Ten days have already passed in the blink of an eye.
Morning, Neo Navy Headquarters.
Aine and Binzi stood at the forefront of the line-up, with over ten thousand spirited Neo Navy soldiers behind them.
After this period of recuperation, their injuries have completely healed. At this moment, they were all solemn, standing straight with their hands clasped behind them.
"Teacher!"
Aine took a step forward, her voice resounding, "The entire Neo Navy is equipped and ready, awaiting your review!"
"Hmm."
Zephyr looked at these vibrant young people below the platform, a smile widened across his face, yet his eyes were slightly moist.
Just a few days ago, he thought he had lost this lovely group of students forever.
Now he could still see them full of life and energy.
It was wonderful.
The only pity was probably the mechanical arm that had accompanied him for a while, which was forcibly torn off in a spar with Akainu and then vanished without a trace even after scouring the entire battlefield.
Most likely, it rolled into the sea.
Anyway, it doesn't matter, Neo Navy also has its own science department. Zephyr has commissioned them to craft a more sophisticated mechanical arm.
With greater destructive power, it was most fitting to deal with those swine in the sky.
"Very good!"
Zephyr took a deep breath, his sharp gaze sweeping over each youthful face, and said in a deep voice:
"Everyone, you should already know the news that Endgame has declared war on the World Government. As allies, we Neo Navy will fully respond, joining this war to end eight centuries of tyranny!"
"This time, we're no longer the passive side but will take the initiative to make those Heavenly Celestial Dragons pay for their crimes!"
"Make them pay!"
Aine and Binzi were the first to shout, followed closely by the soldiers, as their voices surged like a tide:
"For justice! For freedom!"
"Follow Teacher Zephyr! Follow Endgame!"
Zephyr nodded with satisfaction and turned, pointing to the fleet anchored in the distance.
"All aboard!"
Zephyr waved his hand grandly and sternly ordered, "Set out at once, and after meeting with Endgame, head for the Red Earth Continent!"
...
Almost simultaneously.
Isle of Dawn.
This island, once used for tea parties, has now become the political center of the entire New World.
At this moment, the port was crowded with warships, with the flags of Endgame fluttering everywhere.
In the central plaza, all the cadres gathered.
At the very front were seven figures with particularly formidable auras, all clad in black robes, lined up in front of the high platform.
In the center, was the valiant female sword master with a high ponytail, Deputy Captain, "Wind Erosion" Shimotsuki Kuina!
On the first on the left, the silent blind Great Sword Master, Supreme Cadre, "Star Fall" Issho!
On the second on the left, the towering Bear Ear Hat man, Supreme Cadre, "Thunder Meteor" Bartholomew Kuma!
On the third on the left, the fishman with ferocious fangs and a robust back, Supreme Cadre, "Earthquake" Jack!
On the first on the right, the cool guy with his hands in his pockets, standing three meters tall, Supreme Cadre, "Aokiji" Kuzan!
On the second on the right, clad in silvery-white armor, the Eight-winged Archangel, Supreme Cadre, "Holy Fall" Angewomon!
On the third on the right, with a pineapple head and dead fish eyes that should not be underestimated, Supreme Cadre, "Phoenix" Marco!
Scattered around were many figures either long-renowned or recently famous.
Such as Nojiko, Smoker... and later additions like Rain of Shiryu, Trafalgar Law, Zoro, Sanji, and other cadres.
And on the central high platform.
Amidst the converging gazes, with the sound of fluttering cloaks filling the air.
The young man with perfect black hair stood atop the high platform, his gaze serene, standing with hands behind his back.
As the first ray of sunrise ascended from the sea horizon, Shano swept his eyes over everyone and finally spoke slowly:
"Everyone."
These two simple words instantly quieted the previously noisy plaza.
"Time flies by so quickly. Thinking back, two years ago, when we set out from the East Sea, we only had a small boat, a few people, and a dog."
Shano smiled, looking toward the direction of the East Sea, and leisurely said:
"At that time, on the execution platform in Log Town, after killing Onigumo, I proclaimed in public to overthrow the old era and drag those who consider themselves gods down from their lofty clouds!"
"Aside from my crew, probably no one believed my arrogant words, and even fewer believed we could shake the rule of the World Government."
The cadres below exchanged glances, smiling knowingly, while the oldest members who followed Shano felt deeply moved.
"But we did it."
Shano cracked a grin, "From the East Sea to the Grand Line, from Paradise to the New World, we defeated one strong enemy after another, foiled the World Government's encirclement time and again, grew step by step to be formidable enough to overlook the Navy Headquarters and to make the World Government tremble!"
His voice rose gradually:
"And now, the final battle is right before us!"
"No matter how high the walls of Mary Geoise are, they can't block the flood of the times! No matter how long the rule of the Heavenly Celestial Dragons lasts, it's time for it to end!"
"Roar!!!"
The below erupted into thunderous cheers, nearly lifting the heavens.
"Next, we will divide our forces into three."
Shano raised his hand to quiet everyone and solemnly said: "The first route is the main force, which will follow me to attack Mary Geoise head-on!"
"The second route will have Kuzan as the general director, responsible for dealing with the intercepting Navy Headquarters! And to block all reinforcements!"