The Grand Line, Gagao Island.
A member nation of the World Government, home to the Kingdom of Gergria.
Near the Reverse Mountain, it was an unremarkable country. Thirty years ago, the prince who returned from his travels and studies, and was the former king, conducted an exploration.
Within the royal family's exclusive hunting grounds, a mineral vein of unknown length was discovered.
Through mining and sales, the nation's wealth continuously grew, and twenty-four years ago, it became a member nation of the World Government.
Unfortunately, after the succession of the former king's only heir, a series of reckless commands were issued.
Complaints grew louder and louder, threatening to become unmanageable…
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In the pitch-black jungle outside the royal city.
The weather was not good, dark clouds obscured the starlight in the sky.
If one did not approach within five meters, they would not have detected the people lying in ambush here.
And such people were densely packed throughout the forest.
Ambrio Ivankov, commander of the Revolutionary Army's G Army (Grand Line Army), stared at his faintly glowing wristwatch:
"Half an hour left. How are the troop deployments?"
"Inazuma."
A voice, steady and calm, with a face that appeared cold.
A man with distinct hair and clothing colors, white on one side and orange on the other, said:
"Rest assured, everything is ready."
His hands had transformed into two giant scissors in a combat state:
"The ground leading to the castle has also been completely cut."
"We can access the city walls at any time."
Ivankov nodded:
"Excellent. Prepare for battle."
"For some reason, I feel uneasy this time."
Ivankov, usually jovial, was unusually somber today.
A sense of crisis, from an unknown source, surrounded his heart.
Inazuma's brow furrowed slightly:
"I have that feeling too."
"This time is too risky."
"It's still a member nation of the World Government, it's troublesome."
Ivankov sighed:
"There's no choice. The development is too fast."
"Even if all the funds are used to buy weapons."
"It's still not enough to arm the soldiers."
"We can't just let them fight bare-handed."
"After all, the vast majority are ordinary people."
"If we take over this country."
"With this iron ore deposit, we can build our own arsenal."
"We could even supply soldiers in the Four Seas."
"We have to give it a try."
Inazuma also sighed:
"Resolve the battle quickly, and select a representative."
"Then leave as soon as possible."
"Once the dust settles, it will be difficult for the World Government to intervene directly."
"After all, this feeling… is not a good omen."
Ivankov nodded:
"Indeed."
"Resolve the battle quickly."
"This operation tonight is also a test for the World Government."
"It has great significance and cannot afford to fail."
"Let's see how the World Government reacts later."
"It will also play a crucial role in the future development of the Revolutionary Army."
*Burubururu~ Burubururu~*
The sound of a Den Den Mushi suddenly echoed through the silent jungle.
Everyone was startled for a moment, then breathed a sigh of relief. Ivankov picked up the Den Den Mushi:
"Whoosh—"
"You scared me, Dragon."
"What's up?"
Dragon's steady voice came through:
"Are you all ready, Ivan?"
Ivankov replied:
"Of course, everything is ready."
"Tomorrow, this country will break away from the World Government."
Dragon, on the other end of the Den Den Mushi, looked at the intelligence in his hand and pondered for a few seconds:
"Are you confident?"
"If not, retreat."
"According to the latest intelligence, six Marine warships are heading towards Gagao Island."
"They are expected to arrive before dawn."
"It seems the World Government's reaction is even stronger than we imagined."
"We've already tested it."
"No need to risk further."
"We can find another way to get weapons."
Ivankov looked at the time on his watch:
"Before dawn…"
"I think we can withdraw before the Marines arrive."
"This iron mine is too important."
"With it, we won't have to worry about weapons for a long time to come."
"We have to try."
"Revolution... always involves risks."
"Let's gamble."
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Baldegol, Revolutionary Army Headquarters.
Dragon looked at the intelligence he put down and sighed:
"Alas…"
*Clap, clap, clap—*
The sound of applause rang out.
A voice he recognized somewhat came from the other side:
"Well said."
"Unfortunately…"
"You have gambled wrongly."
*Crack—*
The sound of the Den Den Mushi hanging up echoed.
Dragon's pupils constricted… This voice…
Sakazuki!!!!!!!
*Boom!!!*
He transformed into a gust of wind and rushed out of headquarters.
Countless lights illuminated, and Baldegol's night was destined to be restless…
------
Gagao Island.
In the jungle outside the royal city.
Sakazuki clapped his hands and rose from not far away:
"Well said."
Ignoring the stunned Revolutionary Army members who had lost their ability to move:
"Unfortunately…"
"You have gambled wrongly."
He walked step by step, placing his hand on Ivankov's hand, which was holding the Den Den Mushi.
*Crunch—*
Ivankov's hand, along with the Den Den Mushi, was crushed into irregular mush.
Ivankov's already large face contorted in pain:
"Ah—It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!!!!!"
"Damn it! When!"
Inazuma also reacted:
"Everyone! Don't hesitate!!!"
"Escape immediately!"
"Stay alive!!!!"
At the same time, his scissor-like hands dug into the ground and lifted.
The ground was cut like paper, layer by layer, being thrown towards Sakazuki!
Sakazuki glanced indifferently at the incoming wave of earth.
He grabbed Ivankov's hand and flung him to the side.
*Boom, boom, boom—*
Ivankov was used as a shield against his front, shattering the layers of earth that attacked him.
Ivankov seemed to have been knocked unconscious, and fainted.
Inazuma gritted his teeth and stopped his movements, not daring to attack again, staring intently at Sakazuki.
*Bang, bang, bang—*
The surrounding soldiers did not flee, but continued to shoot at Sakazuki.
On the distant city walls, large areas of lights were illuminated, clearly indicating that the events here had startled the soldiers.
Visible formations were gathering and organizing.
Sakazuki swept his gaze over the surrounding Revolutionary Army soldiers:
"A most unexpected gain."
"If I hadn't come today, I'm afraid you would have succeeded."
"And helped them solve the hidden danger of destroying their nation."
"I'll have to make the Kingdom of Gergria pay later."
Bullets created dense holes in Sakazuki's body, but to no avail.
Some even accidentally injured Ivankov.
Inazuma gritted his teeth and roared:
"Everyone!"
"Evacuate this island immediately!"
"Do not harbor any hope of luck!"
"Group leaders! Organize the evacuation!"
"This is an order!"
"An order!!!"
The gunshots stopped…
But the soldiers still did not retreat, aiming their guns at Sakazuki.
Sakazuki let out a light scoff and looked at Inazuma:
"You've trained your soldiers well, very loyal."
Inazuma's giant scissors clamped shut tightly. Damn it…
Meanwhile, Ivankov, lying on the ground with his arm held by Sakazuki, suddenly opened his eyes:
"Hee-haw!!!"
Spikes suddenly grew from his fingers, stabbing towards Sakazuki…