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Driven by curiosity, the two figures climbed the steps side by side, steadily making their way toward the mountain's peak.
Even before they reached the summit, the enormous structure came into view from a great distance.
The swirling vortex above it left Zen, who had never seen such a phenomenon, utterly astonished.
"Abona, what on earth is His Majesty doing?"
Zen asked, his voice filled with surprise.
Abona continued his ascent without slowing down and replied as he walked, "If this works, it will shake the very foundations of the world!"
Abona himself wasn't entirely convinced, but that was the most he could say.
To him, creating a spatial channel capable of linking the Tru Kingdom directly to Skypiea was already beyond belief.
Even after witnessing the partially constructed space portal on Skypiea, scepticism lingered in his mind.
"Shake the world?"
Zen still didn't fully grasp the meaning of Abona's words. Yet, as he gazed at the massive black vortex spinning within the colossal portal above, he could instinctively sense that this was no ordinary construct.
As they reached the summit, an extraordinary sight awaited them a towering space portal, standing an astonishing 100 meters tall.
Its size was so immense that not only could people pass through it, but even a large sailing ship could enter effortlessly.
"You've arrived! Would you like to take a look at what lies on the other side?"
Anos turned to face them with a slight smile, gesturing toward his masterpiece.
"Your Majesty, can this truly lead to Skypiea?"
Abona asked, his tone filled with doubt.
"Skypiea? Is it possible to reach it from here?"
Zen echoed, unable to believe what he was hearing.
"See for yourselves when you have the chance," Anos replied. Then, his expression grew serious as he added, "Abona, a Marine warship is approaching. The two of you and your men should go intercept them."
Over time, Anos had honed his Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) to such an extent that it now covered nearly the entire kingdom. His sensory range extended for hundreds of kilometres, far beyond the limits of normal individuals.
"Understood, Your Majesty. We'll handle it right away!"
Abona responded firmly.
Abona already knew about the ten Marine warships patrolling the South Blue.
When he and Haruya had encountered them in the Calm Belt, it was clear that they would soon enter the South Blue.
If all ten ships arrived simultaneously, it could spell trouble. However, a single warship posed no significant threat.
Haruya, still awestruck by the immense portal before him, stood frozen. Its sheer size made it impossible to take in at a single glance, especially from atop the mountain.
Thanks to the surrounding peaks, the structure was concealed from view in the palace or royal city below. From the outside, no one could discern the existence of the portal.
Zen, however, remained fixated on the swirling vortex. Its depth and darkness radiated an aura that was both terrifying and mesmerizing.
"Let's move! The Marine warship is about to enter our territory," Abona called out to Zen & Haruya.
"Right…"
Zen reluctantly tore his gaze from the portal, though his curiosity lingered.
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Meanwhile, the Marine warship continued its journey across the sea, undeterred by the dissipating dark clouds overhead.
Under Vice Admiral Momonga's command, the vessel pressed on toward the Tru Kingdom.
Initially, nothing was visible on the horizon. Gradually, however, the silhouette of the kingdom emerged, marking their destination.
The warship navigated along the area where the dark clouds had previously gathered.
Upon arriving near the shore, the Marines discovered there was no official port to dock at. They were forced to anchor at the nearest accessible point.
By this time, Abona and Haruya, accompanied by 200 palace guards, had already positioned themselves at the landing site.
The guards, clad in black combat uniforms, stood in disciplined ranks. With arms crossed and unwavering gazes, they awaited the Marine warship's arrival.
Even before docking, the Marines aboard the warship spotted the group. Seeing such a prepared reception, Vice Admiral Momonga's expression turned serious.
This level of organization wasn't typical of small nations in the Four Seas. The Tru Kingdom's ability to predict the exact docking location of the warship implied the presence of an individual with extraordinary Observation Haki or advanced intelligence networks.
"Prepare for battle!"
Momonga commanded his adjutant.
"Prepare for battle!"
The adjutant echoed the order to the crew, and the ship's artillery was aimed at the shore.
For the rank-and-file Marines, the figures on the shore were indistinguishable at this distance. They could only direct their weapons toward the visible shoreline.
Momonga stood alone at the bow, his gaze fixed on the waiting forces. He knew there was more to the Tru Kingdom than met the eye.
During a recent meeting at Marine Headquarters, Admiral Aokiji emphasized the need for increased surveillance of the Tru Kingdom. His grave tone during the discussion indicated that the kingdom was no ordinary nation.
The revelation that the kingdom had adopted Marine training methods and perhaps even improved upon them only heightened the suspicion surrounding it.
As Momonga stared at the Tru Kingdom's forces, one thought dominated his mind: What secrets does this kingdom hold?
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