News Coos flapped across the sea, the thick bundles of newspapers strapped to their bodies still carrying the smell of fresh ink.
Early that morning, the moment the world-shaking news hit the press, printing presses at every major newspaper office ran so hard they practically smoked.
The News Coos were worked without rest. Many of the gulls flying over the ocean looked so exhausted that their vision was blurring.
After flying for who knew how long, one News Coo arrived above a pirate ship and let out several hoarse cries.
"Hey, seagull! Give me a paper!"
A young man wearing a pirate bandana and a cross-shaped scar on his face waved from below.
The News Coo held up its claws, indicating the price.
The pirate froze, then grumbled, "The price went up again? What a greedy little bastard."
The News Coo clearly heard him. Contempt flashed in its eyes, and it turned to fly off.
At that moment, the pirate pulled out a handful of gold coins and tossed them straight into the pouch hanging from the bird's body.
The News Coo curled its beak, raised one claw to give him the middle finger, dropped a newspaper, and flew away.
"That's the first time I've ever wanted to beat up a seagull," the pirate muttered through clenched teeth as he caught the falling paper. Without a doubt, that News Coo had the worst attitude of any bird he'd ever met.
"Hahaha! What does today's paper say?"
"There's been a lot of big news lately. The Marines seem to be making one move after another." His companion leaned over curiously.
"Exactly. That's why I haven't missed a single issue recently," the pirate said with a sigh. "The news about those Supernovas getting captured shocked me for days."
The Marines' massive operation had been practically unprecedented. Just thinking about it still made him uneasy.
He lowered his gaze to the newspaper. The instant he saw the headline printed in red, his body trembled and his pupils shrank.
"This..."
"How is that possible?!"
"Have the Marines lost their minds?"
Shock washed over his face, sweat glistening across his forehead under the sunlight.
"What happened?" His companion moved closer. The moment he saw the latest headline, his entire body stiffened, disbelief written all over his face.
A long moment passed before the two finally looked at each other, the same horror reflected in both their eyes.
"Something huge is about to happen!"
...
That day, news that the Marines would publicly execute Fire Fist Ace, commander of the Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division, at Marineford in one month spread across the globe at astonishing speed.
Compared to the earlier report of Ace's capture, this announcement was far more shocking. Countless people immediately understood what it meant.
The news swept across the world almost instantly, spreading faster and farther than the original report.
"The Marines are going to execute Fire Fist Ace in front of the entire world! They're even broadcasting it live!"
"Are they insane? Don't they realize this will provoke the strongest of the Four Emperors?"
"War! This is going to start a war unlike anything the world has ever seen!"
"Marineford will soon turn into a living hell!"
"The Marines made such an aggressive declaration. I wonder how the Whitebeard Pirates will respond."
"What other choice do they have? We're talking about the strongest man in the world!"
Conversations filled with fear and excitement erupted everywhere. Everyone who read the news felt a shiver run down their spine.
It was as if they could already see the approaching war. Even the air felt thick with smoke and gunpowder.
In the New World, the 'Moby Dick' sailed across the sea.
It was the flagship of the Whitebeard Pirates, a massive crew that had dominated the New World for many years. Its core forces alone consisted of over sixteen hundred men divided among sixteen divisions.
Beyond them were countless subordinate pirate crews. While sailing under their own flags, they had all pledged their allegiance to Whitebeard.
The true scale of the Whitebeard Pirates had never been fully revealed to the world. Their terrifying strength came not just from their top fighters, but from the sheer number of capable pirates filling their middle and lower ranks. As the oldest and most powerful Emperor crew, their influence and territory were second to none.
"Pops!"
At the bow, Marco and the others stared anxiously at the figure seated before them.
This announcement carried far more weight than the earlier news of Ace's capture. The Marines had openly set the stage, and their target couldn't be clearer.
They were coming for the Whitebeard Pirates.
Knowing their captain's personality, a massive war was now inevitable.
"Gurararara!"
To everyone's surprise, Whitebeard burst into laughter.
"I saw through the Marines' little scheme long ago! They want to use Ace as bait, set an airtight trap, and lure me deep into enemy territory? I have to admit, it's not a bad plan. But!"
