Above Marineford.
Fierce winds whipped everyone's clothes behind them. Beneath the sunlight, the Ark Maxim shone brilliantly, its figures coming into view before everyone's eyes.
"Are they Admiral River's people?"
"When did he put together a force like this?"
"Who are these guys? The glare is too bright. I can't make them out at all!"
Everyone stared wide-eyed in shock at the golden ship hovering high above. An invisible aura of authority spread from it, sending a tremor through every heart.
River grinned, grabbed the Justice Cape on his back, tore it off, and tossed it aside.
"I won't be needing this tiresome, hypocritical justice ever again!"
Murmuring those words, he looked down over the battlefield ahead, his gaze gradually sharpening.
"Freya, can you accept this change in identity?"
"Follow me and leave the Marines!"
River turned toward Freya, who stood nearby, tense and trembling all over.
A battlefield like this, and the situation unfolding before her, had dealt the female Marine an enormous shock.
"Yes!"
Hearing his voice, Freya raised her head and nodded firmly.
"No matter where you go, you will always be my commanding officer. I will always look up to you!"
River smiled, sweeping his gaze across the field before fixing it on the three Admirals ahead.
"Everyone, put your hearts at ease."
He drew the long sword at his waist and pointed it at the grim-faced Sakazuki directly opposite him in the distance. His words came slowly, calm yet imperious.
"No one before us can stand against us!"
"Raaah!"
Deafening roars rang across the battlefield. The Recruit Corps surged with renewed spirit, and even the Whitebeard Pirates stirred.
The figures aboard the golden ship hovering overhead possessed unmistakably extraordinary presences, though their identities remained unknown.
Suddenly, a figure leaped down from the Ark Maxim.
"Jihahahaha!"