Sakaski's nonchalant words marked the end...
The Great Pirate Era, which had stirred up monstrous evils and plunged the entire world into chaos, was over...
When the moment truly arrived, everyone stood frozen, their minds blank.
No one doubted the truth of Sakaski's words.
Everything so far had been conducted in the open, transparently severing the very foundations of the Great Pirate Era and completely blocking the path to becoming Pirate King.
They were beyond expressing their emotions, only able to watch the live broadcast and shed tears tremblingly...
However, Sakaski, in the live broadcast, seemed unsatisfied. He slowly spoke:
"But is this enough?"
"Of course not."
"There is never a shortage of those who cling to a sliver of hope."
"Therefore..."
The scene in the video shifted abruptly.
What greeted the eyes was a lush green island, with towering trees like giant umbrellas providing shade. Countless small bubbles rose into the sky from below.
Such a distinct landmark was recognized by many.
The reporters at Marine Headquarters swallowed hard:
"No... no way..."
The scene showed Sabaody Archipelago. Apart from government ships using the Red Line route, everyone else wishing to enter the New World had to get their ships coated at Sabaody Archipelago before proceeding through Fish-Man Island.
However, six months prior, the Marines had forcibly evacuated civilians, turning the archipelago into a lawless zone. Little did they know it was all preparation for today...
Given Sakaski's methods, they could already imagine the island's fate.
The reporters pointed their cameras at Sakaski, not daring to relax for a moment, determined to record everything.
---
On the execution platform.
Sakaski spoke with a detached air:
"As the sole entry point to the New World, besides the government's Red Line route, is Sabaody Archipelago."
The live broadcast zoomed out, shifting upwards slightly to encompass the sea surrounding the island.
Most prominent was the vast number of warships in the sea...!!!
"Today it will face a 'Buster Call'."
"And be completely wiped out."
As Sakaski's words fell, a soldier respectfully ran up, holding a golden Den Den Mushi signifying a 'Buster Call', and presented it to Sakaski.
Sakaski lightly pressed the button on the golden Den Den Mushi. Two seconds later.
In the live broadcast, the warships encircling Sabaody Archipelago began firing, unleashing shells onto the island.
These were not ordinary cannonballs but specially made incendiary shells mixed with fuel.
Almost immediately after the first volley, the entire island was engulfed in flames, and this was only the first wave.
This bombardment was to continue for half a day, until all the specially made incendiary shells were expended.
Ships attempting to break through were ruthlessly destroyed by the Marines, regardless of whether they belonged to the government, pirates, or merchant vessels, with no exceptions...
Sakaski's iron will and cold-bloodedness once again shocked the world, and the terror of a Buster Call made people remember what it represented.
It signified an indiscriminate, devastating bombardment of a region with the objective of eradicating the island and everyone and everything on it. The destroyed ships were the best proof of this.
No ship could escape, not even those of the government...
In the live feed, only fire remained, countless fires, with black smoke piercing the sky from the inferno...
Sakaski's indifferent voice explained:
"This Buster Call operation will be broadcast live to the entire world."
"It will not end until this island is reduced to ashes and disappears from this world."
The purpose of this action was not only to completely extinguish the pirates' hope but also to let the people of this world feel the might of a Buster Call and awe the world...
The screen then temporarily switched back to Sakaski.
Sakaski, on the execution platform, spoke softly:
"And for the final item today."
"Let the so-called Four Emperors of the Sea leave their last traces in this world."
Above the live broadcast, a linked communication channel opened.
Sakaski was not worried that these individuals would not appear. If they didn't, they would become the laughingstock of the world.
When people spoke of them, they would only sneer, saying those guys, even through a Den Den Mushi, didn't dare show their faces before Admiral Sakaski.
The Four Emperors would forever be a joke, and all the prestige they had accumulated over the decades would vanish because of this.
They had roamed the seas for decades, only to have everything taken by Sakaski.
Dreams, comrades, family, power, having lost it all, even their last shred of reputation was now being cruelly stripped away by Sakaski's wicked schemes...
This was already known to the world through propaganda. If they didn't show up, they would truly have nothing left.
Even with Sakaski's ill intentions, they could not refuse.
In the video feed, Heil Nok's figure appeared first, his crimson eyes flickering with a hint of madness.
From the background, he was floating in mid-air, surrounded by an endless sea, with dark clouds and falling volcanic ash.
It had only been a little over a day since the New World was ignited. Having lost all their coordinates and islands, they were unable to discern direction.
