News spread across the world like wildfire. On the island where the Romilava Kingdom's capital was located, silence descended, followed by an immediate uproar.
"So, you're saying that the Marine's Admiral candidate and the core crew members of the strongest pirate crews in the New World are all dead?!"
"It must be true. After all, there's no living thing left on the island, and no bodies have been found. How could they still be alive?"
"I guess so... Tsk tsk, who would have thought, who would have imagined that things would end up like this."
"This sea is going to be in chaos now."
"This sea has never been peaceful. Chaos? It's just going to be even more chaotic."
Indeed, just as people were discussing, this already chaotic sea became even more turbulent after this incident.
After all, those who died were a Marine Admiral candidate and three core crew members of the strongest pirate crews in the New World, plus those other pirates...
The impact was enormous. Everyone felt a sense of oppression, the kind that precedes a violent storm.
At Marine Headquarters, Sengoku was filled with self-blame.
Akainu's death weighed heavily on his heart.
After all, if he hadn't stopped Akainu from going to Romilava... Besides, he had a bad premonition, a vague feeling that something bad would happen to Akainu.
"Damn it! Hozuki Ranzuki!!!"
Sengoku's fists clenched on the table, veins bulging, revealing his inner turmoil.
Aokiji and Kizaru stood beside him, silent. Although they were used to the deaths of their comrades, although they were prepared to die in the pursuit of justice, and although their relationship with Akainu wasn't particularly good, they truly hadn't expected him to die so suddenly.
Especially Aokiji.
He and Akainu, one with the Magma-Magma Fruit and the other with the Ice-Ice Fruit, were like fire and water, their powers fundamentally incompatible.
Although there had never been any open conflict, there had always been a silent rivalry between them. Therefore, when Aokiji first heard the news of Akainu's death, his first reaction was disbelief.
After confirming the truth, Aokiji felt a complex mix of emotions.
"Sengoku... Sakazuki's death is indeed a heavy blow. But we can't dwell on this grief forever. Now we have to consider how to resolve this matter. After all, those who disappeared along with Akainu include Jack the Drought of the Beasts Pirates, Charlotte Perospero, the eldest son of Big Mom, and... Vista, the 5th Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates," Tsuru spoke up.
Akainu's death weighed heavily on her as well, but now, they had to address the problem at hand.
Would these pirate crews take drastic action because of this? What impact would this incident have on the current situation in the world? How should they handle it?
Especially... Whitebeard.
As everyone knew, Whitebeard was a deeply sentimental man, particularly towards his crew, his sons.
With Vista's death, it was uncertain whether Whitebeard would let it go. If Whitebeard went to war with the Marine, Kaido and Big Mom certainly wouldn't stand idly by.
If all three of them launched a war against the Marine...
The result would be absolutely devastating, something the Marine, already weakened after the Celestial Dragon Auction incident and the attack on Marineford, couldn't withstand.
Furthermore, with the death of Akainu, one of the Marine's strongest forces, their power had been significantly diminished.
Although the Marine as a whole belonged to the World Government, and the World Government would definitely support them in case of an all out war, the cost such an endevoru would be too great.
Once war broke out, the world order would inevitably change drastically. Years of the Marine's efforts could be reduced to ashes in a single battle. In short, this potential war absolutely could not be allowed to happen.
"I understand," Sengoku took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
"Kuzan, Borsalino, keep a close watch on the Whitebeard Pirates and the Beasts Pirates. Report any movements immediately."
"Tsuru, contact the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Prepare for... war."
"Garp..."
"Snore... snore... snore..."
Everyone: "..."
In Whole Cake Island, the headquarters of the Big Mom Pirates, the Emperor of the Sea, Charlotte Linlin, was in a furious rage. After all, the one who died was her son, her eldest son.
Although she had many children...
Charlotte Perospero was one of them who served as her left and right hand. Now, her right-hand man, her precious son, had died mysteriously, without even leaving a body to beburied! How could Big Mom not grieve, not be enraged?!
"Captain, should we seek revenge against the Marines?" one of her Sweet Commanders asked.
Big Mom trembled at the question, remaining silent. It seemed she hadn't decided how to answer. However, she didn't have to dwell on it, as someone spoke up for her.
"No, rashly going to war with the Marine will only benefit other pirate crews. We can observe Whitebeard and Kaido's reactions before making a decision."
The speaker was a tall, handsome man, Big Mom's current husband.
He was a man of both wisdom and courage, and naturally understood the current situation. Moreover, if they truly went to war with the Marine to avenge their son, they had no chance of winning.
Even though the Marine had suffered heavy losses and been significantly weakened after the two incidents orchestrated by a god, a skinny camel was still bigger than a horse. The current Marines were still not something they could challenge.
Even though he was furious about his son's death, even though he wished to seek revenge against the Marine immediately, reason told him that reckless action would only bring great losses to Whole Cake Island and more casualties to his crew.
Now, they had two things to do.
First, wait. Wait for Whitebeard, wait for Kaido, wait for the Marines.
Second, apply pressure. Put pressure on the Marine, acting as if they were ready for revenge, ready for war.
If Whitebeard and Kaido decided to go to war with the Marine, they would declare war as well. One powerful pirate crew wasn't a match for the Marine, but what about three?
And if Whitebeard and Kaido didn't intend to go to war with the Marine... then...
At the very least, they would make the Marine pay a hefty price for not going to war! His son's death absolutely could not be in vain! Absolutely not!!!
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