Three hours remained before the public execution—
All over the world, countless people watched the impending public execution with grave expressions through various Den Den Mushi devices.
"Only three hours left. Whitebeard still hasn't appeared..."
"Do you think Whitebeard will go? He may be Whitebeard, but he's also getting on in years, right?"
"Who knows..."
"How many years has it been since Whitebeard made any real waves across the sea?"
"He's a pirate who's past his prime."
"There's nothing to worry about. Have you ever seen Marine Headquarters lose a battle?"
"Hey, hey, don't compare Whitebeard to some ordinary old man."
"Even children know how terrifying Whitebeard is. Don't be too optimistic."
Similar arguments were playing out all over the world.
Time passed slowly.
Sabaody Archipelago.
The square was packed with people.
Three enormous screens suspended in midair were broadcasting live footage of Marineford.
As the images switched from scene to scene, the crescent-shaped harbor and the entire island could be seen surrounded by fifty heavy warships.
Countless heavy cannons had been set up along the shore of the crescent-shaped harbor.
The firepower was enough to plunge an ordinary pirate crew into despair. It was as if the Marines were sending Whitebeard Pirates a message: Come and get some!
Behind those countless heavy cannons stood five Shichibukai at the very front of the army, each holding a key position in the battle.
"Ghost Gun Maud!"
"Heavenly Yaksha Doflamingo!"
"Tyrant Bartholomew Kuma!"
"Pirate Empress Hancock!"
"The world's strongest swordsman, Hawk Eyes Mihawk!"
"Only five Shichibukai came?"
People's gazes gathered on the five figures at the very front of the formation, as though they were looking at a towering wall above the harbor—one more reassuring than countless heavy cannons.
Beyond the Shichibukai, who stood like a wall, lay a broad, flat plaza.