Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
The last trace of darkness shrouding the night sky slowly faded as a gleam of light emerged on the horizon.
Whoooosh!
Fierce winds swept from the Gate of Justice all the way to the Marines' Inner Bay.
As shafts of sunlight shone down, everything within the harbor of the Inner Bay came clearly into view.
Flap, flap, flap!
Countless white Justice Capes fluttered in the wind. Tall, imposing figures stood throughout the world's largest, most heavily fortified stronghold.
A night of waiting had brought no unusual activity. Yet the oppressive atmosphere hanging over Marineford had only grown heavier.
Countless people slowly raised their heads to look at the rising sun, their eyes flickering intensely.
"It's almost here!"
Yes, an indescribable weight pressed down on the heart of every Marine taking part in this war.
They knew perfectly well that the present calm heralded an even more frenzied battle to come.
Clang!
Someone quietly swallowed, sweat already beading on his forehead from nerves.
A hundred thousand elite Marines occupied every corner of Marineford's vast Inner Bay.
As the morning sun slowly climbed, all of Marine Headquarters brightened with it.
"Stay sharp, all of you!!"
Suddenly, a roar rang out, jolting countless Marines.
A tall, powerfully built, dark-faced middle-aged Marine officer stood on high ground, looking down at the tense Marines before him.
"Although the appointed time hasn't come yet, the enemy could appear before you at any moment!"
"We're facing the world's number one pirate crew!"
"The coming war will be the fiercest, largest battle since the Great Pirate Era began!"
His deep, forceful, ringing voice echoed in the Marines' ears, shaking their hearts and making their gazes turn solemn.
"Raaah!"
A moment later, a thunderous roar resounded through the skies above Marineford.
Amid that tense, grim atmosphere,