In that moment of extreme tension, it was as if time itself had been pushed forward by an invisible hand.
Before long, an emergency meeting of utmost importance was convened.
The location was the solemn conference room of Marine Headquarters.
The instant one stepped into that space, an oppressive atmosphere pressed in from all sides.
The air seemed so heavy it could almost be wrung dry, and every breath felt as though it carried the weight of lead.
At the center stood Fleet Admiral Sengoku, his expression cold and imposing.
His face was ashen, like storm clouds battered by rain and wind. Standing ramrod straight before the projection Transponder Snail, his eyes burned as he stared fixedly at the device glowing faintly before him.
On the enormous screen behind him, the latest intelligence on the Eternal Divine Kingdom was being displayed in crystal-clear images.
Every line of text, every image, was like a stone dropped into a still lake, sending ripples through everyone present.
Gathered around both sides of the conference table were the high-ranking officers of the Marines. Some sat, some stood, each wearing a different expression.
Aokiji lowered his head slightly, his brows drawn together in a deep furrow.
Even Kizaru, who was famous for his lazy attitude, had completely put away his usual frivolous smile. His relaxed face had tightened, and his eyes carried a rare gravity.
Just a few days earlier, it had been formally decided that Magellan would take up the position of Marine Admiral.
That decision had been like a massive boulder thrown into a calm sea, sending great waves through the hearts of everyone present.
As for the once-terrifying Impel Down, it now existed in name only.
Its former glory was gone, leaving behind only ruin and desolation.
The reason was simple: Devil Fruits had become rampant.
Those miraculous yet dangerous fruits now moved through the world like wild horses that had slipped their reins.
The World Government had once intended to keep them firmly under its control, using them to maintain order and balance, but that wishful thinking had completely failed.
Faced with such an uncontrollable situation, they had issued a cruel and merciless order in the name of so-called "justice" and "order."
As long as they were pirates, they were to be killed without exception.
That resolute stance was as if they intended to strangle every unstable element in the cradle.
And now, facing the unprecedented situation of one of the Four Emperors joining the Eternal Divine Kingdom, shock and confusion were written plainly on everyone's faces.
The Vice Admirals' doubts, the Admirals' confirmation, and the heated discussion within the conference room all painted a picture of how tense the situation had become.
"How is this possible?! A rebellious monster like Kaido actually lowered his head and joined the Eternal Divine Kingdom?"
The Vice Admiral's voice was filled with disbelief, his words sounding as though he were questioning the very order of the world itself.
But Sengoku's reply struck like a hammer, shattering everyone's remaining fantasies.
"According to Admiral Kizaru's personal experience, as well as confirmation from CP, the information is true."
The moment Sengoku's words fell, the conference room erupted.
The news of the Beasts Pirates' destruction exploded in everyone's heart like a bomb. Kaido's submission made it even harder for them to believe.
They could not imagine it.
That Emperor who had once dominated the New World with absolute arrogance had actually lowered his head one day and submitted to another power.
"With this, the Big Mom Pirates can also be classified as part of the Eternal Divine Kingdom's camp. After the battle in Wano Country, the situation in the New World has become much clearer!"
Someone tried to find a clue within this upheaval, attempting to interpret the true intentions of the Eternal Divine Kingdom.
"Damn it! Why does it feel like the world is becoming more and more chaotic?!"
Others voiced their fear and unease over this change.
They worried that the emergence of such a unified force would bring even greater turmoil and instability to the world.
But some saw it differently.
"No. It isn't chaos. It's clarity. The Four Emperors used to each stand on their own, but now a unified force has appeared."
Whether their feelings were shock, worry, or anticipation, the Eternal Divine Kingdom had already become the focus of everyone's attention.
And the joining of a Four Emperor-level power had undoubtedly brought even more variables and possibilities to the world.
In this age of uncertainty and challenge, only those who could adapt to change would be able to rise above the rest and become true powerhouses.
"..."
Sengoku slammed his fist heavily onto the conference table, shaking the entire room.
His sharp gaze swept across every officer present, and his voice was as hard as steel.
"Pass down my order. From this day onward, all Marine forces are to enter the highest state of combat readiness!"
Every word he spoke sounded like the pronouncement of a sentence.
"When encountering criminal pirates, arrest them if possible. If they resist…"
A decisive glint flashed in Sengoku's eyes.
"Execute them on the spot!"
The conference room fell into dead silence.
Even the sound of breathing could be heard clearly.
This order meant that the Marines would completely abandon the principle of taking enemies alive and adopt the most iron-blooded methods.
"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures!"
Sengoku tore the coat of Justice from his shoulders in one fierce motion.
"The current situation no longer allows for even the slightest mercy!"
"Yes, sir!"
The gathered officers responded in unison, their voices making the glass tremble.
Everyone realized it.
From this day forward, the Marines' code of conduct would be completely rewritten.
...
Inside the conference room, the noisy voices had gradually faded away.
Now, only Sengoku and Tsuru remained standing quietly within.
The surrounding air seemed gripped by an invisible hand, heavy enough to make breathing difficult.
Every breath they took felt as though it carried a thousand-pound burden, pressing down on their hearts.
The lights were dim and yellowed.
Shadows swayed uneasily across the walls, as if even they had been swallowed by the tense atmosphere.
"Tsuru…"
Sengoku slowly removed the glasses that had accompanied him for so many years.
His movements were slow and heavy, filled with exhaustion.
As the glasses came off, his bloodshot eyes were exposed.
The weariness and vicissitudes in his gaze made his voice sound as though it had aged ten years in an instant, as if he had lived through countless long, difficult nights and all his strength had finally been drained away.
"Are we doing the right thing?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru walked steadily and slowly toward the window.
Her gaze passed through the bright glass and looked out toward the broad training grounds in the distance.
There, Marine forces were assembling in haste.
The soldiers wore neat, uniform attire, their backs straight as pines.
Their faces were filled with grim resolve and ferocity. Under the sunlight, their killing intent stood out even more sharply.
The sight made Tsuru involuntarily think of a figure who had already passed away forever.
A man who had once held an extremely important place within the Marines.
"Though Akainu is dead, justice endures. In the end, he still won."