A Five Elder Appears Out of Nowhere

GR Area 58.

In an open clearing among the mangroves near the edge.

The atmosphere was somewhat delicate.

The main forces of the Whitebeard Pirates and the Roger Pirates had just briefly joined up.

Though Roger's proposal and Whitebeard's approval had given both sides a tacit understanding to "deal with the outsiders first."

While they were no longer at each other's throats, the tense feeling of confrontation between old rivals remained.

The two groups rested separately some distance apart, conversing in low voices.

Leaning on his naginata, Whitebeard tried to contact Lin Nuo with a Transponder Snail, but all he could hear was a jumble of static.

"Old man, I bet the Marines are behind this. Since they want to start a war, they're definitely messing with communications."

Grom spoke up from beside him.

At that, Whitebeard spat.

"Hmph, how boring."

"This just shows the Marines are scared, resorting to such petty tricks, Newgate."

"Speaking of which, it looks like more guests have arrived."

Roger folded his arms and swept his gaze across the surroundings.

Just then, somewhat noisy footsteps and shouts came from the woods in another direction.

Whitebeard turned to look, the corner of his mouth beneath his crescent mustache lifting slightly.

"Oh? That presence is..."

A group of fully armed, fierce-looking female warriors emerged from a forest path.

They wore matching battle outfits in the style of Amazon Lily.

Leading them were Stussy and Gloriosa, who had just killed a Celestial Dragon and arrived together.

Behind them stood thirty elite warriors of the Kuja Pirates, each radiating a fierce aura.

"Why is the Empress of Kuja Island here too..." Grom muttered.

Gloriosa took the lead, swiftly sweeping her eyes over the scene.

When she spotted a familiar figure among the Roger Pirates, her eyes suddenly lit up,