"Bob's Revolutionary Army has been extremely active recently and several warships along with Revolutionary Army squads from various regions have been recalled!"
"This is the first time such phenomena have occurred in two years!"
"Bob's next move is likely to launch a war against the World Government!"
After steadying his emotions, Akainu's resolute face tensed as he spoke.
His words echoed through the empty council chamber.
Yet, those present showed no emotional reaction upon hearing this—only their expressions darkened further.
Even if Akainu hadn't said it, they could have deduced it from the Revolutionary Army's actions.
"Over these past two years! Our strength has undoubtedly been greatly replenished!"
"But the Revolutionary Army has also received significant reinforcements!"
"Moreover, the bounties issued by Bob's alliance have led to the deaths of many Marine officers!"
"This time, the Revolutionary Army's offensive may prove even more stronger than we anticipated!"
Vice Admiral Tsuru's aged face was now solemn.
She knew that saying these words would only deal them a heavier blow, but given the circumstances, a calm analysis was necessary.
"These are secondary concerns!" Ethanbaron V Nusjuro showed no trace of fear in response to Tsuru's words.
"The most critical issue is Bob!"
When he uttered those last two words, they seemed to be forced through clenched teeth.
Only when discussing Bob did Ethanbaron V Nusjuro's expression visibly change.
As for the lowly rabble in the Revolutionary Army, the Five Elders had ways to deal with them—they posed no threat whatsoever.
But against Bob, they were utterly powerless.
Two major battles had already made them realize his overwhelming strength—far beyond what they could defeat.
Any lingering hope had long since vanished.
If Bob wasn't dealt with, no matter how many others perished, it would all be meaningless.
"Bob!!"
Hearing Nusjuro single out this man specifically, Akainu's facial muscles twitched violently as scenes from the God Valley War and the Summit War flashed through his mind.
"Tch—"
At that thought, Akainu suddenly clutched his abdomen, his face contorting in agony as his body swayed unsteadily.
"Are you alright?!"
"Akainu!"
Sengoku, noticing Akainu's distress, called out in concern and reached out to steady him.
"It's nothing!" Akainu steadied himself and pushed Sengoku's outstretched hand away.
This had happened more than once over the past two years, and each time, it was accompanied by excruciating pain.
Akainu had realized that the trigger was recalling the moment during the Summit War when Bob had pierced through his body.
If his clothes were removed now, a massive scar would be visible on Akainu's abdomen.
This was the wound left when Bob had blasted straight through him with nothing but a toothpick.
After narrowly escaping death, it had become Akainu's psychological shadow these past two years.
Normally, it caused no adverse effects—only in moments like these would the pain flare up.
"Hmph!"
"What a worthless fool!" Shepherd Ju Peter took one look at Akainu and snorted coldly.
Even as the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, in his eyes, Akainu was still nothing more than a lapdog—someone he could beat or scold as he pleased.
He saw absolutely nothing wrong with it!
Hearing this, Akainu's expression darkened, his anger flaring as he nearly lashed out—but in the end, he held his tongue.
All he could do was mutter inwardly, 'The five of you couldn't even take him on together! How laughable!'
Kong and Sengoku's faces also twisted in discomfort.
They knew that no matter what they did, in the eyes of the Five Elders, they were still insignificant.
Yet, faced with these five supreme authorities of the World Government, they had no choice but to endure.
"The Revolutionary Army's attack is already set in stone!"
"Though the timing of their assault is far from ideal for us!"
"We must still respond with everything we have!"
Ethanbaron V Nusjuro swept his gaze over them, indifferent to their expressions.
Over the past two years, the World Government's strength had not yet recovered to its pre-summit war levels.
Despite the worldwide conscription efforts, there was still a noticeable gap.
He had always known that a battle with the Revolutionary Army was inevitable—but he had hoped for a few more years of recuperation before launching an offensive against them.
But plans could never keep up with changes.
Bob had grown impatient, and this great war would soon unfold.
Against this sudden outbreak of conflict, they had to give it their all.
"A full-scale war against the Revolutionary Army!" Kong frowned deeply upon hearing Ethanbaron's words.
"This battle will undoubtedly surpass even the scale of the Summit War!"
"The Revolutionary Army is going all out this time!"
"From this moment onward, mobilize every available force—throw everything into this war!"
"The Marines, Impel Down, Enies Lobby—even the prisoners held in captivity or under trial! Summon the armies of nations paying the Celestial Tribute as well!"
"Here, we will fight the Revolutionary Army to the death!" Ethanbaron's voice was firm and resounding, echoing through the vast hall.
Instantly, the expressions of everyone present shifted.
The only sound left in the room was the lingering weight of his words.
Was this the beginning of an all-out war?!
The battle between the World Government and the Revolutionary Army would be one that reshaped the world.
Among the Marine higher-ups, Akainu's eyelids twitched slightly.
"What about Bob?"
As the Fleet Admiral, he had no objections to the Five Elders' orders—but how would they deal with the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Bob?
Hearing Akainu's question, Ethanbaron's expression remained unchanged as he replied calmly.
"That is not your concern!"
"When the time comes, someone will naturally deal with him."
Though spoken slowly, Ethanbaron's words sent a jolt through Akainu's body, his face twisting in shock and doubt.
Not just him—even the other Marine officers, including Kong and Sengoku, reacted the same way.
Someone would deal with Bob?!
In this world, aside from those present here, was there truly anyone else capable of standing against Bob?
After all, this was an opponent that even the combined might of the Five Elders couldn't defeat.
Whoosh—!!
At almost the same moment, everyone's gaze turned in unison towards Ethanbaron V Nusjuro.
They hoped to find answers from his lips.
Yet Ethanbaron showed no intention of addressing their doubts.
"Do what you're supposed to do!"
"When the time comes, you'll naturally understand!"