Meanwhile.
On the live broadcast screens in the major camps of the Army and Navy.
A small window suddenly split off, its viewpoint rapidly pulling higher and higher.
When the panoramic view appeared before everyone, sharp intakes of breath rose one after another.
Centered on the location where Crocodile and Bege stood.
A vast desert spanning more than a million square kilometers had already formed.
Forests, hills, rivers. Every other type of surrounding terrain had completely vanished.
All that remained was a boundless golden sea of sand, shimmering beneath the sun with a dazzling yet deathly still radiance.
Led by Sanemi Shinazugawa, the officers who had once lost to Capone. Bege in the Full-Army Combat Power Assessment.
Were now filled with indescribably complicated emotions.
Capone. Bege, whom they had regarded as a formidable enemy, perhaps even an opponent they could hardly contend with.
Had appeared so weak before Crocodile, the Sand Crocodile admiral.
At this moment, the insurmountable gulf between an admiral and a lieutenant admiral was laid bare before them.
Crocodile raised his head and paid no attention to Bege, who had been teleported away.
His gaze seemed to pierce through the void toward the empty night sky.
A faintly expectant smile rested on his face, blurred by cigar smoke.
Suddenly, he issued an oppressive invitation to the air, and to every challenger before the screens.
"Next."
In the hall of the distant Supreme Military Command.
Kong, Zephyr, Sengoku, Tsuru, Raymond, and the others, who were also watching the battle.
Began discussing Crocodile.
"It's over."
Sengoku, seated on the sofa, was the first to speak, breaking the silence in the room.
His hands were crossed over his chest, his eyes fixed on the proud figure on the screen with a cigar between his lips.
"And he held back."
Tsuru