The atmosphere at Marine Headquarters grew heavy with grief when Sengoku's report arrived.
The news was devastating: G4 Fortress had fallen, and former Marine Admiral Zhikai had died.
Gion, who had been smiling only moments before, watched helplessly as the Vivre Card her father had left her burned away.
Nothing hurt more than knowing her father had died without getting to see him one last time.
Only twelve years old, Gion collapsed into Staff Officer Tsuru's arms and wept.
Tsuru could do nothing but have someone take Gion away.
Her mind raced.
"Do as Sengoku says. Also, evacuate everyone from G3 Fortress. Have the warships escort the merchant ships to G-1 Fortress and keep our losses as low as possible."
"Garp is already close to G3 Fortress."
"Defending this trade route is simply too difficult."
Tsuru could not help but sigh.
Her meaning was clear: they would most likely have to abandon both trade islands.
In other words, they would have to give up the entire trade route.
Only now that war had come did they understand how much this trade route would cost them. The price was nowhere near worth the returns.
It simply was not worth it.
They had realized their mistake, but only after paying a terrible price.
"Then that's what we'll do," Kong said with a sigh.
The blow had shaken him. The plan had looked so promising, but reality was merciless.
Typhon was only an eighteen-year-old pirate, yet he had put them in this humiliating position.
A massive Fengshen Pterosaur flew away from the Red Line.
Meanwhile, the Monster Legion under Typhon's command had reached the island where G3 Fortress stood.
Only five thousand Navy Soldiers remained to defend G3 Fortress.
Headquarters' orders had arrived with little time to spare.
Warships and merchant ships, packed