"Red Hair Shanks...what is he here for now...this war was truly a horrendous decision."
Listening to the soldier's report, Tsuru felt quite troubled as well. The arrangements for this war weren't problematic at first; if only the Whitebeard Pirates had come, their preparations would have been sufficient.
Even if most people put in a lackluster effort, they could've achieved their strategic goals; but now, the situation at the top of the war has completely spiraled out of their control.
First Kaidou and the rejuvenated Whitebeard, followed by the inexplicable appearance of inmates from Impel Down. Although those inmates didn't cause too much trouble, they became the final straw that broke Garp's resolve.
Stopping one grandson from saving another was something he simply couldn't do. As things have progressed, even Red Hair has shown up. Aside from BIG MOM, the Navy Headquarters could practically gather all the Sea Emperors to play mahjong.
The high-level forces from both sides could even engage in a game of werewolf, with the game being quite unique as they debate to identify who's the traitor, who's slacking, and who's shirking duties.
"Hopefully, there isn't that so-called Three Emperor alliance, otherwise...the Navy Headquarters won't be able to withstand it..."
"Vice Admiral Tsuru! Emergency communication from Mary Geoise! They demand our troops immediately distance themselves from Whitebeard and Kaidou."
"Distance?"
"Yes, distance. Excessive forces can be concentrated around Queen, that's what they said."
The messenger didn't understand why the World Government issued this order, only faithfully relaying every word.
Their single requirement is to relay orders faithfully, without injecting any personal emotions, thus preventing the transmission of any bizarre orders.
The Five Elders do have some discretion, aiming to use some special measures, but they haven't planned for indiscriminate attacks, only targeting certain individuals. They couldn't possibly destroy the entire Marinfanto.
To avoid injuring too many of their own people, they transmitted the order to the Navy, but that was the extent of it. When the time comes, they won't be considerate of the soldiers' lives below.
"Vice Admiral Tsuru, what should we do?"
"First, go relay the orders...hopefully, we're still in time..."
Tsuru is very aware that this isn't a negotiation, but a notification from the World Government. If they can't react in time, the World Government won't stop their actions.
On an already blood-stained battlefield, some things can't just stop by saying so, especially on the battlefield with those monsters; you can't just go there if you want to.
...
"Oh! He's coming, he's coming, Father is finally done with his business."
When the explosion occurred, Yamato flew into the sky to see what Kaidou was doing, deciding the next steps based on that, only to see the approaching Origin.
From the beginning of the battle, she's been pondering a question: How to smoothly escape from the fight and leave Kaidou with nothing to say. After much thought, she believed the breakthrough was in Arceus.
During the battle, she unleashed the power of frost within her and expanded the ice around Marinfanto. This served a sole purpose: preventing pirate ships from approaching.
Thus, when the Origin approached, she could use the excuse of clearing the way to escape the current battle.
Once on the Origin, no one would have a reason to make her continue fighting, and Kaidou wouldn't have anything to say then.
"The battle should be about over, right."
"What are you talking about? Do you think this is some child's play game?"
"But fighting me is pointless. Look over there; Fire Fist and Straw Hat have already escaped. Why not go after them? Isn't that the reason for starting this war? Or go fight Whitebeard; I'm not interested in fighting you any longer."
"To say such things, you truly are an unruly pirate....."
"So, what is your decision? If you want to continue fighting, then I can't help it."
Staring at Yamato, Kuzan chose not to continue tangling with her. Though she was a formidable force, Yamato wasn't showing any inclination to attack ordinary navy members or concern herself with the outcome of the war, simply intervening for the sake of an insect's safety.
Throughout the war, she seemed more like a disgruntled employee forced to show up for work.
Compared to Yamato, other pirates posed greater problems. Kuzan himself did not really support this war, and upon confirming Yamato's seriousness, he decisively left.
Yamato followed her plan, heading towards the Origin's direction but meeting someone along the way who shared her thoughts.
...
"Tell me, Uncle Queen, why are you here? Be careful, or I'll tell father you're slacking off, not fighting, and running away."
"Same to you, Miss Yamato; you're doing the same thing!"
Acting as the slacker duo of Hundred Beasts, their thoughts were highly aligned even before the war started. Before coming, they fought over guarding Wano Kuni; now, they're competing to lead the way.
Queen's thoughts were similar to Yamato's: help the Origin clear a path, and then blend in with the ship, gaining Arceus' protection and thus absolute safety.
"Miss Yamato, allow me to handle this; such a small matter shouldn't bother you."
"No, no, no, Father said to be responsible. I froze the sea; naturally, I should be the one to resolve it."
Since there were no high-level forces at the perimeter, going alone to remove obstacles could be framed as clearing the way for Arceus' Origin. Both going would practically announce that they exerted all efforts just to slack off.
Queen sneakily reached for a special weapon at his back, intending to activate it with Arceus already there, no longer fearing attracting attention. But before he could act, Yamato's Wolf Fang Club was already at his neck.
"Miss Yamato, what are you doing?!"
"Don't move, Uncle Queen; I'll talk again after finishing my current task."
As she spoke, Supreme King Haki erupted from within, knocking out pirates and marines along the way who might interfere with the Origin's process, completing her task.
Watching Yamato use Supreme King Haki to clear the miscreants, Queen looked as if he was going to cry. Though he had many weapons, none matched the speed of Yamato's innate Supreme King Haki—losing his eligibility to compete.
Upon achieving her goal, a smug expression appeared on Yamato's face, unknowingly, Queen seemed to have made some kind of decision.
...
A few minutes later, Queen and Yamato both appeared on the Origin. Although they didn't clear the way, Queen didn't seek another partner for a fake contest but insisted on boarding with Yamato.
"Uncle Queen, what exactly are you planning? Father will suspect something's amiss if you behave this way!"
"It doesn't matter, Miss Yamato; in that case...let's go down together."