The young captain, fresh from the Bell region and seething with frustration, slammed his sword into the dirt beneath his feet. Turning to Rear Admiral Darius, he growled, "Let's fight back. We can't let this stand! I'll capture that so-called general myself and demand to know where he got the audacity to attack our Marines. How have we ever wronged them?"
The scarred captain and the injured major beside him shared the same fire in their eyes. They waited for Darius's approval, ready to lead their forces into battle.
But Darius slowly shook his head. "No," he said firmly, gesturing for the group to step away from the wounded soldiers' tent. Once the area was quieter, he addressed them in a calm but resolute tone.
"Now is not the time to act rashly. As much as I hate to admit it, the samurai of Wano Country are formidable. If we charge into battle without a strategy, the losses will be devastating."
Darius's gaze swept across the group, ensuring he had their attention. "We have fewer than 3,000 Marines remaining in Wano Country. Of those, only about 2,000 have gathered here in Hakumai, and just 1,800 are fit to fight after the Flower Capital debacle."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Meanwhile, that so-called general has gathered a force of ronin, Yakuza, and Samurai from across the country. Reports estimate their numbers at 7,000 or 8,000—possibly more. That's a three-to-fourfold advantage. Even if our soldiers are elites, the casualties would be catastrophic."
The young captain clenched his fists, frustration etched on his face. "So, what do we do? Just sit here and let that bastard get away with it?"
Darius sighed, his tone softening. "I've already informed Vice Admiral Luffy of the situation. He'll arrive in Wano Country today."
The three officers exchanged bewildered glances before the scarred captain cautiously asked, "You mean the Vice Admiral Luffy? The one who reportedly injured Kaido, the King of Beasts? The one who's about to take command of Wano Country?"
Darius nodded. "That's the one."
Relief washed over the officers' faces. They had heard of Luffy's exploits—even in Wano, a place isolated from outside news. Stories of his battle against Kaido had circulated among the Marines, painting him as a warrior capable of taking on even the Four Emperors.
With Luffy's arrival imminent, their confidence grew. If anyone could deal with this so-called general, it was Vice Admiral Luffy.
As the officers regained their composure, a signalman rushed into the camp, his face pale with urgency. "Report!" he shouted, saluting sharply. "The Flower Capital's forces have assembled an army of 23,000 and are marching toward Hakumai!"
The announcement stunned the group into silence. Darius's jaw tightened as the signalman continued. "Captain Cookie, stationed in the Habu area, reported encountering an ambush while passing through Rabbit Bowl. Fortunately, Captain Hazel's forces arrived in time to assist. They've managed to repel the attackers and are now en route to Hakumai at full speed."
Before anyone could respond, the signalman added, "Captain Leo, stationed in Mogura, also encountered resistance. However, he reported that local residents and ronin loyal to our cause drove the aggressors away. He's now leading his troops here as well."
The young captain, still seething, took a step toward the signalman, his voice rising in anger. "They attacked us first? We haven't even moved against them yet!"
The signalman nodded, stepping back slightly under the captain's glare. "Yes, sir. But thanks to the local support in Mogura, Captain Leo avoided further conflict."
The young captain exhaled sharply, his fury subsiding slightly. "At least not all of them are ungrateful," he muttered.
Mogura, known for its harsh winters, had been under his command. During his station there, he had worked tirelessly to aid the impoverished residents—distributing food, repairing homes, and offering medical care. Hearing that those same residents had defended the Marines brought him a small measure of comfort.
Darius placed a firm hand on the young captain's shoulder. His voice carried the weight of experience as he said, "Remember this: no matter where we go, there will always be those who repay kindness with gratitude and those who repay it with blood. But as Marines, we don't act for recognition or rewards. We act for justice."
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