To kill Good, the World Government had moved with overwhelming force.
More than a dozen Emperor-class fighters, plus countless other elites — it far surpassed the Marineford War.
"The Gorosei themselves entering the battlefield… they mean to kill Good at all costs," Dragon said gravely.
Even Benn Beckman, usually calm, looked shaken as he bit down on his cigarette.
"With power like this, we cannot resist. In soldiers and in top-tier combatants, we are completely crushed. Even if Good were awake and could fight six Emperors at once, it wouldn't be enough. And he is unconscious."
The group fell into silence.
Momousagi's heart sank with worry.
Would Whitebeard, Shanks, and Dragon abandon their alliance now that they knew how hopeless the odds were?
Tokikake blurted out:
"We could reach out to Big Mom's crew. Or the six emperors of the underworld. Maybe they'd help?"
Whitebeard shook his head.
"No. We're in too much danger. Big Mom won't share the risk. And the underworld rulers? Their strength is nothing here. They'd just be throwing their lives away."
Tokikake slumped. Even Whitebeard saw only despair. Surely they would retreat.
But then Whitebeard turned to Shanks and Dragon.
"We've staked everything on Good. If the Government wins and eliminates him, they'll purge the seas. We'll be next. Better to gamble now than die later. What do you say?"
Shanks and Dragon thought long and hard… then nodded. They would bet everything on Good.
Whitebeard's gaze shifted to Redfield.
"What about you? Will you join us?"
Redfield smirked.
"No. Unlike you, I stand alone. If I wish, the Navy will never find me. I'll watch from the shadows."
He had refused the Navy, and now refused Whitebeard too. His goal was clear — to sit back and watch the storm.
They did not press him. War was life and death. A forced ally could become a deadly threat.
The group decided to search for allies anyway. Even a sliver of hope was worth chasing.
Shanks went to find Rayleigh, certain his old master would aid him.
He would also invite Mihawk, his longtime sparring partner.
Whitebeard, though doubtful, resolved to test Big Mom's willingness to join. One chance was better than none.
Dragon had few choices. The Revolutionary Army worked in shadows, not grand alliances. All he could do was recall Kuma and hidden agents across the seas.
The search began.
Rayleigh agreed without hesitation, scolding Shanks only for not coming himself. He brought an extra ally too — Boa Hancock. The Pirate Empress owed him her life. She had little love for Rayleigh, but against the Government, she saw her chance for revenge against the Celestial Dragons.
Shanks met Mihawk on the road. The swordsman had come of his own accord, drawn by Good's blade.
"As a swordsman, I care not who stands against me," Mihawk said. "I want to cross blades with him."
But Mihawk also bore grim news: Kaido's right-hand, King, had joined the Navy. And many prisoners from Impel Down had been recruited.
Dragon recalled Kuma, who returned with two shocking allies: Doflamingo and Moria, both freed from prison.
Whitebeard's attempt to sway Big Mom ended with no answer — neither agreement nor refusal. Yet her crew shadowed him in secret, relaying every word back to their captain.
The stage was being set for the greatest war in history — one that could wipe out nearly every top fighter in the world.
(End of Chapter)
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