Out on the open sea, a colossal vessel sliced through the waves, its prow aimed straight for Festival Island.
The Marine warship, stationed to thwart any pirate escape attempts, caught sight of the approaching behemoth.
"Where in the world did that ship come from?" puzzled murmurs rippled among the officers.
Their confusion only deepened as they caught sight of the flag fluttering defiantly from the mast. No skull and crossbones here, just a striking dragon emblem with the letters "RA" emblazoned on crimson.
"Not a pirate vessel?" The Marines exchanged perplexed glances.
The live broadcast from Festival Island had spread far and wide across the New World. Logically, only the boldest would dare approach, and even then, they'd keep their distance to avoid entanglement in Marine affairs.
Yet here came this ship, defying all expectations, drawing nearer with each passing moment.
"Shall we redirect them, Commodore Praz?" suggested one officer, eyeing the approaching vessel warily.
"Turn them away!" Praz commanded decisively.
If it were a pirate ship, they'd show no mercy. But with this mysterious flag, caution was paramount.
"Agreed," the Marines nodded in unison, preparing to make contact.
But just as they readied themselves, Commodore Praz's gaze locked onto the flag, recognition dawning upon him like a thunderbolt.
"The Revolutionary Army..." His voice trailed off, fear seizing him. "Are they heading here to join the fray?"
The revelation sent shockwaves through him, propelling him urgently toward the communication room.
Meanwhile, aboard another warship, Sengoku, seated at his desk, awaited news of the ongoing conflict with bated breath.
Before long, the Den-Den Mushi on his desk buzzed to life, startling him from his reverie.
As he answered the call, his expression shifted abruptly, his features contorting with disbelief and urgency.
Elsewhere on the ship, Garp stirred from his slumber, rubbing his eyes groggily as he peered at Sengoku.
"What's the ruckus?" he grumbled, still half-asleep.
"Your son..." Sengoku began, his voice fraught with urgency.
Sengoku's hand trembled as he set down the Den-Den Mushi, drawing a deep breath to steady himself.
"Huh? What's that?" Garp's initial nod of acknowledgment quickly transformed into wide-eyed astonishment. He seized Sengoku by the collar, urgency etched on his face. "What did you say? That troublemaker is here? What's his game?"
Garp's surprise and worry were palpable.
"I'm eager to know that myself!" Sengoku retorted, his expression souring with frustration. "And why does your family always manage to stir up trouble? First your grandson, and now your son too!"
The mention of the Revolutionary Army's sudden appearance weighed heavily on Sengoku's mind.
Despite the World Government's exhaustive efforts, the Revolutionary Army had remained elusive, hidden in the shadows.
But now, they were stepping into the spotlight, appearing on a battlefield broadcast worldwide. Sengoku didn't need to ponder long to understand the gravity of the situation.
Indeed, the imminent clash between the Marines and the Revolutionary Army posed a dire threat.
And with the added complication of Whitebeard's pirates, the situation had escalated to a terrifying level.
"Heh, that boy's wanted by the World Government in every corner of the globe, hailed as the most notorious criminal," Garp chuckled proudly, giving a resolute thumbs-up. "Now that he's showing his face, he truly lives up to his reputation as my son!"
"Damn it, I'm not giving you any praise!" Sengoku snapped, his fury evident as he paced the room.
Whitebeard and the Revolutionary Army were both formidable adversaries of the Marines.
If these two forces were to unite on the battlefield, surrender might be the only option.
"Fine, fine, I'll stop laughing," Garp relented, his tone serious. "But listen, this situation has taken an unexpected turn. We need to inform the World Government immediately and avoid being caught in the crossfire."
A rare solemnity settled over Garp's features.
He understood that regardless of the battle's outcome, Sengoku's tenure as Fleet Admiral would likely come to an end.
The Revolutionary Army's bold move had caught both the Marines and the World Government off guard.
If this conflict ended in failure, the blame would inevitably fall on the Marines' shoulders.
And Sengoku would bear the brunt of the consequences.
As a friend, Garp couldn't bear to see Sengoku shoulder the burden alone.
Silence descended upon the room as the weight of the impending battle hung heavy in the air.
After a moment of contemplation, he released a weary sigh, the weight of his decisions heavy on his shoulders.
In days past, he had willingly shouldered the burden of serving the World Government, even as he witnessed its darker deeds. But with age came wisdom, and his loyalty waned.
Now, on the cusp of retirement, he no longer wished to be their pawn. With resolve hardening in his heart, he reached for the Den-Den Mushi and dialed the number of the Five Elders.
Meanwhile, on the island's edge, the ships of the Revolutionary Army drew closer, anticipation thick in the air.
"Do you truly intend to act now?" Sabo inquired once more, concern etched in his features.
With the decision looming, the Revolutionary Army would be laid bare before the might of the World Government—a risk fraught with consequences.
But Monkey D. Dragon, ever decisive, declared, "A world war approaches, and we cannot afford to wait any longer."
With a nod of determination, Sabo pledged his support. "I'll head to the main battlefield. You and the others clear out the Marine forces on the island, then I'll join you for the final push!"
As Dragon vanished in a whirlwind of purpose, Sabo rallied his comrades. "Let's get to work!"
"Crystal clear!" the Revolutionary Army cadres affirmed, their resolve unshakable.
Amidst the tension, the Marine warship ahead braced for battle. In this moment, hesitation meant defeat.
With a thunderous boom, the cannon ignited, launching black cannonballs into the sky. Waves crashed against the sea's surface, a prelude to the impending clash.
As the Revolutionary Army made its move, the Marines responded with swift precision, encircling their target and unleashing a volley of exploding shells.
Boom! Boom! Boom! The deafening roar of war echoed, signaling the dawn of a new chapter in the struggle between the Revolutionary Army and the Marines.
TO BE CONTINUED...
.....
Want to read ahead by 60+ chapters then join my p*atreon right now.
Free members an get up to 6 free chapters if you join my pa*treon as a free member right now.
Join now before it's too late.
Link: pa*treon.com/GalaxyWonder (Remove the *)