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The first rays of the morning sun shone down, bathing Marineford in dazzling golden light. As more areas were illuminated, a white sea gradually appeared.
However, it was not the ocean—it was Marineford itself, filled with countless Marines clad in white uniforms, already standing at their positions.
There was barely a single empty spot; every corner of Marineford was packed tightly with Marines.
Marine forces filled the inner bay, patrol ships surrounding the Gates of Justice, and the fortress.
A gentle breeze passed by, and a few seagulls curiously looked down.
Yet the sharp gaze of a Marine startled them mid-flight, causing one to stiffen and fall straight down.
"Bang!"
The thud of the seagull hitting the ground startled the crew setting up the live broadcast equipment.
Seeing the fallen seagull lying stiffly before them, the crew members swallowed hard, cold sweat forming on their foreheads.
"The air here is so suffocating that even birds can't handle the pressure," one of the reporters said, his voice trembling.
"No surprise—this is the world's most fortified and powerful stronghold!" another reporter exclaimed, excited and overwhelmed by the sight.
Today was no ordinary day. It was the day of the public execution of Portgas D. Ace, Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates.
It would also mark the largest and most influential battle of this era.
"This spot we're standing on is just a small high ground in Marineford, approved after layers of inspection for broadcast convenience," their leader explained solemnly.
Even from this limited vantage point, the number of Marines visible was astonishing.
The leader took a long drag of his cigarette, then spoke in a low voice. "Just from what I can see, at least six vice admirals are present."
These officers, the backbone of the Marines, were usually hard to encounter. "Quickly set up the equipment! I can't wait to broadcast this scene to the whole world!"
"Yes, sir!" the crew responded swiftly, moving into action.
Officially, they were part of a Marine-affiliated news organisation, more skilled in broadcasting than combat.
Within moments, the live transmission equipment was fully operational. "Visual Transponder Snails are ready!" a technician called out. "We can now broadcast to the world in real time!"
"Start the transmission!" the leader ordered. The whole world must witness the strength and might of the Marines!"
The crew members nodded, swallowed nervously, and activated the transmission.
Instantly, the image of Marineford appeared on massive screens set up in countries, islands, and major cities worldwide.
The screens showed multiple angles of Marineford, each capturing different perspectives. "Gasp! This is Marineford, the Marine Headquarters!"
"It's only 7:30 in the morning, and they're already on full alert!"
"Look at all those troops!"
"Marineford truly lives up to its name as the world's strongest fortress!" The world's people watched, their hearts racing with excitement and anxiety.
The broadcast constantly adjusted angles, zooming in and out to capture the Marines' cold, stern faces.
"Only battle-hardened elites give off this kind of bloodthirsty aura!" someone remarked.
"Hey, did you notice? Even the ordinary Marines here are ranked Major!"
"Such a massive gathering of officers… has the Marine brought every elite in the world here?"
"Of course they have. After all, their enemy is the Whitebeard Pirates! and the important vice admirals and admirals haven't even appeared yet."
The world watched without blinking, determined to catch every detail.
As the minutes passed, the tension, solemnity, and overwhelming atmosphere of Marineford were broadcast with crystal clarity.
Even those not physically present could feel the crushing pressure of an impending war. Suddenly, the image on screen shook.
"A giant!!" someone shouted.
At once, everyone turned their eyes to the screen, eager and excited.
A towering figure, over a hundred meters tall, slowly stepped into the square, each step causing the ground to quake.
"A Marine giant vice admiral!"
"Such overwhelming power among the Marines!"
"They've mobilised everything to take down the Whitebeard Pirates!"
"This scene is once in a century!" Trembling in awe, countless people marvelled at the show of force.
At the same time, inside Marineford, the assembled Marines turned their heads.
"Vice Admiral John Giant!"
"Look at the medals on his chest! His record is astonishing!"
"A true veteran of countless battles!" Many elite Marines had never seen a real giant before, and John Giant's appearance instantly captured everyone's attention.
Following him, more giant vice admirals entered the square.
"Vice Admiral Ronse!"
"Vice Admiral Lacroix!"
"And behind them—more giants!"
"An entire giant unit—what a sight!" Cheers erupted through Marineford as the giant unit arrived.
