"The pirate alliance composed of the Four Emperors has arrived!"
No one knew who shouted first, but the moment those words echoed, tension swept through the entire Marine G5 base.
One Emperor was enough to strike fear into the hearts of seasoned soldiers. Now, four of them had joined forces.
The Four Emperors were recognized as one of the world's two great powers, alongside the Marines. And today, their combined might had taken shape—opposing the government's strongest military force.
Despite reinforcements gathered by the World Government, the strength difference between both sides was razor-thin.
"Do not fear! Do not falter!"
"This war was provoked by the Four Emperors! As soldiers of justice, we cannot retreat now!"
"If we don't defeat this coalition here, there will be no safe harbor even at the edge of the sea."
"This is a battle we cannot afford to lose!"
"Our defeat would plunge the world into chaos under the tyranny of pirates!"
"For the sake of innocent lives across the globe—justice must not fail!"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku's voice thundered from atop a platform, amplified through a Den Den Mushi.
His words ignited a spark in the hearts of the 400,000-strong navy present.
"For justice!" they roared in unison, echoing across the coastline.
Watching this from the distance, Zenkichi smirked slightly.
Without hesitation, he leapt into the air, landing firmly between the two forces.
"Marines," Zenkichi began, his tone calm but piercing. "Stop pretending you're on the side of justice."
"If you truly stood for justice, you'd be marching into Mariejois to purge the Celestial Dragons."
"You're not a righteous army—you're the weapon of the World Government. The obedient dogs of the nobles who trample this world."
"The World Government is not justice. The very existence of the Celestial Dragons is proof of that hypocrisy."
His voice carried through the battlefield, and many Marines visibly tensed. The morale so recently kindled by Sengoku began to waver.
Sensing this, one of the Five Elders quickly stepped forward and barked,
"You brought pirates to attack a Marine base, and now claim you represent justice?"
Zenkichi's reply was cold and direct. "Neither you nor I represent justice. Only the victor has that right. Today, I will be justice."
The Elders scoffed, their expressions dripping with disdain.
"You think this ragtag pirate alliance can overcome the World Government?" one sneered. "Confidence is fine. Arrogance is not."
"You've seen my strength," Zenkichi answered flatly. "Why pretend to be surprised?"
"You may be strong enough to challenge the Marines," another Elder said, "but the World Government's strength is far beyond you."
"You'll see it soon enough. You're not qualified to stand against us."
Then, the blond Elder stepped forward.
"Zenkichi, regardless of your intentions, you've drawn the attention of the entire world."
"You've managed to unite the Four Emperors. That alone proves your capabilities."
"But if you press on with this war, the most you can hope for is mutual destruction."
"Despite our power, we don't want chaos. The world relies on stability, and civilians rely on us for protection."
"If you're willing to join the World Government, we will name you a World Noble."
"Your pirate allies will be legitimized, and together, we can maintain peace across the seas."
Zenkichi laughed, derisively.
"To try recruiting me now—how naïve."
The Elder's expression hardened. "You'll regret refusing this offer. You truly believe you can defeat the World Government?"
"I'm not here to fight the World Government," Zenkichi said. "I'm here to overthrow it."
"You will fall, and I will be crowned king."
Without another word, he raised his hand—signaling the Yonko Pirates to begin the assault.
Whitebeard stepped forward first, no longer hesitant. Zenkichi's power had convinced him of the possibility of victory—and a new world.
Massive tremors surged across the sea as Whitebeard used the Gura Gura no Mi. His fists, glowing with a white shockwave, shattered the air itself and sent ocean water reeling in a towering tsunami.
The navy stood ready, their expressions stern, as the wall of sea water rushed toward them.
Admiral Aokiji stepped forward, freezing the tsunami mid-surge. Glacial structures cracked and creaked beneath the weight of frozen destruction.
But Charlotte Linlin—Big Mom—was already moving. With a loud clap, she slammed her hand onto the ice. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝙣𝙚𝙩
Infusing it with a piece of her soul, the frozen sea transformed into a towering ice monster under her control.
Aokiji raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Tch… figures. Every one of you is a walking catastrophe."
Despite his lazy tone, he braced for the oncoming chaos.
This was not a mere battle. It was the beginning of a war that would determine the shape of the world.