Revolutionary Army Headquarters, Baltigo.
Inside the command post, the remaining high-ranking members of the Revolutionary Army had gathered. Every face carried a heavy expression, and the air itself felt suffocating.
At the front stood a cat-faced humanoid wearing goggles. He was the last remaining army commander, the commander of the Southern Army, Lindbergh.
By Dragon's direct order, Lindbergh and those present had stayed behind at headquarters. Because of that decision, they avoided the massacre on Cake Island.
With Dragon, Sabo, Crow, and many others dead, Lindbergh had become the highest-ranking officer left. By default, he now stood as the interim commander in chief, the leader of the Revolutionary Army.
Yet that position brought him no pride. Instead, it felt like sitting on fire.
After the events on Cake Island, calling the Revolutionary Army weakened would be far too mild. They had been struck at their core, nearly severed entirely.
Even so, a starved camel was still larger than a horse. Despite everything, the Revolutionary Army remained a powerful force, still considered just below the Yonko in overall strength.
As one of its commanders, Lindbergh himself possessed power close to Admiral level. He had even clashed with Admiral Ryokugyu at Mary Geoise. On top of that, he was a member of the Mink Tribe, and under a full moon, his strength would surge dramatically.
Today's meeting had only one purpose, deciding the future of the Revolutionary Army.
Lindbergh sat at the head, arms crossed. He lifted his goggles slightly, scanning everyone present before speaking in a low, steady voice.
"Everyone, Leader Dragon is gone. Sabo and Crow are also gone."
His voice faltered slightly. A tight feeling rose in his throat, and the others lowered their heads, grief evident on their faces.
Axiu and Koala could not hold back their emotions. Tears streamed down their faces. Koala, who had shared a deep bond with Sabo, covered her face and cried openly.
Lindbergh let out a long breath.
"Koala, hold yourself together. We all feel the same, but this is not the time to drown in grief. We need to think about relocating headquarters. If the Navy finds us, the consequences will be disastrous."
Kildeo, the intelligence officer, spoke up.
"That's correct. A few days ago, our scouts detected traces of CP0 in the surrounding waters. The situation is already critical."
Lindbergh nodded.
"We need to move. But there's one major issue. Where do we relocate to?"
Kildeo placed his hands on the table, his expression serious.
"I suggest we temporarily withdraw from the Grand Line."
The moment he said it, the room erupted.
"Withdraw from the Grand Line? Then everything we have worked for will be wasted!"
"If Leader Dragon were still here, he would never agree to this!"
"Instead of retreating, we should scatter into fleets across the Grand Line. That way, the Navy will struggle to track us!"
The arguments grew louder, filling the room.
Lindbergh pressed his temple, already feeling a headache coming on. He looked toward Kildeo.
"Kildeo, what do you think…"
Before he could finish, Kildeo suddenly slammed his hand onto the table.
The room fell silent.
All eyes turned to him.
Kildeo remained quiet for a moment, then sighed.
"As the intelligence officer, I have access to far more information than any of you. The truth is, the Grand Line is now almost entirely under Navy control. Nations that once stood independent are now joining the World Government one after another. Finding a country without a Navy presence has become extremely difficult."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"Our operations have grown harder every year. You have all experienced this firsthand."
No one spoke. No one could deny it.
Kildeo continued.
"In my opinion, staying in the Grand Line no longer benefits us. To be blunt, remaining here is nothing but a slow death."
That final statement shocked many.
Lindbergh, however, nodded slightly, signaling for him to continue.
Kildeo stood and walked to the large map behind Lindbergh. He pointed at it as he spoke.
"Our losses are severe. In this situation, what we need most is time. Time to rebuild, to gather strength, and to recruit new allies."
His voice grew more intense.
"Commander Issho was discovered by Leader Dragon during a chance journey. The world is vast. There are others like him, strong individuals who may share our ideals. Even if we do not find such people immediately, we can nurture talent from the younger generation."
He clenched his fist.
"As long as we continue to bring in new blood, we will recover. And one day, we will return to the Grand Line."
By the time he finished, his passion was undeniable.
Lindbergh was the first to clap. If Kildeo had greater combat strength, Lindbergh might have considered handing leadership over to him entirely.
The others exchanged glances, then gradually nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Lindbergh relaxed slightly.
He shifted his posture, half crouching on the chair.
"Alright. We follow Kildeo's plan. We withdraw from the Grand Line. Kildeo, where do you suggest we establish our new headquarters?"
Kildeo answered immediately.
"East Blue. Both Leader Dragon and Commander Sabo came from there. Compared to the other seas, our influence is stronger in East Blue. It will be easier to establish ourselves."
He continued.
"Once we are stable, we can appoint three new commanders and expand into the other seas."
Lindbergh clapped his hands decisively.
"Good. That's thorough thinking. We proceed as planned. Time is short. All commanders, mobilize the troops immediately. Once assembled, we evacuate at once. Destination, East Blue."
Unlike pirates, the Revolutionary Army functioned with strict discipline.
The moment the order was given, everyone stood and prepared to act.
But before anyone could leave, a deafening roar echoed from outside.
The ground began to tremble violently.
Lindbergh vanished from his seat in an instant. He landed on all fours, ears twitching sharply.
Then, an arrogant and unrestrained laugh reached him.
"Zehahahaha!!"