Choosing the right moment to strike is crucial. Only then can we achieve the most favorable result in battle.
"I think we should directly form a third-party force and join the battle!"
"Let the world see that, when facing two major pirate crews, the Marines will never back down!"
Akainu voiced his opinion bluntly, unable to suppress the anger boiling inside him.
During the battle at Marineford, he had believed Whitebeard would inevitably fall. He hadn't anticipated the situation being disrupted by the arrival of the Kamui Pirates.
Kronos' combat strength had far exceeded their expectations—far beyond any other pirate group. He had now become the most dangerous enemy the Marines had ever faced.
"Directly entering the battle as a third force? That will only increase our casualties. After the last war, I can't recommend that approach."
Aokiji responded calmly, prioritizing the safety of the soldiers under Marine command.
"Kuzan! What are you saying? Remember your position—you're a Marine Admiral! Are you suggesting we simply let Kronos' crew run free?"
"If you're so afraid of death after the last failure, what kind of Marine are you?! A Marine should never fear death!"
Akainu's fury exploded, his disdain for Aokiji's cautious approach written all over his face.
"Enough. Stop arguing."
"I don't think Kuzan is wrong. Right now, the Marines can't afford to suffer more heavy losses."
Fleet Admiral Sengoku cut in, silencing them both.
Hearing Sengoku's judgment, Akainu's expression grew even darker. He couldn't agree at all.
Long before the Summit War, Akainu had advocated for surrounding and annihilating Whitebeard's forces before they could even approach Marineford. But Sengoku had rejected that plan, leading to the all-out battle where both sides fought at full strength, without any chance to cut them off early.
Now, Akainu once again suggested direct engagement, only to be dismissed by Sengoku yet again.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku... what's your plan, then?"
"Are you planning to flinch like last time?"
Akainu showed no respect, questioning Sengoku directly.
"Akainu, watch your tone. Sengoku is still the Fleet Admiral—you are not."
From the side, Vice Admiral Tsuru (known as Staff Officer Crane) rested her chin on one hand, staring at Akainu coldly.
She understood Akainu's way of thinking all too well. His repeated challenges to Sengoku were wearing thin, and Tsuru wasn't pleased.
What Sengoku planned to do was his decision. As a subordinate, Akainu's duty was to listen patiently.
Even Akainu, brash as he was, didn't dare speak back to Staff Officer Tsuru. He might have the ambition to replace Sengoku as Fleet Admiral one day, but he knew full well that he could never replace Tsuru's role as the Marine's chief strategist.
For now, it was in his best interest to stay on her good side.
"At present, Marine Headquarters hasn't yet recovered enough to sustain another large-scale war."
"If we force a full-scale battle now, we'll only be sacrificing more young lives."
"I can't gamble the future of Marine Headquarters on such a reckless move."
"At least for now, our strength is still enough to contain the pirate threat."
Sengoku spoke solemnly, stating his position clearly.
"According to intelligence from the Five Elders, this isn't just a battle between Kronos and Whitebeard anymore. The other three Four Emperors groups are likely to get involved as well…"
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