The vast sea.
An immense, tide-like aura surged outward in reverse like a raging wave.
The Sea Kings lurking beneath the surface—the overlords of the ocean—instantly fainted.
The weaker pirates who had thought that, by staying far from the center of the battlefield, they could avoid Red-Haired Shanks's overwhelming display of Conqueror's Haki upon arrival—
were also knocked unconscious by it.
The pirates who had barely managed to hold on turned pale as paper as they watched Whitebeard suddenly erupt in thunderous fury.
The last time something like this had happened was probably when Blackbeard killed Satch.
"Whitebeard, just as I thought." Red-Haired Shanks abruptly raised his head and said, "But wait a little longer. There will be an answer soon."
Wait?
Ace and the others froze.
With battle liable to break out at any moment, Red-Haired Shanks was telling the enraged Whitebeard to wait.
What exactly were they waiting for?
"Red-Haired, are you asking us to wait for the outcome of Marine Headquarters' proposal for a worldwide conscription?" Marco, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke.
The moment those words fell, not only Ace and the others, but even Whitebeard's expression stiffened.
The matter had spread throughout the entire New World seven days ago.
They had also learned through other channels about the battle between Laxus, the Marine prodigy known as the Thunder Dragon, and Akainu that day.
However, none of them—including Marco and even Whitebeard—had taken Qin Yu's proposed worldwide conscription seriously.
After all, the moment Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro of the Five Elders appeared, they had already concluded that they knew the outcome.
"Heh, judging by your expressions, you all believed that kid's proposal would never pass, didn't you?" Red-Haired Shanks gave a dry laugh. "But let me tell you, even the one behind the World