It was the best of years, and the worst of years.
The tide sweeping across the world had become an unstoppable storm. Every person and every power seemed tiny in its path.
Half a month later, all preparations were complete. The entire Grand Line fell silent, watching every Motion on Turtle Island.
Turtle Island's massive troop Motion could not be hidden from any faction. Everyone wanted to know what Loa intended to do this time. But when the Marines merely tightened their defenses, the whole sea breathed a sigh of relief.
Thank goodness. He isn't going to fight Marine Headquarters in a decisive battle.
Whichever of the Two Factions fell, the consequences would be more than the world could bear. And frankly, few people expected the Marines to win.
Signals and messages flew through every available channel. The sea appeared to be in Stillness, but beneath the surface, it was already in turmoil. Everyone used whatever connections they had to uncover the smallest scrap of news from Turtle Island.
Loa knew about the Motion outside, but he paid it no mind. In a world where fists spoke louder than words, everyone else could watch. He did not mind being watched; he wanted them to see.
The target this time was a Yonko. If he did not make a grand spectacle of it, all his effort would go to waste.
Turtle Island held a lavish banquet that day, both as a pre-battle Motion and to welcome a new companion.
After leaving the Marines, Mingde had returned to his birthplace. Only when he had settled his personal affairs did he catch up with the others and formally join Turtle Island.
The middle three fingers of his right hand had been severed at the base and replaced with King claws. Loa considered finding