At the bow of the lead ship, the Elder in the center stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across Whitebeard, Shanks, Dragon, and Rayleigh.
"Heh... the strongest man in the world, the youngest Emperor, the revolutionary leader who seeks to reshape the world, and Roger's most trusted right hand," he said with a smirk. "Such brilliant figures of this era. It would be a shame if you all perished. The world would be far less entertaining."
His offer came with cold calculation.
"Surrender Nicholas Good to us, and in return we'll grant you a two–year truce. During that time, the World Government will not raise arms against any of your factions, nor against you personally. We will even release your captured men from Impel Down — including Luffy. Only Ace will remain, but I give my word: he won't be executed within those two years."
The temptation was immense.
Two years to recover from the devastating war.
Two years without the Government's shadow looming overhead.
Momousagi's voice cut through the silence, raw with fury.
"Enough! You dare speak of promises? Good shed blood and sweat for the Government, saved them at Marineford, and how was he repaid? Shackles and betrayal! You speak of honor when you've already cast it aside!"
The Elder with the katana roared, veins bulging.
"Insolent! After all the Government has given you, this is how you repay us?!"
With a flash, he drew his blade — still sheathed — and the unleashed pressure cleaved the sea apart as the strike tore toward her.
Momousagi's eyes widened. She was a swordswoman in her own right, but against one of the Gorosei, a warrior equal to Sengoku in might, she had no hope.
But before the blade could land, Whitebeard laughed.
"Gurararara! If you wanted to talk, old men, then talk. Why raise your hands so fast?"
His fist slammed forward, clad in quake–force and Conqueror's Haki. The shockwave obliterated the slash and roared toward the Elder, only to be stopped by the central Elder's calm interception.
"Whitebeard," the Elder chuckled. "Even at death's door, you've grown stronger. But since you've shown your answer, this island will be your grave."
The negotiations shattered.
From the surrounding ships, a tide of figures emerged.
Fleet Commander Kong.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
Hero Garp.
Vice Admiral Tsuru.
Akainu, Aokiji, Kizaru.
Admirals Fujitora and Aramaki.
One by one, Marine legends appeared, cloaked in justice.
And they were not alone.
The Warlords followed — Blackbeard at their head, eyes locked hungrily on Whitebeard, lusting for the quake–quake power he had once failed to claim.
Beside him stood Whitebeard Jr., Law, Apoo, and Gild Tesoro, the Golden Emperor.
Then came Kaido and the Beasts Pirates, adding their might to the wall of steel encircling the island.
It was overwhelming. Fifteen war–level titans, backed by 150,000 Marines.
Against them, Whitebeard, Shanks, Dragon, Rayleigh, and their allies had barely 60,000, half of them wounded.
From afar, Big Mom and her children watched via the broadcast. Even she was shaken.
"Not even Rocks, at his peak, gathered such a force," she murmured.
Her crew whispered in awe.
"If all of them die here, won't our family reign supreme?"
On the battlefield, Kaido's patience snapped.
He transformed into his dragon form, heat rolling off his body.
"Hand over Good!" he bellowed, launching a blazing blast like a missile.
Before it could land, Mihawk leapt skyward.
"Let me see... how I measure against the so–called strongest creature."
With a single motion, the black blade swung.
Steel met flame.
The war began.
(End of Chapter)
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