The setting sun cast its afterglow upon the high walls of Marineford's Eighth Branch Base, Fort Navarone.
The sea breeze rustled the Marine flag fluttering above the base.
However, the normally heavily guarded fortress was now shattered of its tranquility by the piercing sound of alarms!
"Alert! Alert!"
"Unknown mysterious troops have invaded! All personnel immediately enter Level One combat status!"
The first mate was startled, lifting his head from the table, a frown on his brow.
Outside the window, alarm bells blared, and the entire base, like a startled giant beast, instantly erupted into a frenzy!
Marine Soldiers rushed out of their barracks, quickly taking up combat positions.
Snipers occupied high ground, artillerymen adjusted their cannons, and coastal guard units swiftly sealed off the sea gate!
"Quick! Guard the sea gate!"
"Sniper team in position! Cannons ready!"
Commands rang out one after another, as officers raised their binoculars, nervously searching for signs of the invaders.
Suddenly, an officer cried out—
"Four o'clock direction! Target spotted at sea!"
Searchlights blazed to life with a "boom," dozens of powerful beams instantly tearing through the darkness, piercing the sea like sharp blades.
They fixated on a uniquely designed small sailing ship—the going merry!
"A pirate ship!"
"The pirate flag is... the Straw Hat Pirates!"
Immediately, the Marine Soldiers throughout the base widened their eyes, their astonished gazes fixed on the going merry.
The straw hat skull flag fluttered in the wind, and on the deck, a young man in a red vest stood at the bow, his face full of excitement.
Beside him, a young man with a sharp Aura slowly stepped forward, his deep gaze meeting the fortress's defenses!
"What? The Straw Hat Pirates?"
"They're a pirate crew with a bounty of up to 800 million Berries!"
"Captain Straw Hat Luffy and first mate Lin Ning, both with bounties of 300 million Berries each, are true great pirates!"
The Marine Soldiers of the entire fortress immediately tensed, their fingers clamped tightly on their triggers, their muzzles all aimed at the going merry!
"Everyone prepare to fire! Don't let them get close!"
"Go notify Vice Admiral Jonathan quickly!"
Just then, a low, authoritative voice suddenly rang out.
Like a giant stone dropped into a calm lake, it instantly silenced the scene.
"No need to notify, I'm already here."
As the voice fell, a tall and upright figure slowly walked onto the command platform.
The sea breeze billowed his white Marine cloak behind him, emblazoned with two striking characters—"Justice"!
His gaze was deep, his expression calm, and holding a megaphone, he gazed at the distant going merry and slowly spoke.
"Straw Hat Pirates... I must admit, your method of invasion is indeed surprising."
"Fort Navarone, known as the 'Hedgehog Fortress,' is tightly sealed on all sides.
It's difficult for ordinary people to even get close, yet you've penetrated from the air... That, at least, is quite interesting."
Vice Admiral Jonathan's tone was calm, seemingly unfazed by the Straw Hat Pirates' reputation.
Instead, a meaningful smile subtly played on his lips, and a hunter-like glint flickered in his eyes.
"So... I'm very curious."
"How exactly did you do it? Was it via a launch platform?"
Jonathan's voice echoed through the megaphone, reverberating over the entire base.
Under the night sky, Fort Navarone's searchlights blazed like a scorching sun.
The light was so intense that the people on the going merry's deck could barely open their eyes.
The gold scattered in the ship's cabins and on the deck glittered brightly.
Reflecting dazzling light, it adorned the entire sea with gold.
Just as everyone adjusted their vision, Vice Admiral Jonathan's voice once again echoed through the night sky.
His tone remained steady, carrying a faint, elusive hint of a smile.
"Pirate Hunter Zoro."
Hearing that name, Zoro narrowed his eyes slightly, his face still maintaining its unchanging sternness.
"I didn't expect that you, who once lived by hunting pirates, would now become a member of the Straw Hat Pirates."
Under the searchlights, Zoro's three swords gleamed coldly in the interplay of light and shadow. He bared his teeth, snorted, and said faintly:
"My goal, from the very beginning, was never to be a Pirate Hunter."
Robin shielded her eyes with her hand, her gaze calm as she surveyed the majestic fortress ahead, and slowly spoke:
"Marineford's Eighth Branch... its official name is 'Navarone.'"
She paused, a slight smile playing on her lips, and added—
"Also known as the 'Impenetrable, Strongest Marine Fortress.'"
Lin Ning raised an eyebrow slightly, turned his head to look at her, and asked with a smile:
"Robin, not only are you well-versed in ancient ruins, but you also know so much about Marine fortresses?"
Robin chuckled softly, her dark eyes appearing deep and mysterious under the searchlight, and said faintly:
"Of course."
"After all... we are currently right in the enemy's center."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions tightened slightly, while Vice Admiral Jonathan on the opposite shore still stood on the command platform.
His gaze was as steady as a rock, and his voice came clearly through the megaphone—
"Straw Hat Luffy."
Hearing his name, Luffy grinned.
He revealed a row of pearly white teeth, put his hands on his hips, and looked at Jonathan with an excited expression.
"Lin Ning and Zoro's bounties are not low."
Jonathan continued, slowly raising his hand, lightly tapping the megaphone with his index finger, his gaze sharp and steady.
"According to Marine rules, they must be arrested and escorted to Marineford."
Upon hearing this, Zoro snorted coldly, and Lin Ning's gaze also darkened slightly.
Jonathan paused, and that elusive smile once again appeared on his lips.
"However, I guarantee you... the safety of your other companions."
"But, Straw Hat."
Jonathan's voice suddenly deepened a few shades, carrying an undeniable authority—
"If you dare to escape... then things won't be easy."
"Because—"
He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze as sharp as a blade, his tone revealing a dangerous edge—
"I'll get angry."
On the going merry, everyone fell silent for a moment.
Nami frowned slightly, while Chopper clutched the red hat on his head.
Robin's smile deepened a bit, and Usopp had already started trembling.
Just then, the first mate behind Jonathan couldn't help but step forward and whisper—
"Sir... isn't this too lenient? After all, they are an 800 million Berries-level pirate crew!"
Jonathan heard this, turned his head slightly, his tone still calm and unperturbed.
"I am the commander here."
"So, just watch quietly."
The first mate was stunned, not daring to say more, but Jonathan had already issued new orders—
"Sergeant."
The Sergeant immediately stood at attention and saluted:
"Yes, sir!"
"Prepare to fire."
"Gunners, take your positions."
Immediately, "Click, click, click—" hundreds of Marine cannons simultaneously adjusted their angles, their dark muzzles precisely aimed at the going merry!
"Fire a warning shot."
Jonathan's tone remained steady and composed.
"Don't injure them."
"Only capture them alive."
He slowly lowered the megaphone, looking down at the small pirate ship on the sea, his gaze calm and unwavering, and softly murmured—
"Vice Admiral Garp... your grandson indeed makes things a bit difficult for me."