History would remember this day as the beginning of democracy's emergence.
Another five days passed.
The Marines were still assembling their forces. No one relaxed; instead, the Seventy-Nation Allied Forces' prolonged absence weighed heavily on them all.
But the world had already taken on an entirely new appearance.
In the towns scattered across the islands, ordinary people felt no hint of war. Instead, the new ideas and decrees brought by the Marines stationed there filled them with excitement and joy.
"A prince who breaks the law faces the same punishment as a commoner!"
"Everyone in the world, every race, has the same equal rights. The new laws will protect every citizen's interests!"
"People have the right to democratic elections in their own cities!"
"..."
One astonishing, almost unbelievable decree after another was issued, leaving everyone thrilled.
A new era had arrived. Only now did everyone perceive that fact so clearly.
Merchant ships headed out to trade and encountered no pirates along the way. Instead, Marines escorted them at regular intervals.
In just half a month, people had already begun enjoying this new era.
Day after day passed. The earlier war stood in stark contrast to the present calm, and everything became peaceful and serene.
Marineford.
Xia Le sat in his office, with documents piled like a mountain before him.
"The fleets of the seventy nations are assembling!"
"Three days ago, a fleet numbering a hundred ships was discovered gathering around a deserted island in the West Blue, near the Calm Belt!"
"There is still no sign of Imu."
"..."
The world's tranquility did not mean there were no currents stirring beneath its surface.
To the Marines, the Seventy-Nation Allied Forces were like a fishbone lodged in their throat. Only by eliminating them completely could they smoothly enter the next era.