As the live broadcast began, people all over the world who had been eagerly awaiting the public execution held their breath. Some stared intently at the screen, watching the young Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters appear on camera, while others, without access to video Den Den Mushi, huddled around regular Den Den Mushi to listen.
In the New World, the Four Emperors, the Revolutionary Army's headquarters, major news agencies, and even the Chamber of Authority and Flower Room within the World Government's sacred Pangaea Castle were all closely following the broadcast.
Some were focused on Whitebeard Jr., the heinous criminal who dared to attack a Marine training ship. However, many more were curious about the message the new Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters intended to convey through this public execution.
Marineford Plaza, Marine Headquarters.
As the broadcast began, Xayuki ignored the Seven Warlords seated at the meeting table. Rising to his feet, he walked to the edge of the high platform, standing before the image-transmitting Den Den Mushi facing him.
The moment he stepped into the camera's view, the entire world seemed to pause. Whether present in the plaza or watching through the live broadcast, everyone's eyes were fixed on Xayuki. Even the Seven Warlords seated around the table shifted their attention to him.
Xayuki did not speak immediately. With Gion's sword hanging at his waist, he rested one hand on the hilt, standing silently before the camera. The sea breeze whipped his Fleet Admiral's coat into a frenzy, the fabric flapping wildly and producing a sharp, crackling sound.
The wind lifted his cloak, revealing his broad shoulders and lean waist. His poised and commanding figure was suddenly and unmistakably etched into the eyes of the Seven Warlords and the Marine officers present. Boa Hancock's gaze softened instantly, her eyes brimming with admiration. Even Gion seemed momentarily distracted.
After a long silence of over ten seconds, Xayuki pressed down on the hilt of his sword and stepped forward. His voice, calm yet powerful, rang out: "To all the righteous souls, scoundrels, and those who deserve death watching this public execution—good afternoon!"
"My name is Xayuki."
"I am the current Fleet Admiral of Marine Headquarters."
"Please remember this name, for in the days to come, it may become a frequent topic of your conversations—or, for some, a lingering nightmare."
"I trust that everyone watching this broadcast or its relay already knows the background of this event."
"As you are aware, the infamous Miss Bakkin, a former member of the Rocks Pirates known as Bakkin Gom Stussy, orchestrated the attack on a Marine training ship through her son, Edward Weevil. This heinous act resulted in the survival of only two cadets aboard the ship. Following their capture and subsequent investigation, it was determined that Bakkin and Weevil are guilty and deserving of death!"
"Of course, executing these two criminals doesn't require such a grand spectacle."
"The reason I've chosen to publicly broadcast this execution is to speak to the entire world and to make one thing clear to those criminals who continue to trample upon the order of justice—"
Before finishing his sentence, Xayuki stepped forward again. His aura surged, and his previously gentle gaze sharpened into something piercing and unyielding. "I want them to know that the heroic Marines cannot be provoked!"
"I want them to know that justice—cannot be trampled upon!"
With each resolute word of "justice cannot be trampled upon," every Marine officer and soldier, led by Sakazuki, straightened their backs, stepped forward, and saluted.
The next moment—
"LOYALTY!"
The resounding cry of loyalty, filled with the fervor of every Marine in Marineford, exploded like a bomb. Its impact reverberated through the Seven Warlords seated in the plaza and everyone watching the broadcast.
"Fufufufu~ How invigorating!"
At the meeting table, even a schemer like Donquixote Doflamingo had to admit that the young Fleet Admiral before him was a natural-born leader.
Similarly, Crocodile, a man with grand ambitions of his own, fell into deep contemplation.
When he first arrived at Marine Headquarters, he harbored a sliver of hope—perhaps he could strike a deal with this young Fleet Admiral during the Seven Warlords meeting, achieving mutual benefits and forming an alliance.
But after hearing Xayuki's declaration of "justice cannot be trampled upon," any lingering hope in Crocodile's heart vanished. He now understood clearly that, in Xayuki's eyes, he was nothing more than a pirate.
Once the execution concluded, it would be their turn to face life-or-death decisions.
Seated next to Gecko Moria, Kazha also realized their predicament. After the execution, they would have only two choices: submit to Xayuki's rule or face death.
Submission was out of the question!
Once a member of the Beasts Pirates' All-Stars, Kazha had since left the crew. However, this didn't mean he would betray Kaido. On the contrary, he remained loyal to Kaido and sought to bolster the Beasts Pirates by acquiring more Devil Fruits.
Jinbe, on the other hand, remained composed, his expression focused as he listened attentively to Xayuki's speech, seemingly looking forward to what he would say next.
The quietest of all were Dracule Mihawk and Boa Hancock.
Especially Hancock, who was completely lost in her own daydreams, unable to extricate herself.
At this point, Xayuki, a master of public speaking, paused for over ten seconds. He then glanced at his watch before returning his gaze to the camera. His tone softened, shedding the earlier sharpness: "Sixteen years ago, the so-called Pirate King Gol D. Roger uttered a single sentence before his execution, igniting the Era of Great Pirates."
"In the sixteen years that followed, countless people set sail as pirates in search of Roger's treasure on the final island, leaving a trail of suffering in their wake. Innocent civilians were caught in the crossfire, their lives shattered, their families torn apart."
"To this, I say—"
"To all the persecuted people of the world, I have this to say through this broadcast!"
Xayuki's voice quickened, his words ringing out with conviction: "What your country cannot handle, the Marines will handle!" "What the World Government cannot kill, the Marines will kill!" "In short, I, Xayuki, vow to end the sixteen-year-long Era of Great Pirates!"
"Whether it's pirates, human trafficking organizations, or any other criminal groups—even the once untouchable nobles and privileged classes—anyone who stands in my way will be crushed!"
"—For Justice!"
These words sent shockwaves through the world.
For a moment, everyone watching the broadcast fell silent.
Then, across the Sabaody Archipelago and other locations with outdoor screens, the silence erupted into chaos. Everywhere, people who had seen or heard the broadcast were ablaze with excitement.
"Long live Fleet Admiral Xayuki!" "Long live the Marines!" "Long live Justice!"
In Sabaody Archipelago, the deafening cheers spread from one plaza to the next, quickly engulfing the entire island. Those who had suffered at the hands of pirates or endured oppression from the aristocracy reacted most passionately, their faces alight with fervor. Some raised their fists and shouted slogans, while others embraced each other, weeping with emotion.
Facing the camera, Xayuki did not pause for dramatic effect. Instead, he suddenly turned his head, his sharp gaze landing on Ain and Binz, who had been waiting below the platform.
"Bring the criminals to the execution platform!" he commanded. "—Execute them immediately!"
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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