The navy, which had been observing from the sidelines, finally decided to make a move after the world-shattering clash between Kaido and Whitebeard.
Hundreds of large battleships sailed in tight formation, cutting through the waves, exuding a powerful sense of oppression from a distance.
This scale far surpasses the Buster call, a force feared by much of the world. The firepower alone of these ships could easily flatten an entire island.
Additionally, the high-level combat forces aboard this fleet represent a strength no nation in the world could withstand.
The navy's grand fleet moved closer to Lodestar Island.
Although most of the pirates on the island no longer pose a threat, and even Whitebeard and Kaido might end up mutually defeating each other, the island still harbors figures like Shanks and the full Red-Hair Pirates, Thunder God Nicholas, and Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army—extremely dangerous individuals. The pirates strong enough to survive such a battle also remain a significant threat to the navy.
Thus, although the navy has arrived, they won't rush to land on Lodestar Island. Before launching a full-scale assault against these major threats, the navy intends to deal with the "clever ones" who chose not to set foot on the island but are still watching from afar.
After all, these smart pirates are as much of a menace to the seas as those currently on the island. Pirates with both brains and strength can cause destruction dozens or even hundreds of times worse than those who lack intelligence.
In the navy's strategic meetings, the ideal scenario would be to wipe out every single pirate who came to Festa's celebration—leaving none alive!
"What a hassle~~~"
Kizaru stood at the bow, hands in his pockets, gazing at the increasingly clear outline of Lodestar Island. The scent of smoke-filled sea breeze made everyone's cloaks and the seagull-adorned flags flutter wildly.
"What's the hassle, old man?" asked Sentomaru, who was carrying a large axe and standing next to Kizaru, puzzled by his mumbling.
"Hmm~~~"
Kizaru habitually rubbed his chin, pondering for a moment. Considering that Sentomaru is one of his direct subordinates, he decided it was better to give a warning.
"Sentomaru, there are a lot of tricky folks on that island. If things get rough and you can't handle them, just run. Don't expect me or any of the other admirals to be able to back you up in time. And another thing…"
Kizaru glanced subtly at Vice Admiral Tsuru, who stood there calmly. After a brief hesitation, he added, "Act according to the situation."
Sentomaru was baffled by Kizaru's advice and wanted to ask more, but Kizaru chose not to answer further. The others, hearing this, merely glanced at Kizaru without saying much. Kuzan, however, seemed thoughtful as he observed his colleagues, while Aramaki from the World Government appeared carefree as he gazed toward Lodestar Island.
With the navy's fleet size, their artillery alone could sweep across the island. Unfortunately, Lodestar Island is enormous, so the navy can't cover the entire area with a single volley; they'd need to clear it section by section. Such bombardment might be devastating for ordinary people, but it's hardly a threat to the formidable individuals on the island.
"Report, sir! We've spotted the Whitebeard Grand Fleet ahead! Confirmed presence of core members like Marco the Phoenix, Diamond Jozu, and Namur!"
A navy officer hurried over with a report.
"The Whitebeard Grand Fleet, huh? A tough opponent."
Vice Admiral Tsuru glanced at Kizaru. The only one fast enough to engage at sea with sufficient power was Kizaru.
Noticing Tsuru's gaze, Kizaru sighed and said, "I'll be back soon."
After speaking, Kizaru's body turned into light particles, which then shot off in a brilliant flash toward the Whitebeard fleet.
On Lodestar Island, inside the broadcast room:
Festa lay on the ground, a bloody mess, his flesh and clothes soaked in blood. He struggled to lift his right hand, now stripped of its nails and flesh, revealing bare bones, but it dropped limply back down, his strength utterly drained by prolonged torture.
A black leather shoe stomped on Festa's skeletal hand, accompanied by the faint sound of cracking bones. He turned weakly toward the shoe's owner, his bruised and bloodied face showing a mix of pleading and despair.
The masked man with a pigeon perched on his shoulder crouched down coldly, staring at Festa.
"Tell me where the Eternal Pose is, and I'll make your death quick."
In response, Festa gave him a defiant look mixed with mocking amusement.
"Such a disgusting expression."
With a swift motion, the masked man's finger pierced Festa's right eye, twisting and turning. The soul-crushing pain made Festa scream hoarsely as his body convulsed violently, only to be restrained by nearby CP0 agents.
After a moment, the masked man withdrew his blood-soaked finger and wiped it clean with a white handkerchief before tossing it onto Festa.
"Keep going; don't let him die too easily."
"Understood."
Another CP0 member stepped forward, pulling out various colorful syringes from his robe and crouching next to Festa.
"These potions are worth millions of Berries each on the black market. They'll keep you alive while amplifying your pain several times over. There's also a truth serum mixed in. I hope you'll hold out for a while longer."
As Festa's terrified eyes widened, the potions were slowly injected into his body.
Ignoring the ongoing interrogation, the masked CP0 agent turned his attention to the live broadcast screen in the room.
The feed clearly showed the naval fleet advancing across the sea.
Seeing the navy's arrival, several CP0 agents frowned. Though they both serve the World Government, CP0 and the navy rarely collaborate.
According to the navy's plan, they, too, might fall within the attack range.
"Get me connected to the Five Elders."
Soon, a golden Den Den Mushi was brought forward.
"Hello, this is the Five Elders."
"This is Rob Lucci."
"What do you need?"
"I request a delay in the navy's attack. We need time to extract the location of the Eternal Pose from Festa."
There was silence on the other end for a moment.
Then a cold voice responded, "Granted."