"Is Zephyr back yet?"
In the General Staff Office of Marine Headquarters, Sengoku, who looked a bit haggard, was communicating with the Five Elders on a Den Den Mushi to request the conscription of the Shichibukai, while also looking at Vice Admiral Tsuru, who was just as busy.
In the huge hall, Marine soldiers from the intelligence department were constantly contacting Marine branches all over the world with their Den Den Mushi, doing their best to speed up the mobilization of Marine forces.
"Zephyr is on his way. He's with Gion and is in the waters near Water Seven, gathering the forces from the Marine branches of the Grand Line."
"Where are Rorschach and the others?" Sengoku asked again.
"Two hours ago, they got on the lift to the Red Line. Rear Admiral Rorschach is currently resting to regain his strength as soon as possible so he can make the warship fly again," a communication soldier immediately answered.
Sengoku let out a breath and said in a deep voice, "Tell him to take it easy. Don't wear himself out before he even gets to G-1."
"Yes!" The communication soldier immediately began to dial the contact number on the Unicorn.
At this moment, twelve hours had passed since Rorschach's vanguard team left Marineford.
"What about Shiki and Kaido's movements? Have the intelligence officers in the New World monitored them?"
After a pause of less than ten minutes, Sengoku's voice rang out again.
This time, it was Vice Admiral Tsuru who answered.
"The pirate crews under their command, as well as most of their main executives, have appeared in various sea areas of the New World. They are forming a containment net around G-1 and are frantically taking over the Marine branches outside of G-1. But unfortunately, our intelligence officers in the New World have not found any traces of Shiki, Kaido, Charlotte Linlin, and Wang Zhi."
Vice Admiral Tsuru paused, her face filled with worry. "We don't even have to guess. They will definitely go to G-1 first. I hope Sakazuki can hold out."
"At this point, we can only trust Sakazuki." Sengoku listened to Saturn's consent on the Den Den Mushi, breathed a sigh of relief, stood up, and said loudly, "Immediately contact all the Shichibukai. The World Government's emergency summoning order has been issued. I need all of them to come and participate in the war."
"Yes!"
Immediately, the relevant communication soldiers began to skillfully dial the Den Den Mushi of each of the Shichibukai.
Vice Admiral Tsuru watched the busy Marines, waved for two cups of hot tea to be poured, and offered one to Sengoku, but Sengoku waved it away.
Looking at Sengoku, whose brows were slightly relaxed, Vice Admiral Tsuru paused and still spoke. "I advise you not to have too high of expectations for the Shichibukai. In a war of this scale, they might not respond to our summons."
"I know." Sengoku clenched his fist and looked at the empty square outside, his voice full of exhaustion. "One person is better than none. The Shichibukai's fighting power is not low. Each one who comes can reduce our casualties significantly. Sigh, we absolutely cannot lose this war!"
"You should be grateful that things haven't progressed to the worst-case scenario."
Sengoku couldn't help but smile wryly at these words.
He knew what Vice Admiral Tsuru meant by the worst-case scenario.
That night, Rorschach had analyzed that the worst predicament the Marines could face was if Shiki, along with a group of pirates who were hostile to the Marines, launched a surprise attack during the World Conference when the Marine forces were scattered.
If it had come to that, the situation would have been even more difficult for them than it was now.
Because in that case, it would mean that the Marines would have to divert 30% of their mid- to high-level officers and two Admirals.
No matter when, that would be a powerful fighting force.
Let alone now, when a war has just broken out and even gathering forces has become extremely difficult.
In this war, the Marines from the four seas and the branches near Reverse Mountain had not been summoned.
The distance was too far, the time was too short, and Shiki and the others would not give them too much time to prepare.
At the same time, Holy Land Mariejois, High Authority Hall.
The Five Elders were all frowning, looking at the photo on the table.
In the photo, a young Shiki, Whitebeard, Charlotte Linlin, Kaido, Wang Zhi, John, and others were gathered around a man whose hair was writhing like snakes.
