Dozens of warships and tens of thousands of Marine Soldiers. These Navy warships were the best ones dispatched from Marineford, each measuring nearly a hundred meters long. The Marine Soldiers were also elites, having undergone at least five years of training and combat.
And at this moment, they stood in a powerful Navy formation capable of destroying any established Yonko.
But right now, they were standing ready for battle, their faces showing no sign of relaxation; some could only manage to wipe away sweat.
This was true for everyone, from the lowest-ranking Marine Soldier to Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
Because they knew very well just how terrifying the enemy they were about to face was.
"Sigh..." As if thinking of something troubling, Sengoku couldn't help but let out a sigh, his brow furrowed with distress.
"What's wrong? Are you worried that we won't win? Or that we won't be able to stop them?"
This scene was naturally noticed by Tsuru and the others beside him, so she asked, curious and worried.
"The battle with Whitebeard that I meticulously prepared for... I never expected something like this to happen," Sengoku said with a bitter smile, his face filled with sorrow, a hint of despair, and dissatisfaction.
Because he knew clearly that the Navy had been well-prepared, but after this battle, frankly, he had no confidence left to win the upcoming Summit War.
Because only a few days would pass after this battle ended, and the Navy would simply be unable to recover immediately.
Furthermore, don't forget that Luna is already causing trouble up in Mary Geoise. With her Nullification ability, Sengoku knew that the former Fleet Admiral Steel Bone Kong and the others wouldn't be able to do anything to Luna, and they would definitely suffer heavy casualties and massive expenditure.
Moreover, he knew one more thing: this time, they likely wouldn't just be facing the Whitebeard Pirates. Other forces would certainly intervene, especially since the current five Emperor-level Pirate Crews—Luna, who surpasses the Yonko, and the established Yonko, Whitebeard and Shanks—have been interacting.
But don't forget there are two other Sea Emperors: Kaido and Charlotte Linlin.
Now that the matter of a 'Three Emperors Alliance' has spread, those two have also felt the pressure, plus there is still Rocks.
He should be able to stall them for a bit, but even if only the Pink Hat Pirates show up, it would be enough to cause them serious trouble.
This Summit War, which he had meticulously prepared, was intended by Sengoku to be his retirement battle.
He did not want it to end in failure, even though he knew that given the current world structure, even if they defeated the Whitebeard Pirates...
...it wouldn't significantly weaken the morale on the pirates' side. After all, the younger generation has Luna, the youngest Sea fifth emperor, and the older generation now has Rocks.
In other words, Sengoku was currently overwhelmed with worry, especially since there hadn't been a single piece of good news these past few days.
Even if there was, it was too minor and would immediately be overshadowed by major, bad news, crushing any small boost in morale he might have gained.
Hearing his words, the Navy High Command behind him quickly thought of the same issues.
Their faces immediately turned bitter. Yes, they had gone through so much trouble preparing for the fully equipped Summit War, only for this to happen just days before. Luna truly was a troublemaker who never settled down.
Hadn't the previous war just ended?
At the same time, they were also very clear that regardless of the outcome of this current battle, the Navy would definitely not be in peak condition for the upcoming Summit War.
"Sengoku, don't forget that the Five Elders have already gone to launch a surprise attack on the Pink Hat Pirates' base. They might have a chance to kill those girls, or at least severely weaken them."
Although Zephyr disliked the Five Elders and was annoyed by those five condescending old men, he immediately stepped in to comfort his old comrade.
"Sigh, I hope so." Just thinking about truly weakening the Pink Hat Pirates—after all, besides Luna, none of the other Pink Hat Pirate Crew members were easy to deal with, and every single one required the Navy's close attention.
Sengoku also showed a look of longing. At the same time, he cried out in his heart, *Those five old bastards, the Five Elders, must succeed, even if they only manage to weaken them. I don't ask for them to kill the opponents.*
Garp, seeing this scene, still wanted to say something, especially concerning Ace.
But suddenly, his expression changed, and he instantly became serious, saying gravely:
"Sengoku, they're here."
Garp's voice was very loud. Not only Sengoku and the others heard it, but the entire Navy fleet did as well. All the Navy personnel, high and low, immediately became tense and serious.
Then everyone saw a massive fleet of pirate ships appearing on the distant horizon. The patterns on the sails and the flags on the masts—weren't those the symbols of the Rocks Pirates?
Rocks possessed the pirate numbers of yesteryear; at least in terms of headcount, they certainly outnumbered the Navy.
This was one of the reasons why the Rocks Pirates were able to dominate the New World many years ago.
Having a large number of people was also an advantage, even if they were just a swarm of ants.
But at this moment, the Navy powerhouses naturally had excellent eyesight and could see far.
When they saw the lineup on Rocks' main ship, even they gasped.
Because they saw Rocks himself standing right at the front. They recognized the people on his left and right with shock—weren't they the ones who had ambushed Garp after the last war ended?
These four guys had actually become Rocks' subordinates.
"That little girl Luna, she had too many connections before forming her Pirate Crew, didn't she?"
Garp said with a hint of envy. How great would it be if these four were Navy personnel?
A Great Swordsman, a super-strength fighter, a Scientist, and a Fishman who could control the power of the sea—the Navy had truly coveted these four when they discussed them previously!
But alas, these four were discovered by Luna beforehand, had established a relationship with her, and were now introduced by Luna to her grandfather.
The other children who heard his words were filled with envy and resentment. Why couldn't good things ever happen to the Navy?
And when the skyfire mecha appeared behind them, their feelings intensified.
Why didn't the Navy possess such a powerful technological weapon—a giant robot that could understand human speech and had immense fighting power?
"Wait a minute, why don't I see those two old bastards, John and Silver Axe?"
But suddenly, Zephyr frowned and asked in confusion.
The other Navy personnel were startled. That's right, where were those two men, who were at least Admiral Level?
"Reporting, Fleet Admiral! We just received news that Silver Axe and John previously piloted a small Pirate Crew away from here. They left the formation midway, and their whereabouts are unknown."
Just then, a Navy intelligence officer suddenly walked over and reported respectfully.
---------------------------------
I hope you enjoy this fanfiction! If you're having fun and want to read 30 chapters in advance, feel free to check out my Patreon: patreon.com/TLScarlet
Your support means a lot so if you like the story, don't forget to drop a Power Stone.
