The rescued Whitebeard Pirates looked at Dracule Mihawk with wary expressions.
"What's going on? The world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk, actually helped our Whitebeard Pirates?" one of the crew muttered in disbelief.
Mihawk replied in his calm, deep voice, "I'm here under the orders of your Zero Division Captain, Ashveil. My goal is to save you."
He gave them a sharp glance. "You're still not strong enough to take on a Pacifista. The next time you face one, don't rush in blindly."
With that, Mihawk raised his black blade, Yoru, and dashed toward the next Pacifista with frightening precision.
The rescued pirates stood stunned for a moment—then erupted into cheers.
"Hahaha! Captain Ashveil is incredible! Even the world's greatest swordsman is fighting under him!"
"Marines, this is your doomsday! Charge!"
Their morale soared as the Whitebeard Pirates charged forward once more, their renewed confidence igniting the battlefield.
At the rear, Fleet Admiral Sengoku witnessed the scene and nearly collapsed.
Even the Shichibukai had joined the other side.
Now the situation was spiraling out of control. With criminals from Impel Down's sixth level, the world's strongest pirate crew, and several Shichibukai fighting against them, even Marineford was beginning to falter.
"Even the Shichibukai have turned traitor… we're losing this war, Sengoku," Vice Admiral Tsuru said, horror flickering in her eyes.
"Shouldn't you contact the Gorosei and request reinforcements?" Garp added with a weary sigh, rubbing his forehead.
Both veterans knew that even if they fought personally, it might not be enough to turn the tide.
The enemy's numbers were fewer, but their strength was monstrous.
Sengoku clenched his fists, his expression dark and heavy. Calling the Gorosei would mean admitting complete failure.
This operation—to execute Ace and destroy Whitebeard's forces—had been Sengoku's own plan. He had hoped to earn great merit before retirement and please the World Government one last time.
But now, that ambition had backfired spectacularly.
Instead of glory, Marineford stood on the edge of ruin. Reporting to the Gorosei now would make him a laughingstock within the Government.
Still… this wasn't just about pride. A hundred thousand Marines were fighting for their lives.
Even if it meant humiliation, he had to act. Otherwise, history would brand him a sinner forever.
Regret filled Sengoku's heart. Why had he ever trusted Blackbeard's deal to exchange Ace? Why had he allowed such a reckless plan to unfold?
Unable to withstand the chaos any longer, he pulled out a Den Den Mushi and dialed the Gorosei in Mary Geoise.
…
"That's correct. For some reason, the Shichibukai have joined forces with Whitebeard," Sengoku said bitterly through gritted teeth. "I'm sorry… the Marines can't hold on much longer."
He hesitated, then continued, "Red Count, Whitebeard, Bullet, Mihawk, Ashveil… these monsters are beyond what Garp and I can handle."
In the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, within a grand chamber, the Five Elders exchanged grim looks.
"They've provoked too many powers at once," muttered the bald elder with thick sideburns.
"Sengoku, you've truly made a mess this time," snapped Saint Jaygarcia Saturn.
"The responsibility lies with me," Sengoku said firmly. "But I still beg for support, or Marineford will fall."
The Gorosei went silent for a long moment, whispering among themselves before issuing their orders.
…
After the call ended, Sengoku lowered the receiver. His face looked years older.
"Sengoku…" Tsuru and Garp wanted to speak, but no words came.
"The S-rank emergency defense plan has been activated," Sengoku said at last. "The World Government will mobilize every nearby force to support us. Our task is to hold the line."
His tone carried exhaustion and grim resolve. He already knew his career would not survive this war.
Under Ashveil's orchestration, the Shichibukai alliance Sengoku built had completely collapsed.
"Die, Moria! You were too blind to see the truth!" Doflamingo laughed cruelly, fingers twitching. "Sixteen Holy Bullets—God Thread!"
The already-injured Gecko Moria's face twisted in horror as the deadly threads shot toward him.
"Doflamingo, you bastard!" he cried, cold sweat pouring down his face.
Each thread, hardened by Armament Haki, struck with explosive force. Dust and rubble burst across the battlefield as the ground cracked under the impact.
When the smoke cleared, Doflamingo frowned.
"What a strange ability… Moria's body vanished?" he muttered, confused.
Unbothered, his fingers twitched again, sending invisible strings lashing out. A Marine Rear Admiral suddenly froze, his eyes wide in terror.
"My body—! It's not listening to me!"
He turned his sword on his comrade, slashing wildly. Blood sprayed as screams echoed across the field.
The World Economic Journal reporters in the sky captured every moment.
"Even the Shichibukai have rebelled," Morgans said, his eyes gleaming behind his beak-like mask. "What a shocking turn of events."
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