Unlike the turmoil outside, Marine Headquarters had spent the past few days buzzing with talk of the upcoming competition.
The military revered strength, and its soldiers had little entertainment. So when word spread of a showdown between the Marines and Cipher Pol, they were beside themselves with excitement.
"What do you think the result will be?"
"Bwahaha! We'll win, of course! The only question is whether it'll be two–zero or two–one!"
"Two–zero, definitely! How could our officers lose to those underhanded creeps?"
"Exactly! I heard those CP0 agents were so afraid of Vice Admiral Garp and Vice Admiral Momousagi that they made rules to keep them out. How low can they get?"
"Hmph. That just shows they saw themselves as the weaker side from the start. But don't worry. If the Fleet Admiral agreed to it, we're sure to win!"
"I can't wait! I wonder which of our officers will fight?"
In the midst of the heated discussion, someone suddenly shouted.
"The CP0 guys are here! Everyone, get to the square and show them what the Marines are made of!"
At that, soldiers from training grounds across Marineford surged toward the central square, cheering at the top of their lungs.
A large group of masked figures followed Sebastian. Their faces were hidden, but the disdain and arrogance in their eyes were plain enough.
Just as most Marines disliked people who only knew how to lurk in the shadows, CP0 looked down on the Marines, whom they considered little better than common grunts.
"My apologies, Fleet Admiral Longinus. We generally don't remove these masks. Secrecy is essential to our work." Not a trace of apology came through Sebastian's mask.
He said it to recover a little of his lost dignity.
Even on Marine territory, they would follow their own rules.
"No