The war had reached a stalemate, while news of Fire Fist Ace's public execution began spreading across the world. At the same time, the summoning of the Shichibukai and the mobilization of elite forces from Marine Headquarters were underway.
This was preparation for war against one of the Four Emperors, Whitebeard—a conflict that required meticulous planning. After all, they were facing the world's strongest man.
Neither the World Government nor Marine Headquarters would risk such a crucial move without ensuring victory.
Meanwhile, the Andia Kingdom's plea for aid—under normal circumstances a matter of importance—was now overshadowed. Compared to a war with a Yonko, the fate of a single kingdom was trivial. Dynastic change was nothing new, and the World Government had neither the manpower nor the concern to intervene deeply.
Although Andia was a wealthy nation that usually received special consideration, this time the timing was unfortunate. The World Government merely dispatched intelligence agents to observe the situation. The envoy never arrived, and much could not be conveyed clearly through a Den Den Mushi.
Besides, even if the regime changed, as long as the new ruler still acknowledged the World Government's authority and remained an affiliate nation, it made little difference to them.
"We need to accelerate," Rosen said as he reviewed the latest reports.
The timing was perfect. He had intended to let the situation ferment longer, but with Ace's execution announced, the World Government's attention would be entirely consumed by that event, leaving them little energy to scrutinize Andia's internal upheaval.
"Summon all crew. Cease all combat and declare a truce. In two days, every fortress will march simultaneously—storm the royal capital and slay the tyrant."
The fortress battles had been in deadlock, with both sides struggling to break through, though territories often changed hands repeatedly. The entire kingdom was gripped by unease.
Yet Princess Xia's ideological campaign had been highly effective. Civilians, city-builders, and even some nobles responded to her cause.
The king's tyranny had, ironically, given Rosen's side a powerful advantage.
Their expanding numbers proved it—Xia's forces now exceeded six hundred thousand.
In contrast, the king's army and his noble allies together numbered barely two hundred and fifty thousand.
However, Rosen's forces lacked formal military training; most were fierce but undisciplined fighters. The king and Duke Raymont's troops were professional soldiers. Even with a numerical advantage, Rosen's side might not win a direct confrontation.
Years of disciplined training could not be offset by courage alone.
Still, numbers mattered in another way—the larger the base, the greater the chance of producing powerful individuals.
Now Rosen's faction had many capable fighters. Victory seemed within reach.
Hathaway, Daz Bones, Alice, Enel, Sparks, Morris—and Rosen himself. With a lineup like this, failing to conquer a single kingdom, even a major one, would be disgraceful.
If Rosen's power grew a little more, and if Hathaway and Enel could each reach admiral-level strength, then the Dawn Pirates would already have the qualifications to contend with a Yonko.
Even now, against a Marine admiral without the support of a grand fleet, they might not only hold their own but possibly win.
That was the Dawn Pirates' current combat potential.
Morris was not a member of Rosen's crew, so how much effort he would commit was uncertain.
As for Alice, Daz Bones, and the city-builder leader Sparks, their combat level was roughly equivalent to a strong division commander under a Yonko—but not yet at the level of top executives or commanders.
Dingle and Bulova were not great fighters, but one was socially adept, and the other had a keen sense for governance. An elder promoted from the city-builders also possessed commendable abilities.
Such power was enough to annihilate a kingdom, but ruling one was another matter. Hence, Rosen accepted the surrender of any noble who was not irredeemably corrupt.
His orders were swiftly executed.
"The mission is simple—decapitation! Both the king and Raymont must die. Only their deaths will collapse their army's morale. Alice, Vic, Bulova, Sparks—on the third morning, launch full assaults on all fortresses capable of reinforcing the capital. If you can take them, do so; if not, intercept their reinforcements."
"Understood." Each fortress had a commander personally appointed by Rosen to ensure direct control and prevent any mishaps.
"Morris, you'll handle the sea. Prevent any escape by ship. Enel, Hathaway, Daz Bones—you're coming with me. We'll strike the royal palace directly at the start of the offensive."
According to Rosen's intelligence, the king's personal guard included only one notable shadow operative, backed by a competent force. Raymont had Coulson, and he himself was formidable.
Their side had at least three elite fighters. None were overwhelmingly strong, but each posed real threats. Beyond them loomed the unpredictable variable—Tesoro.
Without Tesoro, everything would unfold as planned—perhaps not effortlessly, but victory would be certain. But with him involved, the outcome was less predictable. Caution was essential.
"Uncle, if we're going to fight, I know a beautiful lady who said she'd grant me one wish if I introduced her to Queen Sister," Natalie suddenly said.
"What?" Rosen blinked and turned to Enel for clarification.
"I heard it's some Pirate Empress—one of the Shichibukai. For some reason, she seems interested in you, though it's unclear whether her intentions are good," Enel replied calmly.
"That troublesome woman… ignore her for now. Focus on what's in front of us." Rosen frowned slightly. The Pirate Empress—Boa Hancock—had encountered Natalie? With her arrogance, how had they avoided conflict?
"The fighting's stopped—the enemy's retreating to rest."
"Are they afraid? I heard Duke Raymont has stationed his troops in the capital."
"Don't relax. This could be a trap. Deploy more guards to watch the city-builders. If they show any movement, kill them immediately. We can't let their numbers grow again."
The battlefields suddenly went quiet. The first day passed without fighting. The second, still silence.
"Strange. Did they give up?"
"Impossible—they had the upper hand."
"Let's hope this ends soon. The king's temper worsens by the day. I heard he personally killed dozens of singers last night. Has he gone mad?"
"Shut up. Do you want to die too?"
"Captain, do you think it's worth fighting for a king like this? I believe Princess Xia would treat her people better. These days, if the king's even slightly displeased, innocent lives are lost."
…
"What are they planning?" Raymont frowned. "Have everyone stay alert. If they stop advancing now, they're plotting something. Strengthen palace defenses."
Decapitation? Yes, that was always the key to victory in war. But without breaking the fortresses, even their strongest warriors forcing their way in would be surrounded and overwhelmed.
If that happened, it would only hasten their deaths.
(End of Chapter)