"The Xuanwu Navy has already mobilized."
"Intelligence reports indicate that the Xuanwu Navy's deployment this time consists of only about twenty thousand men."
"Among the strong individuals deployed are Kenshiro, Gintoki Sakata, Yujiro Hanma, Olaf, G Erasmus, Yelü Siji, and Saitama. Additionally, one person who appeared previously holds the rank of Admiral and was accompanied by Saitama."
Vice Admiral Tsuru reported the intelligence gathered by the intelligence department to Fleet Admiral Sengoku, her voice solemn.
They were aiming for the Xuanwu Navy, after all.
Therefore, the Navy Headquarters had naturally prepared various countermeasures.
However, to deal with the Xuanwu Navy, Sengoku dared not be careless, constantly monitoring intelligence and deploying troops.
"The number of deployed Admiral-level powerhouses is truly astounding."
"The Xuanwu Navy's foundation is truly shocking," Koby exclaimed upon hearing Vice Admiral Tsuru's words.
Kenshiro, Gintoki Sakata, Yujiro Hanma, Olaf, and Saitama all possessed Admiral-level combat power. Especially Saitama, whose strength was unfathomable. His only recorded battle thus far was when the Golden Lion Shiki was severely injured by a single punch, and there had been no further records of him taking action, leaving his true depth unknown.
As for G Erasmus and Yelü Siji, they were currently top-tier Vice Admirals, having reached the strength of quasi-Admirals.
And this was only based on the information available on the surface.
The Xuanwu Navy also had a 'Ghost Squad,' which comprised three more Admiral-level powerhouses.
Due to their Devil Fruit abilities, their threat level was no less than that of the others.
With such a force gathered at Marineford, it would undoubtedly lead to utter chaos.
Sengoku listened to the intelligence, his gaze fixed on the map, where many locations were specially marked as defensive lines to intercept the Xuanwu Navy.
The battlefield could not be confined to Marineford alone, as it could not withstand such turmoil.
Therefore, intercepting the Xuanwu Navy at a greater distance was imperative.
Sengoku remained silent.
The Navy's overt strength was visible at a glance.
However, Sengoku had great confidence in this operation.
In terms of hidden power, the World Government was even more unfathomable.
"Maintain contact and proceed according to plan," Sengoku stated seriously after analyzing the intelligence and carefully reviewing his troop deployments.
...
New World.
Whitebeard Pirates.
"Old man, the Xuanwu Navy has entered the New World and is heading towards Marineford."
"What's surprising is that the Xuanwu Navy has only deployed twenty thousand troops. Are they underestimating the situation?" Marco hung up the Den Den Mushi and relayed the obtained intelligence, then added.
The Whitebeard Pirates' direct members numbered close to two thousand, but with the addition of affiliated forces and Whitebeard's call, they could gather over twenty thousand people in a very short time.
"The World Government has made such a grand display this time, gathering a large number of troops and setting up three consecutive defensive lines. The sheer number of soldiers exceeds one hundred thousand, estimated to reach two hundred thousand."
"Yet, the Xuanwu Navy has only brought twenty thousand men. They are indeed overconfident," Captain Jozu of the Third Division agreed.
"Compared to focusing on the Xuanwu Navy, perhaps we should pay more attention to Blackbeard Teach," Captain Vista of the Fifth Division said with a cold expression.
Upon hearing Vista's words, the other captains who were about to speak fell silent.
Blackbeard's betrayal and Thatch's death – this debt of revenge had to be repaid.
"My children, haven't your bones grown lazy from not moving around for so long?" Whitebeard, who had been silent, stood up at this moment, brandishing his great sword, and stomped heavily on the deck, exclaiming, "It's time to stretch our legs."
Marco and the others, hearing Whitebeard's words, immediately reacted, and then one by one, they smiled filled with fighting spirit and eagerness.
They would not wreak havoc on the land nor attack civilians.
However, for Blackbeard, who betrayed and harmed their family, they would never let him go.
Regardless of his identity.
Amidst this turbulent atmosphere, Bennidict did not accompany the warships to Marineford.
Instead, at this crucial moment, he surprisingly received a system mission.
The arrival of this mission left Bennidict somewhat surprised.
Because someone he thought he would never meet had appeared before him.
It was also because of this person that the system had issued the mission.
This person was Toki, the wife of Oden Kozuki and an Awakened Paramecia-type Devil Fruit user.
"Fleet Admiral Bennidict, I am very sorry for my sudden arrival. I hope I haven't startled you," Toki said as she appeared in Bennidict's office.
Bennidict was quite surprised by Toki's sudden appearance.
This was because he hadn't detected how Toki had appeared at all.
"I traveled from the past to the future," Toki seemed to sense Bennidict's confusion and explained, "As long as I firmly resolve to travel and arrive here, I will travel from the past to the future."
As Toki spoke, she looked at the calendar hanging nearby, pointing to it and saying, "It seems my luck is quite good; it took me a month to reach the Xuanwu Navy Headquarters and meet you."
Bennidict pondered this, nodding, "Is this the marvel of the Time-Time Fruit's abilities?"
"So, you are also unaware of what happened in the past month."
Toki shook her head and then nodded, "Indeed, I am not aware. However, if I activate my ability, I can still discern some things through the traces."
"The ability to predict the future?" Bennidict nodded.
"It's to directly see the future," Toki affirmed.
With that, Toki immediately requested of Bennidict, "Fleet Admiral Bennidict, I have come because you are the only one who can save Wano Country and save Oden. Therefore, Toki hopes that the Fleet Admiral can help the people of Wano Country."
Bennidict listened thoughtfully.
According to the timeline, Oden's arrogance and naivety would soon lead to his downfall, wouldn't they?
"Ding! Mission triggered: Save Wano Country and help Wano Country open its borders. Time limit: seven days. Mission rewards: Devil Fruit Awakening Talisman *1, Warship Construction Blueprint *1, Troop Enhancement Stone *100, Golden Treasure Chest *1, Justice Points: 100,000."
The system's voice sounded, and Bennidict was somewhat surprised.
Originally, with the great battle imminent, Bennidict did not wish to wander off.
After all, going to Wano Country would inevitably lead to a confrontation with Kaido. Although he wasn't afraid at all, the fact that the Golden Lion Shiki had warned him before his death surely implied some unspeakable secret.
However, seeing the rewards, Bennidict's heart was somewhat moved.