The overall strength of the Revolutionary Army certainly could not be compared to the Rocks Pirates.
However, Hancock and the others this time were not the focus of the Celestial Dragons, nor were they guarded as tightly as Shakky had been back then.
Moreover, in addition to the Revolutionary Army's assault, there were also the slaves freed by Fisher Tiger, and these people would inevitably create massive chaos.
The situation was indeed somewhat similar to God Valley back then, and Rayleigh was confident that he had enough experience when it came to rescuing people.
June 18th, dusk.
Shakky tidied Rayleigh's clothes and said seriously,
"If you dare to die out there, I will never forgive you!"
Rayleigh laughed and pushed open the back door of the bar, waving his hand without looking back...
"Leader, Fisher Tiger's Sun Pirates have already appeared near the Red Line."
Dragon stood on a warship disguised as a merchant vessel, while Crow reported in a low voice behind him.
In a face-to-face situation, with Dragon's level of Observation Haki, even if Crow forgot to turn on the loudspeaker, he could still hear everything clearly.
His tone remained calm:
"Wait a little longer. Let's see what Tiger intends to do first."
"And we also need to wait for a senior to arrive."
"Senior?"
Crow was puzzled, but did not ask further.
Just as the warship raised its sails, Rayleigh appeared at the dock and landed lightly on the deck with a single leap.
"It's really lively…"
He first sighed, then turned and said,
"Dragon brat, this old man is only responsible for rescuing people. You handle the rest."
Dragon stood at the bow, first giving Rayleigh a slight smile:
"For a senior to come personally is already the greatest support to us."
Then he instructed Crow behind him:
"It's time to set sail."
...The sun quickly sank beyond the horizon of the Red Line, and the Sun Pirates had already reached its base.
The newly risen moonlight was fragmented by the towering cliff, while waves slammed against the rock face, scattering pale foam.
Jinbe stood by the ship's side, his palm pressed against the rough stone, his face filled with worry:
"Brother Tiger, not even birds can cross the Red Line… it's simply too high."
The tattoo on Tiger's body gleamed under the moonlight this was the mark of the Sun Pirates, altered from the Celestial Dragons' hoof.
He took a deep breath, his voice steady:
"That's precisely why the World Government never bothers to guard this place."
Tiger looked back at the deck. Arlong was angrily kicking at the ropes, while Hatchan's six arms were unconsciously twisting together.
He suddenly grinned, his voice startling a flock of nocturnal seabirds:
"You all look like you're already attending my funeral."
Arlong suddenly rushed forward and grabbed Tiger's shoulder:
"Brother Tiger, do you really have to go?"
"There aren't many Fish-Man comrades up there. Why risk your life for those humans?"
At this time, Arlong was still lean and powerful, his build closer to Lafitte's, completely different from his later bloated appearance.
Tiger pried Arlong's hand away, his movements slow but firm:
"Slaves are not divided by race."
"Last time, those people executed over two hundred slaves who tried to escape."
"So this time, someone has to lead them down the right path."
He swept his gaze across everyone on the ship:
"I need you to coordinate with the escaped slaves at the right moment attack Red Port from both inside and outside, and bring them out."
"But Brother Tiger… what if you run into danger?"
The young Hatchan looked uneasy.
Tiger placed his hand against the rock wall:
"Then let me die there…"
"But the tide will carry more people to freedom."
...In reality, things were not as difficult as they imagined.
Because the commander stationed at Red Port had already left with Black's sanctuary.
Black's excuse was to have him test the ship's condition after maintenance.
Being able to pilot a vessel exclusive to the Celestial Dragons even just cruising nearby made him feel honored.
So he happily set sail, taking a large number of guards with him.
At present, aside from a soon-to-retire Marine officer known for his "iron wall" defense, Red Port had almost no meaningful defensive force.
Deep into the night, inside the manor, Black was training with Kozuki Toki.
Suddenly, a glint flashed in his eyes:
"They've finally arrived?"
Recently, Black had been frequently activating his Observation Haki to survey the surroundings.
With his long-range perception, he could clearly observe the situation beneath the Red Line.
In fact, by Black's estimation, Imu could certainly do the same.
But Imu, a being who could remain secluded for eight hundred years, seemed to have no interest in the outside world, and had never bothered to actively observe it.
Quickly ending tonight's session, Black dressed himself and ordered the maids to summon Stella and the others.
About fifteen minutes later, everyone had gathered.
Perona rubbed her eyes as she yawned:
"What is it? Calling us in the middle of the night…"
Robin casually remarked:
"Perhaps our Celestial Dragon-sama had another whim and is planning a midnight banquet."
Only after everyone had arrived did Black finally speak:
"You could call it a midnight banquet… a bonfire party, in fact."
"But I'm not the host."
Seeing the faint mockery on Black's face, Robin narrowed her eyes slightly:
"Something happened?"
Black snapped his fingers:
"Tonight, no one will be sleeping."
"But there's a good show to watch."
At the mention of a "show," Perona instantly became energetic, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.
Black had the maids bring snacks, and everyone gathered in the courtyard, chatting idly.
Kozuki Toki had also recovered, changed her clothes, walked out, and sat beside Hiyori, helping her crack nuts.
It wasn't until the moon reached its peak that a sudden explosion echoed in the distance.
Boom!
Immediately after, flames shot into the sky.
Everyone instinctively turned to look.
"That is…"
Koala's eyes widened. She recognized that direction it was where the slave market stood.
A place she could never forget.
After all, that was where she and Mandy had first been taken by Black.
Mandy stood up, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword as she moved to Black's side.
Even if he didn't need protection, she still saw it as her duty.
"Saint Black…"
Hancock, seated beside Black, looked at him with concern.
Black smiled, reached out, pulled her gently closer, and ruffled her hair:
"Don't worry. It won't affect us."
Hancock's face instantly flushed. She lowered her head and softly responded,
"Mm…"
Not far from Red Port, Dragon saw the thick smoke rising above the Red Line and immediately gave the order from his flagship:
"All units launch a full assault on Red Port!"
"First objective: seize the control room and take control of the elevators!"
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