Chapter Summaries

Ortolan told Sengoku that he planned to destroy the Whitebeard Pirates before confronting Mary Geoise, both to secure the New World as a base and to challenge Whitebeard at his peak. Sakazuki heard about the campaign and eagerly begged Ortolan to take him along.

• Sengoku questioned Ortolan's plan to attack the Whitebeard Pirates despite their lack of recent provocation, then warned him against sacrificing their strength needed to oppose Mary Geoise.
• Ortolan explained that Mary Geoise could discover their growing operation at any time, so he wanted to eliminate Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom before turning his full attention to the World Government.
• Ortolan admitted that he also wanted to defeat Whitebeard while he was still at his peak and claim the title of world's strongest.
• Sengoku stopped trying to dissuade Ortolan and asked what support Headquarters should provide, but Ortolan said the New World Marines could handle the campaign alone.
• Sakazuki entered Sengoku's office, learned of Ortolan's plan, and immediately begged Ortolan over the Den Den Mushi to take him to fight Whitebeard.

Sakazuki abandoned his World Conference plans to join Ortolan’s preparations for a war against the Whitebeard Pirates, leaving Sengoku to assign Kuzan as the Admirals’ representative. Kuzan failed to get out of the conference and had to give up his plan to race for a collector’s edition bicycle.

• Ortolan agreed to let Sakazuki join the meeting at G-3 to help plan the operation against the Whitebeard Pirates.
• Sakazuki left Sengoku’s office to head for G-3, leaving Sengoku responsible for attending the World Conference.
• Kuzan decided to ask Sengoku for leave so he could compete in Long Ring Island’s bicycle race.
• Sengoku told Kuzan that he had to attend the World Conference as the Admirals’ representative because Sakazuki was joining Ortolan.
• Kuzan learned that Ortolan and Sakazuki were preparing to fight the Whitebeard Pirates, but Sengoku refused to let him join them before the conference.

At G-3, Ortolan and Sakazuki gathered Marine officers from across the New World to plan an operation against the Whitebeard Pirates. After seeing the strength and discipline of Ortolan’s command, Sakazuki found himself increasingly inclined to trust Ortolan, and the meeting began with Whitebeard as its focus.

• Sakazuki arrived at G-3 after pushing his crew to sail nonstop, and Ortolan welcomed him at the harbor.
• Ortolan led Sakazuki into the conference room, where two Admirals, Vice Admirals, Rear Admirals, and Rob Lucci gathered.
• Sakazuki assessed the gathered officers and was impressed by the strength of Issho, Momonga, Gion, Tokikake, and the others.
• Sakazuki reflected on Ortolan’s rule-breaking and the Marines’ growing strength, leaving him increasingly conflicted but leaning toward Ortolan.
• Ortolan opened the meeting by announcing that they would plan an extermination operation against the Whitebeard Pirates.

Hina presented intelligence on the Whitebeard Pirates and the New World Marines, leaving Sakazuki stunned by the scale of Ortolan’s independently developed forces. The meeting revealed 276,726 New World Marine personnel, while Kaisa and Momonga hinted that Ortolan also had substantial forces hidden beyond those figures.

• Hina reported that the Whitebeard Pirates had sixteen division commanders, 12,600 main-force combatants, and thirty-two independent captains, bringing their estimated total strength to between forty and fifty thousand.
• Marine officers debated the Whitebeard Pirates’ numbers, and Stainless cautioned that their apparent numerical advantage did not tell the whole story.
• Hina displayed an aerial image of G-5, and Sakazuki realized the base had a vast fortress, extensive defenses, and at least a hundred warships.
• Hina announced that the New World Marines had 276,726 personnel, startling Stainless and Sakazuki with the size of Ortolan’s force.
• Kaisa suggested Ortolan might have additional hidden forces, and Momonga silently confirmed her suspicion while Sakazuki wondered how much strength Ortolan had kept concealed.

At a New World Marine Council meeting, Ortolan’s commanders debated how many Marines they could commit to annihilating the Whitebeard Pirates and what kind of battlefield they would need. Sakazuki recognized that Ortolan was testing him but withheld his response as the discussion settled on avoiding a naval battle against Whitebeard.

• Hina reported that the New World Marines had nearly two hundred and eighty thousand elite troops, shocking Sakazuki with the scale of Ortolan’s forces.
• Momonga explained that the Marines needed to draw the Whitebeard Pirates’ roughly fifty thousand members into a concentrated fight, while noting that they could not deploy their entire force.
• Hoshigaki and Stainless pointed out that Marines had to defend bases and maintain security, so they could not commit troops as freely as pirates could.
• Issho opened the debate over how many troops to deploy, and Ortolan asked Sakazuki for his thoughts, but Sakazuki chose to listen first.
• The commanders debated troop numbers, the battlefield, and how Totto Land might ease the burden of holding the frontlines.
• The commanders rejected fighting Whitebeard at sea, since his Gura Gura no Mi and the Whitebeard Pirates’ naval strength made a large-scale sea battle too dangerous.

