Supernovas of the Old Era

Along the vast coastline at the edge of the Sabaody Archipelago, near the Bubble Forest.

Marine warships stood packed together like a forest of steel, sealing off every major route and exit.

More warships kept arriving from the direction of the Gate of Justice. They docked and lowered their gangplanks.

At the bow of the largest warship stood Fleet Admiral Steel Bone Kong.

Arms crossed, he surveyed the dreamlike island wrapped in bubbles.

"All officers and soldiers, heed my command! The time has come!"

"The criminal Rocks Pirates and Gol D. Roger's crew..."

"And Lin Nuo's crew, representatives of the rising Worst Generation, have all been confirmed near Grove 59 of the Sabaody Archipelago!"

"Their arrogance and their crimes will end here today!"

"This battle concerns the dignity of Marine justice and the stability of the world order!"

"As Fleet Admiral, I promise that anyone who fights bravely and kills or captures a primary target..."

"Will be promoted three ranks regardless of current rank, awarded the Special Combat Medal, and given five times the usual bounty!"

"Anyone who captures Rocks, Roger, or Lin Nuo will be promoted directly to Admiral Candidate and receive Marine Headquarters' highest honor!"

Great rewards bred brave fighters. All the more so among elite Marines who already believed in justice!

"Ooooooh!"

A thunderous roar erupted from every warship and every formation!

The Marines' eyes reddened as their fighting spirit reached a fever pitch!

Promotion to Admiral Candidate! The highest honor! This was the pinnacle every Marine dreamed of!

And anyone who earned that honor would be an admiral candidate in name only. Becoming a Marine Admiral would be a foregone conclusion!

Steel Bone Kong looked at his troops' soaring morale and nodded with satisfaction.

He raised a hand and pointed toward the heart of the Sabaody