Broadcast Rights, Prelude to the Second Battle of Hachinosu
As time went on, the surface of the New World seemed to be churning, and all the major powers keenly sensed that a storm powerful enough to shake the era was approaching.
Big News Morgans, the president of the World Economy News Paper, one of the underground empires, contacted the Marine Headquarters almost immediately.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku! I want to exclusively livestream the entire execution on Hachinosu! We'll split the profits 50/50, what do you say?!"
Sengoku was about to readily agree, but Roy, standing beside him, simply took the microphone and said in a nonchalant tone:
"Big News Morgans, split it in half? Aren't you overestimating yourself?"
The bird-like face on the other end of the Den Den Mushi immediately froze, then he forced a smile, "Hehe... getting this exclusive news is already a great favor from you!"
Seventy-three, I get three and you get seven—definitely not enough!
Roy's lips curled into a slight smile, "That's more like it."
Marineford Harbor
Under the sunlight, a giant Warship was quietly moored at the dock, its black cannons neatly arranged on both sides of the deck, reflecting a cold, menacing glint.
Five hundred elite marines stood in neat formation, the sound of their boots striking the deck like the resounding of war drums, exuding both murderous intent and a sense of Justice.
At the bow, Admiral Kuzan, unusually, abandoned his languid demeanor, his eyes sharp as ice blades.
Behind him stood two top-tier Vice Admirals. Vice Admiral Enel crossed his arms, his golden eyes flashing with lightning, and a smug smile playing on his lips.
Tokikake Vice Admiral Kaji, a cigarette dangling from his lips, waved with a smile to his colleagues seeing him off, but a sharp glint lurked in his eyes.
Behind them-
Rear Admiral stood with his Cane Sword, eyes closed, his breathing steady yet carrying a suffocating sense of oppression.
Rear Admiral Ace's cloak fluttered in the wind, and blazing flames danced on his fists.
Rear Admiral Law gently stroked the scabbard of the Kikoku Blade, his fingertips faintly shimmering with blue light.
Luffy Commodore his Marine Cap and grinned, "Finally, we're setting off!"
Zoro and Commodore Kuina slightly drew their swords, their sharpness concealed yet gleaming like cold stars.
Sanji exhaled a smoke ring and lightly tapped the deck with his leather shoes. "Moss Head, don't hold us back."
Lieutenant Usopp nervously swallowed, but his Sniper Rifle remained firmly in his hand.
500 sailors shouted in unison--
Justice will prevail!
Meanwhile, the World Economy News Paper's Live Broadcast Den Den Mushi) had already been deployed on Hachinosu, with video signals reaching all parts of the world.
Big News Morgans stood high above, excitedly flapping his wings. "Ladies and gentlemen! This is the World Economy News Paper —an exclusive live broadcast of the execution on Hachinosu!"
"This is the first time in naval history that a former Shichibukai — 'Hanafuda' —has been publicly executed!"
"This villain who betrayed Justice will meet his end under the watchful eyes of the world!"
Around the world, in taverns, squares, and towns, people gathered, holding their breath. "We hear it's Admiral Kuzan leading the team himself!"
"And then there's Vice Admiral Enel, the strongest Logia- type Devil Fruit User — the Rumble-Rumble Fruit user!"
"Tokikake Vice Admiral Kaji is Admiral Candidate, and his combat strength is in no way inferior!"
"Rear Admiral Fire Fist Ace, Rear Admiral Law Trafalgar Surgeon of Death... these are both Vice Admiral Roy's trusted confidants!"
"Even all the aces of the New Generation have been deployed!"
"With this lineup... even if Kaido really came, he'd be badly injured and have to run away!"
Day 6 - Hachinosu Harbor
The Marine warship slowly entered the battle-scarred bay, its steel bow breaking through the floating ice on the shore with a low "crack" sound.
When the entire ship docked at the dilapidated pier, the New Generation on deck were all stunned.
Half of the island remains shrouded in thick ice, with glaciers connecting to broken, skeletal structures, resembling a colossal statue frozen in time.
Under the sunlight, the ice surface refracted a dazzling light, and the chill seemed to penetrate to the bone.
Usopp's legs trembled, and his voice shook slightly. "This... this is the power of Admiral Kuzan's attack? It's been so many days, and it still hasn't melted..."
Zoro stretched out his palm, feeling the chill, which only fueled his fighting spirit. "This kind of ice... if an ordinary sword were to strike it, it would probably shatter instantly."