The wave of noise shook the heavens, causing birds in the sky to fall helplessly.
"Following the three giant vice admirals, the Headquarters vice admirals are arriving too!"
Excited shouts echoed as more figures approached from both flanks. "Vice Admiral Strawberry!"
"Vice Admiral Yamakaji!"
"Vice Admiral Dalmatian!"
"Vice Admiral Comil!"
With each arrival, the atmosphere in Marineford grew heavier, charged with tension and anticipation.
Young Marines looked on with admiration, recognising the heroes they idolised.
These were officers whose countless battles and near-death experiences had become legends among the lower ranks.
In these chaotic seas, every Marine needed something to believe in.
"Everyone, stay sharp!!" Vice Admiral Strawberry roared. "This battle will decide the fate of the world!"
"Roar!!"
An earth-shaking response followed, causing Marineford to tremble and the waters of the inner bay to ripple.
Moments later, a group of younger-faced vice admirals entered. "They're under Admiral Arashi's command!"
"Newly promoted, but incredibly powerful! They're destined to shine in the future!"
"Admiral Arashi never takes weaklings under his command!" someone said, eyes gleaming.
At their head, a cold-faced man, a cigar in his mouth, stepped forward and took his position atop an essential wall section.
"Former Warlord of the Sea, now a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral—Crocodile!"
"Rumour has it his strength already rivals that of an admiral!"
"He once left the Marines, became a pirate, and rose to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
"Recently, he completed an undercover mission and returned to the Marines!" "Who would have thought he was a Marine all along?"
Crocodile's arrival stirred heated discussions. Some looked on respectfully, others with fear—his former Warlord status had left a deep impression.
Soon after, another massive, muscular figure appeared, causing an audible gasp among the gathered Marines.
"Gasp!"
"Douglas Bullet—known as the Demon Vice Admiral!"
"With Admiral Arashi's promotion, he was appointed as the Supreme Commander of the West Blue, overseeing the entire Marine forces stationed there."
"It's said that the entire Marine system of the West Blue revolves solely around his authority."
"He is known for his domineering and forceful nature, making him a figure greatly feared by Headquarters officers."
"I've heard that before Vice Admiral Barrett joined the Marines, he was once a great pirate, rivaling the Dark King, Rayleigh!"
"Even though he's a Vice Admiral, his strength is overwhelmingly powerful!"
The heated discussions caused a buzz to rise throughout Headquarters.
They stared intently at the city walls of the plaza, where Barrett and Crocodile stood, one on each side, guarding the wall with utmost vigilance.
One after another, influential figures appeared, taking their place on the high platform, their cold gazes overlooking the crowd below.
"They're exuding an intense aura, and there's a killing intent in their eyes. Every one of them is a battle-hardened officer!"
"Even more frightening, they're all under Admiral Arashi's command!"
"Vice Admiral Rosinante, Vice Admiral Buggy, Vice Admiral Smoker, Vice Admiral Kuina, and even the Fish-Man, Vice Admiral Fisher Tiger!"
"A lineup entirely composed of elite Vice Admirals! Each one has either mastered Haki to the highest level or possesses terrifying Devil Fruit powers!"
The soldiers stared at these young yet powerful Vice Admirals, their eyes burning with excitement.
Just as the atmosphere peaked, the entirety of Marineford suddenly fell silent.
From the high platform in front of the execution stand, a single figure stepped forward.
"An Admiral!!"
"An Admiral is here!!!"
The wind howled, but Marineford remained deathly quiet. Everyone's breathing grew heavier, their hearts pounding with excitement and fervour.
It wasn't something they usually felt, but when all the Marines' strongest forces gathered in one place, this boiling emotion surged uncontrollably through their veins.
"Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap!"
Clear footsteps echoed, carried into everyone's ears by the wind.
Sweat beaded on foreheads, and some faces twitched uncontrollably.
"Akainu! It's Admiral Akainu!"
When the figure ascending the platform revealed his shoulders and upper body, the Marines cried out loudly.
"Whoosh~~"
The entire Marineford erupted. The appearance of the first Admiral completely ignited the atmosphere on site.
