Charlotte Linlin was carefully studying Belger Island's terrain and defensive layout with her intelligence officers, ensuring that nothing could go wrong with the operation.
Every corner of Drum Kingdom could feel the tense atmosphere of the coming campaign.
That night, Lin Ye placed the Golden Blade before his knees and meditated with his eyes closed. The golden light on the blade flickered on and off, seemingly resonating with his heartbeat.
"Do you feel it too?" Lin Ye softly asked the Golden Blade. "The decisive battle that's coming..."
The Golden Blade seemed to respond, its golden radiance suddenly blazing brightly.
"I know." Lin Ye opened his eyes. "This isn't merely a battle between the Alliance and the World Government. It also concerns that ancient secret."
He stroked the blade. "When you resonated with Fire Fist, I seemed to see some images... that lost century, that history deliberately buried..."
The Golden Blade flashed again, as though responding to his words.
"One day, I will uncover every secret." Lin Ye spoke resolutely. "But first, we must win the battle before us."
At dawn on the third day, the five teams stood ready to depart.
Lin Ye stood on the central platform and looked over everyone. "Today, we will launch our counterattack against the World Government!"
"This is not only to protect ourselves, but also to protect the freedom of these seas!"
He raised the Golden Blade high, its golden light more dazzling than ever before. "For the free seas!"
"For the free seas!" everyone shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.
Whitebeard, Kaido, Charlotte Linlin, and Ace stood before their respective teams, their expressions solemn and resolute.
Lin Ye swept his gaze around one last time and gave a solemn nod. "Move out!"
The five teams departed simultaneously, racing off in different