Early the next morning, a pale streak of dawn spread across the horizon.
At the edge of Totto Land, Kaito stood calmly, smiling as he waited for the assembled cadres.
With a casual wave of his right hand, two spatial vortexes opened before the crowd.
"Those wearing padded coats go left. Those without, go right."
No one hesitated.
Everyone stepped forward immediately.
One space led to an ice domain, the other to a sand filled domain. The remaining spaces were left empty.
The clothing arrangement had already been explained the night before.
By the time the final person entered, three full hours had passed.
Kaito activated his Rinnegan. Space twisted briefly, and the remaining cadres were transferred directly into Kamui.
Turning toward Marineford, Kaito vanished into the sky like a black comet.
One day later, Kaito emerged near the Sabaody Archipelago after passing through Fishman Island.
He allowed everyone a full day of rest on a massive uninhabited island.
At dawn on the third day, Kaito gazed at the towering military structures ahead. Indifference and excitement flickered in his eyes.
From today onward, the world would change.
Marine Headquarters lay some distance from the Red Line. According to Kuzan, World Government reinforcements would need at least one hour to arrive.
One hour was more than enough.
Releasing two spatial vortexes in a concealed location, Kaito walked forward openly.
There was no need for secrecy when victory was certain.
"You are… Kaito!"
A patrolling Marine froze upon seeing him. His face drained of color as his pupils shrank.
Without waiting for orders, he turned and fled, abandoning the trembling soldiers behind him.
"Go," Kaito said calmly. "Tell Sakazuki that Marine Headquarters belongs to us now. Tell him to surrender."
A deafening siren echoed across Marineford.
Inside his office, Akainu slammed his desk.
"Who dared activate the highest alert?"
The door burst open.
"Marshal Akainu, it's Kaito. Kaito is here."
Akainu froze before his face darkened completely.
"That's impossible. He should be in the New World."
"Is he alone?"
"According to reports, yes. But Marshal, Kaito possesses spatial abilities. We can't be certain."
Akainu's expression hardened.
At the outskirts of Marine Headquarters, Kizaru yawned lazily.
"What an unpleasant way to start the day."
Then he opened his eyes and saw a familiar smiling face.
"Kaito? No, that can't be right. You should be in the New World."
He rubbed his eyes, then froze.
"…So it's really you."
"You're awake now," Kaito said with a smile.
"Kizaru, surrender. The Marines can't win this."
"Well," Kizaru replied slowly, "that decision belongs to Sakazuki now."
As they spoke, Marines hurriedly assembled nearby.
Two figures dropped from the sky, landing beside Kizaru.
Sengoku and Garp.
"This is bad," Sengoku said gravely. "Marine Headquarters is in danger."
"We didn't even have time to mobilize global forces," Garp added seriously. "I just hope he came alone."
All three knew that hope was meaningless.
In the distance, armed figures were already appearing.
Not pirates.
New Government forces.
Moments later, Akainu arrived with the remaining Marines.
"Kaito," he snarled. "Why are you here?"
"You already know," Kaito replied calmly. "After the New Government was established, the Marines no longer needed to exist."
"I planned to let you survive longer."
"But you announced global conscription."
"So I had no choice."
Akainu pointed at him, shaking with rage, unable to speak.
"If you leave now," Akainu said finally, "I will overlook today."
Kaito laughed softly.
"You value your remaining strength that much?"
Space rippled.
Figures emerged one after another.
Redfield.
Edward Newgate.
Kaido.
Dragon.
With each arrival, the Marines' expressions worsened.
When the final cadre appeared, Akainu's face turned ashen.
Sengoku sighed heavily.
Kaito had brought everything.
This battle was already decided.
Even if reinforcements came, they would arrive too late.
"Marshal," Issho said quietly, stepping forward. "We must act now. Before World Government forces arrive."
Sengoku closed his eyes.
Kaito raised his hand.
"Begin."
Chaos erupted instantly.
Kaido charged Sengoku.
Whitebeard moved toward Akainu.
Kuzan confronted Kizaru.
Dragon intercepted the Vice Admirals.
Garp found himself facing Ace.
"Gramps," Ace said excitedly. "Your opponent is me. This fight is already lost. Give up."
Garp's mouth twitched.
"What kind of assignment is this, brat?"
"Sorry, old man," Kaito said calmly. "We need to secure the battlefield quickly. Ace volunteered."
Garp stared at the overwhelming forces around him.
Top level power twice that of the Marines.
Mid level forces even worse.
And they still claimed a lack of combat strength.
"…You really don't respect the elderly," Garp muttered.