Waves surged as the fleet led by River gradually drew closer, then made one final turn to join the Dressrosa fleet several miles ahead.
The sight of this quietly unfolding left Akainu and the others looking grim.
Before they knew it, Kaido's and Big Mom's pirate crews had both been defeated, and River had even subdued their remaining pirates.
For the Marines and the World Government, this was anything but good news. It meant something momentous was about to happen.
With River's return, the Dressrosa fleet's morale suddenly soared even higher.
Akainu and the others even saw the fleet ahead raise its sails and head toward them, making the Marines' expressions change.
"Fleet Admiral Akainu, they're moving! They seem to have received orders to attack!"
The lieutenant commander shouted, his face tense.
River had crushed the combined forces of two of the Four Emperors. He was no opponent they could easily handle. Now that he had returned, the Marine fleet faced an even more daunting challenge.
"Akainu, it's time to decide!"
"River clearly wants to seize this opportunity to hurt us and weaken the Marines!"
Sengoku barked in a low voice.
The Dressrosa fleet advanced with overwhelming momentum. Thunderous roars rang out across the sea, and rows of black cannons had already aimed their muzzles at them.
This was an undisguised declaration of war. The instant the two sides entered firing range, an unimaginable battle would erupt.
"Do we fight or retreat?"
Ryokugyu asked quietly, his gaze flickering.
Kizaru was also watching Akainu, his eyes shifting as though he were pondering something.
Clearly, if they chose to fight now, they would be the ones to suffer in the end. They were in Dressrosa's territory, facing vast numbers of elite troops and powerful fighters, along with River, whose place among the