As the year drew to a close, a special piece of news captured the world's attention.
[Hoenn Government Military Exercise!]
[Codename: Bright Sword Operation!]
Scheduled for one week later—coinciding with the World Government's tariff adjustments—the exercise would take place in the waters near Reverse Mountain.
This baffling maneuver left various factions stunned, as the term "military exercise" was utterly unfamiliar to them.
White Earth Island, Revolutionary Army Headquarters.
"Are they declaring war on the World Government?"
"Probably not."
"The World Government won't sit still for this!"
"Of course not."
Dragon had gathered his officers to discuss the Hoenn Government's unusual move.
Such a high-profile military action would undoubtedly put the World Government on edge, but the real question was the Hoenn Government's intent.
If they truly intended to wage war, there'd be no need for such a public spectacle—giving the World Government time to prepare. More likely, this was a show of force.
And the purpose of that deterrence? Likely tied to Aluba Trade Port. The Revolutionary Army had heard of the World Government's shameless, repeated tariff hikes.
"Dragon, what should we do?"
"Head to Reverse Mountain!"
No matter what, they had to see this for themselves.
The Revolutionary Army—like the rest of the world—knew very little about the Hoenn Government.
The Hoenn Government had been too low-key.
Since its founding, the only major news had been former Admiral Aokiji joining their ranks as Fleet Admiral. Beyond that, information was scarce—mostly trade-related.
As for their performance in the Summit War, that had largely been Gurd's solo act, with his subordinates playing minor roles.
No one knew just how much power the Hoenn Government wielded—or where they found the audacity to challenge the World Government.
By comparison, the Beasts Pirates behind the Earth Calamities carried far more intimidation, especially with their recent activity in the New World.
Ulti, Page One, Hajrudin…
The younger generation of the Beasts Pirates had each carved out fearsome reputations, their menace nearly matching that of the Calamities themselves.
Marine Headquarters, High-Level Meeting.
Branu rallied the officers.
"Without a doubt, the Hoenn Government is challenging us!"
"The Hoenn Government is nothing but an unrecognized rogue regime—they have no right to operate in World Government waters!"
"We must respond!"
Though the World Military Draft wasn't yet complete, the Marines had replenished their ranks with numerous officers—including two Admirals and multiple Vice Admirals.
War was inevitable.
Fleet Admiral's Office.
Chief of Staff Tsuru wasn't so naive. Her tone was grim.
"The Hoenn Government wants us to panic."
"Not long ago, we reached a truce with them. Even if it was their scheme, the world saw it as genuine—even our own Marines celebrated it."
"If we strike first, we'll lose the moral high ground!"
Public perception shaped the world's faith in the Marines' justice—including that of their own soldiers. If even the rank-and-file began doubting that justice, the consequences would be dire.
"Tsuru is right," Sengoku agreed.
"Now, Marines have options beyond us. The Hoenn Navy is also recruiting—and they have Aokiji as their banner."
"..."
Akainu's brow furrowed deeply.
Everyone understands the reasoning, but faced with the Hoenn Government's special operation, the Marines couldn't just stand by—they had to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
"Any movements from the Beasts?"
"Beasts' warships have been spotted near G14 and G5 bases in recent days!"
Clearly, the Beasts were issuing a warning.
If the Marines mobilized entirely, the Holy Land's defenses would significantly weaken, leaving it vulnerable to the Beasts' invasion.
"Send Ryokugyu and Fujitora!"
"And issue a public statement about military exercises!"
Akainu made his decision.
Facing his former comrades, he wanted to intervene personally, but as Fleet Admiral, he bore the responsibility of guarding the Holy Land and couldn't leave Headquarters without authorization.
The Three Admirals couldn't all be deployed either.
At least one had to remain to confront the Beasts Pirates—Kizaru was the most suitable, capable of holding his ground even against Kaido.
As for Sengoku and Garp...
Both had retired from frontline duty, making it inappropriate for them to engage in direct combat. Moreover, Garp was still on vacation in his hometown in the East Blue.
"Pururu pururu pururu~~"
The Den Den Mushi suddenly rang.
It was a call from the Holy Land!
Half a day later, several large battleships departed Marine Headquarters.
Simultaneously, G-series fortresses in the first half of the Grand Line received orders and dispatched their own warships.
Two Admirals led the operation, accompanied by ten Vice Admirals, twenty large battleships, and numerous medium and small warships—forming an enormous fleet of over a hundred vessels.
This formidable force far surpassed even the scale of a Buster Call.
As days passed, both Marine fleets advanced toward Reverse Mountain, with other factions closely monitoring the situation.
The first to arrive weren't the Marines but news reporters, willing to risk their lives for exclusive coverage of this major event.
New World, Hachinosu Island.
At the entrance of Fortuna Community, a large screen displayed live footage of the Reverse Mountain waters.
Pirates gathered around, watching the calm sea on the screen, the tension palpable.
"The Marines and Hoenn are going to war!"
"Idiot, it's just military exercises!"
"Will they actually fight?"
"Who knows!"
The pirates debated heatedly.
Not just Hachinosu—any island with a Fortuna Community was broadcasting the events at Reverse Mountain.
From the New World to the North Blue, Sabaody, Alabasta, and even the East Blue and other major seas, countless islands were tuned in.
Now, Fortuna Communities were scattered across the world like stars, though their numbers were fewer in other regions.
East Blue, Windmill Village.
After the Goa Kingdom sold all land outside the capital to Groudon Company, Windmill Village became Hoenn Government territory.
A Fortuna Community was under construction here, with the live broadcast deliberately set in Windmill Village—a place that had enjoyed unusual peace lately, thanks to Garp's presence.
"Garp, aren't you going?"
"Puhahaha, not interested."
Garp laughed heartily.
Having retired from active duty, he wanted no part in these troubles. Even if he hadn't retired, he wouldn't have gotten involved.
In his view, the World Government's rule paled in comparison to the Hoenn Government's. If the latter could dethrone the Celestial Dragons, he'd cheer them on.
Makino's Tavern.
The Red Hair Pirates were drinking.
"Captain, aren't you going to check it out?"
"No rush."
Shanks sat at the counter, casually flirting with the proprietress, Makino.
After the Summit War, he returned to Windmill Village and settled there, with no immediate plans to leave.
He intended to wait until Luffy made his move before heading to the New World.
"Hoenn Government."
Shanks' gaze was melancholic.
In previous years, he had been full of prejudice and concern toward Gurd, and reality had unfolded as he expected—now the man had become an influential figure of great renown.
But the establishment of the Hoenn Government and its upright ideals had completely taken him by surprise. He had to admit that this world needed the Hoenn Government.
He no longer planned to interfere.
He wanted to see if the Hoenn Government could replace the World Government!
(End of Chapter)