One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 534 I still need one more answer

To be honest, my relationship with the four of them wasn't as good as many people thought.

Or rather, even ignoring Roman, the four of them already had many conflicts.

This is due to personality.

Roman understood perfectly why the four of them were so obedient and sensible in front of him.

it's actually really easy.

They're just scared of being beaten.

I used force to make them submit.

To put it bluntly, I tamed them.

You have to understand, they weren't exactly obedient subordinates to begin with.

Otherwise, it wouldn't have been sent here.

It is precisely because they have flaws that I have become the reins that control them.

That's how the opportunity to meet came about.

Roman chose the least strenuous method.

The pressure from above is what begins.

This relationship could never be called harmonious from the beginning.

In fact, this was true even in the later stages.

The tone set from the beginning can determine a lot of things.

They have respect for themselves, but also fear.

Of course, they weren't beaten for nothing.

Roman would also teach them many things and help them grow.

I am also guiding them step by step toward the path I expect.

But that's about it... there's really nothing more.

It would be really crazy if this team started showing concern for each other.

Roman had no doubt that if he were to say such a thing, they would think he was crazy.

If the four of them express concern for each other, the person receiving the concern will most likely reciprocate.

They can indeed be considered a team.

However, it is not the warm and cozy home that most people expect.

It must be said that the existence of such a combination within the Marine forces of the One Piece world is a truly tragic situation.

Because people really do die here.

Sometimes, maintaining a degree of indifference is indeed easier.

"Of course, they have feelings for me. I don't know how deep they are, but of course they do."

Roman spoke with great confidence.

Before Aokiji could react, she continued speaking.

"The reason? Isn't it obvious? I'm not someone who dies easily. Of course, it's possible and worthwhile to pour emotions into me."

That's an irrefutable reason.

Aokiji listened and thought at the same time.

"You know, for us, it is a real luxury to pour our emotions into others."

It's like an extremely risky investment.

Nobody wants to lose everything.

We all hope that the emotions we invest will be worthwhile and rewarding.

Because this is an era of uncertainty.

Our battlefield is the vast ocean.

Dying at sea is nothing new for the navy.

The heroes' graves in Marineford often do not contain the remains of heroes.

There were only clothes inside.

“I had thought from the beginning that they would die.”

"You don't need to see me that way. This is just my worst-case scenario. In fact, I know that such things are inevitable."

"All things that are born and die will eventually come to an end."

Roman uttered the words with an almost indifferent tone.

Serving in the navy requires being prepared to face death.

This is a point that everyone, from the marshals down to the rank-and-file soldiers, must accept honestly.

Roman had considered that the four of them might die.

He also thought about the possibility of his own death.

Because that is a real possibility.

She doesn't deliberately avoid it.

Just as she said, it's impossible to escape it forever.

Including the four of them, they had actually been aware of this for a long time.

That's how the Great Pirate Era was.

"So you're really okay..."

Aokiji was no longer sure.

Roman's words conveyed an unusually firm and confident feeling.

Logically speaking, she should be fine.

but……

"But they shouldn't have died like that."

Roman's words suddenly became urgent.

This made Aokiji somewhat uneasy.

"They weren't good kids, and they weren't exactly outstanding navy personnel, but they were definitely not bastards who deserved to be tortured and killed."

"They have clearly changed a lot, and even the indirect cause of their deaths was to protect others."

As he was speaking, Roman suddenly turned around.

Aokiji quickly stood up as well.

Roman's tone suddenly rose; he had assumed she was already crying.

but.

Roman's expression remained unchanged.

Calm and still.

Just like the sea surface now.

“I did make the wrong choice, and I have to accept the consequences. I have no one to blame but myself.”

"you……"

"General Aokiji... Thank you for listening to me. I am much better now. The things that follow are beyond what I can handle with words. I need an answer."

An answer that would allow her to focus on her mission without distractions.