"I can't believe that after 33 years, the shadow of the Rocks Pirates still hasn't completely faded away. That bastard from the 'D' clan, even after he's dead, his ghost still haunts us, passing on his great influence to this day. Those despicable 'D's, they should all be wiped out."
Saint Saturn tapped the face of Rocks with his cane, his eyes filled with unconcealed killing intent.
"You know that's impossible. Anyone can be of the 'D' clan. But not everyone can be a Rocks, a Roger, or a Dragon."
Saint Peter looked around at his four colleagues, his voice low. "But this is not the time to think about this. Although to a certain extent, this world needs pirates to help us better stabilize the World Government's rule, if we let the remnants of the Rocks Pirates completely occupy the New World, our credibility will be gone. Especially at this critical moment when the World Conference is about to be held, such a thing must absolutely not be allowed to happen."
"That's right. No matter what, the current era is good. We cannot let the sea return to the chaotic era of Rocks. A certain amount of chaos is necessary. But too much chaos might breed another Rocks or Roger, like a virus."
Saint Nusjuro, holding a sword, nodded.
The five of them looked at each other, each making up their minds. They all stood up, straightened their attire, and walked solemnly to the deepest part of the High Authority Hall.
After a long, dark passage, an ancient palace appeared in front of the Five Elders.
In the center of the palace, there was an upward-sloping staircase covered with a red carpet.
On the platform at the end of the stairs, there were various ancient weapons like katanas, guns, and spears.
And behind these weapons was an empty throne.
The empty throne looked ancient and sacred. The back was covered with intricate and complicated patterns, and the top was like a wide, giant sword piercing the ceiling of the palace.
This was the Empty Throne, the throne that was said to have been empty for eight hundred years, symbolizing peace and equality.
Looking at the empty throne...
The Five Elders, standing side by side, bowed respectfully without hesitation, prostrating their old bodies on the dark palace floor.
"Lord Imu."
As the five old voices respectfully called out the name, the light in the palace distorted like water waves.
A strange and ethereal hexagonal star pattern faintly appeared in the air, then flickered and disappeared as if it were a phantom that had never been there.
In the next moment, on the Empty Throne that had been empty just a moment ago, a tall figure wearing a crown and covered in a pure black robe appeared abruptly.
This figure was completely hidden by the impenetrable black robe. Only a pair of whirlpool-like eyes were visible.
Those eyes were filled with indifference, as if they were looking down on everything.
Like a god perched in the clouds.
The black-robed Imu, who had appeared abruptly, did not speak. But the Five Elders prostrated below bowed their heads even lower.
Saint Saturn held the photo above his head and said in an old voice, "Respected Lord Imu, to prevent this world from heading towards an unpredictable and chaotic future again, we have all unanimously decided to ask you to temporarily grant us the authority to use the 'Mother Flame' should the situation collapse."
An invisible force rolled up the photo in Saturn's hand and sent it flying into Imu's hand, who was sitting on the Empty Throne. They glanced at it indifferently and then casually tossed it aside.
"Granted."
With those two words, the Empty Throne was once again empty.
"Farewell, great Lord Imu."
Even after Imu had left, the Five Elders still bowed respectfully. Then they looked at each other, a look of joy on their faces as they turned around and exited the palace.
Not long after, a complete world map was placed on the table where the five of them were sitting.
"Let's set the target for the Mother Flame's strike for now at G-1 Island. If the Marines can't withstand Shiki's attacks, we'll find the best time to wipe out the pirates along with G-1."
Saint Saturn pointed a finger at the location of G-1 Island in front of the Red Line, his voice ruthless.
The other four all nodded.
Calm Belt, Rusukaina Island.
This was the neighboring island of Amazon Lily, the island of the women's country, which was the most yearned-for place in all the mysterious legends of the sea.
The island had the most severe climate and was covered with large, ferocious beasts from a primeval forest.
At this moment, on a spacious area near the sea, several beasts as large as mountains had their foreheads wrapped in bandages, their eyes were bruised, and tears were in their eyes. They were sitting obediently, trying their best to hold a log-thick stick with their paws, which were not suitable for holding sticks, and were laboriously turning it over.
