Out in the open, the two sides' combined forces numbered a full ten thousand.
That did not include those in hiding. Otherwise, the total would have exceeded twenty thousand.
At that moment, everyone, whether hidden or out in the open, was watching the two opposing sides.
For this clash would determine who emerged as the new king.
Or would both sides suffer devastating losses?
Or would the strongest force fight its way out?
Under everyone's gaze, Navy Hero Garp and Admiral Kizaru, two of Marine Headquarters' strongest fighters, stood at the very front of the Marine Headquarters forces.
Behind them were Momousagi and the other Vice Admirals, with over three thousand troops in all.
Their expressions were solemn, and they all looked ready to face death.
"Ooh, how scary. The Shadow Monster, along with Bullet, captain of the Surprise Force Pirates-all three Admiral Candidate monsters are here. It seems you really are ready to fight us to the death, Bullet."
Admiral Kizaru's voice had lost its usual lazy tone, taking on a measure of seriousness and solemnity.
"But has Roy still not arrived?"
"Does he think the forces you have here are enough to crush Marine Headquarters?"
"Isn't that underestimating Marine Headquarters a little too much?"
"Or is this all the fighting strength the Surprise Force Pirates and Roy's forces have left?"
"In that case, I think you should stop fighting and surrender."
"That way, there won't be any casualties, and everyone in the Surprise Force Pirates can enjoy a lovely Impel Down package. Wouldn't that make everyone happy?"
But Kizaru already wore an odd expression, and his words carried no goodwill whatsoever. They could only be taken as threats.
His words made the atmosphere even more oppressive.
Even at a time like this, Kizaru still had the leisure for