At 7:00 in the morning, everyone on the west coast slowly opened their eyes one after another.
Can Yue leaned against a large tree beside the cliff. When his vertical pupils opened, soaring battle intent surged into the sky.
The gale stirred up by that battle intent blew the trees above into hedgehog-like shapes.
After glancing at the Roger Statue and Luffy atop its head, Can Yue smiled faintly.
"The Marines are almost here."
The north shore of Loguetown was a primeval forest that had never been developed for commerce or agriculture.
Because Buggy and the Straw Hat Crew had been exposed ahead of time, an underground city at the center of the forest had begun operating.
Nearly all of Loguetown's residents were currently inside.
Several hundred Marines patrolled and stood guard nearby. The tension was obvious in their eyes and on their faces.
At the side entrance, two newly recruited Marines were secretly chatting.
"Who do you think Headquarters is sending to support us today?"
"Who knows? Hey, why are we so unlucky? We've only been full Marines for a month, and we already have to fight the two strongest pirate crews in the East Blue."
"Who knows what got into Buggy? He built such a huge Roger Statue on the west coast. Someone even secretly took pictures, and they've spread everywhere."
"Come to think of it, today is the Pirate King's death anniversary."
Just then, Smoker and Tashigi appeared at the side entrance.
The two had monitored the Straw Hat Crew and Buggy's group all night. After discovering that both groups had gone to sleep, they arranged for their subordinates to lie in wait nearby.
Then they had returned to help arrange the residents' evacuation.
Having heard the rookie Marines' conversation, Tashigi looked helpless.
"You two, focus