The sudden appearance of the mysterious Air Force plunged both the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines into a tense, eerie silence.
"…" Every observer felt a sharp apprehension toward this sudden, overwhelmingly powerful force, appearing from nowhere.
The Marines, especially, were acutely aware that the technology enabling warships to traverse clouds was beyond even their capabilities.
"The Air Force of Sky Island?"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku gazed at the warships floating magically among the clouds, frowning as he turned to those around him. "Has anyone here ever heard of this nation?"
"No…"
The surrounding Marine generals all looked perplexed.
"What about you?"
Sengoku glanced at Garp, who was lazily crunching on rice crackers.
"Never heard of it," Garp replied nonchalantly, rolling his eyes. With his grandson resurrected and Sengoku likely soon replaced as Fleet Admiral, there was no need to dwell on old frustrations.
"I recall something," an elderly voice said from afar.
"…" Both Garp and Sengoku froze and looked up, seeing Marine Chief of Staff Tsuru slowly approaching, her presence calm and measured despite reports that Peach Rabbit had been sacrificed.
"Once, a warship was swept upward by a sudden current and encountered a floating island made entirely of clouds," Tsuru began, her eyes reflecting deep wisdom. "The people of that island called it Sky Island. Later, the warship descended with a portion of the cloud territory, but a return route could never be found. The event was reported to the Marines, but intelligence was passed to CP‑0."
"So these warships are from the sky itself?"
Sengoku's voice was deep as he studied the floating fleet. "What is their objective? Are they merely intervening in our battle?"
"This sudden appearance of the Air Force is undoubtedly linked to one individual," Tsuru said, her voice firm. "The Plunderer, Shirogai, must be aware of this!"
"…" Sengoku exhaled sharply, a wry smirk forming. "I should have expected it. All these sudden twists… they are the work of his hands."
The Whitebeard Pirates remained silent.
The Marines stationed at Marineford also held their tongues.
"Esteemed citizens of the world, we, the Air Force, have arrived to preserve global peace…"
The voice of a woman rang from the sky, pre-recorded and melodic.
It was Conis of Sky Island, the one who had recorded this broadcast.
"We wield the most advanced technology for creating Artificial Sky Islands, along with fast and convenient Aerial Navigation Routes that are impervious to pirates, artificial Sky Seas, and Sky Sea Creature Farming… Any nation or individual willing may cooperate with us. We follow a principle of shared destiny for humanity, cooperating fully with any nation wishing to join our alliance. If you wish to join, contact us through…"
"Damn it!"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku's eyes widened as realization struck. He cursed under his breath.
The purpose of this Air Force appeared to be an undermining of the World Government itself — the organization ruling the world.
"Is Shirogai behind this?"
Tsuru also realized the implications as she stared at the imposing warships above.
"Is he attempting to establish a new world order to replace the World Government?"
"Hahaha, Shirogai… this boy is quite remarkable!"
Garp chuckled, eyes twinkling as he admired the aerial fleet. "As expected of my grandson's Vice Captain. Now the World Government will truly have a headache."
"Quick! Seize the video Den Den Mushi from Clown Buggy!"
Sengoku barked in urgency, turning to Kizaru. "Do not allow this broadcast to continue!"
Kizaru, brushing himself off and scratching his head, sighed lazily. "Oh dear, how terrifying! We clearly underestimated Shirogai's strategy!"
They had assumed the Plunderer merely disliked the Marines and the World Government's authority. Now it was evident he intended far more: a replacement organization, a new World Government of his own creation.
Whoosh!
Kizaru flashed across the sky in a red streak, seeking the key figure behind the broadcast — Clown Buggy.
"I-I've broadcast so many incredible things today…"
Buggy, destined to become the "Grandmaster of Outdoor Streaming," felt both awe and dread.
"The Plunderer told me to record these powerful figures… Gulp… Will they really leave me unharmed?"
He hovered in the air, carefully focusing his video on the aerial warships, the straight-standing Air Force soldiers, and the novel weapons they carried.
"Air Force… what a strange name. An army that controls the sky?" Buggy muttered.
Through Buggy's live feed, the entire world witnessed the emergence of this massive, heavily armed organization.
"Air Force? Ships actually float on clouds? Incredible…"
"I've only ever heard of the Marines! Where did this Air Force even come from?!"
"Shh! Don't anger them! Look at those powerful warships — even more imposing than the Marines'!"
"Oh, listen — they claim they can teach us the technology to build floating islands, so we could create our own Sky Islands?"
"Hiss! This… this is monumental! It could change the world!"
Reporters across the globe were electrified.
If they had not misunderstood, the Air Force's target was none other than the World Government itself.
How could such a powerful organization appear seemingly from nowhere and openly compete with the World Government for global influence?
The Sky Island Air Force claimed they could provide technology to create Sky Islands and free-floating airships. Most nations would naturally be intrigued.
Didn't you hear?
The technology alone could triple a nation's habitable land, in the sky itself!
Hiss!
Reporters went into a frenzy.
At this moment, even the battle between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines faded from public attention.
The world's eyes were now fixed entirely on the mysterious Sky Island Air Force, its unprecedented technology, and its audacious ambition.
"This is true, world-changing news! Continuous, unfolding events that will dominate headlines!"
The Air Force's broadcast reverberated across the globe.
"Airships that fly through the sky, enabling trade along aerial routes? No longer limited by treacherous seas or shipwrecks?"
"Goods transported through the air could avoid most pirates!"
"Direct aerial routes reduce delivery time and increase shipment frequency!"
Merchants worldwide shivered with excitement, their entrepreneurial instincts ablaze.
If these promises were more than just gimmicks, the world's operations would be completely transformed.
"Quick! Write down how to contact them!"
Across the globe, merchants scrambled, shouting with anticipation.
"This is a golden opportunity! A new era has dawned! This is the era of merchants!"
===
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