"Interesting."
Lucien looked at the newspaper in his hand, a faint smirk forming on his lips as he felt a trace of genuine admiration for Blackbeard.
How did that bastard even come up with the idea of handing Sabo over to the Marines?
What Lucien did not realize was that this entire situation was indirectly caused by him.
Because he had publicly exposed the relationship between Ace, Luffy, and Sabo, Blackbeard had been forced to shift his targets. First Ace, then Luffy, and finally Sabo.
Undeniably, Blackbeard's plan to ignite a massive war had succeeded.
In terms of pure strength, Sabo might not be as terrifying as Luffy or Ace, but his identity was far more sensitive.
He was the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army.
More importantly, Blackbeard clearly understood the nature of the World Government. If there was even the slightest chance to cripple the Revolutionary Army, they would seize it without hesitation.
Right now, newspapers were flooding the seas, openly and subtly pressuring the Revolutionary Army. This was a full-scale propaganda offensive launched by the World Government.
No matter what the Revolutionary Army chose, rescue or abandonment, they would suffer severe losses.
Lucien lit a cigarette, slowly exhaled a smoke ring, and casually tapped the armrest of his throne with his fingers.
The outbreak of a new Marineford War was also extremely beneficial to him.
Once Ace and Luffy received the news, they would definitely take action. When the war erupted in a different form, Lucien could easily fish in troubled waters.
Maybe he could even deal with those so-called fellow countrymen sooner than expected.
But before that, he still needed to find Whitebeard.
He needed to use Whitebeard to sharpen his combat power.
Then, control the Whitebeard Pirates.
When that time came, he would descend upon Marineford with the Beasts Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates.
Everyone would die.
If only he had more time, he would have liked to completely control the Red Hair Pirates as well.
Inside Marineford, within the conference room of Marine Headquarters, thick smoke filled the air.
Sengoku sat at the head of the long table. Around him were Kizaru, Akainu, Aokiji, Tsuru, Onigumo, and Yamakaji. Almost all the top Marine officers currently stationed at Marineford were present.
"Orders have come down from the Holy Land," Sengoku said, placing the document in his hand onto the table. His expression was grim. "Ten days from now, we will publicly execute Revolutionary Army Chief of Staff Sabo, and it will be broadcast to the entire world."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"No matter what, this time we must force the Revolutionary Army to act. We must annihilate all of their high-ranking members. During this period, our news agencies will continue to apply pressure across the Four Seas, the Grand Line, and the New World."
"At the same time, elite forces from other Marine bases will be transferred to Marineford."
"Marshal," Onigumo said while smoking his cigarette, his tone skeptical. "Will the Revolutionary Army really make a move? Anyone with a brain can see this is an open trap by the World Government."
"Whether they come or not, they will suffer losses," Sengoku replied coldly. "One is tangible, the other is intangible. During this time, we will heavily publicize the so-called freedom, equality, and fraternity that the Revolutionary Army always preaches."
He let out a low snort.
Ever since Sabo had been sent to Marineford, the Marines and the World Government had already formulated countless plans.
Even if they could not completely eliminate the Revolutionary Army, they would at least destroy its reputation.
Whether it was Ace in the original timeline or Sabo now, they were nothing more than bait.
The only difference was that the target had shifted from the Whitebeard Pirates to the Revolutionary Army.
And this was exactly what the World Government wanted most.
To ensure the total destruction of the Revolutionary Army, the level of support sent by the World Government this time was terrifying.
After all, the World Government had far more forces than just the Marines. There were many other hidden organizations directly under their control.
While the Marines were preparing for war, the Revolutionary Army was also making emergency deployments.
Deep underground in Baltigo, within the Grand Line.
Inside a massive conference room, both visible and hidden elites of the Revolutionary Army had gathered. Even commanders stationed across the world participated through Den Den Mushi projections.
"What does everyone think about this?"
Dragon placed the newspaper onto the table expressionlessly. A surge of anger boiled in his chest, but it was not directed at the Marines or the World Government.
It was directed at Blackbeard.
"The World Government is forcing us."
"We have no other choice."
