By the day of the execution, the Sabaody Archipelago was all but deserted.
Across the vast islands, only Area 16 still showed signs of life.
This was the so-called Lawless Zone.
Those who stayed here did not do so because they had no desire to leave.
They stayed because leaving might mean an even worse death.
In fact, their decision was the right one.
The men Randall had sent were keeping an eye on them, some openly, others covertly.
The moment they dared to leave, a devastating attack would follow.
Their decision to stay had successfully bought them a few more days of life.
Soon, the image on the giant screen began to move.
Everyone immediately held their breath.
They wanted it to move faster, yet also wished it would slow down.
Five seconds later, a raised platform came into view.
A man stood atop it.
But hardly anyone paid him any attention.
Because beside him, two bloated figures knelt in humiliation.
Their arms were twisted behind their backs and bound.
The way they were tied forced their heads upward, leaving their faces fully exposed.
Everyone recognized them at once. These were the very same two Celestial Dragons from the news photographs!
Even their clothes were those of the Celestial Dragons!
At that moment, an eerie silence fell before every giant screen.
It was as though everyone feared something.
They did not dare speak!
"Why?"
Hidden in the crowd, Shanks stared at the giant screen in bewilderment.
He could not understand it. The news had been announced well in advance.
Why was this Marine still able to carry out his plan so smoothly?
God only knew how shocked he had been when those two Celestial Dragons actually appeared.
He refused to believe the World Government knew nothing about this.
And