Akainu and the others fully and unreservedly supported Lloyd's suggestion of taking the initiative.
At this moment, the air around Lloyd and his group shimmered with energy. Starting from him, each officer subtly released their abilities, sequentially displaying colors of black, red, yellow, blue, and green. The five elements intertwined, filling the conference room with a tangible pressure. The faces of the generals across from them, led by Sengoku, shifted noticeably.
Before Lloyd's arrival, Sengoku, who valued caution and stability, had proposed waiting for the Roger Pirates at Marineford to capitalize on home-field advantages. In that context, Lloyd's words directly contradicted him, asserting a more aggressive approach. This boldness unsettled the room.
All eyes turned toward Sengoku. Even if he recognized that Lloyd's strategy was superior, Sengoku understood the importance of maintaining his own stance. If Lloyd, an Admiral with the least seniority, overpowered his position, Sengoku's faction within the Navy Headquarters would lose influence. By holding his opinion, he preserved the dignity and presence of his faction, even if it wasn't ultimately followed.
Sengoku repeated his cautious stance. Akainu frowned, ready to retort, but paused, knowing Lloyd had not yet spoken.
Lloyd listened calmly, expression unreadable, then smiled faintly.
"Sengoku, I think what you said makes a lot of sense."
The statement stunned everyone in the room, including Kong. Among them, Saint Zephyr, an Admiral ready to support his disciple, choked slightly at hearing this, coughing twice from an old internal injury.
Akainu, unable to contain himself, began, "Llo—"
Lloyd raised a hand to stop him, then turned toward Fleet Admiral Kong with a smile.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, Marineford should indeed be reinforced. After all, Whitebeard and Linlin's Pirates are still active. They might seize this moment to strike. How about we let Admiral Sengoku stay at Marine Headquarters to guard it? As for the Roger Pirates, I will handle them. That is my responsibility."
Kong pondered for a moment. "Lloyd, the Roger Pirates have grown far beyond what they were before. This is a decisive battle. Isn't it risky for a single Admiral to face them?"
Sengoku and the others nodded in agreement. Lloyd smiled slightly, confident and unshaken.
"I am not alone. Sakazuki, Kuzan, and the others are accompanying me. The advantage is mine."
Indeed, including Lloyd, five Logia users were being dispatched. Alongside them, Ginny and Kuma, two of the Navy's top Devil Fruit users from the Zoan and Paramecia classes, strengthened their forces. Claiming "the advantage is mine" was no exaggeration.
Kong still harbored concern. "But if the battle occurs at sea, as Devil Fruit users…"
"It will be fine, Kuzan is with me," Lloyd interrupted calmly.
Kuzan, acknowledged directly, patted his chest. "Do not worry, Senpai Lloyd. With me here, no one will fall into the sea."
Kong nodded in relief. "Very well. But if the situation turns unfavorable, inform Marine Headquarters immediately. Reinforcements will be sent without delay."
With Kong's decision made, Sengoku, who had wanted to protest further, fell silent. Though he harbored his own desire to participate, duty required him to stay.
Meanwhile, aboard the Oro Jackson, Roger summoned Rayleigh to his quarters.
"Rayleigh, you must be especially careful in this battle. If necessary, take Shanks and Buggy and flee immediately. I will cover your retreat with all my strength."
Rayleigh's face was solemn. "Roger, in your mind, the outcome of this battle is already determined, isn't it?"
Roger nodded silently.
"So you are seeking death?" Rayleigh pressed.
"Yes. I am the Pirate King. I must arrange a proper funeral for myself. Just consider it my one act of willfulness," Roger said, a mocking smile curling his lips as he uttered the title "Pirate King."
A look of sorrow crossed Rayleigh's face. "Have you not been willful enough over the years? Do as you please. I will follow your command."
"Rayleigh, thank you. It is truly a blessing to have a companion like you in this life," Roger said quietly.
Hearing Roger's words, Rayleigh's composure broke. He had not shed tears in years, yet now his eyes welled up. He tilted his head back, staring at the ceiling, and murmured, "But what about the others? Will they die alongside you?"
"I will not allow that. I will cover their escape if they wish to survive," Roger replied firmly.
"You know they will likely choose to stay and fight with you to the end, while I would become a cowardly deserter," Rayleigh said, voice low.
Roger lowered his head, sighing. "I am sorry, Rayleigh. But from the moment we reached Laugh Tale, our era ended. A new era requires someone else to open it."
Rayleigh suddenly gripped Roger's shoulders, shouting, "Look at me! Roger!"
Roger's body trembled. Slowly, he met Rayleigh's gaze. Lightning from Haoshoku Haki crackled around Rayleigh, his voice unwavering.
"I want to ask you one thing. Are you still the captain I respect, Gol D. Roger?"
Roger's lips curved slightly in surprise, then a calm smile spread. Rayleigh roared in frustration.
"Don't smile! That smile doesn't belong to you! It's that cursed Devil Fruit!"
Roger's expression returned to calm. "Rayleigh, I have never changed. I am still the Gol D. Roger you know. Precisely because of that, I am not the person he is waiting for."
Rayleigh clenched and released his fists, walking silently toward the door.
Roger called after him, "Rayleigh, I have a child. I named him Ace, Portgas D. Ace."
Rayleigh paused, voice soft. "Okay, at least the Pirate King's bloodline continues. But why Portgas as a surname?"
Roger gave a bitter smile. "Rayleigh, would a father like me be fit to give him my name? That name would only bring him harm."
Rayleigh finally turned fully. "Where is he now?"
"He has not been born yet. I have entrusted him and his mother to a very capable young man. I do not know their location now."
"Is he reliable?"
"Reliable. He is Garp's son."
____
Patreon = _Zeph