On that thick stick was a giant beast, a powerful ruler of the island just like them, which was now dripping with fat from being roasted by the fire.
In front of the three beasts, an old man with glasses stood up with a cheerful smile from a rattan chair and looked at the red building-like ship that was slowly approaching.
"Ugh... I can't believe that these terrifying beasts on Rusukaina Island have been tamed so obediently. They look just like domesticated pets."
On the deck of the ship, the female warriors of the Kuja Pirates all stared in disbelief at the scene.
"Rayleigh, Shakky, we've brought you some supplies."
Before the ship had even docked, a short old woman, less than a meter tall, who was leaning on a snake-shaped cane, smiled and shouted at Rayleigh, who was walking toward them.
Rayleigh waved his hand. "Thank you, Elder Nyon. Hmm? Has Hancock come as well? That's a rare sight."
Suddenly, Rayleigh smiled and looked at a woman in a big red cheongsam standing at the bow of the ship.
She was a tall, slender woman with a graceful figure and an impeccable appearance.
She had a face so beautiful it could take one's breath away.
Whether a man or a woman, as long as they met her limpid gaze, their hearts would beat faster, and they would have all kinds of fantasies.
However, the eyes of this stunningly beautiful woman were always filled with coldness and arrogance that kept everyone at a distance.
Hearing Rayleigh's greeting, she simply raised her fair and slender neck like a white swan and scoffed. "Don't be so presumptuous. I didn't come here specifically to see you, Rayleigh. And I don't allow any man to call me by my name. Do you understand?"
"Heh heh, is that so? I'll be more careful next time, hahaha."
Rayleigh gave a dry laugh and stepped forward to accept the supplies from the Kuja Pirates' female warriors.
The short Elder Nyon turned her head unhappily to look at Hancock. "Hancock, how can you talk to Rayleigh like that? If it weren't for his help, you three sisters wouldn't have been able to get back to Amazon Lily so easily."
When she said this, the already cold Hancock became even colder, as if she had recalled some unpleasant memories.
She said in a cold voice, "I am the Empress of this country. I will do whatever I want and say whatever I want. I don't need anyone to tell me what to do. Set sail!"
With that, she turned around and ordered the female warriors on the ship to turn back, not caring that Elder Nyon and the others were still on the island.
"Sister." Marigold and Sandersonia, who were standing nearby, were about to try and stop her when they heard the Den Den Mushi in their arms ring.
The plump Marigold took out a beautiful lipstick-covered Den Den Mushi from her proud chest and looked at it. Her pupils suddenly constricted, and she said in a deep voice to Hancock, who was turning to enter the cabin, "Sister! It's the Marines calling."
Marigold did not hide her voice, and even Rayleigh and the others on the island could hear her.
"The Marines?" Hancock paused in her steps. She frowned, reached out, and took the Den Den Mushi from Marigold's hand. She didn't even look at it and just hung up.
"I am not in the mood to answer the phone call of those people right now."
"Don't be so willful, Snake Princess! Your current identity is that of a Shichibukai, an ally of the World Government! You represent the entire Kuja Pirates and Amazon Lily!" Elder Nyon, unable to bear it any longer, spoke up.
"Shut up!" Hancock suddenly turned around, her phoenix eyes narrowing, about to scold her.
But at that moment, the Den Den Mushi that had just been hung up rang again.
Hancock was so annoyed that she was about to go and hang up again when other Den Den Mushi began to ring.
There were Sandersonia's personal Den Den Mushi, and other female warriors' Den Den Mushi from the Kuja Pirates.
Even the Den Den Mushi that Elder Nyon had with her on the island rang.
"The Marines are calling so urgently, they must have an urgent matter." Rayleigh stroked the beard on his chin, his eyes flickering. "And to be looking for you, a Shichibukai, at this time, it must be the big event that's happening."
Everyone knew what the big event Rayleigh was talking about was.