The room was dimly lit. The faces of the two speakers were unclear, but one of them was clearly smoking.
"Where is Blackbeard? I'm going to kill him."
"Sabo is in Marine hands, and Kuma has completely disappeared. This situation is horrible."
"Dragon, what do you think?"
The room fell silent.
Everyone, including those in projection, turned their eyes toward Dragon.
"If we go, the World Government will not miss this chance to annihilate us," Dragon said calmly. "If we don't go, the reputation of the Revolutionary Army will collapse, and in the future, far fewer people will join our cause."
He paused slightly.
"Since the World Government's target is us, then we will fulfill their wish."
Dragon had struggled with this decision for a long time.
If the World Government had not been so aggressive, he would have chosen to abandon Sabo.
But now, with the constant pressure and manipulation of their ideals, he had no room to retreat.
Between the present and the future, he chose the future.
"Are you sure?" someone asked.
Everyone's expressions were heavy. If this war truly happened, the Revolutionary Army would undoubtedly suffer devastating losses.
"Put ourselves in a desperate situation to find a way out," Dragon said firmly. "I believe the flame of the Revolutionary Army will not be extinguished. Even if it is crushed, it will be reborn from the ashes."
His eyes were steady and resolute.
Even if the Revolutionary Army was wiped out this time, he believed another one would rise in the future.
If they won this war, the Revolutionary Army would experience unprecedented growth.
This was a gamble.
"Same as always," Dragon said after taking a deep breath. "We vote."
.....
Deep within the Calm Belt, on a primitive island.
"Help!"
A sharp female scream echoed through the forest.
Nami, wearing a short skirt and light shirt, clutched her Clima-Tact and ran out of the jungle in panic. Tears streamed down her beautiful face as she stumbled forward.
Behind her, trees collapsed one after another.
A massive saber-toothed tiger, nearly ten meters long, burst out of the forest, drool dripping from its jaws as it roared in savage excitement.
Feeling the scorching breath behind her, Nami's scalp went numb.
Just as the beast's bloody mouth was about to swallow her whole, her body suddenly blurred.
In an instant, she reappeared five meters away, still screaming as she continued to flee.
The saber-toothed tiger slammed its head into the ground, then shook itself violently, eyes glowing red with rage.
"Roar!"
The deafening roar shook the entire forest.
With shattered rocks and dust flying everywhere, the saber-toothed tiger charged again like a living bulldozer.
"Chopper!"
Nami saw a familiar figure leap over her head, and her eyes instantly lit up.
"Rumble Ball, Kokutei Roseo."
Chopper's hooves swelled with muscle, then quickly turned black as Armament Haki coated them. He slammed down on the saber-toothed tiger with full force.
A violent shockwave exploded outward.
Nami planted her Clima-Tact into the ground, her long orange hair whipping wildly in the wind.
"This thing can use Armament Haki?" Chopper said in disbelief as he landed, sliding sideways, steam rising from his right hoof.
In the distance, the saber-toothed tiger was sent flying and smashed heavily into the ground.
The Armament Haki on its forehead faded, but it slowly stood up again, blood dripping from its mouth, eyes filled with feral madness.
It was barely injured.
"Are they even letting people survive here?" Nami shouted angrily. "Why can all these monsters use Armament Haki?"
She spun her Clima-Tact.
Dark clouds gathered in the sky, lightning flashing violently.
"Thunderbolt Tempo, Thunderstorm!"
Crack!
Bolts of lightning crashed down onto the saber-toothed tiger. Black smoke rose as it let out painful howls.
But when the smoke cleared, the beast walked out even more aggressively than before.
Nami's face completely darkened.
They had been on this island for three months.
And now, she could not even defeat a single animal.
This island was enormous, and a terrifying number of its creatures could use Armament Haki.
Still, she was not without progress.
She had already begun to master Soru.
If even someone like Nami could grow this much, then the others had undoubtedly become far stronger.
For example, Chopper had also begun to use Armament Haki properly.
At the moment, only Nami and Chopper were in this area.
The others were scattered across different parts of the island, only regrouping at night.
===
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