Chapter 83 Pre-war News
[Marineford · Supreme Strategy Conference Hall]
The sun shone brightly, and the air in the conference hall seemed to have solidified into steel.
Sengoku stood in the center, silent for a long time, his eyes slowly scanning the entire audience.
At this moment, everyone understood that a new era for Marine had arrived.
"From today on—"
Sengoku's voice was low, but it struck everyone's heart like a war bell and a heavy hammer.
"The highest command of the Marine Corps...is led by the Puritans."
As soon as he finished speaking, the murderous aura that had been suppressed for a long time erupted like a frozen volcano.
Sakazuki and Rogge stood side by side, and all the hawkish generals stood up and saluted. Rhett, Enel, Doberman, Flying Squirrel and others all looked solemn.
Sakazuki walked forward slowly, with hot lava steaming under his feet. His eyes were like the magma before a volcano erupted, staring at Sengoku and all the senior executives present.
"Justice no longer waits for the fate of decay to decide."
"From now on—we will take control of it!"
Rogge walked to the center of the meeting, spread out a plan written in black ink, and said in a deep voice:
"We no longer wait for the enemy to attack!"
"I will livestream the execution of Whitebeard's Second Division Captain, 'Fire Fist' Ace, to the world!"
"Detonate the wrath of the Whitebeard Pirates and force them to attack Marineford!"
"Then, this 'just war' will be broadcast live around the world. Under the witness of countless people, Ace's true identity will be revealed, and the Whitebeard Pirates will be completely annihilated!"
"Use this as a clarion call—start cleaning up this filthy sea!"
As soon as the words came out, the dove camp in the conference hall was struck by lightning and their faces turned pale.
"Are you crazy?!"
Dove Huoshaoshan was horrified and shouted, "Do you know that once the execution is broadcast live worldwide, the Whitebeard Pirates will come out in full force. It will be an all-out war!"
"I just want him to come out in full force!"
"If the Pirates don't die today, they will destroy the world tomorrow!"
"When the time comes, bury Whitebeard and his so-called old times in Marineford!!!"
As soon as the words fell, all the upright people responded in unison like thunder:
"I agree!!!"
Some doves wanted to speak, but were silenced by Sakazuki's cold gaze.
Rogge's eyes were as cold as a blade, and he pointed his finger at the island on the battle map that symbolized the pinnacle of Marine justice.
"Marineford will be the battlefield of the decisive battle of the century, and the fiery furnace that will cleanse the scum of the sea!"
Kizaru rarely looked serious, and when he raised his eyes, a rare solemnity appeared in his eyes: "Oh my... It seems that this time there is really no way out."
A group of neutral officials also nodded in agreement after thinking about it.
Sengoku slowly closed his eyes and exhaled heavily: "In that case-"
He opened his eyes, and his old and sharp eyes were full of complexity and reluctance, but more of it was the awareness of adapting to the times!
"...Marine, prepare for battle!"
"Mobilize all elite forces. If Whitebeard comes, he will be buried in Marineford!"
The Marines have officially entered the highest state of combat readiness, the G-5 base and the headquarters are working together, and the shadow of war has completely enveloped the sea!
Holy Land, Mariejois, Five Elders Council Chamber
The last rays of sunset cast their last rays on the golden sky. Beside the long table, five imposing old men were reading the battle plan written by Rogge himself.
"Sakazuki has completed the transition of power."
"That 'Xuanlin'... has finally reached out to the core of the world."
Five Elders, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, spoke grimly, "Publicly executing the Whitebeard Second Squad Captain while simultaneously triggering the Whitebeard Rebellion—a sinister, yet ruthless, move."
The other curly-haired old man nodded slowly, "Whitebeard...it's time to send him to see Roger."
"After this battle, the embers of the old era will be completely extinguished."
Beside the round table, the bald old man was quietly reading the "Whitebeard Pirates Regiment Annihilation Operation Plan" written by Rogge himself.
"Tsk...Sakazuki actually completely suppressed Kuzan."
The suited Five Elders put down the documents, adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, and stared coldly, "This is a meticulous plan, targeting Whitebeard's weaknesses. Given Whitebeard's pride, he'll definitely respond in full force."
The Five Elders sitting in the main seat whispered, "This is an opportunity. If we can use Marine to eliminate an emperor, and even eliminate the 'strongest man' in this era..."
"...there will no longer be any old king standing in the way of the New World's order."
The five people looked at each other for a moment and finally reached a consensus.
"Second."
New World G-5 Branch Flagship
Inside the massive battleship's main control room, the highest-authority communicator in the global intelligence network slowly activated.
Rogge stood in front of the huge metal eagle emblem, his golden cloak fluttering, his voice low and cold:
"Connect 'News King' Morgans."
Morgan's excited, shrill laughter echoed through the communicator. "Oh, hehe... Isn't this the world-renowned Marine Vice Admiral, His Excellency Xuanlin Rogge? What's up? Finally, do you have some big news for me to share?"