Ortolan’s officers agreed to deploy one hundred thousand elite Marines against the Whitebeard Pirates and began considering suitable battlefields. Sakazuki proposed Archino Island, whose volcanic terrain could amplify his powers and let him ensure the Marines would not lose even in the worst case.

• Sakazuki asked how the Marines would counter Whitebeard’s tsunamis, and Ortolan explained that Issho’s gravity had been tested as a way to suppress them.
• Ortolan confirmed that the operation would deploy one hundred thousand elite Marines and told the Base Commanders and Vice Admirals to work out their troop contributions after the meeting.
• Hina presented islands suitable for the force and asked the officers to choose the battlefield after reviewing the intelligence Lucci distributed.
• Sakazuki chose Archino Island, an extinct volcanic island with a passage to the seabed magma layer, because its terrain could magnify his abilities.
• Sakazuki told Ortolan that he could sacrifice the Marines to destroy the Whitebeard Pirates if necessary, ensuring the war would not end in a Marine defeat.

Ortolan confirmed Archino Island as the war’s location after Sakazuki supported the choice, then assigned Tesoro to prepare it for battle within three months. Sakazuki realized that Ortolan commanded a deeply loyal New World Marine faction powerful enough to potentially leave the Marines with him.

• Ortolan accepted Sakazuki’s reasoning and confirmed Archino Island as the battlefield, winning the commanders’ support.
• Ortolan ordered Tesoro to coordinate with Moria and make Archino Island ready for the war within three months, and Tesoro promised to complete the task.
• The New World Marines shouted their loyalty to Ortolan, leaving Sakazuki stunned by their devotion to him.
• Sakazuki recognized that Ortolan’s faction was a unified community centered on its leader and could potentially break away from the Marines as a whole.
• Tesoro returned to his seat, confident that his experience and Moria’s help would let them finish the battlefield preparations on time.

The Marines planned to use the captured Kozuki Momonosuke and the Kozuki retainers to force the Whitebeard Pirates into a decisive battle. The officers concluded that public pressure on Whitebeard’s reputation could make him respond, and discussed making clear that the captives would die if he did not come.

• Hina presented the captured Kozuki Momonosuke and the Kozuki retainers as the Marines’ leverage against the Whitebeard Pirates.
• Ortolan said Whitebeard might not fight over Momonosuke alone, so the Marines needed to leave him no choice.
• Gion, Kajiki, and Hina argued that public knowledge of an attack on Whitebeard’s family and reputation could force the pirates to act.
• Kajiki and Gion explained why Momonosuke mattered to Whitebeard, citing Kozuki Oden’s importance and Izo’s ties to the Kozuki family.
• Kaisa proposed publicizing the captives’ imprisonment and using public opinion to pressure Whitebeard into battle.
• Strawberry suggested a public execution to make negotiations impossible and force the Whitebeard Pirates to come.

Kozuki Oden worried that he had lost contact with Momonosuke and his retainers, while Marco reassured him using Momonosuke’s Vivre Card. On Vendalace Island, Smoker received a summons from Admiral Bane Ortolan and prepared to obey it.

• Kozuki Oden told Marco that he could no longer reach Momonosuke and his retainers, who had entered the New World after traveling through time.
• Kozuki Oden showed Marco Momonosuke’s Vivre Card, and Marco reassured him that its condition meant Momonosuke was safe.
• Marco and Kozuki Oden discussed reports of turmoil around the world, including conflict at the World Conference, unrest in Alabasta, and fighting in the East Blue.
• Smoker built up his forces on Vendalace Island as it became the New World’s largest Pirate Paradise.
• A subordinate delivered Smoker a secret Shichibukai letter from Admiral Bane Ortolan, summoning him to Archino Island.
• Smoker treated the summons as an order he had to follow and prepared to go to Archino Island.

Mihawk and several Shichibukai received Ortolan’s summons to gather in the New World, while Jinbe and Crocodile were left out. At Mary Geoise, Sengoku told the Five Elders that Ortolan and Sakazuki were preparing to attack the Whitebeard Pirates, and they agreed to review the Marines’ plan before deciding whether to allow it.

• Mihawk received Ortolan’s confidential summons and decided to find Archino Island or seek out Ortolan.
• Ortolan summoned Smoker, Doflamingo, Moria, and Mihawk, but excluded Jinbe and Crocodile.
• Sengoku met with the Five Elders after the World Conference meeting ended.
• Saint V. Nusjuro asked Sengoku why Ortolan and Sakazuki had missed the conference.
• Sengoku explained that Sakazuki had gone to support Ortolan’s plan to wipe out the Whitebeard Pirates.
• Sengoku said Marine Headquarters would review the battle plan, and the Five Elders agreed not to interfere if it proved feasible.

