Early the next morning.
As the sun rose, Rayleigh led his men to once again gather atop Reverse Mountain, preparing to face the pirate group that would launch an attack.
But just as Rayleigh and the others were about to make their move...
A black hole suddenly appeared in front of Rayleigh and the others.
Upon seeing the black hole, Rayleigh suddenly drew his sword, but before he could even pull out the blade, he laughed and released the sword from his waist.
At the same time, Gawain walked out of the black hole with a smile.
"Haha, what kind of move is that now, Captain?"
"I've never heard of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit being able to suddenly appear in front of me like this."
As they were talking, Rayleigh came over to Gawain and patted him on Gawain shoulder.
At the same time, his gaze passed over Gawain and landed on Bullet, who had just walked out from behind Gawain.
Bullet then saw Rayleigh, and with a big grin, he patted Rayleigh on the shoulder.
"Rayleigh, you old bastard, you actually became the new captain's first mate!"
I initially thought he was joking with me.
"So, you also believe in Gawain's power?"
As he spoke, Bullet glanced around; unfortunately, there wasn't anyone else there who was worth his attention.
Whether it's Crocodile or Doflamingo.
In Bullet's eyes, these people who were around the same age as Bullet were nothing more than low-grade trash.
That's right, Bullet is that simple. Anyone stronger than him can be controlled, but anyone weaker than him, he doesn't even bother to control.
Noticing Bullet's indifferent gaze, Doflamingo snorted unhappily.
"Heh, who's this now? They've got such an arrogant look on their face."
Sand Crocodile, this guy looks even more annoying than you!
"She's much more annoying than you!"
Crocodile nodded, then crossed his arms and looked at Bullet.
Meeting Crocodile's gaze, Bullet grinned disdainfully.
Beside him, Rayleigh gently patted Bullet on the shoulder and introduced him to the others.
"Come, everyone, let me introduce you to my former comrades."
This guy's name is Bullet, and he used to be an important crew member of Captain Roger.
More than 20 years ago, Bullet was already able to fight me to a draw.
However, he has been living in Impel Down for the last twenty years.
"By the way, Bullet, can you still fight, kid?"
As he spoke, Rayleigh put his arm around Bullet's shoulder.
Bullet shrank back slightly, looking a little uncomfortable.
He's too tall; if he doesn't shrink down, he won't be big enough for that old man Rayleigh to hug.
Bullet grinned as he let Rayleigh put his arm around his shoulder.
"If I couldn't fight, Captain Gawain wouldn't have needed to come all the way to Impel Down to recruit me!"
As you can see, I'm a free man now, Impel Down is no longer a threat to me!
Yesterday, Gawain beat me so badly I couldn't get out of bed, so I didn't have time to read the news from recent years.
Rayleigh, how have you been lately? Still hanging out with that woman Shakky...?!
Before Bullet could finish speaking, a Bullet aura suddenly emanated from afar.
Following the direction of the momentum, Bullet glanced at Shakky, then gave an awkward smile.
"Aha, I knew it! You and Shakky are a match made in heaven."
But if you ask me, women can only slow me down.
But you're an old man now, you really should find a woman.
Forget it, what's the point of saying all this? Let's get down to business!
After saying that, Bullet smiled slightly at Shakky, then looked towards the Reverse Mountain in the distance.
Looking at the fleet of warships floating on the desolate ocean, Bullet clenched his fists.
"In two days, we will be starting a war against the New World Pirate Grand Alliance led by the Three Emperors."
So, I specifically asked the captain to bring me to Reverse Mountain to warm up and use the blood of those overconfident guys to help me regain my fighting spirit!
So, you guys shouldn't try to take it from me today.
Let me have some fun with them all by myself!
After speaking, Bullet glanced at Gawain nodded slightly.
"Just like Bullet said, let Bullet take over the Reverse Mountain position today. His Devil Fruit ability is just right for large-scale warfare."
As for everyone, take a day off first. I need to talk to you about the important business ahead.
Two days of intelligent New World battles—there are bound to be some people who don't want to miss it.
Those who want to participate, get ready and sign up with me.
After saying that, Gawain waved his right hand lightly, indicating that Bullet should go play by himself.
Bullet nodded in response to Gawain's action, and then directly assimilated the land near Reverse Mountain.
