"So, Naruto Aniki and the others are all 'up in the sky'?"
When Konohamaru woke up from his coma and was found by his 'instructor', Bullet, he heard this news from him.
His expression was blank.
Previously, when Imu had shown his might, Konohamaru had become one of the many unlucky NPCs.
Though unwilling, Konohamaru had no choice but to leave with Bullet.
After all, his previous actions were truly enough to attract hatred.
Even though his actions had ultimately revealed the truth to the Marines, it couldn't change the fact that he had made Marineford look utterly ridiculous in front of the entire world, spinning in circles.
It was possible that some extremists would blame him for it.
Of course, the most critical problem was… he couldn't fly.
So even if he wanted to, he lacked the ability to help Naruto.
Now that the tide had receded, the main battlefield had shifted from the ground to ten thousand meters in the sky.
Those who had been indiscriminately knocked unconscious by Conqueror's Haki were slowly waking up with the help of others and began spreading word by mouth about each and every event that had occurred.
This wasn't just happening on the Marine side… it was similar among the pirates.
However, compared to the Marines, whose morale was low and where even small-scale arguments were breaking out, the atmosphere on the pirate side was much better.
At this moment, Konohamaru had also boarded Byrnndi World's Groseade with Bullet. Around him, many pirates were also beginning their withdrawal.
Most of them were quite happy.
After all, several objectives for coming here had been achieved.
Ace had been rescued, they had fought to their heart's content, and they had even heard the big secret about the World Government.
For most pirates in the New World, this could be considered a good 'team-building' exercise.
-Except for Kaido, of course.
Right now, King and Queen were beside Kaido, trying to persuade their Governor not to continue fighting.
The Beasts Pirates had not been without casualties in this battle, but what truly made them choose to retreat was the departure of the other two major fleets.
Among the Whitebeard Pirates, while everyone was happy that Ace had been rescued, they had also learned that Whitebeard's life was nearing its end. Joy and worry were mixed for the moment.
In such a mood, the over forty pirate crews present chose to leave the Marine Headquarters openly and flamboyantly alongside the Moby Dick.
Come to think of it, this experience could be bragged about for a lifetime.
On Big Mom's side, although Katakuri hadn't been able to help Naruto, he had taken advantage of the chaos to capture Doflamingo again.
This time, no one on the Marine side paid any attention to this 'former Celestial Dragon'.
After learning about the relationship between Imu and the Five Elders, many had begun to doubt the 'Justice' they served.
Over ninety-nine percent of the Marines had completely changed their attitude towards the World Government and the Celestial Dragons behind it.
After all, whether the Marines could uphold true justice was debatable, but the Celestial Dragons, an already detestable group, had now been completely stripped of their fig leaf.
The existence of Imu had completely pushed the Celestial Dragon group to the opposite side of the Marines.
To be honest, their relationship with the Revolutionary Army might now be closer.
"Sengoku, what next..."
Garp first gazed into the distance at the sky. Unfortunately, Naruto and the others had probably already fought their way up to the stratosphere, the altitude of Skypiea, so he couldn't see anything at all from below with his naked eye.
Finding that he couldn't see Naruto, he turned his head, wanting to say something to his old comrade.
But what he saw was Sengoku, with his afro, frantically scratching his head with both hands buried in his fluffy hair.
"Ah… Sengoku, if your scalp itches, it's best to use shampoo-"
Garp's quip was cut off by Sengoku's murderous glare.
"Old fool, don't make me beat you up right now."
Garp, who could still somewhat read the atmosphere, immediately made a zipper-closing gesture, indicating he would shut up.
He understood.
Right now, the person with the biggest headache among everyone was undoubtedly the Fleet Admiral, Sengoku.
First, there was the mess at Marineford to deal with. But before that, he needed to find a way to make the awakened Marines, and the other colleagues stationed at other bases who couldn't participate in this war, accept the situation that 'the Marines and the World Government have completely fallen out'.
The personnel, financial, military, and other issues involved went without saying.
The Marines' top priority now was to restabilize their basic foundation. After all, during the earlier worldwide broadcast, the collapse of the World Government's credibility had also implicated the Marines.
Perhaps right now, in some base thousands of miles away, a 'justice-minded' base commander had already chosen to break away from the 'heretical' Marine Headquarters.
After all, not all Marines joined for justice.
For example, the mouse-like Captain stationed near the Conomi Islands in the East Blue was in it for the money.
When there are many people, it's inevitable that some bad apples get mixed in. Bad Marines like that mouse Captain weren't rare.
For them, choosing between standing behind the seemingly invincible Celestial Dragons who could give them wealth and power, and standing behind the stubborn Marines who constantly had to guard against surprise inspections, wasn't a difficult choice.
Of course, for every bad one, there were good ones.
For example, the Marines of the [G-5 Branch] led by Vergo.
Although these men were ruthless and did whatever it took, they genuinely hated evil.
Faced with the question of 'choosing the Marines or the World Government', there wasn't much debate among them.
"So the so-called World Government is so dirty behind the scenes too! Lead us to fight them, Vice Admiral Vergo!"
After the G-5 Marines woke up and learned everything, they raised their arms and cheered.
If in an oppressive, chaotic era, people like them would be the first to choose rebellion.
However, this Marine's words received no response.
When he looked at his superior, he saw that Vergo, known as the [Demon Bamboo], had lost all his usual calm.
Veins bulged on his forehead, and his jaw was tightly clenched.
"Vice Admiral! You're angry at the Celestial Dragons and the World Government too, right!"
The Marine was still talking, completely unaware of what Vergo was actually thinking.
What could he be thinking?
As a member of the Donquixote Family planted as a spy within the Marines, upon waking up, Vergo first learned about the Celestial Dragon scandal.
But he didn't care about that.
After all, he served only one master.
But just as he was thinking that, he saw the Young Master he served, Donquixote Doflamingo, being carried onto the Queen Mama Chanter, tied up with ropes.
Vergo wanted to step in and rescue him.
But even disregarding the combat power issue, such a sudden action alone would be enough to arouse suspicion.
The root of the conflict had vanished, and this war should have stopped by now.
Even hawkish Vice Admirals like Onigumo and Yamakaji were silently gathering the remaining troops while allowing the pirates to take away their unconscious or deceased comrades.
This war could only end here.
If he caused trouble now, he would definitely draw suspicion. Not only would it be useless, but he might also lose his spy identity.
And after losing his identity as a Marine spy, it would be even harder for Vergo to help Doflamingo.
It was all already beyond help.
On the Queen Mama Chanter.
Big Mom was devouring sweets frantically.
The previous battle had consumed a lot of her calories, so she needed to replenish them now.
And what could be more enjoyable than sweets after a big battle?
"Mama, I caught this guy."
Katakuri threw the battered Doflamingo in front of Big Mom.
Hearing this, Big Mom paused, then leaned her head forward, a smile appearing on her face.
"Mamamamama! Good things keep coming one after another."
"Well done, Katakuri!"
After praising him, Big Mom stared at Doflamingo with malicious eyes, preparing to deliver some intimidating words.
This guy had actually escaped from her grasp before… it was a great humiliation.
But it didn't matter, as she would deal with him properly this time.
'Oh right, and that snake-skin brat.'
Just as Big Mom was about to speak, she suddenly sensed something and looked up towards another location.
There, a dragon-headed ship flying a skull flag with crossed swords was swiftly approaching.
Seeing this, Big Mom suddenly laughed.
"Ha! So slow!"
Her attitude was similar to Whitebeard's.
"Tsk... Red-Haired brat, really..."
That's right. The newcomer was the fourth Emperor, [Red-Haired] Shanks.