Doflamingo learned that Ortolan had summoned the Shichibukai and was preparing to move against the Whitebeard Pirates as New World Marine forces gathered at Archino Island. Charlotte Linlin and Katakuri realized the campaign could lead to a wider assault on the New World, but chose not to interfere.

• Doflamingo told Neptune that he had helped Sengoku because he was close to the Marines, then received Vergo's report about the Shichibukai summons and the planned operation against the Whitebeard Pirates.
• Doflamingo told Vergo to prepare to collect him after the World Conference, while Moria began gathering laborers from Hachinosu Island for battlefield construction at Archino Island.
• New World Marine bases sent warships and supply ships toward Archino Island, alarming the region's major factions.
• Katakuri told Charlotte Linlin that the Marines were preparing to attack the Whitebeard Pirates and suggested Ortolan might eventually target the other emperors as well.
• Charlotte Linlin agreed with Katakuri that they should not stop Ortolan, but said she would not fear him if he came for her.

The New World Marines’ unexplained mobilization alarmed the New World’s major powers, while the Whitebeard Pirates prepared for war after Whitebeard suspected they were the target. Whitebeard held back from striking first as Ortolan’s forces continued gathering at Archino Island and the Marines’ high-level conference neared its end.

• Totto Land, Smoker’s Crushing Pirates, and Kaido’s forces pulled back or went quiet as the New World Marines mobilized.
• Whitebeard summoned the crews under his command to the Moby Dick’s location and placed the Whitebeard Pirates on war readiness.
• Marco’s First Division bought large stocks of weapons and supplies and offered a high bounty for intelligence on the Marines’ movements.
• Newgate suspected Ortolan was targeting the Whitebeard Pirates but avoided launching an attack because he feared triggering a war they could not win.
• Ortolan continued directing fleets and Marine units to Archino Island as the New World Marines’ high-level conference drew toward its close.

Ortolan and the Marine officers finalized their battlefield assignments for the coming war against the Whitebeard Pirates. They approved a public proclamation declaring war, ending with the Marines committed to fighting until the Whitebeard Pirates were gone.

• Tesoro left the G-3 base to meet Moria and begin construction work on Archino Island.
• Ortolan finalized the battlefield assignments, placing Momonga and other officers on the front line, Sakazuki and Gion in support, and himself with Issho in the central area.
• Sakazuki insisted on a frontline combat role rather than guarding the execution platform, so Tokikake was assigned to guard it.
• Hina presented the drafted proclamation against the Whitebeard Pirates for the officers to review as the final agenda item.
• The Marine officers unanimously approved the proclamation formally declaring war on the Whitebeard Pirates.

Ortolan finalized a three-month plan to wage war against the Whitebeard Pirates and sent the declaration to Marine Headquarters for approval. Sengoku noticed the declaration deliberately omitted Mary Geoise and the World Government, then suspected Ortolan had another motive after spotting Sakazuki’s name.

• Ortolan finalized the declaration after Sakazuki and the other Marine commanders approved it, and ordered them to keep the operation secret until preparations were complete.
• Ortolan adjourned the meeting and directed Hina to send the meeting report, campaign plan, and declaration to Marine Headquarters.
• Sakazuki told Ortolan he looked forward to ending Whitebeard, whom he considered a remnant of the Old Era.
• Sengoku received Ortolan’s documents at Marineford and noticed the declaration made no mention of Mary Geoise or the World Government.
• Sengoku rejected Kuzan’s suggestion that Ortolan had simply overlooked the omission and suspected the declaration was deliberate, especially after seeing Sakazuki’s name on it.

Sengoku recognized that Ortolan’s proclamation could create friction between Sakazuki and Mary Geoise, so he destroyed it and sent only the operational plan. At G-3, Ortolan prepared to publish the proclamation anyway, relying on Sengoku’s silence to help his scheme take effect.

• Sengoku realized the proclamation could damage Sakazuki’s relationship with Mary Geoise, then had Mee Mee eat it and pretended he had never received it.
• Sengoku faxed the operational plan to Mary Geoise without the proclamation, keeping himself clear of responsibility while leaving Ortolan room to claim inexperience.
• At G-3, Ortolan told Hina and Lucci that Sengoku’s failure to report the proclamation would signal tacit permission to maneuver against Sakazuki.
• Ortolan planned to publish the proclamation in the newspapers and have Queen Stussy or Spandam draw Mary Geoise’s attention to it if necessary.
• Hina worried Sakazuki would turn against Ortolan, but Ortolan said Sakazuki had approved the proclamation and would see any trouble as an inexperienced mistake.

