Chapter 99: War Broadcasted Live
The moment the five pirate ships of the Spade Pirates set sail from Sun Island and surged toward Dressrosa, the entire sea was shaken.
Those keeping a close watch on the moves of the Spade Pirates and the Donquixote Pirates instantly realized—
War was inevitable.
Though skirmishes and clashes were common in the New World, a full-scale confrontation between two great powers was rare. This war, while perhaps not enough to overturn the balance of power among the Four Emperors, would definitely shake the seas.
Every major power dispatched scouts and intelligence agents to track the battle.
But unlike the original timeline where the Straw Hat Pirates infiltrated Dressrosa in secret, Ace openly declared war. So by the time the five ships of the Spade Pirates arrived in Dressrosa's waters, the entire kingdom was already fortified for battle.
Along the rocky coastline, heavy cannons were arrayed in rows.
Atop a craggy cliff, Donquixote Doflamingo stood with several high-ranking officers of the Donquixote Family, gazing down at the approaching enemy fleet.
> "Fufufufufu… That brat's really coming in hot,"
Doflamingo chuckled with his signature grin.
Onboard the Spade, Portgas D. Ace stepped to the bow and shouted toward the cliffs.
> "Doflamingo! You slaughtered the Silver Pirates!
This isn't just revenge. I'm here to end you!"
Ace raised his hand and declared:
> "Everyone—advance! The war begins now!"
> "For Captain Lewis!"
> "Avenge the Silver Pirates! Pay them back in blood!"
---
Meanwhile, Trebol, standing beside Doflamingo, sneered:
> "Doffy, we should blast them now while they're still at sea."
> "Fufufufu… Let's make this more fun,"
Doflamingo said, raising his arm skyward.
Above them floated numerous surveillance Den Den Mushi attached to balloons. They were transmitting footage of the battle live to every corner of the world.
> "This war's being broadcast globally," Doflamingo said coldly.
"No matter how it ends, Ace… there will be no place for you on this sea after today."
Without waiting for a reply, Doflamingo waved his hand.
> "Open fire!"
---
BOOM BOOM BOOM!!
A storm of cannon fire rained down on the approaching Spade Pirates.
Suddenly—
> SPLASH!
A large figure launched from the Spade, plunging into the ocean.
> "Fish-Man Jujutsu: Surging Sea Shoulder Throw!"
A massive water column erupted from the sea, crashing upward like a tidal spear. The cannonballs were swallowed by the surging current, and the wave slammed against the rocky coast, destroying many of the cannons.
> "It's Vores, the Fish-Man helmsman!"
> "Incredible! He's generating waves like Jinbe!"
> "Captain Ace! I'll clear the way!"
Vores dived again.
> "Ocean Path: Great Current Express!"
The sea rumbled. A powerful current surged beneath the ships, lifting all five of the Spade Pirates' vessels and thrusting them toward the Dressrosa coast.
---
CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!
The ships slammed into the coastline, halting their advance.
From the Bulldog Pirates' ship, their captain George Salin roared:
> "Everyone, charge! Tear those bastards apart and avenge Lewis!"
Salin, who had been close friends with Von Lewis, charged down the gangplank and was the first to storm Dressrosa's shores.
But as his crew followed—
> BOOM BOOM!!
Explosions detonated across the beach.
George nimbly dodged them, but several of his men were severely injured.
> "Who's there?! Show yourself!"
From the smoke emerged a man with spiky hair, round-lensed goggles, and a sinister grin.
> "You pirates think you can just stroll into our kingdom?"
> "You're… Gladius! A Donquixote Family officer!"
Gladius, of the Pica Army, was known for his explosive temper—literally.
---
Behind the Bulldog Pirates, the Ranger Pirates disembarked. At the helm was the dual-sword-wielding Doma.
> "Need a hand, Bulldog?"
> "Piss off, monkey-boy!" Salin shouted as he charged Gladius.
Their clash sparked another burst of explosions.
> "Hahaha! Then I'll just see who can rack up more kills!"
Doma dashed forward, aiming for another entrance into Dressrosa—but suddenly, the ground shook violently, rippling like cloth.
Descending from the air, a man dressed in a tribal cloak, a fur hat, and red face stripes launched a sudden attack with his sword.
> "Diamante!" Doma gritted his teeth.
The commander of the Donquixote Family's Diamante Army and head of the Fighting Corps, Diamante was one of Doflamingo's top officers.
But just as his blade struck down—
> RATATATATAT!
The monkey riding on Doma's back pulled out twin pistols, opening fire and forcing Diamante to retreat.
> "Still using cheap tricks, huh? You damn circus clown!"
Doma recovered and charged.
Behind him, his men clashed fiercely with the Fighting Corps led by Diamante.
---
The battle for Dressrosa had officially begun.
And the entire world was watching.
---