Outside the Tower of Justice, the sky was a vast expanse of gray.
At the flaming edge of Enies Lobby, Navy warships stood upon the ice.
The cannons aboard the enormous warships continued to roar. Even with only three ships remaining, they had not stopped their bombardment.
Smoke mingled with the stench of gunpowder. A thick-browed, big-eyed rear admiral crossed the deck and hurried to the bow, where a figure in a coat of justice stood waiting.
"Reporting, Vice Admiral!"
The rear admiral snapped into a salute and shouted, "The rescue operation has been completed! The troops are assembling! The elite force made up of Lieutenant Colonels and Colonels currently has one hundred and sixty-six combat-capable personnel!
"At the bridge support platform below, Straw Hat Boy Luffy is fighting Lucci of CP9. Shall we launch an attack immediately?"
"No need to rush."
Onigumo bit down on his cigar and said in a low voice, "Lucci is the strongest CP9 agent in history. He alone is enough for Straw Hat Boy."
"Understood."
The rear admiral continued, "Then what about the other members of the Straw Hat Crew?"
Onigumo slowly exhaled smoke. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Have the elite force prepare to land. Once the Tower of Justice has been bombarded into collapse and they are forced out, cross the ice to the Bridge of Hesitation and arrest them."
"Yes!"
The rear admiral shouted, saluted, and withdrew.
Onigumo turned his gaze back toward the distant Lucci and Luffy, who were locked in battle.
The Bridge of Hesitation stretched like a gray serpent from Enies Lobby to the Gates of Justice, supported above the sea by enormous platforms below.
The first support platform had already been smashed to pieces, exposing the fierce battle in the vast room within.
"Flying Finger