Three hours before Ace's execution.
Marineford's harbor plaza had become an immense military fortress.
Fifty state-of-the-art warships encircled the island of Navy Headquarters like steel beasts, their dark gun barrels pointed outward.
Heavy coastal guns lined the shore, and the Navy had armed every inch of Marineford.
Only the main harbor had been left with a relatively wide opening.
It was a trap the Navy had carefully designed.
The Whitebeard Pirates could enter Marineford only through the harbor. Once inside, they would face attacks from every direction.
Sengoku had laid his plan in plain sight. Before the war had even begun, the Navy held every advantage the terrain could offer.
Within Marineford itself, the civilian district had become a ghost town.
Most residents had been evacuated to the Sabaody Archipelago or other safe islands over the past two days.
The few who had chosen to stay locked their doors and windows and waited at home, holding their breath for the outcome of the battle.
The market stood empty. The sea breeze swept fallen leaves and scraps of paper across the ground.
On the third floor of an unremarkable stone building in Oak Barrel Market,
behind a disguise made of paper, every member of Akatsuki stood ready, watching the Execution Platform a short distance beyond the window.
Konan stood by the window. Her Paper Eye circled high above, relaying a clear view of the Navy's vast formation below.
Through his puppet's compound eyes, Sasori watched the Pacifista units from afar, keen interest in his gaze.
Hidan fought to contain his excited trembling as he murmured prayers to the Evil God Cult.
Kisame stroked Samehada, sensing its mood, and grinned.
Across the world, countless people sat before screens.
The live feed from the Visual Den Den Mushi was already connected, broadcasting Marineford's