North of Hachinosu, in the waters controlled by Roy, the calm sea was torn apart by several enormous ship shadows.
A massive, whale-shaped pirate ship cut through the waves, its iconic Whitebeard and crossbones flag fluttering in the sea breeze at its bow.
On the deck, Marco leaned lazily against the ship's railing, his hands in his pockets, gazing at the faint outline of Hachinosu in the distance, but there was no sign of laziness in his eyes.
" Pops said to just keep an eye on the Roy Pirates ' movements, and not to take any action."
He yawned and turned to look behind him.
Diamond Jozu's imposing figure stood at the bow of the ship, arms crossed, his muscles bulging, gleaming faintly with a diamond-like luster in the sunlight.
" Marco, are we just going to wait here like this?"
Vista the Flower Sword, wiped his twin swords, looked up at the words, and smiled slightly. " Jozu, don't you understand what your Pops saying?"
"We were brought here to show Roy what he's made of."
Thatch emerged from the cabin, carrying a large platter of steaming roasted meat, munching as he walked. "Mmm... delicious! Want some?"
Marco rolled his eyes. " Thatch, all you ever think about is food."
"Nonsense, where would you get the strength to fight if you don't eat?"
Thatch chuckled, gazing at Hachinosu in the distance. "But seriously, Roy's gotten really fast these past few years."
"The last time I saw him, he was just a greenhorn, fresh out of school."
Vista sheathed his sword and said calmly, "I am now Emperor of the Sea on par with my Pops."
"Moreover, I heard that the Devil Fruit Awakening."
Jozu said in a muffled voice, "That old bastard Garp, even he got hurt by him."
Marco stretched. "That's why Pops sent us."
" Pure Gold... who wouldn't want something like that?"
He paused, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
"However, Pops probably wasn't just after Pure Gold."
Thatch, gnawing on his roasted meat, mumbled, "What was it for?"
Marco didn't answer, but just gazed thoughtfully at the distant Hachinosu.
Meanwhile, south of Hachinosu.
A larger fleet is slowly approaching.
In the center of the fleet, a huge cake ship stood out—it was Big Mom's flagship, the Queen Mama Chanter.
On the deck, a tall man with a scarf around his neck and hair covering his left cheek was coldly gazing northward.
Charlotte Katakuri.
Devil Fruit User, leader of the Big Mom Pirates' Three Sweet Commanders.
Behind him stood two equally imposing figures.
Smoothie, a Longleg Tribe member, Devil Fruit User. She wields a longsword, has a tall figure, and cold eyes.
Cracker, the Biscuit- Devil Fruit User, wears a heavy cloak, arms crossed, and a cynical smile on his lips.
" Katakuri- san, are we just going to wait like this?"
Cracker couldn't help but speak up, "Mom means..."
Katakuri didn't turn around, his voice calm, "Mom means, wait."
"Wait until Roy finds the Pure Gold first."
Cracker pouted, "When will that be?"
Katakuri finally turned his head and glanced at him.
That look made Cracker shut up instantly.
" Cracker, it's Mom's order, just do it."
Smoothie said calmly, "Stop talking nonsense."
Cracker sullenly shrank back and stopped talking.
Katakuri looked north again, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
Roy...
Just how strong is that man?
He really wanted to try it himself.
But he dared not disobey his mother.
At least not now.
East of Hachinosu.
The sky was shrouded in a huge shadow.
Golden Lion Shiki's Flying Pirates have launched a full-scale attack.
On the floating Sky Island, the Golden Lion sat cross-legged on a specially made throne, toying with two famous swords in his hands— Oto and Kogarashi.
He gazed at the island that was faintly visible to the west, a mad smile creeping onto his lips.
"Hehehe!"
" Roy, kid, didn't expect that, did you? I'm here too!"
Indigo stood to the side, gesturing wildly, "Ahhh! Brother Shiki! When do we make our move?!"
The Golden Lion glanced at him. "What's the rush?"
"Let's wait until that kid Roy makes a move."
"At that time, Whitebeard and Linlin will definitely get restless. We'll wait until they're both severely injured before we make our move."
"Hahaha! This is a classic case of the snipe and the clam fighting, while the fisherman reaps the benefit!"
Indigo nodded frantically, "Ahhh! Brother Shiki is brilliant!"
The Golden Lion stood up, walked to the edge of the floating Sky Island, and looked down at the massive fleet below.
Dozens of pirate ships, densely packed, covered the sea surface.
Those were all under his command, his forces.
" Roy..."
The Golden Lion murmured, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes.
"I never imagined that the kid from back then would grow up to be this big."
" Pure Gold... I want that stuff too!"
"Hahaha!"
Hachinosu, main island palace.
The atmosphere in the meeting room was so heavy it was almost palpable.
Roy sat in the main seat, his expression calm and silent.
Bullet braced his hands on the table, his eyes burning with rage.
" Roy! Let me lead the team out!"
"Get those guys all out of here!"
Savi stood up. "I'll go with you!"
Yamato jumped up too, "I'm going too!"
Tesoro was equally eager to try, "Boss, we have the Ark Maxim, we can launch an attack from the air!"
Crocodile, cigar in mouth, exhaled a smoke ring and said calmly, "Go out? And then what?"
"We drive one group away, and another one comes."
"The temptation of Pure Gold is too great; they won't give it up."
Bullet whirled around, "Then what do you suggest we do?!"
"Are we just going to wait like this?!"
The Red Count sat in the corner, tapping his cane lightly on the ground, and slowly spoke, " Bullet, Crocodile is right."
"To attack now would only be a waste of our strength."
Bullet gritted his teeth, "Are we just going to watch them besiege the island?!"
Hawk Eyes held Black Blade Yoru in his arms, remaining silent.
Kyros, Scarlet, Stella, and others also frowned.
Lafitte, Van Augur, and Jesus Burgess stood on the periphery, watching this scene with inward shock.
We've only just joined, and we're already facing this kind of situation?
Whitebeard, Big Mom, Golden Lion —the three great emperors—are simultaneously besieging the island!
Just how much pressure will the Roy Pirates face?
Just then--
Roy's eyes suddenly opened.
Through his Observation Haki, a familiar yet violent aura was approaching at an alarming speed.
That aura was immense, wild, and oppressive.
They came from the west.
A faint smile curved Roy's lips.
Another one has arrived.
Everyone was taken aback.
Before they could even react--
Suddenly, it got dark outside the window.
It was as if something had covered the sky.
Bullet rushed to the window and looked up.
"Damn it, this guy's here too!"