A month has passed.
Today is destined to be a day that will leave a heavy mark in history.
The execution day of the Emperor of the Sea, Red-Haired Shanks.
In every era, the number of Emperors of the Sea is limited, and public executions are even rarer—something that happens only once in decades.
Today is also the day Admiral Akainu officially assumes the position of Fleet Admiral of the Navy.
Another major event that will shape the world.
With both of these events happening on the same day, the atmosphere is overwhelming.
The impact is even greater than the original "Paramount War."
In the original war, the one being executed was just Portgas D. Ace, the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates.
His strength and reputation cannot compare to that of Red-Haired Shanks, one of the Four Emperors.
Furthermore, Akainu's current prestige has surpassed all past admirals, reaching the peak of naval history.
Regardless of one's status, everyone is waiting for this day to come.
No matter the outcome, it is clear that after today, the entire power structure of the world will change dramatically.
"The remnants of the Red-Haired Pirates—will they try to save him? And what about those hidden monsters from the Roger Pirates? Will they show up?"
"The remnants of the Red-Haired Pirates are nothing to fear, but the old monsters from the Roger Pirates—those are all legendary figures."
"The Navy might suffer a huge loss today."
Mentioning the Roger Pirates...
There is fear, admiration, and awe throughout the seas.
But never contempt.
Anyone or anything associated with the Roger Pirates is seen in a different light.
To many, every member of the Roger Pirates has already been either deified or demonized.
Holy Land, Mary Geoise
The Three Elders set down the Den Den Mushi.
"Excellent. Kalifa has officially become a member of the Sun and Moon Pirates. The crew is still in the New World, so there's absolutely nothing to worry about."
With this assurance, the Three Elders were completely at ease.
Though the Sun and Moon Pirates possess teleportation abilities, if they truly intended to interfere today, they would have infiltrated the first half of the Grand Line in secret. A month would have been more than enough time for that, rather than relying on last-minute teleportation.
No matter how powerful the teleportation ability is...
The Three Elders were convinced that Kuke couldn't use it infinitely, certainly not in such a wasteful manner.
They relayed the good news to the Navy Headquarters, particularly to Akainu, who was about to stand at the pinnacle of his career today.
Upon receiving the message...
Akainu could no longer hide the pride on his face.
With no more concerns, he had nothing to hold back.
At the same time...
Aboard the Radiant Eclipse, not far from the Navy Headquarters.
Inside a special training chamber...
Stussy sat elegantly, her expression filled with satisfaction as she gazed at Kalifa, whose eyes were blank and unfocused.
"Very good. You've already learned to cooperate." Stussy nodded approvingly.
Kalifa shuddered.
She looked fearfully at Stussy, who was smiling at her.
Navy Headquarters
Over the past month, every possible preparation had been made.
Tens of thousands of elite marines gathered at Marineford.
It was rare to see so many vice admirals at once. Today, they were everywhere. Officers stood in tightly packed formations, countless in number.
Every marine was dressed in full uniform.
Brand-new coats fluttered in the sea breeze.
The overwhelming military presence was enough to silence the wind itself.
A massive execution platform stood tall in the naval plaza.
At the highest level of the platform sat an office desk, documents, official seals, and a pristine Fleet Admiral's coat.
The Fleet Admiral's inauguration ceremony would take place here.
Below the high platform...
Another execution stage had been set.
This was where Red-Haired Shanks, one of the Four Emperors, would be executed.
Akainu would stand atop Shanks' corpse and ascend to the position of Fleet Admiral.
A feat no Fleet Admiral in history had ever achieved.
The highest honor.
It was still early in the morning.
Marineford was already bustling.
The marines moved like a well-oiled machine, each stationed precisely at their designated post, fulfilling their duties with unwavering discipline.
Ninety percent of them wore proud smirks.
They had no concerns about today. They firmly believed that under Fleet Admiral Akainu's leadership, the Navy would rise to new heights.
Yet, a small portion of the marines furrowed their brows.
They worried about the Navy's future and disliked the increasingly ruthless and unfeeling direction the Headquarters had taken.
The Red-Haired Pirates' Remnants
For a month, they had vanished from the seas.
In that time...
Several guests had arrived.
Elderly guests.
All former members of the Roger Pirates.
Each of them once a legendary figure, a great pirate.
Seeing them...
Luffy and his crew were overcome with excitement, filled with admiration as they looked at these legendary members of the Roger Pirates.
"It's almost time. We need to move out." Gaban, the former third-in-command of the Roger Pirates, adjusted the two axes at his waist and reminded everyone.
Dark King Rayleigh lowered his gaze, his expression heavy.
He knew exactly what lay ahead.
This would be the hardest, most dangerous, and most impossible battle of his life.
Ben Beckman took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Move out."
The remnants of the Red-Haired Pirates and the Roger Pirates set sail.
"What a shame we couldn't capture a Celestial Dragon." Ben Beckman sighed.
He had thought the best way to secure Shanks' release was by capturing a Celestial Dragon and negotiating with the World Government.
Forcing them to hand over Shanks in exchange.
"This is Kuke's fault. The Celestial Dragons are so terrified that they haven't shown themselves on the seas for years." Rayleigh joked.
"C-Celestial Dragons?" Luffy, who had been listening, asked curiously, "Are they strong?"
"They're not strong, but their status is special."
Hearing that, Luffy immediately lost interest.
Rayleigh and Beckman continued discussing their strategy.
There was nothing left to do but wait.
Marineford was growing closer and closer.
Rayleigh glanced at Luffy and his crew, his gaze lingering on the straw hat on Luffy's head.
They never wanted the young Straw Hats to be involved.
But in just one month, Luffy had actually learned Haki, leaving them with no reason to refuse him. And after understanding Luffy's personality, they worried that leaving him behind might lead to him doing something reckless, making things even more dangerous.
Better to bring him along, at least where they could protect him.
"Any news on the Sun and Moon Pirates?" Rayleigh asked anxiously.
Based on their current fighting strength, Rayleigh knew the outcome.
He wasn't sure if he could even protect Luffy and his crew.
"Their movements are unpredictable. Hardly anyone in the world can track them." Beckman shook his head. There wasn't a single lead.
Luffy pouted.
Why was everyone so eager for the Sun and Moon Pirates to get involved? Were they stronger than Shanks?
"Check your weapons and prepare for battle."
Gaban reminded them once more.
This was no time for idle chatter.
The battle was about to begin.