"What's this talk of face!"
A voice on the other end of the Den Den Mushi shouted, "Your Navy is just the face of the World Government. Of course, our reputation is more important, Sakazuki! Don't be so reckless!"
"Yes, don't be reckless. We can slow down the battle over there. You lead your team back and deal with those revolutionary soldiers first." The Den Den Mushi continued speaking in a different voice.
Sakazuki gritted his teeth and said, "Why now of all times! If we retreat now, the pirates' arrogance will rise. We withdrew from the New World decades ago, and now we want to withdraw again? If we move our forces back, we might not even be able to hold onto the New World anymore. Do you want the Navy to return to Marineford?!"
"Put that aside for now, the important thing is this. Follow orders, Sakazuki!" Another voice rang out from the Den Den Mushi.
Sakazuki then asked, "What about Kuro? If we retreat, those pirates will unite and attack Kuro!"
“We’ll communicate with Kuro. He’s stationed in Wano Country, a place that’s not easy to invade. Compared to him, given his loyalty to us, he should be easier to communicate with. That’s all. Hurry back and deal with the Revolutionary Army first!”
"Beep beep beep—"
The Den Den Mushi hung up, leaving only the busy tone emitted by the creature itself.
"How can this be repaired?!"
Sakazuki roared and crushed the Den Den Mushi again. The fragments melted away, and his red-hot fist slammed into the desk, burning a large hole in it. Flames rose up around the hole and instantly engulfed the entire desk.
The desk suffered a lot of damage.
The desk collapsed...
Ignoring the navy officers rushing to put out the fire, Sakaschi stood up and walked outside, saying, "Call He here!"
The Navy was also divided into fronts. Except for Green Bull, who was protecting Mary Geoise and not participating, the entire Navy was deployed. Issho was on one front, Sakazuki on the other, and Tsuru was originally elsewhere, but coincidentally, they had just finished a major battle and reunited, so they were all together.
As Sakazuki went up to the deck to enjoy the breeze, Tsuru's flagship also approached. A staircase extended from the side of the ship and was placed on this side. Tsuru, looking old and hunched over, walked leisurely closer.
"Don't speak yet, let this old woman think about it..."
Crane stopped Sakazuki from saying what he was about to say, and said, "So, you're being told to go back?"
Sakazuki looked at the sea and gritted his teeth, saying, "Those people are despicable! They just let such a great opportunity slip by!"
"I knew it..."
Tsuru rubbed her temples, looking a bit annoyed. "When I heard the news of a large number of Revolutionary Army soldiers appearing over there, I had a feeling that the higher-ups would definitely give up this opportunity. There's nothing we can do; we're just the face of the World Government, and we have to obey orders."
"But doing this will have serious consequences!"
Sakazuki roared, "From Whitebeard to Kaido, Big Mom, and Shanks, the Navy practically ended the Great Pirate Era. The situation we worked so hard to build will be ruined if we retreat now. Those pirates will think they've won and become even more arrogant. Then, pirates all over the world will erupt again. The situation we've worked so hard to create will be destroyed!"
"And what about Kuro... what will happen to him if we retreat?!"
These words made He also look embarrassed.
Sakazuki understood what she meant. The pirates were now being forced into a near-unified camp by the Navy, and Kuro had recently done something big: he killed Kid and Law. These two had inherited the territories of the old Four Emperors in the New World and were very powerful and influential. Taking down two of them at once dealt a heavy blow to the pirates' arrogance, and they were almost at their breaking point. If the fighting continued, Tsuru could foresee the scenario of the pirates' complete defeat.
This was a golden opportunity. Even for someone as calculating as her, she felt she should continue fighting. To this end, she disregarded Sakazuki's iron-fisted approach and no longer worried about naval casualties.
Battles at sea will inevitably result in casualties, and although these casualties may be numerous, a complete victory could bring lasting peace to the seas, making it all worthwhile.
But now it's hard to say. Once they retreat, everything they've done will be in vain. All the Navy's efforts will be wasted. The pirates in the New World will not be wiped out, and because of the news of their retreat, the world will probably enter a new period of turmoil. The pirates, who have been brought to the brink of defeat, will experience a new surge in morale. At that time, they will be in a mess again. If they are unlucky, they may even return to the chaotic situation of the old Four Emperors era.
And...Kuro.
In the past, things were alright. Even after conquering Wano Country and killing the Four Emperors, it gave the pirates an opportunity. In addition, since Kuro stayed in Wano Country and didn't go out, the pirates didn't have time to deal with him.
Things are different now. Once they retreat, these pirates who have formed a faction will definitely set their sights on Kuro, who is also in the New World and is isolated and helpless in the latter half of the journey.
Thinking of this, Tsuru sighed: "The higher-ups won't let Kuro retreat."
Wano Country is too important. With Kuro in charge, the World Government can reliably receive weapons and high-quality Seastone. The World Government will not let go of it, so Kuro cannot retreat. If he leaves, Wano Country will either be given away to pirates or to a new ruler, and things will return to the way they were before. The World Government will not do something so unprofitable.
But if he stays there... then Kuro will be under a lot of pressure.
He is indeed strong, but there is a limit to how strong one can be. No matter how strong one person is, he cannot face thousands of silver medalists. He can wear them down, especially with the transfer of hatred. Tsuru can imagine that those pirates will definitely put all their effort into dealing with Kuro in order to compete for the vacant position and prestige.
If he is defeated or even killed, the current situation will be reversed. If the Navy's most famous 'naval hero' dies at the hands of pirates, it will not only be a matter of losing face.
"Call up..."
Sakazuki gritted his teeth and said, "Bring Kuro back! Abandon the current Wano Country strategy. If the higher-ups ask, I will take full responsibility! The future of the Navy rests on his shoulders. He cannot be harmed, not even by a single defeat!"
In the past, Sakazuki didn't care much. Everyone has lost before, whether it's publicly announced or not. Even Sakazuki himself has lost before.
Victory and defeat are common occurrences on the battlefield, and no one cares about that.
But if someone has never lost since their debut, then they cannot afford to lose!
Kuro's reputation is too great now. If news of a defeat comes out, it will be a major blow to the Navy. If he dies, the blow will be even greater.
Especially since that kid is still so young, we can't let this defeat follow him for the rest of his life.
He is recognized by many veteran naval officers, including Sakazuki himself, as a future pillar of the navy, and absolutely cannot be defeated!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
