Acnologia and the others could already tell from Is' expression that this was no ordinary matter. No one asked further questions—they immediately returned to their rooms to prepare.
Five minutes later, Madara Uchiha had changed into his battle attire. Acnologia had done the same. Most of the others had also switched back into the clothes they wore when they first arrived in this world.
Of course, there was one exception—Tornado.
The outfit she wore now had been specially tailored after arriving in this world. It was still a long robe, though slit at the sides, yet not revealing in the slightest.
"So… it's finally time for a battle worth getting excited about." Acnologia grinned, his face full of anticipation.
"If nothing unexpected happens, Acnologia, then just as you said—this will be the fiercest battle we've ever faced," Is explained from the side.
Indeed, the intelligence from his paper butterfly had confirmed it—
the Roger Pirates and the Rocks Pirates had clashed, and the Marines were preparing to swoop in and reap the benefits.
Without a doubt, this was also a golden opportunity for Is—a perfect chance to wipe out both Roger and Rocks.
Such an opportunity… he would never let slip.
"Is this about the Rocks Pirates?" Madara asked.
"This time, it's not just the Rocks Pirates—it includes the Roger Pirates as well," Is replied.
"The Roger Pirates? The ones we ran into before?"
Is nodded. A faint, amused smile appeared on Madara's face.
"We'll discuss the rest on the way."
As he spoke, sheets of paper began to emerge from Is' body. They gathered in front of him, assembling rapidly until a moderately sized paper ship took shape before everyone's eyes.
"Master! My lords—please be careful!!!"
At the castle gates, Roz·Minian and the other maids called out anxiously.
Is turned back, smiling.
"We're not going to die!!! Alright—let's move out!"
Once everyone boarded, the paper ship rose into the air and shot forward at incredible speed.
Their destination—Marine Headquarters.
Less than five minutes after Is and his group departed, the Five Elders had already received the news.
"Is and his group all left Mary Geoise in the middle of the night???" the sword-bearing elder asked, puzzled, as he looked toward the bald elder.
"That's what's been reported below, but the exact reason is unknown," the bald elder said, placing down the Den Den Mushi and sitting on the sofa.
"The entire group mobilized… could it be because of what the Fleet Admiral reported?"
At those words, the expressions of the other four elders froze. They all understood—Is wouldn't mobilize everyone in the middle of the night without a reason.
And the only thing capable of prompting such action…
was the matter concerning Rocks and Roger.
"That must be it. I didn't expect that boy Is would interfere in Marine affairs after all."
"Still, this might not be a bad thing for us. After all, the combat strength of Is and his group is immeasurable. Their involvement means our chances of capturing Rocks and Roger will increase significantly."
"If we succeed… this sea might enjoy peace for many years."
"Indeed. Ever since the emergence of the Rocks Pirates, the world has been thrown into chaos. Before they're even dealt with, another Roger Pirates crew appears. If this operation succeeds, the seas will finally settle down."
"I have a feeling… the balance of this world will tilt completely in favor of our World Government."
"That may be true, but every era produces a few individuals bearing the Will of D, throwing the world into turmoil."
"As long as the Will of D hasn't been completely eradicated, its will won't disappear. Even if Rocks and Roger fall, it won't be long before someone else inherits it."
The other four elders nodded in agreement.
"Eight hundred years ago, we won that great war… but we never completely eliminated D. The prophecy says that in the future, D will once again drag us into a massive conflict…"
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters.
The scale of this mobilization far exceeded even that of a Buster Call.
Dozens of warships were stationed at the harbor, fully prepared to depart at any moment.
And not only that—the Marine forces scattered across the first half of the Grand Line and the New World had also received orders. Portions of their forces were to converge along designated routes.
Originally, the Five Elders had not approved such a large-scale deployment. After all, doing so would weaken both Marine Headquarters and other naval bases.
This sea didn't only hold the Rocks Pirates and the Roger Pirates—there were many other powerful pirate crews. If those forces took advantage of the weakened defenses, the consequences would be disastrous.
However, under the Fleet Admiral's firm stance and strategic analysis, the Five Elders ultimately relented.
After all—an opportunity like this would not come again.
Most Marines wore heavy expressions, their faces tense with concern.
But Monkey D. Garp seemed completely unfazed. Sitting aboard a warship, he casually munched on snacks, already waiting.
"Vice Admiral Garp, all equipment on the warship is functioning normally!"
"Good. Stand by," Garp replied with a nod.
"Yes, Vice Admiral Garp!"
The Marine saluted before turning and leaving.
Meanwhile, Garp continued eating, watching as Kong and the others busied themselves frantically.
Suddenly—
A shout rang out from nearby.
"Look! There's a ship flying toward us from the sky!!!"
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