"The general trend?"
Koushirou seemed to understand something, and his expression became complex.
"With just him?"
The so-called 'general trend' didn't refer to the landscape of the New World, but the state of the entire world for the past eight hundred years.
The existence of the World Government shrouded the sky over the seas and lands, pressing down on the heads of all living beings.
The Marines were the claws and wings they extended, the vast majority of things had to submit to 'its' will.
Above this invisible giant beast were the Celestial Dragons within Mary Geoise, looking down upon the mortal world from the Red Line. They bore the name of Gods, a status unchanged for eight hundred years.
Even for someone like him, the most he could do was cooperate with the Revolutionary Army and make some efforts in the minor details.
The global situation?
That was simply too far away.
"Perhaps, possibly, hopefully."
Issho said, "But at least, that is what I believe."
"..."
Koushirou remained silent, his gaze falling upon Shusui at his waist.
It favored Hiroto so much. Could it be—no, it hasn't been confirmed that it favors Hiroto yet. I can't jump to conclusions.
He shook his head and turned to look toward the harbor, where the battle was in full swing.
Zoro's performance gratified Koushirou, while also providing a sense of reality that he couldn't find in Hiroto.
Issho didn't speak further, also casting his gaze toward the harbor battlefield, but he didn't look at Zoro. Instead, he looked at the outer wall of the ship-island.
There was an unexpected factor there.
At the town harbor, even before Hiroto made his move against Moria, the Going Merry, falling from the sky, crashed heavily into the bay harbor of the small city, kicking up a high spray of water.
Then, a scorching stream of fire erupted from the towering church within the city, and a thunderous roar kicked off the battle within the small town.
"Is it an enemy?"
On a tall building in the town not far from the harbor, Perona, surrounded by a group of Zombie Generals, frowned as she leisurely sipped afternoon tea under a parasol.
She immediately looked toward the church where the battle had clearly broken out. She hesitated for a moment but didn't go over—not because she was afraid of fighting.
It was because Absalom's death had caused Moria to recall the shadows of his early years. So this time, he had ordered her to avoid combat and let the zombie army handle any problems or enemies they encountered first.
Perona would still listen to the words of Moria, who had taken her in since she was a child.
Besides, some of the zombie army had already rushed over to help Moria. The zombie soldiers, numbering more than half of the total, were a force that could not be ignored.
Of course, the most critical point was that Perona didn't think there were any enemies in the East Blue who could defeat Moria.
Ultimately, the only thing worth caring about was the murderer who had killed Absalom.
Swoosh—
A pale blue slash suddenly shot into her field of vision, originating from the harbor and slicing through all the zombie soldiers who had approached to investigate. Then, with its momentum undiminished, it sliced open a three-story building, causing the structure to split left and right and collapse.
Boom!
Dust rose amidst the loud noise.
Without a doubt, this was also an enemy.
"How dare you strike at the Thriller Bark Pirates! Captain John, Tararan, Lola, go and take that guy down!"
Perona waved her hand angrily, her face showing a murderous intent.
But she didn't go over herself. If they couldn't deal with the enemy, it wouldn't be too late for her to take the field personally.
With the order given, the zombie army quickly became restless.
"Charge!"
"Kill that swordsman!"
"Kill him!"
Amidst hisses and roars, countless zombie soldiers rushed toward the harbor, a dark mass as unstoppable as a tide.
Among them were the Zombie Generals. They were painstakingly created by Moria, powerful zombies formed by combining the corpses of the strong with the shadows of the strong using the power of the Shadow-Shadow Fruit. They were granted the title of General because of their extraordinary combat power.
At the harbor, the newly landed Zoro glanced at the massive 'island' behind him, showing a surprised expression. This sea truly was eye-opening.
Then he looked at Carina beside him. "Are you really sure you can handle this?"
Before arriving, Hiroto had informed them about Moria. Included in that was the woman named Perona, a Paramecia-type Hollow-Hollow Fruit user. Her ability was so troublesome it could be called almost unsolvable.
"I believe in myself, and I won't fail Captain's trust in me." Carina clenched her fists, her eyes filled with firm conviction.
"That person named Perona, leave her to my Smooth-Smooth Fruit."
"Right, I'll leave it to you guys." Nami nodded vigorously, having no intention of joining the fray at all.
The two didn't mind. After all, as the navigator, Nami was never part of the combat sequence within the team to begin with.
At that moment, Zoro suddenly looked back again toward the towering Thriller Bark. He had a faint feeling of being watched. However, at the end of his line of sight, all he could see was the towering wall, with seemingly nothing on it.
He shook his head, unsheathed Raichi, and with a wave of his hand, a flying slash destroyed the approaching enemies. Then he jumped onto the pier and charged into the harbor.
Carina took off her boots and followed him off the ship barefoot. Her only target was Perona, the one who posed the greatest threat.