"…"
The clamor of the Beasts Pirates came to an abrupt halt, as if an invisible hand had gripped their throats.
The pirates who had been shouting moments ago were now completely silent.
Their mouths hung open, but no sound came out.
All eyes were fixed on the New Warlords of the Sea on the high platform, filled with disbelief and terror.
Even Jack, who had been incessantly yelling "bring the ship closer," stopped swinging his scythe and stared dumbfounded at the terrifying lineup on the New Marine's high platform.
"Newgate…"
Kaido clenched his kanabo tightly, his brow furrowed deeply.
"You old bastard…"
At this point, how could he not understand what had happened?!
Newgate, the man once hailed as the strongest in the world, had bowed to the Marine!
Whether it was for his captured son or some other convoluted reason, the fact remained.
The Beasts Pirates now had to face the New Marine's terrifying lineup alone!
Kaido's gaze slowly shifted upward, landing on the higher tier of the platform, his frown deepening.
His already ferocious face darkened further, his eyes a mix of rage, shock, and a trace of unconcealable fear.
'This lineup… Is this really the Marine?!'
'It's like they've gathered every monster from across the seas in one place!'
'Looks like you're all trying to bully me!!!'
....
Meanwhile, the Den Den Mushi's perspective also shifted upward.
Finally, it settled on the nine seats just below the highest level.
The nine high-ranking officers of the New Marine sat there in silence.
They wore brand-new New Marine standard cloaks, each tailored with unique touches to reflect their individual styles.
On their chests, the gleaming New Marine insignias marked their prestigious status as the five department heads and deputy heads.
Akainu, the Military Affairs Head, puffed on a thick cigar, the crimson ember at its tip flickering.
The pungent scent of tobacco filled the air.
"It's finally begun…!"
Garp, the Deputy Military Affairs Head.
Crunching on freshly baked rice crackers, he chatted and laughed with Sengoku beside him.
Every now and then, his booming laughter echoed frequently.
The two were enthusiastically discussing how to earn as much military merit as possible in the upcoming battles.
Minister of Civil Affairs, Kuzan.
Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs, Issho.
Two men wholly devoted to the people, conversing in perfect harmony.
They spoke freely about their blueprints for the future…
The "Tequila Wolf" Bridge—that symbol of slavery and oppression, that bridge of sin—was soon to be taken over by the New Marine.
They planned how to utilize this bridge to provide more job opportunities for the people.
More importantly, they aimed to make these once-isolated seas more connected, more united.
Minister of Finance, Kizaru, sat with one leg crossed over the other, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of his chair in a rhythmic tap-tap.
On his face was his signature, slightly lecherous smile.
At this moment, Kizaru's mind was racing with calculations on how to further increase the bonus ratio for the Finance Department.
After all, other departments received allowances and bonuses based on task completion.
Only the Finance Department's bonuses were calculated based on the surplus ratio at the end of each fiscal year!
And all the Finance Department's accounts had to be regularly disclosed to the other departments!
Transparent!
Too transparent!
"Mike, you little brat…"
Borsalino grumbled resentfully in his heart, "I poured my heart out to you, talked about feelings…"
"And you're playing mind games with me?!!!"
Minister of Education, Zephyr.
His pen scratched swiftly across the paper, the friction between nib and page crisp and audible.
Zephyr was refining his voluminous New Marine Education Act, every word and sentence infused with his hopes for the future.
Occasionally, he would lift his head and exchange a few quiet words with Rayleigh beside him, sharing opinions and perspectives.
Deputy Minister of Education, Silvers Rayleigh.
He sat there peacefully, like a recluse detached from worldly affairs.
From time to time, Rayleigh would pick up the small flask at his side, take a light sip, and answer Zephyr's questions.
Minister of Coordination, Sengoku.
At the moment, he was busy helping Garp strategize.
Scheming how to "fish" Ace and Sabo—those two boys of boundless potential—from the clutches of Whitebeard and Dragon, and bring them under Garp's wing.
To properly… mold them.
Deputy Minister of Coordination, Tsuru.
She watched Garp and Sengoku quietly with a kindly smile gracing her face.
As if seeing them in their younger days.
It was worth noting…
A ten-years-younger Vice Admiral Tsuru looked even more…
Graceful and elegant.
"..."
"…???"
"…!!!"
The entire world had fallen into an eerie silence.
Everyone was utterly stunned by the New Marine's unprecedentedly powerful lineup.
Was… was this really the same Marine they knew?
On top of the original Marine's overwhelming combat power, there was now the addition of "Dark king" Rayleigh…
"This lineup is way too stacked!"
"Are they trying to destroy the world?!"
"Kaido, rest in peace…"
"May there be no Marine in heaven…"
"Right now…"
"I… I'm more curious about one thing…"
One person stammered, voicing the question on everyone's mind.
The very top… the highest seat… who could it possibly be?"
"Just what kind of existence could possibly keep those monsters in check?"
"Could it be… the World Government's hidden boss?"
"Impossible! If the World Government had this kind of power, they would have wiped out the Four Emperors long ago!"
"Then... who is it?"
"..."
Just as everyone was racking their brains in frantic speculation, the Den Den Mushi's perspective finally reached the highest point.
At the pinnacle of the platform, Mike sat casually on an enormous throne large enough to accommodate dozens of people.
He wore a brand-new New Marine leader's uniform, impeccably tailored without a single wrinkle.
Mike stood up, calmly surveying all of Marineford with an unreadable gaze.
His eyes fell upon the approaching Beasts Pirates in the distance, and the corners of his lips curled slightly.
"They're here..."
He murmured softly, casually waving his right hand.
The ability of 'Master of the Sea!' silently activated.
'Master of the Sea!'
Effect: The Nautilus resonates with all oceans, granting the host the title of "Master of the Sea":
The host gains absolute control over all global waters, freely manipulating currents, weather, and Sea Kings, with the ability to teleport to any body of water.
Deep beneath the sea, the Nautilus slowly opened its eyes like a waking behemoth.
Without the roar of engines or the churning of propellers, it began moving silently and gracefully.
"Whoosh—"
Outside Marineford's harbor, the sea suddenly transformed.
The previously calm waters, as if provoked into fury, began churning violently.
Waves surged, winds howled.
"BOOM—"
A colossal tidal wave, towering like a collapsing mountain, descended upon the Beasts Pirates with unstoppable force.
"Kaido,"
Mike's voice, though not loud, carried clearly across all of Marineford—even reaching the entire world through the Den Den Mushi.
"Prepare to die!"
---------
This fanfic already end on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator