madnovel Chapter 628 - 627: On the Brink of War
Chapter 628 - 627: On the Brink of War
"Former Fleet Admiral Kong, along with Gion (Momousagi), Tokikake (Chaton), and Shirokitsune, who all held high ranks in the Navy and have now transferred to units under the World Government, are approaching Skypiea. They are also accompanied by the Government’s various Knight Orders."Koala reported faithfully, "As it stands, the gap in military strength has widened significantly."
Hancock stood with one hand on her hip, her expression haughty. "Hmph. They can’t just sit by and watch us take Skypiea, can they? Coming at us wave after wave... how tiresome."
Alucard sat atop his coffin, unmoved. Kong’s appearance was within his expectations. His only regret was that not a single member of the Gorosei had mobilized; had one shown up, he could have killed them and unearthed the Government’s hidden secrets entirely.
"Should we redistribute our forces?" Koala asked Alucard for instructions.
"Just keep an eye on Mariejois. That is enough."
The only movements Alucard truly guarded against were those of the Gorosei. Skypiea had not yet been developed by the Government, so they likely wouldn’t be able to use the "National Treasure" to force him back as they had last time.
While everyone awaited the final spark of war...
"He’s already gone."
Sabo looked at the empty cell, his brows furrowed deeply. "It seems they got word and moved Ace ahead of schedule. By now, he’s likely in the hands of the Navy."
Having finally reached Level 6 only to be one step too late, Sabo couldn’t help but punch the adjacent wall to vent his fury.
He tilted his head back, his voice resolute. "There’s no other way. We’ll have to force our way into this war and rescue Ace."
"Sabo-boy~"
At that moment, Ivankov’s voice came through the Den Den Mushi. "I’ve brought Straw Hat-boy back from the brink, though his mental state is still unstable."
"Yeah, I know." Sabo took the receiver from Harley. "Thanks, Iva. But Ace has been moved. I’m going to intervene in this war directly to save him."
"Sabo, I’m coming too! I have to save Ace!" The Den Den Mushi’s expression and tone shifted instantly into Luffy’s determined grit.
"Luffy..." Sabo looked pained. After a long pause, he said, "Fine. But remember, you have to follow my lead, okay?"
Sabo loved Luffy, but he also had to acknowledge his younger brother’s staggering talent for recklessness and making a mess of things. Whether it was the battle against Blackbeard and the Golden Hair Pirates at Sabaody, or the encounter with Alucard in Level 5 just now, if Luffy hadn’t been so rash, things wouldn’t have escalated to this point.
"Yeah, I got it. Let’s meet at the entrance!" Luffy answered quickly, fearing Sabo might change his mind, and immediately hung up.
"If that’s the case, how about taking me along?" A voice drifted lazily from a cell directly opposite where Ace and Jinbe had been held.
Sabo’s pupils contracted at the sight of the figure, but he quickly smirked. "Oh, if it isn’t Crocodile. We two former Warlords truly have a strange fate."
"You’re the surprising ones. Who knew Warlord Sabo, Straw Hat Luffy, and Fire Fist Ace were brothers?"
Crocodile, dressed in prison rags, stood up. "So? If you let me out, I can use my powers to clear a path for you quite easily."
Sabo held no personal grudge against Crocodile and knew his sand powers would be invaluable for a breakthrough. He agreed without hesitation. "Haha, you’re more than welcome."
Crocodile’s lips curled. "Our cooperation ends the moment we reach Marineford. After that, what I do is my own business."
...
Meanwhile, at the Level 1 entrance of Impel Down, the savior the jailers had been cheering for had finally arrived.
"It’s the Marine Hero, Garp!!"
"The strongest defender is here!"
"With him, we have nothing to fear even if Warden Magellan is down!"
"Suppress them! Suppress those escaped rebels immediately!"
Vice Head Jailer Domino walked up to Garp and saluted. "Vice Admiral Garp, riots of varying scales have broken out in all sectors except Level 1 and Level 2. Please issue orders for suppression immediately!"
"Bwahahaha!" Garp laughed loudly. "I’ll just have to knock them all flat, then!"
...
Skypiea, the Island of God. The shrine where Enel once lived had been converted into a temporary base for the World Government.
Surrounded by his troops, Kong entered the base and asked the Government forces who had been stationed there, "What is the situation?"
"Report! According to our current investigations, the Immortal Pirates number roughly 12,000, far fewer than our forces..."
"I’m asking about their troop distribution and projected tactics! Why are you quoting headcount?!" Kong snapped. Alucard alone was trouble enough; enemy numbers were practically meaningless.
"Deepest apologies! Their captain is currently at a village called ’Hidden Cloud’ on the border of the Island of God. The reason they haven’t attacked yet is likely because they are waiting for the war between Whitebeard and the Navy to begin. They’re waiting for the moment the Navy is pinned down."
Behind Kong, Vice Admiral Chaton had his hands in his pockets. He lacked his usual slovenly demeanor, looking quite serious. "Commander-in-Chief Kong, if that’s the case, we shouldn’t give them that window. Let’s deploy the troops now and launch an all-out assault before the battle at Marineford begins."
Less than ten hours remained until Ace’s execution. Whitebeard would likely arrive at least three hours before the deadline. That meant war would break out in less than seven hours. Time was tight.
Kong thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Deployment is mandatory, but we cannot rush in blindly. This isn’t a normal war. Both sides want this territory. Whoever moves first is more likely to fall into a disadvantage."
Kong raised his hand and ordered, "All forces, enter combat readiness. Connect me to the Live Broadcast Den Den Mushi. The moment the war between Whitebeard and the Navy starts will be the moment our death match with the Immortal begins."