Three days later, the World Government's luxurious ship slowly entered Marineford's naval harbor.
Yet as Saint Figarland Garling stood at the bow and surveyed Marine Headquarters, his brow creased slightly.
The entire harbor was deserted. There were no warships docked, no ranks of Marines waiting to welcome him-not even a basic honor guard.
"Hmph. Have the Marines stopped respecting the World Government altogether?" one of the three accompanying CP0 agents in white masks said coldly, displeasure coloring his voice.
"Utterly insolent!" another CP0 agent agreed. "Mere Marines, daring to slight Lord Saint Garling like this?"
Saint Garling merely sneered at their remarks, his crimson cloak stirring in the wind.
"It seems this mission... will be more interesting than I expected."
His gaze swept across the silent harbor, and the corners of his mouth lifted.
Were the Marines declaring war?
The four disembarked and set foot on Marineford.
The harbor lay empty, with only a few fallen leaves swirling in the sea breeze.
They proceeded along the central avenue. The buildings on either side remained imposing, but not a single person appeared in the streets.
"Something's wrong..." one CP0 agent murmured. "The Marines couldn't have all evacuated. Are they plotting something?"
"Heh. Plotting?" Saint Garling scoffed dismissively.
He led them onward through the main thoroughfare of Marine Headquarters until they reached the central plaza.
Then they stopped.
In the middle of the vast plaza stood a figure with his back to them, his Justice Cloak with its black-trimmed cuffs snapping in the sea breeze.
The man slowly turned, revealing a smiling face.
"The illustrious commander of the Holy Knights, Saint Figarland Garling." Gern tilted his head slightly, his tone teasing.
"What brings you to Marine Headquarters... any orders for us?"
Saint Garling narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp as a blade.