An Admiral— the pinnacle of Marine Headquarters' combat power and the primary force steering the course of this grand battle.
Their presence filled every Marine's heart with boundless fighting spirit and burning passion.
With an icy expression and a powerful aura, Akainu strode to his seat and sat down slowly.
He stared at the dense crowd before him without saying a word, raising his right leg to rest on his left knee.
Though his posture was casual and relaxed, he exuded an overwhelming, indescribable pressure.
The entrance of just one Admiral had already pushed the atmosphere to its boiling point.
Some Marines drew their swords and raised them high, shouting fervently, "For justice, the Marines will prevail!!"
"For justice!!"
"We will prevail!!!"
Like a tsunami, their voices echoed across the world's greatest fortress. Time continued to pass.
"The Warlords of the Sea have arrived as well!"
Following Akainu's arrival, the Seven Warlords appeared one after another, standing side-by-side atop the first defensive line behind the inner bay's port.
"The world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk!"
"Donquixote Doflamingo!"
"Bartholomew Kuma!"
"Gecko Moria!"
"The world's most beautiful woman, Empress Boa Hancock!"
"Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach!"
"Except for Jinbe, who refused to participate and was sent to Impel Down by Admiral Arashi, all the others have assembled!"
The Marines, both excited and anxious, spoke amongst themselves. The arrival of the six Warlords of the Sea brought even more excitement to their hearts.
Judging from the deployment of forces, the Marines already exhibited an almost invincible formation.
"Over 150,000 elite troops, plus so many powerful individuals. The Marines' investment in this battle is unprecedented!"
"Even the Whitebeard Pirates stand no chance of victory in this war!" The Marines were electrified with excitement.
The sheer scale was simply overwhelming. Warships in the inner bay formed orderly formations, their decks surging with rallying cries as the ships rose and fell with the waves, making final battle preparations.
The sun moved steadily, and the clock ticked onward. Suddenly, another figure stepped out from the stairs.
"Headquarters, Admiral Aokiji!" The second Admiral had arrived.
At this moment, everyone in Marineford seemed unable to feel the passage of time, their blood boiling in a frenzy of excitement.
Soon after, a third figure appeared. "It's Admiral Kizaru!" By now, everyone seemed to realise something important.
The arrival of the three Admirals signalled that the time for Ace's execution was drawing near, and the beginning of the war was imminent.
The two Admirals sat down in succession, raising their right legs over their left knees, their faces emotionless and indifferent.
"Only one Admiral remains! Admiral Arashi hasn't arrived yet!" The Marines called out anxiously.
The wind seemed to blow stronger at that moment. Buggy clashed his fists together, staring at the endless crowd ahead and feeling agitated in his heart.
"Want a smoke?" Smoker chuckled nearby, blowing out a smoke ring.
"No need! I'm not nervous at all," Buggy said with a wide grin.
"Is that so?" Smoker smiled lightly.
"Of course! I'm even looking forward to it! I heard Shanks recently made contact with Whitebeard. If he shows up too, that'd be perfect!"
Buggy chuckled darkly, a thick fighting spirit flashing in his eyes. "Red-Haired Shanks?"
"That's a pretty ambitious target!" Smoker chuckled, flicking away some ash.
"I heard you ate a Devil Fruit too? How's it feel?" Buggy turned his head and asked with a grin.
"Yeah! It's an extremely powerful ability," Smoker replied.
"Then I'll have to see it for myself later!" Buggy laughed.
"You'll see it," Smoker smiled faintly.
After that, the two exchanged no more words, quietly staring at the massive Gates of Justice ahead.
Everyone in Marineford was wondering the same thing: How would the Whitebeard Pirates make their appearance?
"Time's up!"
"Ace!" A deep voice rang out as the lock was undone. Through the gap in the cell, Arashi looked at the figure sitting cross-legged on the ground, eyes closed.
Ace lifted his head, nodded silently, stood up without a word, and walked out of the cell. A nearby jailer bowed to Arashi, his face tense and solemn.
"How is the situation in Marineford?" Arashi asked in a low voice.
"All the other Admirals have arrived! The Fleet Admiral has ordered you to bring Ace to the execution platform," the jailer whispered.