Just a few hours ago, the news gulls from all over the world finally brought the sensational news of the four major pirate crews in the New World forming an alliance and publicly declaring war on the Marines.
It was imaginable how much this news would shake the world.
"Could it be..." Elder Nyon's heart skipped a beat. She had a vague guess as to the purpose of the Marines' call.
Her face struggled with a conflicted expression. She gritted her teeth and answered the ringing Den Den Mushi.
Sure enough, the next moment, Elder Nyon's guess was confirmed.
Before she could even ask, a clear voice of a Marine soldier came from the Den Den Mushi.
"Pirate Empress Boa Hancock, you are hereby summoned to G-1 Island in the New World to participate in the war against the New World Pirate Alliance. Please arrive at Marineford within two days. At that time, a Marine fleet will depart with you..."
The voice coming from the Den Den Mushi was very clear.
No one present was weak. They could all clearly hear every word the Marine soldier was saying.
Elder Nyon's face was solemn. She first said to the Den Den Mushi in her hand, "The Snake Princess is not here right now. Please wait a moment. I'll go and get her to answer the call."
"Please reply as soon as possible."
The Den Den Mushi was hung up. Elder Nyon looked at the Kuja Pirates' warriors, who all had worried expressions on their faces.
"It's a Shichibukai summoning order after all. It seems that Shiki and their pirate alliance have put a huge amount of pressure on the Marines, so much so that they have to start summoning the Shichibukai to join the war. What should we do? In a war of this scale, if you go, Snake Princess, it's a hundred-to-one chance of survival."
"Do I have to go just because the Marines want me to? Who do they think they are?" Hancock raised her chin and said with disdain, "As long as I don't want to, no one can force me."
"Snake Princess!" Elder Nyon's face became serious. "Although I also don't want you to go to war, after all, it's too dangerous to get involved in the battles of people like Shiki, Kaido, Charlotte Linlin, and Wang Zhi. But your identity is that of a Shichibukai. If you refuse the Marines' request to participate in the war, the World Government will remove your Shichibukai title, and Amazon Lily, which has been peaceful for so many years, may face war again."
"I don't care about that!"
"Don't be so willful, Snake Princess!"
Just as the two of them were about to start arguing, Rayleigh's voice suddenly rang out.
"No, even if Hancock doesn't join the war this time, the World Government definitely won't remove her Shichibukai title."
"Huh? Why?" Elder Nyon looked at him, confused.
Everyone on the ship, including Hancock, also looked at Rayleigh.
Rayleigh smiled. "Because this war is different. The intensity of the war is too high. It involves four major pirate crews, and a brutal battle of tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of soldiers. I don't even have to think about it. I know that this time, no one will dare to participate in the World Government's Shichibukai summoning order. And if no one participates, it means they won't do anything to you. On the contrary, they won't even dare to threaten you. Because if they anger the Shichibukai at such a critical moment, the Marines will face even greater danger."
Hearing Rayleigh's analysis, everyone nodded as if they had suddenly understood.
It was true.
The Marines were under too much pressure this time, and it was impossible for them to risk offending even more people.
"But what if they settle the score later..." Elder Nyon was still a little worried.
Rayleigh waved his hand and said with a laugh, "I didn't tell you to refuse them outright. Hancock can agree, but she can use an excuse to delay for a while. Since Shiki and the others have boasted that they will drive the Marines out of the New World, they will definitely launch the fiercest offensive at the fastest speed. From what I know about Sengoku, he won't wait. At most, within three days, all the forces gathered here will be put into the battlefield. As long as you can stall for three days, this war will have nothing to do with you. At that time, even if you wanted to go, it would be pointless."
Rayleigh's words were like clearing the fog from everyone's minds, and the tense and worried atmosphere in the area instantly dissipated into thin air.
Immediately, Elder Nyon prepared a grand-sounding statement, first expressing Hancock's strong resolve to go and fight.
But due to the fact that the Kuja Pirates' only ship that could freely enter and exit the Calm Belt had been attacked by a Sea King a few days ago, it was severely damaged and would require at least two days to be repaired.
