"If you do this, you're just releasing a tiger back to the mountain!"
But Kronos remained firm, answering calmly:
"Trust my judgment. Let them go. They won't pose any real threat to us anyway, will they?"
Senju Hashirama frowned, his tone serious.
"Even so, you should tell us your true reason. At least give us an idea, shouldn't you?"
Kronos didn't rush to explain. Instead, he turned toward Payne and said,
"Payne, why don't you tell them why I let Whitebeard and his crew go."
Payne crossed one leg over the other, then spoke in his usual cold tone—words that shocked everyone present.
"The Marines are on their way."
"If I'm not mistaken, Akainu and the other Admirals are with them."
The entire crew was stunned.
"What?!"
"That guy Akainu is here too?"
"I understand now!"
Albedo's eyes lit up as she pieced together Kronos' intention.
"You mean to let Whitebeard and the Marines clash head-on? When two tigers fight, both will be wounded, correct?"
At once, the others realized it as well. Murmurs of admiration rippled through the group, praising Kronos' foresight.
In truth, Kronos hadn't actually planned so far ahead, but since they believed it, he simply cleared his throat with a cough and admitted,
"Yes. I released Whitebeard's crew precisely so they would run into the Marines."
"Once the Marines encounter the Whitebeard Pirates, they won't let such a big prize escape."
"They'll throw everything they have at Marco and the others!"
"And besides… you all know exactly what kind of man Akainu is."
Kronos paused to take a drink, then continued his analysis.
"Akainu is a ruthless Marine, short-tempered and extreme in all things. He wishes every pirate in the world dead."
"To him, a man as dangerous and infamous as Whitebeard is the juiciest prey imaginable."
"Now, imagine if Akainu learns that Whitebeard's entire crew is already battered and broken… what do you think he'll do?"
Uchiha Madara narrowed his eyes, nodding slowly.
"In other words… you intend to reap the spoils once they've torn each other apart?"
Kronos only smiled, not answering directly. His gaze shifted toward the distant sea, expression unreadable.
"Let's just sit back and enjoy the show."
"From beginning to end, we hold the initiative. Whether it's the Marines or the Whitebeard Pirates, both sides are doomed. Neither will come to a good end."
His words sent a wave of excitement through the crew.
Whether Whitebeard's remnants or Akainu's Marines—both were destined to fall into chaos.
Once these two forces collided, destruction was inevitable.
"Hmph."
Uchiha Madara's scowl finally faded.
"If that's the case… then it's fine."
"As expected of our captain."
Gojo Satoru grinned and gave Kronos a thumbs-up.
At that moment, Illya came fluttering over, smiling brightly as she brought even more good news.
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