Rogge's eyes were as cold as stars: "From now on, mobilize all the resources of your 'World News Agency' to publish this notice worldwide——"
"One week from now, Marineford will broadcast live to the world the execution of Whitebeard's Second Division Captain, 'Fire Fist' Portgas D. Ace!"
Morgans was stunned for three full seconds. The next moment, a burst of excited, manic laughter echoed across the communication channel:
"Wahahahahaha!! Great! Big news!! This is a bombshell that could upend the New World! Even the Celestial Dragons wouldn't dare to pull this off, and you, the Purificationists, are actually planning to do it openly!!"
Rogge replied calmly: "This world needs a major cleanup."
New World, Moby d**k, Whitebeard Pirates
The waves on the sea suddenly became restless, and the sky was covered with dark clouds.
Whitebeard Edward Newgate was sitting quietly on the deck, the huge knife wound on his chest aching slightly, and he frowned.
"That brat Ace...why haven't you heard from me for so long?"
Suddenly, hurried footsteps were heard on the deck. Marco's expression was solemn as he reported loudly:
"Dad, it's bad! Ace was captured by Naval Headquarters, and—"
Marco gritted his teeth and held up the World News Agency notice he had just received:
"They're going to execute Ace live worldwide at Marineford!"
Snap!
The huge wine jar in Whitebeard's hand was crushed to pieces, his body trembled violently, and the entire Moby d**k seemed to be shaken by his anger!
"Marine...how dare you touch my son?!!!"
His roar echoed like thunder across the sea.
"Issue a call to all members!"
"Everyone, prepare to march to Marineford!!!"
"No matter what the cost - bring Ace back!!!"
[East Blue·Revolutionary Army Secret Base]
Monkey D Dragon stood outside the windmill hut, his cloak fluttering in the strong wind. He looked up at the sky covered with dark clouds, his eyes as deep as the abyss.
Behind him, a revolutionary army cadre stepped forward quickly to report:
"Captain, Marine has publicly announced the execution of Portgas D. Ace..."
Long slowly exhaled a puff of white mist, his eyes were calm but contained a powerful force.
"…The bell of the times has finally rung."
He turned and ordered his men:
"Inform Sabo. While the world's attention is focused on Marineford, accelerate the 'overthrow of the tyranny of the member states' operation."
[New World·Totto Land]
Big Mom is sitting on a giant cake throne, holding a giant fork decorated with icing.
Charlotte Perospero walked over quickly and handed over the latest information.
"Mom, Marine is going to execute Whitebeard's son..."
Big Mom paused for a moment while chewing the cake, then licked her lips and revealed a bloodthirsty smile:
"Hmph, Whitebeard...I'm afraid he's in great danger."
"However—we probably won't be able to attend this banquet. We're in the process of preparing for our 'tea party,' and the stability of the 'World' is more important."
"Ace's life or death is none of my business~"
[New World · Onigashima]
Kaido of the Beasts laughed wildly towards the sky, his giant dragon-like avatar hovering beneath the gloomy sky.
"Wahahahaha! Is the war finally going to start?! Whitebeard's son is going to be executed?! That old guy must be mad as hell, right?"
He rushed down and transformed into a human form, picked up the Eight Precepts, and grinned fiercely:
"War! It's Laozi's favorite smell of fireworks!!"
"Guys! While the main force of the Whitebeard Pirates is heading to Marineford, the islands in their territory, 'New World', are empty! Hahahaha!!!"
[New World·Red Hair Pirates]
In the vast sea, the wind is as strong as a blade.
On the deck of the Red Forth, the one-armed red-haired Shanks leaned alone on the side of the ship, his expression unusually solemn.
Beckman quickly stepped forward, handed over a copy of the latest intelligence, and said in a deep voice:
"Shanks, Kaido has already started mobilizing his troops."
"While the Whitebeard Pirates are preparing to break out to Marineford, the Beasts have dispatched Drought Jack, Plague Queen, and a large force, intending to seize the opportunity and seize the Whitebeard Sea!"
"This war will not only change Marineford, but also plunge New World into chaos!"
Shanks took the information with his remaining right hand, took a deep breath, and a complex glint flashed in his eyes:
"...Kaido, this guy, really hasn't changed at all."
"However, Whitebeard's era is not truly over yet, and his presence won't be easily erased."
Shanks looked at the dark clouds gradually gathering on the horizon, his eyes as sharp as torches.
"Beckman, assemble everyone!"
"Set sail immediately—let's go stop Kaido!"
Beckman raised the corner of his mouth and lit his cigar skillfully: "It seems that New World is about to face a real storm."
Shanks gathered his cape, his fighting spirit high: "If we don't stand up, the world will really be in chaos."
"Whitebeard... at least, we will protect his last bit of dignity!"
The next moment, the Red Hair Pirates' battle flag was hoisted high, the bow of the ship broke through the waves, and the Red Hair Pirates were dispatched!