The war between Fairy Tail and the World Government raged at full force.
On the other side, the main front — where the combined powers of the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines clashed — had reached its breaking point.
Gulp—
Gulp, gulp—
Sizzle—sizzle—
At Sabaody Archipelago, beneath the glowing canopy of Mangrove No. 30, a massive crowd filled the Live Broadcast Plaza. Tens of thousands of onlookers — civilians, reporters, and the merely curious — stared wide-eyed at the enormous screen, unable to blink. The sounds of people swallowing nervously and gasping for breath came one after another.
"What's going to happen to this war?"
"I thought it was just a battle between the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates…"
"Who could've imagined it would spiral into something this catastrophic!"
"Yeah — it's turned into an all-out war between Fairy Tail and the World Government itself!"
"Even with all its flaws, you have to admit — it's the World Government that's kept balance across the seas!"
"If it falls… the world will drown in chaos!"
"You fool! Without destruction, there can be no new world! The Government's ruled the seas for far too long!"
"The so-called 'noble' Celestial Dragons are the real source of evil. Unless they're wiped out, there'll never be true peace!"
"That's right! Those pigs are why so many people were forced to turn pirate in the first place!"
"If ordinary people could live in peace, who would ever choose a life at sea?"
"Hey! Watch what you're saying — you'll get arrested for that kind of talk!"
"What's there to fear? The World Government's already on the verge of collapse. Fairy Tail will bring them down — I know it!"
"Yeah! The new era led by Fairy Tail will be a better one — a freer one!"
"When Fairy Tail topples the World Government, piracy itself will fade away!"
All across the square, ordinary citizens spoke boldly of ideas once considered blasphemous.
The nobles and the wealthy, of course, still stood behind the World Government — they were its greatest beneficiaries.
But the truth was simple: in this world, the common people vastly outnumbered the privileged few.
"What the world becomes after this…" one reporter murmured as he scribbled feverishly, "isn't for us to decide. Our only duty is to show the world what's happening right now!"
Across the plaza, journalists from every major news agency recorded every moment of the war, every explosion, every legend reborn on the battlefield.
"Look!" someone cried. "The Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates are clashing again!"
Naval Headquarters — The Battlefield
"Gurararara! Still haven't given up, Sengoku? You're as stubborn as ever!"
The booming laugh of Whitebeard rolled through the air like thunder.
"You talk big, Whitebeard," Marshal Sengoku shot back, his voice hard. "But don't think I don't see it — you're past your prime. Even with your undead form, you can't hide the toll it's taking. If killing that traitor Blackbeard drained you this much, you're not the man you once were."
Whitebeard chuckled, massive shoulders shaking. "Heh… maybe you're right, old friend. My body isn't what it used to be — but I can still take down one or two Admirals if I feel like it."
"Hmph," Akainu growled, magma seething around his arms. "Big words, old man. If Whitebeard isn't enough… what about me?"
A calm voice answered from the Marine's flank.
"If you're joining in, then count me as well."
Silvers Rayleigh, the Dark King, stepped forward.
"And us too!"
Straw Hat Luffy, Sabo, and the commanders of the Revolutionary Army advanced alongside him, their eyes burning with purpose.
"Oh dear, the Dark King Rayleigh and the Revolutionary Army joining forces — how terrifying~," Kizaru muttered lazily, his trademark smirk never fading.
"Ah la la…" Aokiji sighed, his cold gaze falling on Nico Robin. "What I'm more curious about is you, Robin. Are you really siding with Whitebeard's crew? Are you prepared for what that means?"
Robin's lips curved into a soft smile. "Shouldn't I be asking you the same, Admiral? Are you sure the Marines truly want to fight Fairy Tail head-on?"
"Gurararara! What's the matter, Marines — getting scared?" Whitebeard's booming laughter split the sky as his Conqueror's Haki surged across the battlefield.
"Don't be afraid," he said, turning to the Fairy Tail mages beside him. "And you — the young ladies of Fairy Tail — I thank you for your aid. But leave the frontlines to us!"
"Yeah, Father's right!"
"Let us handle the charge — we can't have the girls taking all the hits!"
"Just back us up — we'll handle the heavy lifting!"
The captains of the Whitebeard divisions, led by Marco, raised their weapons in unison.
At Whitebeard's command, the army roared — and charged.
The all-out war between the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates had begun anew!
"Robin! What should we do?" cried Nami, glancing between the chaos and her comrades. "Should we join them or hold position?"
"Yeah!" Vivi added, eyes wide with tension. "What's our play here?"
Robin's eyes gleamed, steady and knowing.
"Stick to the plan," she said. "Follow our hearts. Adapt to the situation. Minimize casualties on both sides — that's what Sugisawa Yuuto would want."