Rosinante remained extremely vigilant toward the former Marine Fleet Admiral, Steel Bone Kong, who had appeared without warning.
Just moments ago, Sengoku had still been hesitating, weighing whether to completely tear off the mask and go to war with Rosinante.
Yet the instant Steel Bone Kong appeared, Sengoku made his decision without the slightest hesitation. Although it was likely because Kong's presence added another peak-level combatant, greatly increasing their chances of victory, Rosinante could not shake the feeling that there was something else hidden beneath the surface.
"There is no doubt about it now. This is a huge event, an unprecedented one. The Marine Fleet Admiral and the Hero of the Marines joining forces to attack the Dragon King. This is clearly the prelude to an all-out war between two major powers!" Big News Morgans exclaimed excitedly.
"Some things can be reported. Some things cannot. You should know that very well," a high-ranking World Government official said coldly, placing a hand on Morgans' shoulder from behind.
At those words, Morgans' body stiffened. Only then did he realize that at some point, the political leaders of various nations, the nobles, and the heads of every major industry had all been quietly evacuated.
"Of course, of course. I would never report anything detrimental to the World Government," Morgans replied hastily.
"It seems you still do not understand what cannot be reported," the official said calmly. "Come with me. I will personally make sure you understand, in detail, what should not be reported, what can be reported, and what you should report. We will discuss it very carefully."
"That really is not necessary, is it? We have known each other for so long," Morgans said, forcing a smile.
"It is very necessary. I am doing this for your own safety," the official replied.
As he spoke, two World Government agents in suits appeared behind Morgans and placed their hands firmly on his shoulders.
"Alright, alright. I will cooperate," Morgans said helplessly.
The World Government official then led Morgans away. In an instant, every spectator on the platform had vanished, leaving the area completely empty.
In the plaza.
Although Rosinante was deeply wary of Steel Bone Kong's sudden appearance, he had no choice but to focus his full attention on the two figures standing directly before him.
Facing Sengoku and Garp together, two of the world's absolute peak combatants, even Rosinante had to tread carefully. Against such a lineup, a single mistake could mean disaster.
"This is quite the intimidating setup. The Marine Fleet Admiral, the Hero of the Marines, and even a retired Fleet Admiral backing them up. Looks like you have completely decided to turn hostile," Rosinante said calmly.
"There is no other choice," Sengoku said in a deep voice. "Rosinante, your talent is terrifying, and the growth of the Gray Nation has been far too rapid. You have already become a severe threat to the Marines and to the World Government. I regret it deeply, but today I must eliminate you and the Gray Nation."
"Oh? Not even bothering with pretenses anymore?" Rosinante smiled faintly. "You want to eliminate me and the Gray Nation? Then try it. Let us see whether you erase me, or I overturn the Marines and the World Government entirely."
As he spoke, Rosinante took out a golden Den Den Mushi.
"You call this a Buster Call. I call it a total war mobilization. I pressed it just now. The war has already begun. You want to destroy me? Perfect. Today, I will keep you all pinned right here. Without you, I would like to see how the World Government plans to suppress the uprising Gray Nation."
At Rosinante's words, Sengoku's and Garp's expressions changed dramatically, their faces turning extremely grim.
At the same time, in Nevernight City on the Sabaody Archipelago, a silver Den Den Mushi let out a shrill cry.
"Begin. The war has started," Katakuri said as he opened his eyes.
The people seated below him all rose at once, vicious expressions spreading across their faces. Enel, Shaxia, Bins, and many others were all present.
"I have been waiting for this. Shaxia, prepare the clouds for me. I will let the Marines and the World Government know just how terrifying the Gray Nation truly is," Enel said impatiently.
"No problem," Shaxia replied coldly.
The Marines' plot against Rosinante and the Gray Nation had filled her with uncontrollable fury.
At the same time, Den Den Mushi calls rang out across the four seas and the Grand Line, reaching the five great divisions.
The sea instantly erupted into chaos.
All five divisions launched simultaneous attacks on Marine branches across the world.
Meanwhile, Katakuri led Enel and the others, sweeping through Marine bases along the Grand Line like an unstoppable tide.
"Rosinante, even if every Marine branch falls today, do not think you can overturn Marine Headquarters," Sengoku said coldly. As he spoke, his body transformed into a colossal golden Buddha.
The massive Buddha form radiated cold authority. Sengoku raised his palm, unleashing a gigantic shockwave toward Rosinante.
Rosinante raised his fist and punched forward. The air shattered like a glass mirror, cracks spreading visibly. His punch detonated at a single point. Unlike the earlier stacked bursting punches, this strike carried a streak of purple power within it.
The two forces collided. The ground collapsed, massive chunks of earth and stone blasted into the air by the impact.
At the same time, Garp charged forward at terrifying speed, closing in on Rosinante.
No matter how violent the clash between Rosinante and Sengoku was, Garp pushed straight through it, his body forcing its way forward. His fist, coated in dense Armament Haki, swung toward Rosinante.
"Iron Fist…" Garp roared.
(End of Volume)