Kaiser hummed in agreement, then said flatly: "I won't interfere in this war, but if you fight with your current strength, it will be a bit heavy..."
While speaking, he raised his hand slightly. A stream of blue-golden light enveloped Thatch's entire body.
The sound of Thatch's bones cracking loudly could be heard. Inside his body, it was as if endless power emerged, making him tremble from the sensation.
"Extraordinary power..." Thatch's eyes sparkled, he immediately knelt on one knee: "Thank you for your grace, Master."
Fortunately the space around them had been shrouded by Kaiser; otherwise, the sight of a gallant Division Commander like Thatch kneeling to a young man who had just joined halfway would surely make anyone feel strange.
Kaiser nodded, then snapped his fingers again. Two streams of light fell into Thatch's hands.
Thatch looked down and saw a pouch woven from golden thread and a pair of twin swords with unique shapes.
Kaiser said: "Inside are Senzu Beans that were previously used to treat that shark, and the other is a weapon for you. You're the first person I've recruited since I left, so don't die again!"
"Yes!" Thatch bowed his head deeply again.
Kaiser waved his hand casually: "Go."
Thatch nodded and turned to leave.
"Hey, Bro Kamikawa! Come here and drink, what's so good about constantly looking at the sea? Even I'm already bored seeing it every day!" A pirate passed by while raising the liquor jug in his hand.
"Alright!" Kaiser laughed. "I'm coming!"
◆━⊰✿✧✿⊱━◆
At the same time, on Buggy's Pirate Ship.
Saitama looked very enthusiastic: "Oh oh oh! Someone found traces of the Gold List's first rank at a place called the Sabaody Archipelago. Hey Red Nose, do you know that place?"
Buggy felt very mentally exhausted, and he was nearly scared to death.
These crazy people first hijacked his ship to participate in the great war between pirates and Marines, then they broke into Mary Geoise and caused great chaos, and now they wanted to look for trouble with the Gold List's first rank?
Had they gone mad!
"Don't know!" Buggy shook his head firmly.
Saitama furrowed his brow then glanced at Genos.
Genos immediately raised his hand, energy gathered in his palm and aimed right at Buggy's head.
Buggy immediately nodded quickly: "Know, know! How could I not know Sabaody? That's a place that must be passed to enter the Grand Line. I'll take you there right now!"
"Now, that's a good friend!" Saitama patted Buggy's shoulder with satisfaction.
'Who wants to be your friend, you only cause me trouble!'
Buggy grumbled in his heart, but because his position was cornered, he could only swallow his annoyance. Who told him the opponent's fist was bigger than his.
◆━⊰✿✧✿⊱━◆
In a dark environment, a shadow sat on a throne, its face not clearly visible.
"What is this Gold List's intention? Giving rewards to those people! Does it not know that's fake? No, impossible. The ranking information on the Gold List is currently very complete; it couldn't not know. Then what's its purpose?"
The black shadow muttered to itself while closing its eyes and thinking. After a long while, Imu suddenly opened his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Since it's willing to let this error continue, then the plan can be executed. Whatever this Gold List's plan is, for now it won't affect me. My goal is world unification. The Three Worlds are currently in chaos; this is the time for me to appear to build a peaceful and perfect world..."
While speaking, he laughed wickedly. His voice echoed in the silent room, sounding very terrifying.
◆━⊰✿✧✿⊱━◆
At the Sabaody Archipelago.
The black-robed figure carrying Enel was walking, but suddenly he stopped his steps and fell silent for a moment. Before long, his facial expression changed drastically.
"The Gold List's third rank wants to come looking for me?"
He immediately turned around and walked back in the original direction.
Enel, who didn't understand, asked: "Master, why are we turning around?"
The black-robed figure answered: "I suddenly remembered there's unfinished business. We must leave this place right now."
Enel was stunned. He of course saw the message in the Live Room that third rank (Saitama) would come. Earlier he had thought he could witness an epic-level battle. However, it seemed that wouldn't happen.
He certainly didn't suspect the black-robed figure was afraid; this person was the Gold List's first rank—how could he fear third rank? If his master said there was business, then it must be true.
Enel replied obediently and followed behind the black-robed figure like a loyal assistant.
Being able to become the Gold List's first rank's subordinate was an honor for him. Enel felt proud; after all, not everyone had this opportunity. Even strong Marine Admirals and Shichibukai weren't given a glance by his master.
The black-robed figure didn't care what Enel thought; he immediately shot away quickly leaving that place.
◆━⊰✿✧✿⊱━◆
Three days later, the great pirate fleet had approached Mary Geoise.
At Mary Geoise's port, thousands of Marine ships had now gathered, surrounding the Holy Land very tightly. Security at the port was very strict with countless Marine patrols.
Most Celestial Dragons had hidden in the Holy Land's center. A small portion consisting of elderly and children had been evacuated out of there.
The reason the majority of Celestial Dragons didn't leave was because of their fanatical belief in Mary Geoise, as well as awareness that if the World Government truly lost, the pirates would surely hunt Celestial Dragons throughout the world—even fleeing would be useless.
The great war was about to break out.
On the distant sea horizon, ship masts began to appear. Then, extraordinarily numerous pirate ships began to approach with thunderous sounds. Their numbers were so terrifying they made hair stand on end; they even formed a formation covering the entire visible coastline.
"They're coming! They're coming!"
Marine soldiers on observation duty immediately gave warning and blew trumpets: "Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
The entire port instantly became very tense. The commanders in charge were even drenched in cold sweat; for a moment they appeared panicked.
Although they were generals already experienced in killing pirates, a battle on this scale was their first time.
Moreover, the opposing leaders were legendary pirates, the Yonko from the Grand Line, and even the resurrected Pirate King Roger. Their great names made it difficult for anyone to remain calm.
"Gurararara! My children, Mary Geoise is right before our eyes! The World Government's destruction is near! Follow me onto the island and slaughter them without remainder!"
Whitebeard stood at the Moby Dick's bow, leaning on his Bisento. He laughed loudly with a thunderous voice that spread in all directions. Through the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, his voice was heard very clearly by everyone, even reaching the ears of Marines at the still-distant port.
The pirates were very spirited; they raised weapons and cheered in unison.
"ATTACK—!" "ATTACK—!" "ATTACK—!"
That war cry shook heaven and earth!
At this time, on Mary Geoise's high stage not far from the port, Sengoku sat calmly. Beside him were three Admirals, other high-ranking officers, as well as the Shichibukai.