Whitebeard slowly raised his head. The medical tubes attached to his arms shook violently, making Marco and the others even more nervous.
"They don't seem to have considered the consequences! And they've forgotten just how powerful I am!"
His voice turned cold, yet Whitebeard himself remained remarkably calm, far calmer than Marco and the others.
He sat in his chair and thought for a moment before looking over.
"Marco!"
Marco looked at the old man in confusion. "Pops?"
"Go bring that Red-Haired brat here. He's probably been waiting for this moment for a long time."
A smile spread across Whitebeard's face.
Seeing absolute confidence in his captain's expression, as though victory were already within his grasp, the tension weighing on Marco's heart faded away.
"Got it! I'll bring him over immediately!"
Marco smiled as blue flames formed a pair of wings behind him. A moment later, he soared into the sky and flew off into the distance.
Seeing the smile on Whitebeard's face, the remaining division commanders relaxed and returned to their positions. Another Emperor would soon arrive, and they had to receive him properly.
Not long after, Red-Haired Shanks arrived aboard the 'Moby Dick'.
Unlike his previous visit, Shanks hadn't come alone. All the officers of the Red Hair Pirates, a crew famous for its impenetrable lineup, boarded the ship and stood behind their captain.
"Gurararara! What an impressive group of youngsters!" Whitebeard praised as he swept his gaze across them.
Having stood at the pinnacle of the world for decades, his ability to judge people was naturally exceptional. One glance was enough to tell him that the men behind Shanks were all formidable fighters.
The Red Hair Pirates were widely believed to have the most balanced crew among the Four Emperors, with no obvious weaknesses in their ranks, a true iron wall.
"With a major war approaching, and our alliance already decided, I thought it was time for our officers to get acquainted," Shanks said with a smile.
"You've been looking forward to this for quite some time, haven't you?" Whitebeard asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Haven't you?" Shanks raised an eyebrow, grinning back.
"You're good at reading people, Red Hair," Whitebeard said.
"Then let's discuss how we're going to prepare for this war," Shanks said, his expression turning serious. "The Marines only announced their decision today, which means their preparations are already complete. We'll need to plan our own moves down to the smallest detail."
"That's exactly why I called you here." Whitebeard nodded, his tone turning equally grave. "Knowing Sengoku, he's probably turned Marineford into an iron fortress."
Both men were battle-tested veterans; they easily saw through the hidden implications behind the announcement.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku is an old rival of yours," Shanks said, narrowing his eyes. "I need more information, about Sengoku, Kojin, and the other Admirals."
After all, Shanks had only been an Emperor for six years. His knowledge of the Marines couldn't match the veteran sitting before him.
"Of course," Whitebeard smiled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "I'll tell you everything, piece by piece."
At the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, a deep voice echoed through a magnificent palace.
"The Marines are certainly bold. Or rather, Sengoku is a man with remarkable nerve."
"He has his own methods and no shortage of courage, but that isn't necessarily good for us."
"Especially considering the recent reports coming from Marine Headquarters."
The eyes of the five old men seated on the sofas sharpened, their expressions darkening.
"Kojin actually dared to leave Impel Down!"
"If he was willing to come out, he must have something to rely on."
"That's where Sengoku's confidence comes from. Otherwise, after sitting quietly in the Fleet Admiral's chair for over a decade, how could he suddenly dare to challenge Whitebeard?"
"This might be good for the world, but it complicates the future transfer of power within the Marines."
The Five Elders' voices grew lower and colder.
"Over the past decade, Sengoku has united the Marines into a solid front. Despite our constant efforts, our people have achieved very little and have been pushed to the sidelines."
"So this is the handiwork of Sengoku the Strategist?"
"Wasn't he supporting Kuzan as his successor?"
"Not anymore. By now, he's probably Kojin's biggest supporter."
"That man has only been out of Impel Down and back at Headquarters for a few days, yet he's already gained a massive following."
"If this continues, Kojin will inevitably take Sengoku's place when he steps down."
"What utterly damned news!" one of the Five Elders suddenly cursed aloud.
As their discussion continued, the five men finally lost their usual composure.
(End of Chapter)
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