Outside the Tower of Law, the sky was a gloomy gray.
At the edge of Enies Lobby, where flames soared into the sky, three Marine warships remained on the frozen sea.
The cannons aboard the enormous ships continued to roar. Even with only three ships left, they had not stopped their bombardment.
Smoke and the smell of gunpowder spread through the air. A broad-browed rear admiral strode across the deck and quickly came to a halt before a figure in a Justice cloak at the bow.
"Report, Vice Admiral!"
The rear admiral stood at attention and shouted, "The rescue operation is complete! We're forming up now! The elite force consists of commanders and captains. We currently have 166 men ready for battle!
"Straw Hat Kid Luffy is fighting CP9's Lucci inside the pillar platform beneath the bridge. Should we head straight in and attack?"
"No need to rush."
Onigumo clenched his cigar and said in a low voice, "Lucci is the strongest CP9 agent in years. He's enough to handle Straw Hat Kid."
"Understood."
The rear admiral continued, "What about the other members of the Straw Hat Crew..."
Onigumo slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke. After a moment's thought, he said, "Have the elite force prepare to land. Once we bring down the Tower of Law and force them out, we'll cross the ice to the Bridge of Hesitation and arrest them."
"Yes, sir!"
The rear admiral shouted, saluted, then withdrew.
Onigumo turned his gaze toward Lucci and Luffy, still fighting in the distance.
The Bridge of Hesitation stretched from Enies Lobby to the Gate of Justice like a gray serpent. Below it, enormous pillars supported it above the sea.
The first pillar platform had been smashed to pieces, revealing the fierce battle raging inside its hollow chamber.
"Flying Shigan: