Boom…!
Boom…!
Countless thunderbolts flashed across the sky.
The clouds, stretching over an incomprehensible number of kilometers, began to tear apart as the sheer force of energy rumbled through the atmosphere.
In that moment, the entire first half of the Grand Line seemed to tremble uncontrollably under the suffocating and destructive power that loomed on the horizon.
For a brief moment, all across the first half of the Grand Line, people paused in shock, feeling the weight of an unimaginable force pressing down upon them. Their instincts screamed of impending doom.
Subconsciously, countless eyes turned skyward.
In places such as the Sabaody Archipelago, Naval Headquarters, Amazon Lily, and Impel Down—regions near the battlefield where Bai Ye and Kaido clashed—people immediately felt a heart-stopping terror.
"Wh-what the hell is that?!"
"The sky… it's torn apart!"
Figures knelt involuntarily, trembling as they witnessed what seemed like the wrath of a god descending upon the world. A suffocating light pierced the heavens, and the very air burned with destructive power.
Some attempted to retreat instinctively, only to realize their legs wouldn't obey.
"Captain! That… that can't be something from Kaido, right?!"
"My god… is this really the work of a deity?!"
Onlookers struggled to process the scene.
In an area where several supernovas had gathered, Urouge, drenched in cold sweat, muttered in disbelief. His eyes, wide with shock, failed to fully grasp the reality of what was happening.
First came the Summit War between Marineford and the Whitebeard Pirates.
Then, news of Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, battling someone in the first half of the Grand Line—a location Kaido would rarely frequent, let alone lose ground in.
And now this:
A spectacle beyond mortal comprehension.
Far above the battlefield, a power descended from the sky. Thousands of meters high, it tore through the atmosphere as if splitting the heavens apart.
"Is this all real?!"
Area 13 of the Sabaody Archipelago:
"Rayleigh… what is that?!"
Shakky's sharp eyes narrowed in terror as she felt the destructive aura emanating from the distant sea. She couldn't suppress a gasp as her composure faltered.
Rayleigh, seated nearby, stood abruptly, gripping the hilt of his sword. His gaze was fixed on the ominous light blazing in the faraway sky.
"If I'm not mistaken… the World Government has decided to act."
"…The World Government?!" Shakky exclaimed, disbelief etched on her face. "What kind of power could—"
Marineford, Naval Headquarters – Summit War:
"Charge! Rescue Ace!"
"Let's show these Marines the true power of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
The Summit War raged on, chaos consuming the battlefield. Yet suddenly, both Marines and pirates alike froze, overwhelmed by the same suffocating force.
"W-what's happening?!"
Several captains of the Whitebeard Pirates turned toward the source of the disturbance, their eyes drawn to the opposite side of the horizon.
Far beyond the chaos of Marineford, the sky erupted in a blinding light.
"Pops… what the hell is going on?!"
The light from the distant battlefield burned into their eyes, and the scream that had come from Kaido earlier rang in their minds.
Who was Kaido fighting?!
And what was happening now? Was something even more terrifying unfolding on the other side?!
"Marshal Sengoku! What is that?!"
At the execution platform, Marine Vice Admiral Momonga stood frozen, the cigar falling from his mouth as he gazed at the distant phenomenon. His voice trembled with disbelief.
Even Fleet Admiral Sengoku, a man known for his unshakable resolve, couldn't hide the shock in his eyes. His long career had made him privy to the secrets of the World Government, but even he was caught off guard by this display of power.
What was that terrifying light?
Mariejois – The Holy Land, Pangaea Castle:
Deep within the heart of the World Government's seat of power, in the grand hall symbolizing ultimate authority, five figures knelt on the ground in reverence.
The Five Elders—the rulers of the world—bowed their heads toward the Void Throne, a seat meant to symbolize equality among the Celestial Dragons and to remain unoccupied.
Yet now, someone sat on that throne.
"Lord Im," began one of the elders, his scarred face lowered respectfully. "Though insignificant lives may be sacrificed, the sinner who defeated 'Kong' poses a threat akin to the Rocks Pirates of old. That man must not be allowed to live."
The other elders nodded in agreement.
In the sky above the battlefield, the World Government's ancient weapon, Uranus, descended with the weight of judgment.