Arashi nodded slightly, his eyes narrowing as he stepped forward. A staircase in the Headquarters prison led straight up to the execution platform.
Arashi walked ahead, Ace following behind, and two executioners trailing them silently.
Along the way, no one spoke, and the procession was steeped in solemnity.
"Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap!"
The unmistakable sound of footsteps echoed through the narrow passageway.
Gradually, a beam of sunlight shone down. Ace squinted his eyes instinctively against the bright light.
The light grew stronger as they ascended the steps, and Ace slowly adjusted.
Soon, the view ahead opened up dramatically.
"Roar!" A tidal wave of sound crashed into his ears, paralysing Ace momentarily, as if struck by lightning. He stood there, stunned.
"Feeling overwhelmed, Ace? This war has mobilised 156,875 elite Marine forces!"
"Each one is a battle-hardened warrior, unafraid of death! Almost every Vice Admiral, along with the four top forces of Marine Headquarters, is here!"
"In addition, the Warlords of the Sea are participating too!" The low, heavy voice entered his ears. Looking up at the tall figure before him, Ace took a deep breath.
"There's no suspense in this war! Ace!" Arashi said calmly.
Standing there and looking down from above, the countless Marines and their booming voices created an overwhelming scene.
Those with weak mental fortitude would feel their scalps numb and find it hard to even move under such pressure.
"It's spectacular," Ace sighed. From this alone, it was clear how seriously the Marines viewed Whitebeard, deploying such a vast force.
Arashi tilted his head up, looking toward the towering execution platform.
There, Sengoku stood solemnly before a microphone, meeting Arashi's gaze and nodding slightly.
"It's time, Ace! From now on, you'll be a spectator, watching this war unfold," Arashi said in a deep voice.
Then, he lifted his foot again, walking steadily toward the execution platform.
Step by step, they climbed. Ace knelt silently once reaching the top, bowing his head.
"Return to your post, Arashi," Sengoku said, glancing at Ace with a grave expression.
Arashi nodded slightly and turned to leave.
Two minutes later, he arrived at the elevated platform below the execution platform, sitting down on the vacant chair.
He lifted his right leg and rested it casually over his left. Below him, the Marines erupted into wild excitement, waving their weapons and shouting.
At this moment, all four Marine Admirals had finally assembled. The boiling atmosphere lasted for over ten minutes.
Sengoku stood on the execution platform, occasionally conferring with the young officers behind him, his expression extremely grave.
With the battle about to begin, there was no trace of a smile on anyone's face. After a long silence, Sengoku stepped up once more to the microphone.
"Everyone!" The moment he spoke, Marineford's roar fell abruptly silent, demonstrating the remarkable discipline of the forces.
"I believe everyone here recognises the man beside me!"
"He is Fire Fist Ace, the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
Sengoku's voice was deep and powerful, vibrating through the air of Marineford and shaking people's hearts worldwide.
Many who stood in front of screens tightly clenched their fists, staring nervously at the freckled young man being broadcast in close-up.
They knew this man would ignite a war that would shock the world.
"Many know him as a member of the Whitebeard Pirates," Sengoku continued. His face suddenly turned sharp and fierce, exuding a terrifying sense of killing intent and authority through the screen.
"Ace!" Sengoku shouted as he sharply turned his head toward him. "Tell everyone, what is your real name?"
Ace remained calm, his tone steady. "Portgas D. Ace!"
"Is that so?" Sengoku's voice grew even louder. "And who is your father?"
"Whitebeard!" Ace answered without hesitation.
"No, that's wrong!" Sengoku's voice thundered.
"Your real name is Gol D. Ace! Your father is the former Pirate King, Gol D. Roger!"
"In other words!" Sengoku took a deep breath, his cold voice resounding across the world.
"You are the only living bloodline of the Pirate King Roger, the world's greatest criminal!"
His heavy, forceful words echoed through Marineford, sending shockwaves into every listener's heart worldwide.
"What? Oh my god! Roger has a bloodline that is still alive in this world! He is actually that man's son!"
Shock and disbelief swept across Marineford, and the world roared in uproar.
With that, the curtain on this great war was slowly and irreversibly drawn open.
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