In the year 1520 of the Sea Circle Calendar, a day destined to go down in history finally arrived.
The atmosphere in Marineford Square was so heavy it felt tangible.
Morning sunlight spilled into every corner of the Marines' mightiest fortress.
Across the square, the elite Giant Vice Admirals, Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals, and formations of Marine officers stood in orderly ranks.
Weapons were drawn, and white coats bearing the word "Justice" billowed in the sea breeze, forming a white forest.
Beyond the harbor, countless Marine warships lined up in layer upon layer, their cannons menacing, forming an impenetrable barrier at sea.
(The Marines' large warships are actually enormous. You can look them up and see for yourselves.)
Every coastal defense cannon had been adjusted to its optimal firing angle, aimed out to sea.
At the very center of the square, the Execution Platform towered overhead.
At its summit stood Fleet Admiral "Buddha Sengoku," holding an Amplifying Den Den Mushi, his expression solemn.
Flanking him were the Marine hero, "Iron Fist" Garp, and former Marine Admiral "Black Arm" Zephyr.
One level below them were the seats of the Four Admirals, the symbols of the Marines' greatest fighting power!
"White Kirin," "Heavenquake" Gern Reginald Sigma.
"Akainu" Sakazuki.
"Aokiji" Kuzan.
"Kizaru" Borsalino.
The four sat in a row, forming an unshakable bulwark of the Marines' highest combat strength.
Farther down, Chief of Staff Tsuru presided over the command center, overseeing battlefield deployment.
In a specially designated area on one side of the square, the conscripted "high-end combatants" had also taken their places.
"Heavenly Yaksha" Donquixote Doflamingo wore an amused smile.
"Gecko" Moria looked disdainful, still basking in the past glory of having fought Kaido.
"Empress" Boa Hancock's stunning face held arrogance and a barely perceptible trace of agitation.
And there was "Devil's