The Flame Dragon Empire had mobilized on such a massive scale—more than forty airships, over four hundred thousand troops, with the Revolutionary Army assisting at sea, for a total force of more than five hundred thousand. When this intelligence reached Marine Headquarters, the entire Navy erupted. Marineford was filled with unease and a sense of impending crisis.
Some of the Hawk Faction naval soldiers wore grave expressions and shouted, "We should deploy our forces too and wipe out every rebel in the Flame Dragon Empire!" Meanwhile, part of the Dove Faction asked, "Is it really right for us to protect the Celestial Dragon Government like this?"
Inside Marineford's office building, Fleet Admiral Sengoku convened a meeting of all senior Navy officials. The conference room at Marine Headquarters was utterly silent. No one dared speak, and everyone simply watched Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
Even Garp, who was usually laughing and joking, wore a heavy expression as he silently looked at Sengoku. Sengoku himself was deeply troubled. He then said, "I never expected Flame Dragon Julian to be serious this time. I don't know what happened, but something directly provoked the Flame Dragon Empire. They've actually started a world-level war. Such a massive fleet is flying toward us menacingly. What should the Navy do?"
As Sengoku's partner, Garp could tell that Sengoku was truly panicking this time. It was not just Sengoku—many high-ranking Navy officers also remained silent, watching from the sidelines. Then Garp spoke up. "The Flame Dragon Empire is targeting the World Government. The Navy should stay out of the war."
Hearing Garp's words, Lucci wore a serious expression and immediately agreed. "Grandpa Garp is right. Everyone here knows what the World Government is like. The Navy cannot board that sinking ship again." Lucci was now a Navy Vice Admiral and