??

At this moment, an indescribably oppressive atmosphere hung over New Era City, the headquarters of the World Government.

Six marshals of the army, navy, and air force, thirty-two Admirals from headquarters, regional headquarters, and branch offices across the world, along with at least several hundred rear admirals and vice admirals possessing Logia Devil Fruits, special Paramecia Devil Fruits, or special Zoan Devil Fruits—

At this moment, they had all gathered in one hall. Whether they looked utterly incredulous, disbelieving, or suspected there was something fishy going on, every rear admiral, vice admiral, and Admiral in the hall wore a grave expression.

The six marshals who knew the truth each bore looks of despair.

How could they not despair? Unlike the vague rumors known by these Admirals, they were the spokesmen who could directly contact the six State-Protector Marshals. How could they not know that humanity's six State-Protector Marshals had actually become five?

State-Protector Marshal Phantom Opas had truly fallen!

As humanity's true guardians in this world, all six State-Protector Marshals were Ascendant Bodies. The oldest among them even hailed from the end of the One Piece era. Fortunately, Phantom Opas was not that one. Otherwise, the World Government truly would have seen the sky fall.

"Silence!"

One of the six marshals seated at the head of the hall—a white-haired old man with muscles all over his body—struck the tabletop with a small gavel. The table collapsed beneath the blow, but he paid it no mind. He merely said, "We will now issue World Government Order and Military Command No. 8261. All forces are to withdraw. All field-grade officers are to proceed immediately to their nearest inland military base. Base locations will be issued along with the military command. All general-grade officers are to immediately report to the defense forces assigned