"Looking for death, are they? Heh… they've certainly found a way to die."
Shirogai's lips curled into a faint sneer as he spoke, his tone carrying a meaning that few present could truly grasp.
"Under the pressure of the Sky Island Alliance you created, the World Government's prestige has nearly collapsed. They were forced to lower themselves and invite the Alliance's leaders to Mary Geoise for peace talks."
He continued, his voice steady and composed.
"If they were to attack you, the founder of the Sky Island Alliance and its Air Force, before the upcoming World Peace Conference, then those talks would fall apart immediately."
"At that point, the World Government and the Marines would face retaliation from the Alliance on a scale they cannot afford."
After a brief pause, Shanks let out a mocking chuckle.
"And that is the last thing those parasites at the top want to see."
"They are already dissatisfied with how their authority has weakened. Watching nations they once controlled thrive after breaking free only fuels their resentment."
Shanks rested his hand lightly on his sword, his expression turning more calculating.
"Besides, my position as one of the Four Emperors makes me a very convenient piece on their board."
"When it suits them, they let me deal with pirates they find troublesome. Why would they discard something so useful?"
"So no… they won't make a move against me."
A sudden surge of overwhelming Haki burst from him, pressing down on everything in the area. The very air seemed to tremble, and even the beasts on the island froze in place.
"If they truly intended to attack…"
His grin sharpened.
"They'd better make sure they're worthy."
The Haki vanished just as quickly. Shanks laughed, his presence radiating absolute confidence.
"Hahaha! As long as the Marine high command doesn't have a death wish, and the World Government wants to keep up appearances, they won't attack our crews right now."
"Then why send such a massive force here?"
Shirogai narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing the presence of hundreds of warships approaching.
"Don't tell me Akainu plans to bring the entire Marine force and surrender to me."
A faint smile appeared on both his face and Shanks'.
Surrender?
Impossible.
Shirogai understood Sakazuki's nature well.
Treating him like a submissive dog would only get you burned alive. Only the foolish Celestial Dragons would dare think of him that way.
Shanks shared the same understanding. No matter how ruthless Akainu's justice was, one thing was certain, the man would never bow.
If defeat ever came, he would rather drag the entire world into chaos than kneel.
"Whatever their reason, the Marines' sudden appearance at Elbaf cannot be simple."
Jinbe stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the dark mass of ships drawing closer.
"Shirogai, should we prepare for battle?"
"No need."
Shirogai waved his hand lightly, his expression relaxed.
"This isn't our territory. Since the Marines came so openly, the hosts will respond. If we interfere, it would only put them in an awkward position."
Right on cue, a thunderous sound echoed across Elbaf.
Boom! Boom!
War drums.
Moments later, sharp horn blasts followed, loud and urgent.
The entire island stirred.
Giants poured out from their homes, from banquet halls, from resting areas. Weapons in hand, their expressions hardened as they rushed toward the coast.
"An enemy is approaching!"
"We thought we could relax with two Emperor crews here, but trouble still found us!"
"Grab your weapons! Prepare for battle!"
"Who dares challenge Elbaf?! Have we become soft in their eyes?!"
This ancient warrior nation moved as one.
Drums signaled war. Horns signaled emergency.
Hearing both at once meant only one thing.
Invasion.
Within moments, a massive force of Giants gathered along the shoreline, their towering figures forming an unbreakable wall as they stared at the approaching Marine fleet.
"That's the Marine flag!"
"Are they declaring war on Elbaf?!"
"Hah! Let them come! Giants fear nothing!"
Weapons were raised. Killing intent filled the air.
…
On the Marine flagship.
"My, my… so many Giants. They're quite intimidating."
Kizaru stood casually with his hands in his pockets, his voice carrying its usual lazy drawl.
Beside him, Akainu stood in silence, a cigar clenched between his teeth. His expression was dark, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.
Heavy footsteps sounded behind them.
"Giants are a valuable asset."
A man stepped forward, his tone indifferent.
"If the Marines could harness their strength, operations that cost thousands of lives could be achieved with only a handful of them."
The speaker was Aramaki.
"That would be ideal… but difficult," Kizaru replied slowly.
Behind Aramaki stood three more Admirals, including Issho.
Kizaru's gaze shifted, landing on something unusual.
"Oh? Aramaki… what's that flower on your coat?"
Aramaki glanced down at the small white flower pinned to his chest.
"A memorial."
His voice carried a hint of indifference.
"For an old friend."
Kizaru raised a brow slightly, about to respond.
But then…
Silence.
A sudden, violent shift in the air.
Puff!!!
A magma-covered fist burst through Kizaru's chest from behind.
Time seemed to freeze.
Blood sprayed outward, scorching as it landed on Aramaki's coat.
Kizaru's eyes widened slightly, his body stiffening as molten heat consumed his insides.
"Cough…!"
A cold, merciless voice echoed behind him.
"That's enough."
Akainu slowly withdrew his arm, magma dripping from his fist.
His expression was completely devoid of emotion.
"Borsalino."
"Marine Admiral… and spy of the Revolutionary Army."
"You have been sentenced to death by the World Government."