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The back hill resembled ancient ruins, but it was hard to imagine that this area was once a vast square spanning tens of thousands of square meters.
Rubble was piled up everywhere, forming a massive pit in the centre. Despite its dilapidated appearance, this site was chosen as the safest and most secluded location in the entire Tru Kingdom to construct the Space Gate.
However, the noise generated by the construction was immense, making it nearly impossible to keep this endeavour a secret.
Anos stood atop the rubble, his gaze steady as he contemplated. After a moment, he extended his right hand, which began to glow with blue light.
In the next instant, a beam of energy shot forth from his hand. A vortex started to form above the pit, its black spiral expanding with each passing second.
Building the Space Gate was the kingdom's top priority and a critical component of their grand plan.
As the vortex grew, dark clouds gathered ominously in the sky, accompanied by flashes of lightning and rolling thunder.
This phenomenon was visible not just from the palace but across the royal capital.
Citizens stared in awe as the swirling clouds formed a funnel-like shape, lightning flashing incessantly within its core.
Unlike the events at Skypiea, the storm remained localized, sparing the surrounding areas from any disturbance.
Yet, the spectacle stirred curiosity and unease among the people.
Within the palace, Haruya, the kingdom's steadfast captain of the guard, quickly rallied his men to investigate the commotion.
However, before they could proceed, Abona appeared and blocked their path.
"His Majesty is conducting something of utmost importance," Abona declared firmly. "We must not interfere!"
"Captain Haruya," one of the guards, Zen, asked in disbelief, "Are you certain this is His Majesty's doing?"
Only a select few, including Abona and Haruya, truly understood the extent of Anos's power.
While many knew of his contributions to introducing Marine Rokushiki techniques and Haki training to the kingdom, they had never fathomed the full scope of his abilities.
Even so, Zen trusted Abona's judgment after months of collaboration.
Abona continued, "Captain Haruya, in three days, everyone will understand what's happening here. For now, your task is to address the unrest in the royal capital caused by this phenomenon. Provide a reasonable explanation to calm the citizens."
"Moreover, monitor the outskirts of the capital for any potential threats. We recently encountered ten Marine warships in the South Blue, and their intentions are unclear. Ensure they don't catch wind of what's unfolding here."
Abona's tone carried urgency, emphasizing the need for swift action.
While the kingdom's internal affairs could be managed, the presence of Marine warships was a greater concern.
Their proximity posed a significant threat, and their purpose in the South Blue remained a mystery.
Haruya didn't argue. He turned to his men and relayed Abona's instructions. The guards dispersed, each taking up their designated tasks.
However, unbeknownst to them, the Marines aboard the ten warships had already noticed the ominous funnel cloud forming over the kingdom.
Even from their distant vantage point on the open sea, the phenomenon was strikingly visible.
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"What is that place?" asked Vice Admiral Momonga, his sharp gaze fixed on the swirling clouds in the distance.
A Marine officer standing behind him replied, "That direction should be where the Tru Kingdom is located, but we don't know what's happening there."
Momonga, a distinguished Marine with a mohawk and dark purple hair tied back into a bun, wore a white Marine coat emblazoned with "Justice."
He scrutinized the scene with a stern expression. "Such weather doesn't occur naturally on the seas. Something unusual is happening."
"Shall we investigate, sir?" asked another Marine officer, visibly puzzled by the strange occurrence.
Momonga nodded. "Inform the other warships to continue toward the mission objective. Our ship will break formation and head to the Tru Kingdom to investigate."
"Yes, Vice Admiral!" The officer saluted before relaying the orders.
As Momonga's ship veered off course, the other Marines aboard the remaining nine warships exchanged mixed opinions.
On one ship, Vice Admiral Doberman remarked, "What could be so urgent that Momonga would deviate from the mission? The golden Den Den Mushi hasn't even been located, and he's already chasing after a storm."
A Marine general standing nearby replied, "It seems that dark cloud over the Tru Kingdom caught his attention, Vice Admiral Doberman. He's likely going to investigate."
Doberman smirked, his cigar clamped between his teeth. "Tch, always the curious one."
Meanwhile, tensions mounted aboard Momonga's ship as they approached the source of the disturbance.
Though the Marines were unaware of the Space Gate or King Anos's capabilities, they couldn't ignore the ominous sight before them.
Back in the Tru Kingdom, Abona watched the vortex with a mix of pride and concern.
The Space Gate was nearly complete, but with the Marines approaching, the kingdom's secrets were at risk of exposure.
Would the Tru Kingdom's bold gambit succeed, or would the Marines uncover their plans before the gate was finished? Only time will tell.
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