The Pluton Battleship cut through the waves, sailing toward the Sabaody Archipelago at a steady, swift pace. Unlike two years ago, Pluton now had ample energy, and Allen's remote adjustments had brought its performance beyond what it had once been.
Standing at the bow, Allen could clearly feel the deep connection established between himself and Pluton. The Ark Core was perfectly synchronized with the battleship's main control system, and every component responded like an extension of his own limbs.
"Marine patrol fleet spotted ahead!" Sabo's voice came from the lookout platform. "Not very large. Looks like a routine patrol."
Ace rubbed his hands together. "Should we avoid them? Or..."
Luffy had already stretched his neck to look. "It's the Marines! Can we try out our strength now?"
Allen smiled faintly. "A perfect chance to test the results of these two years of training. Pluton, stealth mode."
"Command confirmed. Optical camouflage activated. Sonar silent mode activated."
Rippling patterns spread across the Pluton Battleship's surface as it gradually blended into the sea and sky, approaching the Marine fleet without a sound.
It was a patrol formation of five medium-sized warships. On the flagship's deck, a Marine Rear Admiral held a telescope, making a routine sweep of the sea.
"I hear the Portgas brothers and Straw Hat have appeared again?" his adjutant muttered beside him. "Headquarters is on edge."
The Rear Admiral snorted. "Just a few rookies with bounties over a hundred million. Against an Admiral, they'd still..." He suddenly stopped. Something seemed wrong with the sea in his telescope.
There... the empty sea suddenly warped! An enormous vessel appeared without warning! Its streamlined silver hull gleamed dangerously in the sunlight!
"Enemy attack! It's Pluton!" the Rear Admiral shouted in terror. "All hands, battle-"
Before he could finish, four figures had already leaped from Pluton's bow and landed lightly on the flagship's deck.
It was Allen and the other three. Compared with two years ago, their bearing had undergone a complete transformation. Merely standing there, they exerted immense pressure on the Marines.
"You have three seconds to leave," Allen said calmly. "We don't want needless casualties."
The Rear Admiral forced himself to remain composed. "Arrogant fools! Open fire!"
The cannons roared in unison! But the instant the shells approached, Ace casually waved a hand, and every shell detonated in midair!
"How is that possible?!" The Marines stared, dumbstruck.
Luffy grinned. "Our turn now! Gum-Gum..." His arms stretched backward. "Murder of Crows Cannon!"
Countless rubber fists rained down, precisely knocking the Marine soldiers unconscious without taking their lives!
Sabo tapped his steel pipe against the deck. "Dragon Claw: Tremor!" Invisible vibrations spread throughout the ship, and the remaining Marines collapsed in swathes!
Allen did not even attack. He merely extended his Torch Dragon Domain slightly, disrupting all electronic equipment and completely disabling the warship.
In less than a minute, all five warships had lost their combat capability! Marine soldiers lay sprawled across the decks, staring in terror at the four figures who looked like demon gods.
"M-monsters..." the Rear Admiral said shakily. "What exactly are you..."
Allen looked down at him. "Tell Marine Headquarters-we're back. If you want the Ancient Weapon, come take it yourselves."
The four leaped back aboard Pluton. The battleship started up again and sailed toward Sabaody, leaving the disabled fleet floating at sea.
"What... terrifying growth..." The Rear Admiral slumped on the deck and picked up a Den Den Mushi with trembling hands. "Must... must report to Headquarters immediately..."
Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 13.
Inside Shakky's Rip-off Bar, Rayleigh drank as he listened to the latest news.
"Oh? Disabled an entire fleet in five minutes?" He raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Those boys really do surprise you."
Shakky blew smoke rings. "Marine Headquarters is in an uproar. The Three Admirals have mobilized again, and apparently, CP0 elites are involved too."
Rayleigh looked out the window. "A storm is coming. But this time, the outcome may be different."
Pluton slowly entered Sabaody's harbor. Unlike their sneaking around two years ago, this time they docked directly at the most conspicuous pier at Grove 1!
The four walked down the gangway, immediately causing a commotion!
"It's the Portgas brothers! And Straw Hat!" "They really came back!" "My God! That presence... they're completely different from two years ago!"
The crowd buzzed with discussion, but no one dared approach. Merely standing there, the four now radiated an intimidating pressure that made hearts tremble.
"Let's find Mr. Rayleigh first." Allen led the way toward Grove 13.
Wherever they went, the crowd parted on its own. A few pirates who did not know better tried to provoke them, only to collapse in fright at a single glance from Ace!
"Conqueror's Haki..." someone exclaimed. "They all have Conqueror's Haki!"
Indeed, after two years of training, all four had mastered Conqueror's Haki, though their levels of control differed.
When they arrived at Shakky's bar, Rayleigh was already waiting there.
"Looks like those two years weren't wasted." Rayleigh looked the four over with satisfaction. "Your presence is completely different."
He looked at Allen. "Especially you, boy. Have you fully mastered that power?"
Allen nodded. "Thanks to your guidance."
Just then, the bar's door opened, and several figures walked in-
"Looks like we came at just the right time," a familiar voice rang out.
Everyone turned to see Red-Haired Shanks standing in the doorway with Benn Beckman and the others!
"Shanks!" Luffy shouted in delight and surprise.
Shanks walked in with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the four before finally settling on Allen. "Looks like Rayleigh trained you well."
He suddenly made his move! Conqueror's Haki erupted! Terrifying pressure swept through the entire bar!
But Allen merely smiled faintly and released his own Conqueror's Haki! The two kingly auras clashed, yet maintained a remarkable balance without causing any damage!
"Impressive!" Shanks praised. "You can already control it with that much precision?"
He looked at Rayleigh. "Looks like we can move the plan forward."
Rayleigh nodded. "Yes, it's time."
Allen was puzzled. "What plan?"
Shanks's expression grew serious. "Attack Marineford and seize Uranus!"
Everyone was shocked! Attack Marine Headquarters directly?!
"Wait!" Ace exclaimed. "Why so suddenly..."
"Because we're running out of time," Shanks said gravely. "According to our intelligence, the World Government is close to gaining complete control of Uranus. Once they succeed, they'll possess the power to destroy the world!"
Sabo frowned. "But aren't we still too weak? The Admirals..."
"That's why we need your help." Shanks looked at Allen. "Pluton's power, plus the growth of you four, plus my fleet... we have a chance!"
Luffy jumped up excitedly. "We're going to send the Marine Admirals flying? I'm in!"
Allen considered for a moment, then looked at the Ark Core. The core projected a holographic image:
"Uranus activation progress: 87%... estimated time until full activation: 11 days..." "Recommendation: seize control before full activation..."
He raised his head, his gaze resolute. "All right! We're in!"
Shanks smiled. "I knew you'd agree. Then..."
He suddenly drew his sword! Gryphon pointed straight at the sky!
"All Red Hair Pirates! Prepare for war!"
A thunderous response came from outside the bar! The Red Hair Pirates' elite fleet had already quietly assembled in the waters off Sabaody!
Rayleigh stood up. "This old man will join in too. It's been a long time since I stretched these old bones."
Allen felt the surging power within him, the Power of Zhulong coursing through his blood.
The moment had finally come. A head-on showdown with Marine Headquarters!
He looked at his three younger brothers, and the four exchanged smiles.
Whatever kind of hell lay ahead, they would face it together.
Because they were brothers, the ones who would stir the tides of the era.
The Pluton Battleship raised its battle flag, and the Red Hair fleet sounded its war drums.
The bell of a new era was about to ring.
And this time, they would rewrite the course of history.