War Begins! (23)

Once the Shichibukai arrived, Marineford's atmosphere suddenly grew grave.

Every Marine soldier knew that if the decisive battle were not imminent, the government would never have arranged for the Shichibukai they disliked to come and lend their strength.

Even watchdogs needed to have their feelings considered.

Lest they show up without putting in any effort.

Half a month was neither a short time nor a long one.

Soon, as the Morning Star vanished beyond the horizon, the time for the public execution finally arrived.

Sabaody Archipelago, the lawless zone.

"Quick, quick, the broadcast is about to begin!"

"This is an unprecedented Great Decisive Battle! Are you all ready?"

In every corner of Sabaody, enormous screens had been set up. Reporters from countless newspapers gathered around them, shouting as they checked their equipment and prepared their coverage.

Kid and the other Supernovas of this year did not rush out to sea. Instead, they hid in dark corners, waiting for this world-shaking decisive battle to begin.

Every one of them had a premonition that the future course of the seas, the new era, would be decided after this battle.

"Hm? Who's that over there?"

Suddenly, Bonney furrowed her brow and looked toward the shore in the distance.

The fleeting figure beneath that cloak looked somewhat familiar to her.

"What is it, Boss?"

A crewmate beside her asked curiously.

"No, nothing."

Bonney shook her head, withdrew her gaze, and continued waiting for the broadcast.

"Perhaps I was overthinking it. At a time like this... he shouldn't be that reckless."

Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

A solemn and majestic atmosphere hung over everyone's heads. In Justice Plaza, dense ranks of people radiated boundless might, their momentum soaring into the heavens.

These elite officers, rarely seen even at branch bases throughout the Four Blues, had now gathered