The Collaborator's Identity

Marine Headquarters, Marineford

As the Giant Tribe warship, like a moving fortress, slowly approached, the entire Headquarters seemed to be shrouded in an invisible shadow, and the air gradually grew heavy.

"Wooo—wooo—wooo—!!!"

A piercing, urgent alarm suddenly blared, echoing between the harbor, city walls, and fortresses. Red warning lights flashed wildly, staining the entire sea crimson.

At the harbor, Marines on duty nearly stopped moving at the same time. They looked toward the sea, their expressions rapidly shifting from confusion to shock.

"That's—an Elbaf Army ship!!"

"What?!"

"The Giants are attacking?!!"

Hurried, chaotic footsteps rang out through the harbor. Cannons were quickly pushed into position, while several Marine warships made emergency departures and swiftly formed up amid the churning waves, surrounding the Giant Tribe warship layer by layer.

The sea wind howled, waves battered the hulls, and the tension was so taut it seemed ready to explode at any moment.

A Rear Admiral stood at the bow of the flagship, gripping a loudspeaker. His Adam's apple bobbed as he forcibly suppressed his unease and shouted at the colossal vessel, "Sorry for the trouble, King Harald!!"

His voice echoed across the sea, yet it could not conceal the obvious tension within it.

"Headquarters has issued orders—"

"You cannot be allowed to land at Marineford!"

"Stop your ship immediately! Do not come any closer!!!"

Following the order, the Marine warships slowly adjusted their positions. Their cannons lifted slightly, faintly locking onto the Giant Tribe warship's course as they tried to force it to stop through formation and intimidation.

Just as the tense atmosphere was about to spiral completely out of control—

A steady, weighty voice suddenly came from the bow of the Giant Tribe warship.

"Stand down."

The voice was not loud, yet it seemed to overwhelm the wind, waves, and alarms,