Thus, the colossal Bullet, standing over six thousand meters tall, engaged in a fierce battle with the pirates gathered near Reverse Mountain.
Doflamingo was slightly taken aback when he saw Bullet's enormous body, then shook his head dismissively.
"What's the use of just getting bigger? Pshaw."
"At least very strong, really very strong."
After Crocodile finished speaking, he took a puff of his cigar and, as he exhaled the smoke, continued speaking to Gawain.
"Gawain, I think... I need to participate in the battle two days from now!"
On the one hand, I should let Whitebeard witness my growth over the years.
On the other hand...
I need to become stronger too!
Puff...
Wisps of smoke drifted into the air with the sea breeze.
Crocodile's pursuit, without him even realizing it, has completely transformed from scheming to pure power.
The number of powerful individuals under the master's command is increasing...
If you want to gain more, you must become stronger; at the very least, you can't be too much weaker than a true powerhouse!
He glanced at Crocodile, who was deep in thought.
Doflamingo pursed his lips in displeasure.
"Hey, Gawain, I'm too lazy to get involved in the battles in the New World."
Whether it's Whitebeard, an old Big Mom, or Red-Haired Shanks.
But they're all just remnants of a bygone era.
With the navy's assistance, plus our own strength, I believe you can achieve final victory even without me.
As for me, hehe.
I still prefer teaching those young pirates how to properly treat their seniors!
After saying that, Doflamingo completely ignored Bullet's idea of warming up on his own and continued charging towards the pirate group engaged in battle.
Doflamingo has always had this perverse sense of humor; bullying the weak is more to his liking than challenging the strong.
If he really is Crocodile or Ace, someone who enjoys challenging strong opponents.
Then he wouldn't have stayed in the New World for over a decade without challenging those established Four Emperors.
Watching Doflamingo's choice, Ace couldn't help but purse his lips.
He really wanted to see the battlefields of the New World.
But...
Considering Luffy...
Ace finally shook his head slightly.
"Uncle, I'll stay on Reverse Mountain too."
Even if the war in the New World is very important, it will not affect the importance of Reverse Mountain.
This place always needs someone to guard it.
Especially since Luffy doesn't yet have the strength to participate in the New World War.
After saying that, Ace rubbed his hat with a relieved expression.
Rather than satisfying my own fighting desires, I'd rather continue being a good older brother who takes care of my younger brother!
After Ace made his statement, the people at the Reverse Mountain stronghold also expressed their opinions one by one.
About half an hour later, Shiryu, Crocodile, Isuka, and the others followed Gawain away from the Reverse Mountain base.
Rayleigh, along with Ace and Doflamingo, remained behind.
As for Bullet...
That guy hasn't had enough yet.
When he's had enough, Gawain will come back to pick him up.
Meanwhile, at the Marine Headquarters, in a port in Marineford.
A boat surrounded by lush, green trees slowly came to dock.
Seeing that another unfamiliar ship was about to dock, the guards immediately blew their whistles.
"Hey, who are you, and why are you docked at our pier!"
"Leave your name, anyone who comes!"
"An unfamiliar ship is approaching! Quickly inform the Vice Admiral!"
"Stop the ship, or we'll open fire!!!"
Hearing the increasingly noisy sounds around him, the man in the center of the small wooden boat, hidden among countless flowers and plants, raised his right hand in annoyance.
Buckle...
Buckle...
The man picked at his ear, gave a lazy hum, and then roared with a string of curses.
"Ara ara!!!"
That's really going too far!
Don't you know that you should treat this handsome young man who loves flowers and plants with more gentleness?
Besides, I'm a super talent invited by Admiral Sakazuki!
And I haven't eaten for six months!
I'm so too lazy to move!!!
As he spoke, the man rolled over among the plants, changed his position, and continued sleeping.
At the same time, the marines quickly approached the plant ship, boarded it, and surrounded the man lying in the center of the ship.
Honestly, the marines haven't encountered such a lazy guy in a long time.
Even when surrounded, they won't budge an inch!
Only...
This guy just said he was invited by Admiral Sakazuki.
Is this true or false?
For a moment, the marines surrounding the man were in a dilemma.
Should we arrest this guy who barged into the naval dock?