After months of preparation and a campaign shaping public opinion, Ortolan declared war on the Whitebeard Pirates and announced the public execution of Momonosuke and his retainers on Archino Island. Ortolan challenged Whitebeard, Edward Newgate, to a battle there, and Whitebeard accepted, setting the stage for a decisive confrontation.

• Volcanic activity delayed construction on Archino Island by five months, and Ortolan reassured Tesoro and Moria that he did not blame them.
• Rumors and newspaper stories praised the Whitebeard Pirates' loyalty and bonds, while Whitebeard suspected a conspiracy but could not stop the reports.
• On August 23, Marine Admiral Bane Ortolan formally declared war on the Whitebeard Pirates.
• The New World Marines announced that Momonosuke, Inuarashi, Nekomamushi, and their retainers would be publicly executed on Archino Island on September 20.
• Kozuki Oden opposed a direct rescue, but many Whitebeard Pirates insisted that they had to protect Newgate's reputation, leaving the crew divided.
• Ortolan challenged Edward Newgate to fight for the title of strongest on Archino Island, and Whitebeard publicly accepted.

Ortolan met with Mihawk, Doflamingo, Moria, and Smoker on Achino Volcano Island, welcoming Smoker into his circle. He considered Smoker a strong candidate to become a controllable pirate overlord in the New World.

• Ortolan greeted Mihawk and Smoker, thanking Smoker for his role in the conflict with the Red Hair Pirates.
• Ortolan reminded Smoker that he had kept his promise and encouraged him to stay close to Doflamingo and Moria as one of their own.
• Smoker welcomed Ortolan's approval, while Doflamingo and Moria agreed to remain in contact with him.
• Ortolan reflected on Smoker's strength, growth, and loyalty, and decided he could become the new king of pirates under Ortolan's influence.
• Ortolan judged Smoker stronger than Doflamingo and Moria and potentially capable of contending with Mihawk.

Ortolan prepared Archino Island’s defenses as the Whitebeard Pirates approached, while Sakazuki worked to suppress the island’s unstable volcano. Aokiji Kuzan traveled toward the island at his own pace, intending to watch the coming war and intervene if needed.

• Hina told Ortolan that the Whitebeard Pirates had sunk three surveillance ships, and he ordered their rescue and nearby fleets to patrol while leaving the pirates a clear path to Archino Island.
• Ortolan told the Shichibukai to prepare for war, and Mihawk left while Smoker eagerly anticipated fighting the Whitebeard Pirates.
• Ortolan asked Hina about Mary Geoise’s response to his proclamation and told her to have Spandine draw attention to it.
• Ortolan observed Archino Island’s growing volcanic activity and reflected that Sakazuki was suppressing the eruption underground.
• Aokiji Kuzan rode his bicycle across the sea toward Archino Island, then stopped to camp instead of hurrying to the battle.

As the world awaited the battle between the Whitebeard Pirates and the New World Marines, Marine leaders watched the broadcast and assessed Ortolan’s preparations on Archino Island. The Marines stood ready to execute Momonosuke and the Kozuki family as the Whitebeard Pirates approached.

• On September 20, Marine Era 1506, people across the seas gathered to watch the coming battle at Archino Island.
• Sengoku, Garp, Zephyr, Tsuru, and other Marine leaders discussed backup plans, while Zephyr and Tsuru expressed confidence in Ortolan’s chances.
• The broadcast showed warships, artillery, and bunkers arranged to let the Whitebeard fleet enter the harbor before sealing off its escape route.
• Nearly one hundred thousand New World Marines assembled across the cleared battlefield, with Doflamingo, Mihawk, Smoker, and Moria supporting four Vice Admirals.
• Fujitora Issho guarded the command chair reserved for Ortolan, while Tokikake stood beside the execution platform where Momonosuke and the Kozuki retainers awaited execution.

The Five Elders decided to transfer Ortolan from the New World to Marine Headquarters after the war, replacing him with Sakazuki and assigning Borsalino to keep Sakazuki in check. Ortolan did not know of their decision, but his food reserves and military strength had given him the confidence to defy Mary Geoise.

• Saint Nashuro, Saint M. Jaygarcia, Saint Peter, Saint Saturn, and Saint Figarland discussed restraining Ortolan because his influence over the New World Marines had grown too great.
• Saint Figarland proposed rotating Ortolan out of the New World, and the Five Elders considered how the change would affect negotiations with the Big Mom Pirates and the New World Marines.
• Saint M. Jaygarcia argued Ortolan could keep handling the Big Mom negotiations after a transfer, while the Five Elders weighed Sakazuki and Kuzan as his replacement.
• Saint M. Jaygarcia proposed assigning Borsalino to assist Sakazuki, and Saint Saturn finalized the plan to transfer Ortolan to Marine Headquarters and make Sakazuki the New World Governor-General Admiral after the war.
• Ortolan remained unaware of the Five Elders’ decision, but he had enough reserves and military backing to believe he could openly defy Mary Geoise.