At the Same Time
RUMBLING...
With Bai Ye's seemingly endless Reiatsu pouring out, its effects began to ripple across the Grand Line.
Sabaody Archipelago.
And even—Naval Headquarters.
Marineford!
The overwhelming aura was beginning to affect these places, albeit partially.
"Is it... the Whitebeard Pirates coming?!"
From the churning sea beyond Naval Headquarters, a Marine stationed at the docks could barely voice his fear.
The tension across Marineford spiked dramatically.
"Marshal Sengoku… that—what is that?!"
Aokiji, guarding the execution platform, abruptly stood up, his piercing gaze fixed on the turbulent sea beyond the Naval Headquarters. He instinctively turned to Sengoku, his face unusually serious.
Beside Sengoku, Vice Admiral Tsuru opened her eyes, her expression grave. "Sengoku… do you feel that presence coming from over there?"
Sengoku remained silent at first, his expression darkening as he stared at the seemingly empty sea beyond Marineford.
Realizing the magnitude of what was happening, he spoke slowly, "It seems… another war is brewing."
He didn't waste time explaining further. Instead, he grabbed the loudspeaker Den Den Mushi and issued a commanding order:
"All Marines, remain on full alert! Whatever happens beyond Marineford is irrelevant—our priority is to prevent any attack from the Whitebeard Pirates!"
Beneath the Surface
Beneath the harbor waters of Marineford, a massive ship coated with a protective film cut through the depths.
Onboard the Moby Dick, the crew of the Whitebeard Pirates suddenly froze.
Marco, standing on the deck, glanced at Whitebeard and hesitantly asked, "Dad… did you feel that just now? Was that...?"
Although Marco didn't finish the question, his words carried a weight that no ordinary situation could invoke.
On the deck, Whitebeard stood tall, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the crew. He gazed at the distant sea, his expression unreadable.
After a long pause, Whitebeard finally nodded. A rare look of interest flashed across his face.
"…It's surprising. That aura alone is so powerful. It makes me curious to see what kind of man he is."
"Dad, you felt it too?!"
The captains exchanged stunned glances.
"The aura we just felt… even Dad recognizes its power?!"
"Could it be some secret weapon prepared by the Marines?"
Whitebeard shook his head, his signature laugh echoing across the ship.
"Gurararara! No need to worry. That aura has nothing to do with the Marines."
His tone turned serious as he continued, "If that man were on their side… this war would already be over."
The crew fell silent. Even though Whitebeard's words carried a hint of jest, the sheer gravity of his statement was undeniable. For their father—the world's strongest man—to speak so highly of someone meant that this individual was truly extraordinary.
The First Strike
Breaking the tense silence, Whitebeard addressed his crew.
"All right. It's time we gave the Marines an unexpected surprise."
Marco hesitated. "Now? Dad? But the rest of the fleet… they won't arrive for at least another hour!"
Whitebeard's gaze sharpened.
"There's no time to waste. Sengoku may have accelerated the execution, but don't forget—Marineford's forces are weaker than before. Now is the perfect moment to strike."
His voice grew cold.
"Let the Marines learn the price of laying a hand on this old man's son!"
At his command, the Moby Dick began its ascent.
Above the Surface
SPLASH!
A massive geyser erupted as the Moby Dick, coated in a protective film, surfaced within the inner harbor of Marineford.
The sudden appearance of the ship sent shockwaves through the Marine forces.
"It's—Whitebeard! He's here!"
Marines scrambled in panic as the sheer presence of the Moby Dick shattered their defensive formation.
The Arrival of a Legend
On the deck of the Moby Dick, a towering figure stepped into view.
Under the sunlight, his crescent-shaped mustache gleamed, and his commanding aura radiated across the battlefield.
"Gurararara! Sengoku, long time no see!"
Standing at the helm, Whitebeard, the strongest man in the world, exuded a terrifying presence that silenced the entire harbor.
Sengoku's expression darkened as he muttered, "Whitebeard… Did he seriously sneak in from beneath the sea?!"
Before Sengoku could gather his thoughts, Whitebeard's booming voice echoed across Marineford.
"Gurararara! Sengoku, this grand welcome seems to be for me… but tell me—why don't I see the other two Marine Admirals? Where are they?"
His tone carried a mock innocence, but Sengoku's face immediately contorted with frustration.
"Not good… This bastard!" Sengoku thought to himself. "He's planning to reveal information we've been suppressing to break Marine morale right from the start!"
Whitebeard's next words stunned the entire world.
"Gurararara! Don't tell me… even Marine Admirals couldn't survive the operation to eliminate that man?"
His voice was calm, almost casual—but its impact was like a thunderclap.
A Shocking Revelation
As the broadcast Den Den Mushi transmitted Whitebeard's words to the entire world, chaos erupted.
"Wait, what?! Did he just say… a Marine Admiral is dead?!"
"Who's 'that man' he's talking about?! Could it be…?"
The name on countless wanted posters flashed through people's minds, striking fear into their hearts.
Meanwhile, in another battle far away, Bai Ye remained unaware.
Unaware that his name, his Reiatsu, and his presence had now become part of the legendary Summit War—in a way no one could have ever anticipated.