Whether it was World or the Lone Red, their defeats had everything to do with the World Government.
The former had been stabbed in the back by CP0; the latter had fought Kong to a standstill because he had fallen for the government's ploy to lure him away and had been surrounded by a massive army.
In other words, although the Marines had carried out the attacks,
the true culprits were undoubtedly the Five Elders who had devised this entire series of plans.
The "Holy Land," Mary Geoise!
"Then what should I do?"
Jinbe knew he owed the Marines. Shirahoshi had severely wounded Aokiji, and if Fish-Man Island had not already been destroyed, humanity's hatred toward fish-men would have long since exploded.
"I'll have Smoker from a nearby branch come meet you. Compared to those two monsters, a Poneglyph is nothing."
Akainu said, "After that, stay at G11 and reinforce the defenses. Watch out for Kaido and the others taking this chance to strike. If this battle truly becomes the fuse for a major war... we'll need a foothold."
The enemy had come prepared, while they were even down one combatant in Aokiji. With Oric and his group eyeing them like tigers, even Akainu could not hide his worries.
As Jinbe's intelligence was sent back, the Marine war machine swiftly began to turn. The transportation network Ron had proposed showed its value. Branch Base Commanders from distant regions boarded Sea Trains and transport ships from all over, rushing to Marine Headquarters at top speed to await orders.
An inexplicable air of tragedy hung over the sea. Seeing the Marines' movements, countless forces lowered their banners and began to tremble.
War again?!
When immortals fought, mortals suffered. Facing the Marines' current dominance, those local tyrants had grievances they could not voice.