Kuina gently stroked the Wado Ichimonji and whispered, "This is... Admiral- level technique."
Luo sensed the lingering energy fluctuations within the ice layer, a bead of cold sweat forming on his forehead. "Such high-density energy control..."
Sanji's cigarette trembled slightly. He took a deep drag to steady himself. "Tsk... truly a monster among monsters."
Luffy, however, showed no sign of tension, grinning and patting Usopp on the back. "How about that? Impressive, right? Uncle Kuzan's ice can even freeze volcanoes!"
Ace walked over, hands in his pockets, and said casually, "But Kaido isn't bad either... his 'Bolo Breath' can evaporate an entire mountain in an instant."
Usopp turned pale. "Evaporate... evaporate a mountain?!"
Zoro grinned. "Hopefully King's here too... I'm looking forward to slicing him to pieces."
Sanji exhaled a smoke ring and glanced at him. "Hey, Moss Head, can we really handle this kind of monster?"
Compared to the others, Sanji and Usopp, who joined later, had far too little direct experience with top-tier combat power.
Ace noticed their hesitation, patted them on the shoulder, and laughed, "Don't worry, don't underestimate us!"
Kaido is strong, but our Admiral Kuzan is there! Enel Tokikake are also top-tier fighters—"
He paused, then looked meaningfully at the blind man standing beside Kuzan. "Moreover, that Mr. Yixiao... is a strongman even Brother Roy acknowledges."
Upon hearing this, Usopp's eyes lit up, as if he had instantly regained his confidence. "That's right! We're a top-tier team!"
Sanji smiled and stubbed out his cigarette, "Let's do it! We can't let the Navy down."
Zoro glanced at him and said in a nonchalant tone, "I hope you don't hold us back later."
"What did you say?!" Sanji immediately bristled.
Zoro scoffed, "Idiot with round eyebrows."
The smell of gunpowder on the deck instantly intensified.
Kuzan stretched lazily and looked at everyone. "Ara ra~ Chat time is over."
"Enel, Tokikake, lead the troops to set up the defensive line."
"Others..."
He glanced at the New Generation, a slight smile playing on his lips, "When the fighting starts, move freely, but don't die."
Amidst the low rumble of the waves and the clanging of metal, the naval personnel busily constructed the towering Execution Platform that symbolized life and death.
The heavy timber was lifted, spliced, and locked in place, the Seastone chains gleaming coldly in the moonlight.
The New Generation personally supervised every step of the process, while Kuzan stood not far away, his calm gaze making the surrounding temperature seem even lower.
The seventh day, dawn.
As the first rays of dawn pierced the frozen mountain peaks and fell upon the sky above Hachinosu, the World Economy News Paper's Live Broadcast Den Den Mushi) was simultaneously activated.
The signal instantly spread throughout the world; taverns, squares, palaces, fishing villages... countless people held their breath in anticipation.
The image slowly appears--
A towering Execution Platform stands in the center of the frozen island, with naval flags symbolizing Justice hanging on both sides of the steps.
Hanafuda's hands were bound by thick Seastone chains, his knees bent in a kneeling position, and he was held firmly in the center by two fully armed execution soldiers.
In the middle of the Execution Platform, Admiral Kuzan sat firmly in his chair, his expression as cold as ice.
On either side, Enel crossed his arms, lightning flashing in his golden pupils;
Tokikake had a faint smile on his lips, his hands in his pockets.
Below the Execution Platform, all the New Generation of fighters were present: Ace, Law, Luffy, Zoro, Kuina, Sanji, and Usopp stood in a line, their eyes blazing.
Yi Xiao stood silently behind the crowd, closing his eyes to rest. Behind him were 500 elite naval personnel lined up in neat formation, their Hunting Roar, and their rifles and cannons aimed at the sea.
Behind the entire scene is a Battlefield backdrop composed of half an Iceburg and a dilapidated giant skull building, like a declaration of death, and the oppressive feeling almost leaps from the screen into the hearts of every viewer.
Just as the morning light illuminated Hachinosu, a dark shadow suddenly appeared on the distant horizon—
Three enormous Pirate ships are cutting through the waves!
Their prows rose high like the fangs of a giant beast, and terrifying Pirate flags fluttered on their sails.
Above the sea, dark clouds surged and rumbled with thunder. Amidst flashes of lightning, the enormous figure of a dragon loomed in and out of sight, circling and roaring among the clouds!