As soon as the repairs were complete, Hancock would immediately sail to Marineford to rendezvous.
"Rayleigh, you have a clear insight. If you weren't here this time, I wouldn't have known how to reply." Elder Nyon said gratefully to Rayleigh.
"Elder Nyon, don't be so formal. I am already very grateful that you would take in an old man like me who has nowhere to go. Hahaha. All right, don't worry about things we can't control. Let's all come and eat some roasted meat." Rayleigh smiled and waved to the female warriors of the Kuja Pirates.
This time, Hancock remained silent. She did not stop her warriors from laughing and getting off the ship.
Grand Line, Baltigo, the White Clay Island.
On the desolate and ruined desert land, ancient buildings of an unknown age were embedded in the gray-white mountains.
Under the scorching sun, it seemed that even the air on the ground was distorted.
But even on such a desolate island, many soldiers in green uniforms could still be seen hurrying between the port and the buildings, carrying goods.
At the port, a hundred muscular men with their shirts off were using long ropes to drag a huge cube of stone off a large ship.
"Sister Robin! Look! This is the gift we brought back for you! Do you like it?"
On the large ship, Koala, who had a cute and youthful look with a chubby, pink face, was waving her arms towards the port in the distance, revealing a bright smile.
Robin, who was wearing a leather jacket and a leather hat, showed a gentle smile when she saw her. She stepped forward and hugged Koala, who was happily running down from the ship.
"You didn't have to go to so much trouble. The Poneglyph is too heavy. Even if you find a stone tablet, you don't have to carry it back. You can just have someone make a rubbing of the text on it. Hmm, thank you, Koala."
"You're... you're welcome." Koala was completely buried in Robin's chest, almost suffocating from Robin's ample bosom. Her face turned bright red, as if she had been drinking.
Even after Robin put her down, she still stood傻乎乎地 (foolishly) in place, looking down at her toes.
Hmm, from this angle, it seemed she couldn't see her toes...
On the beach in the distance, an exceptionally tall and muscular man held a connected Den Den Mushi with his large hand and listened for a while before replying in a low, calm voice, "I will be there in a day."
He hung up the Den Den Mushi and turned his head to look at Dragon, who was standing beside him. "It's as you expected. The Marines have started summoning the Shichibukai."
Dragon's hands were at his sides. He was wearing his usual green robe.
But at this moment, in Baltigo, the headquarters of the Revolutionary Army, he was not hiding his weathered face.
"It's inevitable. Although the hope is slim, they will definitely try to gather as much fighting power as possible and head to the battlefield in the New World."
"This is a great opportunity, Dragon." Kuma suddenly said softly. "With a big war about to break out and the World Government's attention being diverted, and with people's minds in a state of flux all over the world, the Revolutionary Army can speed up and try to take over some of the countries that are suffering."
Dragon nodded. "Lindbergh and Morley have already started."
"What do you think the final outcome of this war will be?"
Kuma asked again.
Dragon thought for a moment and said, "I can't know exactly who will die in this war. But the final direction of the war can be guessed at."
He looked at the turbulent sea in front of him, his voice drifting. "In terms of high-end combat power, the Marines are of course superior. But Shiki and the others have the advantage of time. If they can take control of the New World in a short period while the Marine forces are separated by distance, then this war is still worth fighting. If the New World is not taken down before the main force of the Marines arrives, then the war will only end with both sides taking a step back and choosing to cease fire."
"Why?" Kuma seemed a little confused.
Could Shiki, who had gone to such great lengths to make such a high-profile declaration of war, stop so easily?
Seeing Kuma's confusion, Dragon chuckled softly. "Heh, don't forget, in the New World, besides Kaido and Charlotte Linlin, there are also Whitebeard and Shanks. Given their way of handling things, they won't let the sea of the New World descend into complete chaos. Also..."
Dragon's face suddenly became extremely solemn, and his eyes grew deep.
