A gentle breeze swept past, stirring rings of ripples across the sea. They spread into the distance, growing wider and broader.
Gradually, the midsized sailboat carrying River dwindled to a black speck before disappearing altogether.
About two hours later, enormous, imposing warships departed from Dressrosa's harbor and sailed toward these waters.
Looking up, one could see massive warships in the sky as well, slowly advancing, their wooden oars swaying beneath them and stirring the air.
Figures stood ramrod straight at posts across every warship, their expressions solemn and their bearing formidable.
"Jihahahaha!"
"The mission is simple. Take the towns and kingdoms in the surrounding waters-five islands in all."
An aged voice's booming laughter descended from the sky, accompanied by an overbearing aura of authority that spread across the sea.
"As he put it, we need to establish an island chain and territorial waters belonging to the kingdom, bringing this vast, unpredictable stretch of sea entirely under our control."
"It's a novel idea, but a very interesting one!"
Golden Lion Shiki stood aboard a modified Kingdom Warship, looking down at the sea as he spoke with a hearty laugh.
On a warship directly below, Crocodile wore a loose military coat, a cigar clenched between his lips and a profound look in his eyes.
Enel was aboard another ship off to the side.
After a period of recuperation and preparation following the Paramount War, they were finally ready to make their move on the surrounding waters.
Dressrosa lay near the entrance to the New World, close to several islands under the World Government's jurisdiction. It was also a strategically vital location.
The fleet's objective this time was to seize the World Government's islands and affiliated kingdoms, setting the stage for Dressrosa's rise.
"A powerful kingdom, huh?"
"This seems more interesting than being