The emergence of legendary pirates one after another left the surrounding pirates feeling almost numb. Their faces were frozen, eyes filled with shock.
Especially for the small-time pirates from the Four Seas, these people were truly above the clouds—figures who could only be looked up to but never reached. On ordinary days, forget about seeing them; even thinking about them felt impossibly distant.
This major world upheaval had an extraordinary impact on the order of this century. The world-shaking alliance of the Yonko caused the lines of destiny for all pirates to intertwine; people who should never have met in their lifetimes now stood in the same place. This event would be called by future generations the Summit War, also known as the Feast of Pirates.
Of course, that's a story for the future.
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Compared to the gathering of Yonko in the Land of Wano, the Revolutionary Army's movements were relatively far more concealed.
In the East Blue, on a remote uninhabited island. The terrain around this island was rugged and complex. Due to fierce underwater currents and many hidden reefs, ships unfamiliar with this route would easily crash into rocks and sink. That's why this place was rarely visited.
However, at present, around this remote island, hundreds of ships had gathered. This place also served as one of the Revolutionary Army's headquarters. This time, the Revolutionary Army had assembled all their combat forces here temporarily.
On the island, inside a temporary building.
"Purupurupurupuru—"
The Den Den Mushi placed on the table suddenly rang. A large hand picked it up and answered.
"Hello?"
A heavy voice sounded. The man sat in front of the desk with his back to the light, projecting a deep dark shadow onto the wall before him.
"It's me."
The Den Den Mushi's face now transformed into an expressionless face wearing a bear hat.
"Is there information?" the man asked.
"Yes." On the other end, Bartholomew Kuma's voice sounded low: "There's been a change regarding this operation."
The man furrowed his brow and asked: "Does the World Government have an unknown trump card?"
Kuma confirmed: "A very terrifying trump card. My suggestion is to cancel this operation."
"Cancel?"
At that moment, the door curtain was pulled aside. A sturdy figure entered wearing a tall hat, a blue suit, and a pipe-shaped weapon on his back. There was a clear red burn scar on his face.
This person was the current Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army, Sabo.
Sabo's tone rose slightly: "What kind of trump card could cause this large-scale joint operation to be canceled? We're only acting as support, not the main army. The ones who will really fight to the bitter end are those crazy Yonko groups."
Kuma's voice sounded calm but revealed information that made their hair stand on end: "The World Government and the Marines have developed Artificial Devil Fruits in large quantities, enough to arm more than 20% of Marine soldiers. Additionally, they've created specialized humanoid combat robots called Pacifista PX-1. They feel no pain, their combat strength equals that of a Rear Admiral, and their numbers exceed five hundred units!"
"What!"
Both were shocked. Sabo's face showed an expression of disbelief: "Are you joking?"
Kuma said: "I'm not joking. I just attended a Shichibukai meeting. All the Shichibukai have agreed to join the Marines' side in this battle. This time the Yonko alliance indeed has terrifying strength, their number of high-level fighters far exceeds the Marines, but once battle begins, they may not be the Marines' match."
After a considerable silence, the man finally nodded: "Alright, I understand. I'll consider it carefully. Stay hidden, don't get exposed!"
Kuma confirmed, then immediately cut off communication.
"Sabo... what do you think?"
The man turned around, his face emerging from the shadows revealing his identity. Green tattoo patterns made this already stern middle-aged man's face appear even more imposing and fierce.
This person was the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Monkey D. Dragon! Also the biological son of the Marine hero, Garp.
This was an ironic reality; the father was a great Marine hero, while the son was the leader of rebels who wanted to overthrow the World Government.
Sabo took a deep breath and furrowed his brow: "Now it's no longer up to us to decide. War is imminent. The Yonko are the main factor controlling this war. Even small-time pirates from the Four Seas have already gathered in the Grand Line. Even if we leak this information to Whitebeard and the others, given their characters, they definitely won't agree to cancel this operation."
Dragon nodded, looking at Sabo with pride: "Correct. Based on my knowledge of those old men, even if they know they'll pay a very heavy price, they won't retreat. Especially in a situation like now."
"Once you sit in the position of Yonko, sometimes they have no other choice. Their names echo throughout the pirate world. A strong fighter standing at the peak would rather die in battle than let their crown be removed due to cowardice."
Sabo sighed: "But now it seems this battle will have no doubt about its outcome. If Kuma's information is correct, then the World Government's combat strength will experience a terrifying increase. High-level fighters might be balanced, but this is war, not just about who has more experts. Facing that many Devil Fruit users and what are called Pacifistas, it will be devastating for lower-level pirates!"
Dragon's fingers tapped the table lightly as he continued contemplating strategy. Originally the Revolutionary Army wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to destroy the World Government and Marines to realize their ideals. However, the World Government was indeed a terrifying entity that had stood for a thousand years; their foundation was too strong.
"If my guess isn't wrong, those things must be Vegapunk's creation!" Dragon snorted coldly: "If only I had known ten years ago, I would have found a way to kill him!"
Of course, he was just talking. Ten years ago his strength hadn't reached its peak, moreover Vegapunk was always surrounded by many experts—it would have been impossible for him to get close, let alone kill him.
"Now it seems there's no other way," Dragon sighed. "Since the battle can't be stopped, then let it continue. Let the glory of revolution spread throughout the world. After this incident, the world order will change drastically. The World Government, even if victorious, will sustain very deep wounds. Reaching that stage is already sufficient."
Dragon smiled while looking at Sabo: "Those who die are pirates and Marines. Ordinary people won't be too greatly affected; rather, the World Government will be severely struck. At least most of the Celestial Dragons will be killed or injured. Besides, our main target is the Celestial Dragons! A cursed race like that shouldn't exist in this world."
"That's the meaning of our revolution, isn't it?"