"Are we really going to fight all the Four Emperors crews? I heard that Fire Fist Ace is now as strong as Red-Hair, and Straw Hat Boy is stronger than when he defeated Kaido. This generation of Four Emperors seems stronger than the previous Four Emperors!"
Ryokugyu's Devil Fruit ability was suppressed by Shanks's remote Conqueror's Haki in Wano Country, which made him realize that Shanks, one of the Four Emperors, was not someone to be trifled with!
I've also heard rumors that Fire Fist Ace occasionally seeks out Shanks for private sparring sessions, and he doesn't fall behind!
The Straw Hat Boy were able to defeat Kaido years ago; who knows how strong they've become now.
Even more outrageous is Thunder God Vic, who rampaged through Mary Geoise as if it were his own backyard. A single Conqueror's Haki was enough to pin him to the ground, rendering him unable to move—even more outrageous than Shanks ' Conqueror's Haki!
Of these Four Emperors, he felt that none of them were someone he could defeat, but choosing an officer of one of the Four Emperors as an opponent would feel like beneath him!
Only Kuzan of the Straw Hat Pirates is worth his attention. That guy was Marine Admiral before, and now he's a pirate, making him the perfect target. Once the war starts, he must find this person as soon as possible!
"This is an order from the Five Elders!"
"Even if it means wiping out the entire Navy, we'll make the Straw Hat Pirates pay a bloody price."
These are the Five Elders ' exact words, so this time, whether for official or personal reasons, we have every reason to take action.
Allowing pirates to run rampant in the New World for so long is a huge dereliction of duty for our Navy. This time, we must restore our Navy's prestige!
Akainu's tone was calm, lacking his usual determination and passion, because his memories told him that the Five Elders and the Celestial Dragons were no good people, and that his family had been killed by them. Given the chance, he would definitely do something about it!
But the idiot behind him is the Celestial Dragons's most loyal dog, even more radical and fanatical than he used to pretend, practically licking the Celestial Dragons's ass!
He just couldn't understand why Ryokugyu, who became Admiral through open recruitment and hadn't undergone the brainwashing typical of naval recruits, was so devoted to the Celestial Dragons and the World Government.
Akainu suspects this guy was planted in the Navy by the Five Elders, so he has to be careful. If he really wants to do something, he must kill this guy first!
"What? It's an order from the Five Elders? That's definitely worth risking your life for. Don't worry, Straw Hat Boy is the pirate the Five Elders want to kill the most, right? Hand him over to me, and see how I deal with him!"
Upon hearing that the order to send troops came from the Five Elders, Ryokugyu's brain immediately went into overdrive. He was no longer afraid of the Four Emperors, and the Straw Hat Boy was ready to do it!
Is there anything more glorious than dying for the Celestial Dragons? The Celestial Dragons ' orders are more important than life itself. The Yamato and holiness of the Celestial Dragons are also forged with lives!
He's Ryokugyu! The life of a current Marine Admiral, dedicated to forging such greatness and sanctity, carries far more weight; he's utterly deserving of death!
"Hmm! It's good that you're aware of this!"
Akainu's face was full of disdain, but his tone was exceptionally cold. This kind of idiot was someone he personally recruited into the Marines?
My eyesight isn't what it used to be, I guess. I can't deny getting old. I have to do something before I retire!
Akainu glanced at the few elderly veterans in their eighties on the Dog-Head Warship, wondering if they could really still fight.
Teacher Zephyr looked old and had shrunk by more than half a meter. After retiring from the Sengoku, he was in a good mood and spent his time eating, drinking and having fun, and he hadn't changed much.
Staff Officer Tsuru? Akainu doesn't expect her to fight; he'd be happy if she could offer some advice.
As for that old man Garp? He hasn't changed at all over the years. He's still as energetic as ever, as imposing and majestic as ever, just like the day he beat him up!
He suspected that this old man could still beat him up, but he could still be considered an important fighting force. If Aramaki couldn't handle it, then let this old man go fight his grandson!
Ryokugyu's voice was loud, as if he were making a declaration to someone. Several warships on the left and right could hear him. After all, it was such a serious moment of advance, and the atmosphere on the warships was also serious!
Even when people were talking, they were all talking in hushed tones. Only the leaders had the right to speak. Only Garp and Sengoku, those two old rivals, dared to shout loudly and grab the rice crackers and donuts, but even they couldn't match Ryokugyu's voice, which sounded like he was making a vow!
Kizaru gave Ryokugyu a meaningful look, the white light on his sunglasses flashed for a moment, and then he returned to his lewd appearance!
Fujitora stopped eating, sighed, handed the bowl and chopsticks to the adjutant on the warship, stood up, leaned on his sword, and walked to the bow of the ship!
Sengoku glanced at Ryokugyu and then burst out laughing. He turned back and gave Garp a deep look before snatching the bag of senbei from Garp's hand, opening it, and starting to eat!
He didn't even glance at Ryokugyu, not even moving her eyes. She simply looked at the densely packed fleet of warships behind her, her face filled with deep worry and pity!
Zephyr didn't look at Ryokugyu, but instead looked at his nominal disciple Akainu, his face filled with complex emotions. In his mind was another figure, whom he always believed was the most suitable person to be the Fleet Admiral and lead the entire Navy!
Garp was also watching Ryokugyu, his eyes full of inexplicable smiles, giving the impression that he was enjoying the show and waiting to see what happened. Then he remembered the time when Vic crossed space to find him half a year ago!
Vic foresaw the impending great battle six months ago, and the timing was right after Luffy found the One Piece. Now it seems that his prediction is coming true!
Vic has prepared for the worst. If he ultimately loses to Imu, Vic will use his spatial powers to send him to Mary Geoise!
He would then wipe out all the Celestial Dragons of Mary Geoise. Even if only Imu remained, at least those tyrannical parasites would be gone, and that would be enough!
Not only is the Navy heading towards Lodestar Island, Straw Hat Pirates also returned from Laugh Tale a few days ago and should be back at Lodestar Island soon to resupply!
After all, Laugh Tale only has so much stuff— Ancient Script and a giant egg—there's really no need to spend too much time exploring it. Luffy might throw a party while Robin is translating the Ancient Script left by Joy Boy, but after he learns about Joy Boy's writing, he probably won't be in such a good mood to throw a party!
"You guys...! Actually, this operation was a personal decision of mine. You didn't need to get involved in this mess!"
Quite a few people must have received this message, from various factions. If the One Piece is truly valuable, Luffy and his crew will definitely be attacked by everyone, and you'll be in danger if you come with me!"
" Ace! You're Captain Roger's son, and I was once an apprentice crew member on Captain Roger's ship. I had the chance to go to Laugh Tale back then, but I got sick. This time, I'm determined to find out what the One Piece is. My coming here has nothing to do with your decision!"
" Buggy...!"
" Ace! What does Pops always talk about? Family!"
"Straw Hat Boy is your brother, he's family. He risked his life to help us when we were at the summit, so he's family too. Isn't it only right to risk your life for your family?"
" Marco...!"
"I haven't seen that directionally challenged person in a while, it'll be good to go check on them."
" Hawk-Eye...!"
"I heard even Pluton will be showing up this time, I can't wait!"
Crocodile...!