Late at night.
New Marineford, in the New World.
Inside the Fleet Admiral's Office.
Carol walked in, carrying the latest intelligence summary:
"Fleet Admiral, sir."
"The latest intelligence has been compiled."
At his desk, piled high with documents, Sakazuki signed one deployment order after another without looking up and said:
"Read it."
Carol said:
"Yes, sir."
He opened the documents in his hands:
"As of 2300 hours on the 17th, our forces have achieved their preliminary strategic objectives."
"Regarding Charlotte Linlin of the Four Emperors."
"Our forces have breached the core of her third defensive island chain. The follow-up fleets are advancing in succession and are expected to reach their designated positions in four days, when they will launch their attacks."
"Regarding Kaido of the Four Emperors."
"Due to Kaido's destruction of the 37th, 38th, and 43rd Fleets, as well as the sinking of Ellen Port..."
"A gap has opened in our three-pronged deployment. The pirates are currently organizing a counterattack."
"Regarding Shanks of the Four Emperors."
"In two days, Sote's Aerial Fleet has captured four islands under Red-Hair's control, destroying all defensive installations on them."
"All residents willing to leave the New World have finished boarding."
"But many still refuse to board..."
"Sote asks whether he should proceed according to the original plan."
Sakazuki remained expressionless:
"Tell him to follow his orders."
Carol nodded:
"Yes, sir."
He continued:
"Regarding Hale Nock of the Four Emperors."
"His first wave of reinforcements has reached the forwardmost encampment."
"The forces we have mobilized are also ready to defend."
"However, the sea separating the two sides is currently the battlefield between Hale Nock and Admiral Kuzan."
"Their battle has not ended."
"But according to our intelligence, Admiral Kuzan's icebergs cover a somewhat smaller area than Hale Nock's steam domain."
"Our intelligence personnel cannot