throat and announced in a solemn and proud tone, "General Jin'an, you will be the main person in charge of this escort mission."
His words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, arousing everyone's attention.
The generals in the conference room turned to look at Jin'an, their eyes filled with various complex emotions.
"I hope General Jin'an will take care of himself and not let down the expectations of the Five Elders."
The messenger's words carried an unquestionable command and warning, as if Jin'an's shoulders had already shouldered an unbearable burden.
Jin'an still maintained a calm expression, but secretly weighed the dangers of this mission in his heart.
He understood that this was not just a simple escort mission, but a test with hidden dangers.
And he had no choice but to face this upcoming storm.
The atmosphere in the conference room became more heavy, as if even the air was suffocating.
"Understood."
He wasn't someone with a good temper.
Then he would take his time and see how things went.
...
