Chapter 172: The War at the Top Begins!
After receiving a call from Sengoku, Kong frowned in confusion.
"Sengoku, what do you mean by this?" he asked. "As a Fleet Admiral, you can make these kinds of decisions yourself."
It was a valid question. Kong knew that in the past, even when the situation was more severe, Sengoku had never sought approval . Something was off.
"Still," Sengoku said slowly, "this involves one of the Four Emperors. I believe it’s necessary to report it to the Five Elders. The scale of this battle might go far beyond expectations."
Kong narrowed his eyes. It was unusual—Sengoku was rarely so cautious.
Despite his suspicions, Sengoku began to sugarcoat things, tossing in some flattery aimed at Kong and even the Five Elders. It wasn’t typical of his character... but he seemed to be enjoying it.
Eventually, Kong connected with the Five Elders. Sengoku didn’t hold back, laying on the charm once more.
Though the Five Elders didn’t show visible pride, it was clear they didn’t mind the flattery. And finally, they gave the green light—full-force engagement was authorized.
One day later. On the seas of the New World—
"Shanks, why are we here?"
Ben Beckman stood on the deck of the Red Force, eyes sharp as ever. "The Dragon Hunters and the Whitebeard Pirates are already heading to Marineford. If we’re too late, we won’t be able to catch up with anything."
Shanks remained calm.
"Kaido is on the move," he said. "He’s planning to join the war too."
Beckman’s expression shifted. "Kaido?"
"I couldn’t stop Ryuunosuke. He’s got his own reasons for fighting," Shanks continued. "But Kaido... that monster cannot be allowed to reach Marineford. If he shows up, the entire island will be reduced to rubble."
Noon. Off the coast of Marineford—
Two enormous pirate ships loomed on the horizon.
At the same time, Blackbeard was dragged onto the execution platform. But instead of fear, his face wore a smug grin.
Everything was going according to plan.
As long as he could kill Whitebeard and claim the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, the next era would belong to him.
"Fleet Admiral! The Dragon Hunters have been spotted!"
The communications officer relayed the message quickly.
Sengoku stood tall, his expression grave. "All forces, prepare for special alert! The Whitebeard Pirates and the Dragon Hunters are arriving."
"And that man... he’s coming!"
Admirals barked orders as ranks of marines marched out in formation. The whole square was bracing for war.
Overhead, the news seagulls circled—live broadcasting was underway.
Sengoku had arranged everything. Whatever happened today, the world would see it.
Aboard the Extremely Evil Warship —
Ryuunosuke sat at the bow, wind rustling through his dark coat. In front of him floated his system panel.
Host: Ryuunosuke [Age: 22]
Abilities: Super Swordsmanship, Super Assassination Technique, Advanced Armament Haki, Advanced Observation Haki, Intermediate Conqueror’s Haki, Rinnegan
Items: Ame-no-Habakiri, Life Essence
Reputation Value: 114,000
Total Reputation Value: 789,000
1st Division Captain: Najenda [Akame ga Kill!]
1st Division Member: Akame [Akame ga Kill!]
1st Division Member: Tatsumi [Akame ga Kill!]
1st Division Member: Mine [Akame ga Kill!]
[Night Raid Group Recruitment Conditions Met]
2nd Division Captain: Chrollo [Hunter x Hunter]
2nd Division Member: Machi [Hunter x Hunter]
2nd Division Member: Uvogin [Hunter x Hunter]
[Phantom Troupe Group Recruitment Conditions Met]
3rd Division Captain: Pain [Naruto]
3rd Division Captain: Hell Path - [Naruto: Six Paths of Pain]
[Pain Group Recruitment Conditions Met]
Special Crew: Enel, Mario, Kuina, Roelki, Hawkins
Territories & Reputation Generation:
Whiskey Peak [59 points]
Sky Island [218 points]
Alabasta [392 points]
Kingdom of Akoslan [12,000 points]
Ryuunosuke leaned forward, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.
"Akame, doesn’t the Kingdom of Akoslan ring a bell?" he asked.
"The one in the East Blue?" Akame tilted her head. "You crushed their slave trade ship ages ago, remember? The kingdom got wrecked after that. I think one of the pirate crews took over afterward."
Before Akame could finish, Kuina stepped in, arms crossed. "They gave up resisting and now worship you. That’s why the place shows up as a ’Place of Faith’."
"Oh... right," Ryuunosuke laughed. "It’s been a while. I forgot."
The passage of time had buried that memory under countless battles and conquests.
"Najenda," he called out, "Send a team to secure Akoslan. It’s our territory now."
Meanwhile, aboard the Moby Dick—
Jozu squinted at the Dragon Hunter ships closing in.
"Why do they look so relaxed?" he muttered. "Don’t they realize they’re heading into Marineford?"
Marco looked over, his tone calm. "That’s how they always are. But yeah... I’m worried too."
Whitebeard’s condition hadn’t been stable for some time. Even with rest, this battle could push him back to relying on IV drips again.
"Still," Marco added, "worrying won’t help. Right, Ace?"
Ace smiled, eyes focused. "Brother Ryuunosuke... he’s a miraculous guy."
Marco sighed. Ace’s loyalty ran so deep that even if Ryuunosuke claimed to have created the sea, Ace would probably nod and say he believed it.
Two massive ships sailed into Marineford’s inner bay. The island was now within reach.
Whitebeard laughed from the bow of the Moby Dick.
"We’re back again, Sengoku!"
"Hand over Blackbeard and we’ll leave in peace!"
His voice boomed like thunder. After all, their only goal was to retrieve Blackbeard.
Fighting would come only if the navy refused to negotiate.
From the side, Doflamingo strutted into view, grinning wildly.
"Fufufufufu... Whitebeard himself? This’ll be fun."
Behind him stood Bartholomew Kuma, silent and still.
Farther away, Hawkeye unsheathed his blade, eyes locked onto Whitebeard.
"The strongest man in the world, huh? Let’s see for myself."
With no hesitation, he unleashed a slash—the first strike of a battle that would shake the world.
Sengoku gritted his teeth.
He hadn’t expected things to explode this fast.
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