Heil Nok, darting erratically, had even entered the Calm Belt twice. He was currently suppressing his rage, only wanting to find the Marine islands and destroy them one by one...!!!!
Following him was Charlotte Linlin, her eyes equally crimson, her hopes just crushed, her pride humiliated before the entire world.
A few seconds later, Shanks appeared on the Red Force. His background, like Heil Nok's, was filled with dark clouds and falling volcanic ash, making direction indistinguishable.
The last to appear was Kaido, in a dimly lit hall. His expression was impassive, his gaze fixed on Sakaski.
Seeing the Four Emperors appear on the screen as planned.
Sakaski chuckled and said softly:
"Have you thought of your last words, you fools....."
His tone was laced with mockery...
---
New World, Egghead Island.
In the cloud-based laboratory, Vegapunk and his clones gathered, watching the live broadcast.
At the control panel.
Lilith had a mischievous grin.
The sound of rapid typing filled the air, and in just two seconds:
"Location successful."
Half of the screen split, displaying the locations of the Four Emperors' Den Den Mushi, linked through their connection with Marine Headquarters.
This technology was surprisingly simple, yet unimaginable to many in this world.
Enel stood by, yawning:
"What a bunch of... fools..."
Sakaski's taunt was indeed...
---
New World, on a returning Marine warship.
*Shua*
Karol appeared on board.
On the deck, Fujitora, who was listening to the broadcast, turned slightly:
"Hmm?"
"Mr. Karol."
Karol gave a soft 'hmm':
"Mr. Fujitora."
He didn't address him as Admiral as usual, and Fujitora showed no surprise.
Karol walked over and placed a hand on Fujitora's shoulder:
"Please do not resist."
Fujitora looked confused but said nothing.
He then turned to the ship's adjutant and said:
"Everyone else, return to port."
*Shua*
The two disappeared.
The crew on the warship looked at each other, and after a moment, they turned the ship around and headed back to the Wano Country battlefield.
---
Underwater, Fish-Man Island.
Jinbe, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, carrying a large amount of food, headed towards the Marine base on Fish-Man Island.
Fish-Man Island Marine Branch Base.
Sengoku, while snacking, watched the live broadcast from Marine Headquarters.
He had to admit, Sakaski had achieved something that the previous Marine organizations had never done, nor had ever considered...
*Knock knock knock*
Sengoku, still eating his snack, said:
"Come in."
Jinbe, carrying the food, walked in:
"Mr. Sengoku."
Sengoku smiled:
"Jinbe."
"Is there something you need?"
Jinbe shook his head and said:
"No, nothing."
"I just heard you were being transferred and came to pay my respects."
The soldiers at the Fish-Man Island Marine Branch Base were already packing up. This unusual situation had clearly alerted the citizens of Fish-Man Island.
Upon inquiring, they learned that Sengoku was being transferred to the front lines, so Jinbe hastily brought gifts to visit him.
Sengoku nodded and smiled:
"That's right."
"Fujitora had a bit of a conflict with Sakaski."
"So he's been transferred back."
"He will temporarily guard Fish-Man Island until the war ends."
"However, it will take some time for him to return here from Wano Country."
Jinbe was slightly taken aback:
"Conflict?"
He remembered Fujitora had spoken highly of the Fleet Admiral before, eager to meet him.
Sengoku sighed softly:
"Do you think the lives of hundreds of thousands of people..."
"...are worth the destruction of the forces of the Four Emperors Heil Nok and Shanks, and the defeat of the pirates in the New World?"
Jinbe opened his mouth, unable to answer.
The New World had been ignited, and Fish-Man Island had also been affected. He had learned some inside information from Sengoku.
Logically, the demise of the Four Emperors and the defeat of the New World pirates held far greater significance for this world than the lives of hundreds of thousands.
But emotionally, and from his own perspective, he could not issue such an order.
He now understood the conflict Sengoku spoke of between the Fleet Admiral and Fujitora – a conflict of ideals...
Jinbe finally said:
"I cannot answer..."
"What about you, Mr. Sengoku?"
Sengoku was taken aback, as if he hadn't considered the question:
"Me..."
A few seconds later, Sengoku sighed:
"I am not as good as him."
He too could not make the kind of decision Sakaski did. Perhaps only Sakaski could execute justice so thoroughly in this world...
*Shua*
Two figures suddenly appeared in the office.
Sengoku and Jinbe's expressions tensed, but they quickly recognized the two figures:
"Karol."
"Fujitora."
"What is this?"
Sengoku's expression became serious. This ability...
