Marineford.
Kong, Sengoku, Garp, and other core members of the Navy.
They all remained silent at this moment.
The loss of over ten thousand people, with hardly any damage dealt to the Xuanwu Navy, was a result they had not anticipated.
After all, such firepower had been deployed, along with the distraction of tens of thousands of men.
However, the reaction of the Xuanwu Navy had delivered a resounding slap to their faces.
And it hurt a great deal.
“What are everyone’s thoughts on the defensive strength displayed by the Xuanwu Navy?”
Kong, seated in the Marshal’s position, looked at the Xuanwu Navy fleet continuing to advance on the live broadcast. After a period of silence, he finally spoke.
Sengoku, Garp, and Vice Admiral Tsuru remained silent.
The Xuanwu Navy’s massive fleet, lined up in formation, simultaneously firing upon Marineford.
Marineford lacked the defenses of the Xuanwu Navy and simply could not withstand it.
Therefore, the reality before them was already very clear.
“The battlefield cannot be at Marineford, and Wang Zhi and Yin Fu must be executed immediately,” Sengoku said, seeing Garp unwilling to speak and Tsuru seemingly lost in thought.
“Let Aokiji handle it.”
“Freeze everything along the way, block the sea and land, and prevent their cannon fire from reaching Marineford.”
“Engage in combat on the ice.”
Aokiji, hearing Sengoku’s words, his usual laziness shifting into seriousness.
Kong also looked at Aokiji, falling into a brief silence.
Combat on the ice?
The long-range bombardment capabilities of the Xuanwu Navy’s cannon fire were no longer something they could contend with.
Combat on the ice might be a good solution.
“Aokiji, this mission is yours.”
“Also, summon Admiral Borsalino back. With him here, we can better harass the Xuanwu Navy.”
Kong chose Sengoku’s plan and also proposed his own idea.
“The battlefield cannot be too far.”
“Let’s choose the area of Huilong Gorge.”
Huilong Gorge was an area ten nautical miles from Marineford. This region contained numerous islands, forming a crescent shape.
These islands could be used to deploy more cannonballs, create more extensive ice surfaces, and conduct operations.
Furthermore, at this distance, the World Government’s Navy could provide timely support.
This battle was extremely important for both the Xuanwu Navy and the World Government.
Neither side wanted to lose.
“Marshal, in this confrontation, our long-range output is inferior to the Xuanwu Navy. Do we have a solution?” Garp glanced at Sengoku, seeing his dark expression and not knowing what he was plotting, then asked Kong.
The Five Elders were undoubtedly behind this operation.
Based on Garp’s understanding of the Five Elders, without absolute certainty, this current combat power would be entirely insufficient.
Therefore, Garp firmly believed that there were still some unknown tactics involved.
Kong said calmly, “Someone will be responsible for the long-range output. What we need to do is to take down this elite force of the Xuanwu Navy during combat and inflict a heavy blow on them.”
A flicker of light appeared in Garp’s eyes, and he said no more.
Sengoku and Tsuru fell into a brief period of thought.
While they had some understanding of the forces controlled by the World Government, it was limited.
The unknown was also dangerous for them.
This was because the World Government was willing to sacrifice too much for victory.
…
The first half of the New World.
Bai Qi continued to command the fleet from the center, directing their advance.
As for the Whitebeard Pirates, the Big Mom Pirates, and the like, they were not concerned with them at this moment.
Their sole objective was to rescue Wang Zhi and Yin Fu and to deliver a heavy blow to the World Government and the Navy.
“Reporting, Marshal. The intelligence from the secret service has returned. The World Government has decided to engage us decisively in Huilong Gorge after this attack.”
“Information from other intelligence members has also confirmed that forces deployed in various locations are withdrawing and converging towards the Huilong Gorge area,” a colonel reported to Bai Qi, carrying the gathered intelligence.
Bai Qi took the documents, which recorded the information passed by the deployed intelligence members.
After analyzing the information, Bai Qi stated, “Have the vanguard units scout ahead. The rest of the army will advance.”
“Yes, Marshal.” The colonel immediately relayed the order.
Bai Qi was in charge of this battle and was acting as Marshal.
Therefore, Sakata Gintoki, Kenshiro, and the others had to obey Bai Qi’s orders.
Saitama leaned back in his chair, tilting his head and looking at Bai Qi, saying, “Marshal, it has been said that the World Government might possess advanced scientific and technological power.”
“Now that the World Government’s forces are gathered in Huilong Gorge, there must be a conspiracy.”
“Perhaps, secret forces are already deployed there, waiting for us to appear.”
Although Saitama was like a mascot and rarely went out to fight at headquarters, this did not mean Saitama was oblivious to external events.
Especially some of the things Benedict had told him in conversations.
Bai Qi heard this and chuckled, “Of course, I am aware.”
“However, can the strength we possess be predicted by the World Government?”
“It’s good that they have gathered. It will be even more convenient for us to round them all up.”
As the acting Marshal, Bai Qi was well aware of the strength the Xuanwu Navy currently possessed.
Therefore, Bai Qi was also looking forward to the battle in Huilong Gorge.
…
“Mother.”
“It is being rumored across the seas that pirates must unite, form alliances, and jointly resist the formidable Xuanwu Navy. Do we need to respond to these matters?” Charlotte Katakuri asked Charlotte Linlin.
The Xuanwu Navy was now powerful, and the World Government appeared weak. If the World Government were to be defeated this time and suffer significant losses, it would also be very dangerous for them as pirates.
In this time of widespread pirate fear, they also urgently desired an alliance.
At this moment, if they could cause harassment or a heavy blow to the Xuanwu Navy, with the World Government also making an effort, it would at least maintain the situation.
Charlotte Linlin was not foolish. She had heard the voice of the seas.
She also understood the stakes.
After a brief consideration, Charlotte Linlin said in a deep voice, “Can Kaido be contacted?”
“No, the three commanders cannot be contacted either,” Charlotte Katakuri replied in a deep voice. “Our intelligence personnel are already on their way.”
“We should receive news soon.”
Just as Charlotte Katakuri finished speaking, a figure rushed in and shouted, “Mother, something has happened, something big has happened!”