The Navy's Counterattack Plan, Cluster Consciousness

"Your courage is commendable, but meaningless," the commander-in-chief said with pity in his voice. "You cannot comprehend the great transformation to come. The entire world will welcome a new order, and the holders of the seven keys will become the greatest obstacles to that transformation—and its most important sacrifices."

Aisha tightly gripped the Life Key. Though her body was weak, a determined fire burned in her eyes. "As long as I live, I will never let the Life Key fall into the hands of the Void's minions."

The commander-in-chief shook his head, his purple eyes gleaming dangerously. "Then use your life to prove those words."

The doors to the Marine Headquarters conference room slowly closed, cutting off every sound from outside. Steel Bone Kong swept his gaze over the remaining officers, and the same resolve shone in all their eyes.

"From this moment on, we will carry out the Guardian Plan," Steel Bone Kong said in a low, resolute voice. "We do not have much time."

Vice Admiral Tsuru unfolded a world map marked with twelve red dots. "According to our intelligence, these twelve locations are highly likely to be the sites of the Heavenly Dragon Descent ritual. The Five Elders plan to open some kind of gateways in these places simultaneously, allowing Void Creatures to enter our world on a massive scale."

Aokiji said gravely, "I am ready to head to G-16 Island to investigate. If Akainu really tested Void weapons there, we need to understand their mechanism and range of effect."

"Take this." Tsuru handed Aokiji a special metal case. "This is an upgraded data collector. It can operate in high-intensity Void energy fields. Do not directly touch any contaminated objects or organisms."

Steel Bone Kong nodded. "Make it quick, Aokiji. Once you confirm the situation, return immediately.