Just as a large group of marines were in a state of great distress.
A lieutenant colonel adjutant under Sakazuki led his men along the dock.
As he walked, the adjutant looked around at the small wooden boat that was surrounded with a completely bewildered expression.
"Why..."
Wiping his sweat, the lieutenant colonel sighed.
"I've always found it strange that Admiral Sakazuki has known him for a long time, and he also possesses monstrous strength."
However, Admiral Sakazuki never considered transferring him to the navy.
So... so this person actually has such a twisted sense of humor!
As they spoke, the lieutenant colonel parted the marines who were surrounding him and came to stand in front of the man.
She rolled her eyes at the tattoos on the man's body.
The lieutenant colonel sighed speechlessly.
"In the heart of Death River...
It really is you, Mr. Aramaki!
Get up quickly, Mr. Aramaki, Admiral Sakazuki is waiting for you at the training grounds!
"Oh?"
Upon hearing this, Aramaki finally opened his sleepy eyes.
He lightly flicked his Erlang and grinned at his adjutant.
"So you're one of Sakazuki's men?"
Ha, very good! I am Aramaki, and I have come to Marine Headquarters to help you fight this war, just as Sakazuki called upon me!
As he spoke, Aramaki stood up excitedly.
He casually patted off non-existent dust from his body.
Aramaki looked at his adjutant and continued speaking.
"Boss Sakazuki found me at just the right time. I just got my hands on a super awesome Devil Fruit a while ago, and it's perfect for me too, haha!"
My brother Sakazuki knows I'm incredibly lazy, and with this Devil Fruit, I can even skip meals!
That being said, I should probably meet the boss too.
It must be you, right? Hurry up and take me to see Brother Sakazuki.
I can't wait to hear my older brother's scolding!
At this point, Aramaki directly picked up the bewildered adjutant.
Holding his adjutant, Aramaki glanced around, then curled his lip in disdain.
"So you guys are the Navy, huh? Heh, you're really pathetic and weak!"
No wonder Brother Sakazuki called me here.
If we rely solely on a bunch of weaklings like you, how could the Navy possibly win in the end?
"As expected, we really need a capable underling like me to assist our big brother Sakazuki!"
"Uh... Mr. Aramaki, what you see now is just a lower-level unit of my navy. We are not the navy's elite."
In short, don't waste your time here; Brother Sakazuki is eager to see you.
So come with me!
As they were talking, the adjutant reluctantly broke free from Aramaki's grasp.
The lieutenant had seen this Mr. Aramaki more than once. He possessed an extreme sense of justice similar to that of Admiral Sakazuki, and had helped Admiral Sakazuki a great deal during his campaigns against pirates.
Therefore, the adjutant knew how to deal with Mr. Aramaki.
This gentleman has the utmost respect for Admiral Sakazuki; you can simply use Admiral Sakazuki's title when speaking to him.
As expected, upon hearing that Sakazuki was eager to see him, Aramaki quickly nodded.
"I understand. I'll go see the boss right away. It's rare for him to call me, so it must be something very important this time."
At this point, Aramaki walked directly off his deck.
Just as he was about to fall into the sea, a giant flower suddenly appeared behind him.
The flower spun continuously on Aramaki's back, causing Aramaki to float and fly to the dock.
Around the dock, more and more marines looked at Aramaki with suspicion.
However, Aramaki Mu was not worried at all. Apart from Brother Sakazuki, no matter how many other people there were, they were just chickens and dogs in his eyes.
"Hey, lieutenant, what direction is the boss going? Let's head straight there!"
"OK!"
The adjutant quickly gave Aramaki directions, and about three minutes later...
Aramaki's lazy figure appeared at the edge of the large training ground.
In the center of the training ground, Garp is having a match with Sengoku.
These two old guys haven't fought in a long time, or rather, they haven't fought in the Sengoku for too long, so Garp is helping him get back into shape.
At the edge of the training ground, Sakazuki was originally marveling at Garp and Sengoku, those two old guys.
When he turned around, he saw Aramaki arrive.
So he picked himself up with both arms, and with a majestic and Haki expression, he spoke to the approaching Aramaki.
"You've finally arrived, Aramaki. This is going to be a tough battle. You'd better be prepared!"