Giants on the Sea

Ever since the World Government officially approved Elbaf's application for cooperation, the maps of the New World had been quietly redrawn.

New markings began appearing along dangerous sea routes once regarded as "untouchable" and "detours only"—

They marked Elbaf's course.

The Giant Tribe's fleet was no longer merely a legend sung by bards, nor was it just a blurry silhouette on the pages of history books.

With an almost oppressive presence, they truly appeared on the New World's main shipping lanes.

And everyone soon discovered one thing: these moving steel fortresses had only one target.

—Pirates.

Almost at the same time, the Marines and the World Government issued a joint statement, causing an enormous stir across the world—

Elbaf was a friendly allied nation, and its military actions would be regarded as anti-pirate operations conducted in coordination with the Marines.

The moment the news spread, reactions around the world were almost predictable.

Merchant associations convened emergency meetings, underground forces grew restless, and discussions erupted in countless taverns.

Before long, the discussions in streets and alleys all focused on the same point.

In the guarantor section of that statement, one name was written clearly and prominently—

Vice Admiral Azure Dragon Rock.

To ordinary people, that name meant "protection." It meant someone who would step forward in the face of disaster.

"If Vice Admiral Rock is guaranteeing it..."

"Then perhaps the Giant Tribe really is different now."

The prejudices long branded into people's hearts—"Giants = uncontrollable violence," "Giants = disasters beyond communication"—showed their first cracks.

And Harald did not betray that trust.

Elbaf's army began operating throughout the New World with the overwhelming force of a thunderstorm.

Once the Giant fleet locked onto a pirate ship, there was only one possible outcome for the pirates.

—Destruction.

For a time, the number of