The Marines had mobilized in full force, even recalling their forces from the New World.
Every fighting unit was converging on the waters around the Sabaody Archipelago.
The World Government had deployed forces of its own.
Even the God's Knights were more likely to appear. Though only reserve members were involved, that alone showed how seriously the government was taking this.
There was another factor: Army General Storm Dragon and the CP0 Chief, both veterans of the World Government's wars against the Rocks Pirates since the previous era, were getting on in years.
Storm Dragon was over sixty, and the CP0 Chief was already eighty—just one year younger than the current Fleet Admiral, Steel Bone Kong.
Both were nearing retirement age. Storm Dragon, in particular, had gained enough over the years and had no desire to spend his whole life in that position.
The seas had grown too dangerous. Any mission could be the one that killed him.
He wanted to protect his life and enjoy his remaining years.
Besides, the younger generation of his Family had come into its own. Even if he stepped down, the Family's standing would not suffer.
And he could still wield influence.
This would likely be his last mission. Win or lose, he would resign as Army General afterward.
Whether he gave it his all was another matter.
The CP0 Chief, meanwhile, had to hold on for another two years. His successor still needed a few years to mature.
The war against the Rocks Pirates had been so brutal that it had left a gap in CP0's ranks. Countless agents had been lost.
Many young Agents with tremendous potential had died on the battlefield.
The original candidates to succeed the chief had either been killed or left disabled.
Many of CP0's remaining fighters had