20 more powerstones to go
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The night has gone, and the morning has arrived.
It's five in the morning.
There are still seven hours remaining before the execution.
Marshall D. Teach is in a makeshift prison beneath Marineford's execution platform.
Around Marineford, the harbor shaped like a crescent and the entire island are encircled by 50 well-equipped warships.
On the shore, numerous powerful cannons are positioned, ready to launch devastating attacks on pirate ships within their sight at any moment.
High in the sky, where no one could see, the massive island ship Ryu-Sen hovered silently, its dark barrels aimed at the port.
If someone were to use the observation haki to examine, they'd notice a significant presence of life energy lingering in the air!
On the expansive square, troops have started aligning according to the earlier plan. The sound of numerous ammunition being loaded resonates, and a tense atmosphere of anticipation before the battle fills the entire square.
They were well aware that today could be the day where any one of them might meet their end.
Yet, they are also aware that their families and the supporters of justice are closely observing their every action!
"It's truly remarkable. I haven't witnessed anything of this scale since joining the Marines."
Kyros, gripping a large sword, couldn't help but express his awe.
Even though he held the position of an army commander in Dressrosa, it paled in comparison to this global-scale war.
"You haven't been with the Marines for an extended period, huh?"
Smoker, with a well-fashioned cigar between his teeth, interrupted Kyros' sentiments, wearing a peculiar expression on his face.
"That's true, but..."
Kyros, holding his sword with one hand, gestured towards the unlit cigar, "Did you forget to light the cigar?"
"What a shame! I need you to take care of it!"
Smoker's face reddened, expressing some embarrassment.
Buzz! ! !
Suddenly, while the two were conversing, a stir arose from the Marines behind them. The Marines who had initially formed a neat row spontaneously cleared a broad pathway.
And Smoker and Kyros
Stood prominently in the center of the pathway.
"Huh? What's..."
Sensing the activity behind them, both turned simultaneously. A substantial shadow covered them, and an intangible feeling of pressure emanated from their spirits.
The Shichibukai! !
"Hey! You two...get out of here!!"
Before they could react, Hancock lifted her foot, and her white thigh swiftly swung, aiming a kick toward them with the sound of air breaking!
White feet? !
An idea instantly flashed in their minds, and the sharp high heels were about to jab into their faces!
Clang! !
There was a distinct impact sound, and a partially opened staff knife intercepted in front of them. A burst of sparks erupted, causing some discomfort on their faces.
"Mr. Issho——?!"
Smoker exclaimed. Having returned from the New World, he had walked alongside Issho for some time, making him familiar with this blind middle-aged man.
He had also gleaned from the conversation between the other party and Atlas that this man...
He's incredibly powerful! ! !
"Shichibukai, this is Marineford!"
Issho remained in the same purple kimono. He had not yet joined the Marine's ranks, merely awaiting this impending war...
Clang! ! Click! !
As the surrounding Marines witnessed the escalating conflict, without hesitation, they unsheathed the long knives at their waists, loaded their bullets, and directed their blades toward the Shichibukai.
Suddenly, the situation grew tense, the atmosphere reaching an extreme level of tension, and internal strife appeared on the brink of eruption.
"This is a consequence of your own actions. We are not on the same side as you, Boa Hancock!"
Mihawk's gaze remained unyielding; he bypassed Hancock and proceeded directly to the forefront of the port.
Several other Shichibukai disregarded their own worries and began to follow suit.
"Snort!!"
Observing this, Hancock appeared to have realized something. She snorted coldly, then circled around the Issho group, joining Mihawk and the others.
"Marines, are you alright?"
Observing a few individuals departing, he smiled and leaned in, inquiring about their well-being.
"It's fine, it's fine. This is Marineford; I doubt that woman would dare to take any action against us!"
Smoker waved his hand nonchalantly.
If that woman dared to attack him openly, she might find it difficult to leave Marine Headquarters today!
On the opposite side, on the elevated execution platform at the rear of the square, three chairs of distinct colors were positioned directly beneath.
Red, Blue, white! !
Three imposing figures sat on the chairs with their legs crossed.
Akainu Sakazuki, Aokiji Kuzan, Hakuryu Atlas! !
Representing Marine's highest combat power against the Whitebeard Pirates! !
An imperceptible aura radiated, injecting renewed confidence into the Marines who were already somewhat anxious.
Especially Atlas, as the possessor of Conqueror's Haki, the pressure of his willpower is even greater than that of Akainu!
At this moment, reporters from around the world swarmed in like sharks drawn to a fishy scent, focusing on the surveillance footage from Sabaody Island.
To bolster Marine's influence and to instill fear in pirates, Sengoku purposefully employed surveillance den den mushi to broadcast live reports on the situation in Marineford.
The family members of Marines evacuated from the Marineford residential area found safety on the evacuation ship near the Sabaody Archipelago, under the protection of Zephyr and his recruit battalion.
Among them are Ain and Binz.
After all, a conflict of this magnitude resembles a brutal and bloody battleground.
If recruits were to catch up, it would be akin to seeking certain death.
Time elapsed gradually, yet Whitebeard's Moby Dick had not yet surfaced at Marineford's port.
Those globally tuned into this conflict couldn't help but raise questions.
Will Whitebeard truly arrive?
"It's inevitable!!"
Zephyr fixated his gaze on the monitor before him, not turning his head but responding to Ain's query.
"You don't comprehend that man. Whether you label him arrogant or cautious, Marine has declared open war against him. He won't elude it, for certain."
"Moreover, he is Whitebeard, renowned as the strongest man in the world. Sakazuki and the other two are still a bit behind."
Zephyr possesses a farsighted perspective. As the mentor of Akainu and others, he naturally has a clear understanding of their strengths.
Perhaps they could attain that level in the future, but a noticeable gap remains at present.
"Then, Marine..."
Ain furrowed her brow slightly.
"Marine has assembled such a formidable force. If Whitebeard isn't detained in Marineford, their prestige will hit an all-time low."
"So, Whitebeard has no reason to be left alive!!"
Zephyr stated with certainty, his tone resolute.
"That's true, but..."
"Vice Admiral Hakuryu seems to be growing stronger and stronger. I wonder if he'd consider having me as an adjutant on his ship. Would my power be enough?"
Ain mumbled absentmindedly, eyes wandering.
Zephyr: ? ? ! !
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