"Don't forget how God Valley in the West Blue disappeared 33 years ago. The World Government has enough trump cards, and they are terrifying enough. When necessary, they will definitely find a way to protect the Marines. Even if some rebellious sentiments have been subtly appearing in the Marines over the years, the Marines are still their effective assistants in ruling the world. The Five Elders will not allow the Marines to lose, nor will they allow another Rocks to appear."
When the name God Valley was mentioned, Kuma's mountainous body subtly trembled. The sensitive Dragon noticed this and couldn't help but sigh, looking at Kuma with a look of guilt. "I'm sorry, Kuma. I made you recall some bad memories."
Kuma stood like a stone statue. It was a long time before a low voice came from his mouth.
"It's okay. I have used my ability to seal some of those memories away."
The two men fell silent on the beach, where the sea breeze was blowing.
After a long time, Kuma spoke again, looking at Dragon and saying softly, "Dragon, please take care of the Sorbet Kingdom for me. And Bonney... her personality is a bit willful, but her nature is still kind. If possible, don't let her go astray."
Dragon looked up and met Kuma's gaze.
Kuma's expression was a smiling one from beginning to end, and his voice was as gentle as ever.
But for some reason, Dragon felt that something was not right.
Kuma's smile no longer seemed to be as sincere.
Immediately, his voice became low. He looked at Kuma and said seriously, "Kuma, don't worry. I'll have the Revolutionary Army help take care of the Sorbet Kingdom and Bonney. But are you hiding something from me? If there's anything you need me to do, I..."
"It's nothing. You should get back to work. I'm leaving."
Kuma turned around, said in a low voice, and his burly body disappeared in front of Dragon in a flash, leaving no trace.
"Kuma..." Dragon frowned, looking in the direction where Kuma had disappeared.
Marine Headquarters.
"What's the status? How many people have agreed to come? I'm talking about the ones who aren't just giving us lip service!"
After waiting for more than an hour, Sengoku asked again.
The communicators responsible for contacting the Shichibukai reported one by one.
"Pirate Empress Boa Hancock said her ship is damaged and will need two days to repair. She will come immediately afterward."
"Gecko Moria said his injuries haven't healed yet, or he would have come to take that dog Kaido's life..."
"Doflamingo said he is helpless and unable to get through Shiki and Kaido's containment net. He told us to pray for our own good fortune."
"Dracule Mihawk has gone to the East Blue, and there is no longer enough time for him to get back."
"Jinbe of the Sea expressed his apologies, saying that the grudge he had with the Beast Pirates last time has already caused the Whitebeard Pirates to have a big battle. This time, too many forces are involved, and for the sake of the Ryugu Kingdom, he cannot participate."
"Those bastards! I knew we couldn't rely on any of them."
With a bang, Sengoku's fist slammed heavily onto the table in front of him, his face full of rage.
"Bartholomew Kuma the Tyrant will arrive at Marineford in one day."
Upon hearing this news, Vice Admiral Tsuru shook her head and sighed. "Sigh, wasn't this already what we expected? With Bartholomew Kuma joining the war, it's already a great addition to our combat power."
Sengoku massaged his temples and looked at the names that were checked off on the form in his hand. "How many forces have we gathered, Tsuru?"
"Including the 20,000 gathered by Zephyr, a total of 58,000 soldiers." Vice Admiral Tsuru thought for a moment and gave the exact number. "If we wait for another three days, we should be able to gather 100,000 soldiers..."
"There's no time! It will take at least three days for all those people to get to the New World. The lift at the Holy Land can't transport many soldiers at once, and we also have to be prepared for it to malfunction. Tsuru, tell Zephyr not to wait any longer and to bring his people here as soon as possible. In a day and a half, 36 hours from now, we will depart for the New World! In the meantime, all the forces that have gathered at Marineford will first be sent to the foot of the Red Line and transported to the top of the Red Line in batches."
Just as Sengoku finished speaking, he saw a communication soldier who was on the phone suddenly stand up from his seat with a pale face and said in a tense voice, "Fleet Admiral Sengoku! Rear Admiral Rorschach's team has encountered the Flying Pirates led by Shiki!"
"What?!"
(End of Chapter)
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