Kong took a deep breath. His voice boomed across the entire plaza through an Amplifying Den Den Mushi:
"All Navy personnel—"
"—"
"The Rocks Pirates openly attacked the Celestial Dragons, killing one, capturing two, and subjecting them to inhuman torture and humiliation."
"This is a challenge to the authority of the World Government, a trampling of the order of justice, and a complete assault on the foundations of eight hundred years of peace!"
"As the Navy, guardians of justice, we will never tolerate such actions!"
"Send word: all Marine Branches in the New World are to leave behind only the forces necessary to hold their bases. Everyone else will join forces with Headquarters—"
"—to encircle and destroy Beehive Island and the Rocks Pirates."
"Strategic objective: sink Beehive Island and wipe out the Rocks Pirates completely."
"In this battle—no prisoners, no negotiations. We will exterminate them!"
Kong's voice echoed across the plaza. Every Marine gripped his weapon, the fires of battle burning in their eyes.
"All forces—advance!"
The order was given.
Marineford began to move like a gigantic war machine, roaring into full operation.
At the harbor, more than three hundred elite warships weighed anchor at once. Sails unfurled, and steam engines thundered to life.
The fleet included ten super battleships, fifty large battleships, two hundred medium-sized battleships, and a great many supply ships, hospital ships, and scout ships.
Soldiers surged onto the decks like a rising tide. Cannons were rolled into position, ammunition hauled into the holds, and preparations were completed in an extraordinarily short time.
Kong stood on the bridge of the flagship, gazing at the vast fleet. Yet he felt no relief.
He knew full well that with the Navy throwing everything into this campaign, its rear would be dangerously exposed.
If another great pirate crew seized the