Marineford, Marineford.
The atmosphere in the massive conference room was tense, heavy with the weight of recent battles.
Seated around the table were all officers who had participated in the operation against Rolan and the Ion Tempest crew two days prior. Two figures stood out unmistakably: Akainu and Aokiji.
Akainu, covered in bandages, sat in a wheelchair, a cigar clenched between his teeth despite the injuries. The relentless smoker's glare burned with contained fury.
Aokiji, also bandaged, sat opposite him, his usual calm demeanor masking the strain of his wounds. Among the three Admirals, only Kizaru sported a bandaged right leg.
Sengoku presided at the head of the table, surveying the room. He could not hide a sigh upon seeing the condition of the officers. Most were battered, yet their resolve remained intact.
"Everyone understands the purpose of today's meeting, correct?" Sengoku asked.
Every officer nodded. Even the usually boisterous Garp wore a serious expression.
"Good," Sengoku continued. "Let's begin by sharing our assessments of Rolan and his crew."
Akainu's right fist transformed into magma, melting the armrest of his wheelchair as he slammed it on the table. "We should strike now, while Rolan and his crew are still recovering! There is no excuse for delay!"
Sengoku raised an eyebrow, frowning but said nothing.
Aokiji spoke calmly, "Sakazuki, do you really think we have the manpower to engage Rolan's crew in our current state? Our injuries may be more severe than theirs. Advancing now would be tantamount to suicide."
"Or are you suggesting you could defeat them alone?" Akainu growled.
Bang! His fist slammed the table again. "Are you afraid of Rolan? An Admiral fearing Pirates is disgraceful!"
Aokiji's gaze hardened. "Attacking Rolan's crew in this condition would be reckless. Have you considered the casualties among our soldiers? Shall we disregard their lives so casually?"
Akainu's bandaged face contorted with anger. "It is the Marine's duty to fight Pirates. Sacrifice is inevitable for the sake of peace."
Aokiji slammed the table once more. "Your logic is intolerable."
The officers present kept their heads lowered, unwilling to intervene in the confrontation between the two Admirals. Sengoku rubbed his temples, clearly vexed.
"Kizaru, restrain them. We are here to discuss Rolan and his crew, not argue," Sengoku said firmly.
Akainu and Aokiji huffed and looked away, tension still simmering.
Sengoku addressed the room. "You have all faced Rolan directly. Let's begin with your assessments. Akainu, please start."
Akainu inhaled the smoke from his cigar, then spoke slowly. "Rolan… although I hate to admit it, he is meticulous, extraordinarily powerful, and proficient in all three types of Haki. His Devil Fruit ability is fully mastered, honed to an extremely high level."
He paused, suppressing the rising fury in his eyes. "His strength surpasses mine, even yours, Sengoku, and Garp."
The room fell silent. Officers exchanged shocked glances; hearing an Admiral admit someone is stronger than them was rare indeed.
Sengoku's brow furrowed. "Did he use any unusual techniques?"
Akainu recalled their battle. "He consumed a strange black pill. Immediately after, his aura and injuries fully recovered. It was as if he had been renewed."
Sengoku rose abruptly. "What?!"
Akainu continued, "I suspect it is a miraculous recovery pill, capable of restoring someone to peak condition instantly. Whether there are side effects, I do not know."
Sengoku waved a hand. "We will consult the chief Marine medical officer later. Next, Kizaru, your assessment."
Kizaru put away his nail clippers, nodding. "My opponent was Kuro. He possesses the Mythical Zoan-type Animal Devil Fruit: Bird-Bird Fruit, Peng form. His speed rivals mine, his wings provide strong defense, and his intelligence is remarkable. He is clearly a core member of Rolan's crew."
Sengoku nodded thoughtfully. "Originally, Kuro was just a small-time East Blue pirate. Did he obtain a Devil Fruit after joining Rolan's crew? It seems they have special means to acquire them."
Aokiji spoke next, recounting his battles. "Crocodile has not stagnated since joining the Shichibukai. He now wields two types of Haki. Even in a one-on-one fight, I would not claim an easy victory."
"And then there is Enel," Aokiji continued. "His Goro Goro no Mi grants him unparalleled offensive power and speed that rivals Borsalino."
Sengoku's frown deepened as officers such as Gion and Vice Admiral Kaji described the remaining crew members' abilities.
Finally, Sengoku slammed the table. "They truly are a terrifying group. Four Logia-type Devil Fruits, one Mythical Zoan, a powerful cyborg, a master swordsman using Three-Sword Style, and Nico Robin is among them, correct?"
Garp casually nibbled on a rice cracker. "This group can no longer be called ordinary Pirates. At minimum, each of them is Vice Admiral-level. They deserve the title of Sea Emperors."
Staff Officer Tsuru sighed. "We must hope they do not escalate conflicts. At the same time, we cannot inflate their prestige. Careful planning is essential."
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