Karol smiled:
"I am the user of the Teleport-Teleport Fruit, Grand Overseer Sengoku."
Sengoku's mouth twitched:
"So the Devil Fruit recovery was successful long ago, wasn't it?"
He recognized the user of the Teleport-Teleport Fruit in the government, the one who had sent him and Sakaski to the S'Gree Marine Branch.
Years ago, as his life neared its end, he had been sent to Vegapunk for the fruit's ability to be recovered, but it had failed.
Afterward, the fruit had disappeared.
He never expected...
Karol nodded and smiled:
"That's right."
"It was all for today."
"The coordinates of the Four Emperors have been obtained."
"The end of the pirates has arrived."
Sengoku nodded slightly and looked at the linked dialogue on the screen:
"Coordinates..."
After all, he was not an ignorant pirate. As Fleet Admiral, he understood much of the technology, and tracking communications was relatively simple.
But for positioning, with Vegapunk's support, it shouldn't be difficult...
So, when the New World was ignited, this conversation was also part of the plan, wasn't it, Sakaski...
"I am not as good as him..."
Sengoku sighed inexplicably, repeating his earlier words, then gestured to Karol:
"Let's go."
Karol nodded and placed his hand on Sengoku.
*Shua*
They vanished from Fish-Man Island.
---
Fish-Man Island Marine Base Office.
After the two disappeared, Fujitora directly took off his Justice cape and removed his insignia.
Jinbe looked confused:
"Mr. Fujitora, you are..."
Fujitora shook his head and said:
"I have decided not to be a Marine anymore."
"After this war ends, I will leave."
"Until then..."
"Please forgive my intrusion, Mr. Jinbe..."
He ran his hand over the cape and insignia. Although he agreed with the current state of the Marines, he could no longer remain. Hundreds of thousands of lives...
Jinbe remained silent beside him.
He, Sengoku, and Fujitora shared similar personalities. They disagreed with Sakaski's actions, but...
There was nothing they could do...
---
New World, Neo Marineford.
The four great pirates known as the Four Emperors and Sakaski stared intensely at each other.
Neither side spoke first, and a silence fell.
Seeing no one speak, Sakaski said softly:
"What?"
"Haven't thought of your last words?"
Heil Nok's grim voice rang out:
"Last words?"
"Prepare them for yourself."
"Everything you've done will eventually be known by everyone, Sakaski..."
"Your fate will not be better than ours..."
The ignition of the New World, the destruction of dozens of islands, and the countless deaths amounted to more than the combined toll of the four of them.
Such inhumane methods, even if no one dared to speak of them during his lifetime, his fate after death would surely be worse than theirs...
Sakaski was unconcerned, a strange smile playing on his lips:
"Oh?"
"What have I done?"
Heil Nok's crimson eyes widened, and he spoke with a cold laugh:
"..."
He suddenly froze, his expression contorted with rage as he looked at Sakaski and opened his mouth to shout:
"..."
The other Four Emperors' expressions also changed slightly. No sound was transmitted.
*Clap*
*Clap*
*Clap*
Sakaski on the execution platform lightly clapped his hands and said with a smile:
"Are you performing a silent play?"
"Very good."
"If you hadn't become a pirate, you would have been an excellent..."
"Clown..."
As his words fell, the images of the Four Emperors were discarded like trash, as if Sakaski had merely wanted to toy with them, not giving them any further opportunities.
The screen then switched directly to Sakaski.
Sakaski's smile faded, and he took a deep breath:
"Brave Marine soldiers!"
"Do you want a full-scale war!!!"
A thunderous, fervent shout erupted:
"Yes!!!"
Sakaski's voice echoed through the heavens:
"Do you want a full-scale, fierce war that will completely cleanse this world!!!"
Ignoring the soldiers' fervent shouts, even more intense than before:
"Yes!!!"
Sakaski's voice resonated in every corner of the world:
"Then let us begin!"
"Let us together!!!"
"Carrying the world's expectations! Carrying the people's wishes! Carrying all the suffering that has occurred in this world for the past eight hundred years!!!"
"Begin this full-scale, leave no one behind!!"
"War!!!"
"In the name of Justice!"
"Completely crush the world's greatest source of suffering in the New World!!!"
"Fight!!!"
"Do not fear injury! Do not fear death! Even if it means being crushed to dust!"
"Those who come after will remember everything we have done today!!!"
"Cut off our future, and let this world have a bright future!!!"
"Justice!!!"
"Will Prevail!!!!!"