Not long after whispers ran through the crowd, several imposing figures appeared behind the Vice Admirals.
"That is… the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
"Marshal Sengoku even called them in!"
"This battle is going to be monumental," murmured the onlookers.
Hawkeye, Boa Hancock, Gekko Moria, Kuma, Doflamingo, and Crocodile had lost their Shichibukai status after Kaito's intervention. Jinbei had escaped from Impel Down alongside Luffy and the others and was now heading toward Marineford.
Cheers erupted as the three Admirals approached, taking their places on the top tier of command with calm, unwavering expressions.
"Admiral Aokiji! Admiral Kizaru! Admiral Sakazuki!"
The appearance of the Admirals bolstered the confidence of the surrounding Marines, tension momentarily easing. Shouts of triumph rang out:
"Long live the Marines! Long live the Three Admirals!"
"Marine prevails!"
The roar of thousands resounded across the sky, causing a nearby empress to frown in irritation. Though displeased, she endured—this was Naval Headquarters, the Marines' territory, and the most critical moment to interfere was not yet at hand.
On the edge of Ace's execution platform, Garp and Sengoku remained silent. Garp's face was etched with regret, blaming himself for Ace's fate. He had hoped to prevent Ace from becoming a pirate, intending to capture him at sea and have him reformed at Headquarters. But it was too late now.
Sengoku, meanwhile, maintained a serious, tense stance, awaiting the arrival of the Whitebeard Pirates. Ace's execution was his responsibility, and there was no room for error.
The sun climbed high, scattering golden light across the earth. The countdown to Ace's execution continued, and the Marines in the square fell silent, an invisible tension permeating the air. Across the globe, audiences watching the live broadcast held their breath, captivated by the scene.
A series of loud bells rang—the signal set by Sengoku for Ace's execution.
"Is it time?" Sengoku stepped forward, his face serious, while video devices around him captured every moment.
"Everyone, you should understand why the Marines are carrying out Fire Fist Ace's execution with such ceremony," he announced solemnly.
As his words echoed, sudden bursts of bubbles erupted from Crescent Bay port, not far away.
"That's… impossible!" Sengoku's pupils narrowed, his face draining of color. "They're approaching from that direction! Miscalculation!"
"Here they come!" Staff Officer Tsuru gritted her teeth, her expression grim.
Crash! Crash!
The bubbles grew larger, startling the Marines. "They're here!" some cried in disbelief.
Boo! Boo! Boo!
From the waters emerged four colossal whale-shaped ships, each one bursting forth with overwhelming presence.
On the Moby Dick, a towering figure stood proudly on deck, naginata in hand. Scars marred his bare chest, testaments to his honor. His mere presence radiated Haki, an invisible force that inspired fear.
Whitebeard, Edward Newgate, the strongest in the world and one of the New World's Four Emperors, his bounty a staggering five billion Berries, stepped forward to the bow. His familiar, booming laughter echoed across Marineford.
"Gurararararara Sengoku! Did you really think I wouldn't come? I'm here!"
The Marines nearby broke into cold sweats at the sheer power in his voice.
"All the squad leaders are here! The Whitebeard Pirates have truly arrived!" Smoker muttered, holding his telescope with a grim expression.
"Whitebeard!" Sengoku's voice wavered as he looked on.
"Gurararararara! We haven't seen each other in decades! Sengoku! My son is safe, I see!" Whitebeard said casually, as if nothing was amiss, even in the presence of ten thousand Marines.
"Whitebeard! You dare come!" Sengoku shouted, clenching his fists, his face pale.
"Isn't this the result you wanted?" Whitebeard turned his gaze toward Ace on the execution platform. "My son, wait! Your father is coming!"
"Pops!" Ace cried, his voice echoing across the square.
"Do you really think the Marines will falter?" Sengoku roared in defiance.
"Gurararara! The war begins!" Whitebeard ignored him, for any conversation was futile. Battle was inevitable.
Boom!
Whitebeard slammed his naginata into the deck, fists crossing before his chest. A sudden wave of terrifying force radiated outward, cracking the air itself.
Moments later, monstrous waves surged toward Marineford harbor, threatening to engulf the city entirely.
"What the hell!"
"Tsunami! How is this possible?"
"Is this for real?"
Marines stared in disbelief, horror etched across their faces.
As the massive tsunami descended, a figure appeared above Aokiji. His body radiated frigid energy, two sword-like streams of ice shooting from his palms toward the monstrous wave.
Click! Click!
The collision of ice and water froze the advancing tide almost instantly. The wave's edge hardened into ice, spreading across Crescent Bay in moments.
Admiral Aokiji's calm voice echoed throughout Marineford:
"Ice Age."
The sudden change thrilled the Marines, and cheers rang out. Aokiji returned to his chair, as composed as ever.
Whitebeard's face darkened, but his objective was achieved. The ice provided a safe landing zone for his crew. He raised his naginata, pointing toward the horizon.
"Second Division! Welcome home!"
"Yes, Oyaji!" the Whitebeard crew shouted, brandishing weapons as they leapt toward Ace's execution platform.
The Marines responded instantly. One hundred thousand elite soldiers charged forward, determined to intercept. Smoker, Hina, and others swiftly engaged their opponents.
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