Chapter 304 - The War Begins! 01.

[Chapter Size: 2200 Words.]

Third Person POV

Impeldown, First Half of Grandline.

...

...

It was almost noon at this moment, as the sun shone at its highest point above Marineford. Since the beginning of that day, everyone inside and outside Marineford knew it would be a day that would be etched into the history of this world.

The main square, a vast expanse of ground between the high walls of the fortress and the sea, was filled with Marine soldiers, arranged in impeccable formations and ready for the battle that could take place there. Men and women of different ranks, from recruits to seasoned officers, were preparing for the imminent confrontation. The air was thick with tension and expectation, as the sound of marching boots and shouted orders echoed through the area, positioning the groups in their correct places.

In the center of the square, the three Marine Admirals, Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji, stood firm, issuing a few orders. They all radiated an aura of unquestionable power as they symbolized Marine strength. Akainu, with his relentless gaze and iron determination, adjusted his gloves, ready to use his magma, prepared to destroy any approaching threat. Kizaru, with his still slightly injured attitude, began to return to his carefree expression. Aokiji, in turn, maintained a serious and calm expression, still looking concernedly at the Marines.

On the sides of the square, the Shichibukai, the Seven Warlords of the Sea, were walking towards the wall to stand in front of the Marines and the sea. Dracule Mihawk, the world's strongest swordsman, walked with his enormous sword, Yoru, on his shoulder, while observing the movement with a cold and distant look towards the sea. Bartholomew Kuma, imposing and enigmatic, remained silent. Boa Hancock, the pirate empress, kept her gaze firm, accompanied by a serpent; her beauty was a target of admiration by all the Marines. Doflamingo, still injured and missing one of his limbs, walked with a somber and serious face. Moria, though still a bit injured, stood firm with the other Shichibukai.

Returning to the square, the Marine giants, with their enormous statures, were also positioning themselves around the square, while the sound of their footsteps echoed thunderously with each step, making the ground tremble as they moved into their positions.

Huge cannons were lined up on the walls and on the warships, pointing towards the sea, ready to unleash a storm of cannonballs against any enemy daring to approach. The warships, true floating fortresses, were anchored off the coast, with their flags fluttering in the wind representing justice.

Officers continued making speeches, and commands kept coming through the loudspeakers throughout the square, issuing orders and calling certain officers to present themselves in requested areas. Tsuru was positioned near the platform, as one of the Marine's most strategic minds, organizing the entire square before Sengoku arrived with the prisoner to the platform and began the announcement.

Leaving Marineford and heading to an island not far from the HQ, at Sabaody Archipelago, the atmosphere was filled with restless anticipation. Reporters from all over the world had gathered around huge screens, being positioned in the main squares of the islands, ready to broadcast the events of Marineford live. Den Den Mushi communication equipment was being frantically adjusted by technicians, while journalists prepared to report on the unfolding of the most anticipated war of the pirate era. Cameras and microphones were tested repeatedly, and the last instructions were urgently passed on.

People discussed among themselves what might happen and what they would see when the screens finally turned on, as Sengoku asked everyone to prepare in the square before continuing. Fear and excitement were written on their faces. They knew they were about to witness and broadcast an event that could change the course of world history.

"Attention, all reporters! Stay ready! The live broadcast can start at any moment!" The operations chief shouted, trying to stay calm amid the square's hustle.

In various parts of the archipelago, the pirate groups of the so-called "Worst Generation" also gathered to watch the screens, postponing their journey to the New World until after the war. They, who had already shaken the world with their daring actions, were eager to see how the Marines would face the powerful pirates at Marineford. X Drake, Jewelry Bonney, Urouge, Eustass Kid, Killer, Scratchmen Apoo, Capone Bege, and Basil Hawkins were all somewhere, waiting for the fight to begin with the crowd of spectators.

Sitting under one of the gigantic trees of Sabaody, the legendary Silvers Rayleigh observed everything with a calm look. In one hand, he held a bottle of alcohol, occasionally bringing it to his lips for a carefree sip. Even though he maintained this carefree demeanor, he still held some tension for what might appear on those screens.

"Who will win, the Navy or Whitebeard... and you boys, when will you show up...? I'm looking forward to seeing your participation in this war while you save your brother." Rayleigh murmured to himself, a slight smile appearing on his lips. "Let's see how this unfolds."

All the inhabitants of Sabaody began to gather around the screens. The anticipation was palpable for everyone, and the murmur of conversations filled the air. Children, adults, pirates, and ordinary civilians were all about to witness everything on those screens.

Finally, one of the main communication Den Den Mushi started to transmit a signal, and the screens lit up with the live image of Marineford. Silence fell over Sabaody as everyone focused on the broadcast. The war was about to begin, and the whole world watched, holding their breaths, the HQ square crowded with all the Marine forces.

The reporters took their places, prepared to report every moment. They began writing while the others kept their eyes fixed on the greatest assembled force of the Navy in this era, ready to kill just one pirate group. There were more forces hidden there, but they would not come out until their second target emerged in the middle of the war.

Back at Marineford, Sengoku sighed deeply as he watched the frantic movement below his window. He turned his eyes to his office and looked at the Den Den Mushi that was silent, waiting for news from a certain communication line he had authorized, the only one to speak with him at this moment, but there was no further response...

"So the worst happened... I will do everything to make sure your deaths are not in vain..." Sengoku commented with a somber tone.

He shook his head and sighed, "It's time," he murmured to himself as he turned with firm steps towards the outside of his office and descended the main building leading to the main courtyard, where the execution was about to begin.

"Bring the prisoner," he ordered, his voice laden with authority, with the men waiting just below.

At the doorway stood his old friend, Garp, waiting with a serious look... "Luffy took Lucy out of Impel Down?" he asked, knowing only recently what was really happening in the prison, very surprised, if not shocked by Luffy's actions.

"Most likely... and you know, there's a chance she will become an enemy of the Navy and there's no turning back, Garp..." Sengoku said with a serious tone. He liked the girl, an honest one who wanted to liberate the world with her own justice, but unfortunately, she chose family over justice.

"I shouldn't have put her in Impel Down..." Garp said, frustrated.

"If attacking Impel Down didn't stop your grandson from attacking the place, where else would she be placed..." Sengoku teased, and their conversation was interrupted.

The sound of footsteps with chains was heard in the corridor as Portgas D. Ace was brought in by some soldiers and men wearing different uniforms who were there for the official execution, accompanying him.

"..." Ace looked with a frustrated look at Sengoku and especially at Garp but remained silent. He couldn't do anything more while Garp looked at him with intense eyes, knowing that this could be his grandson's last moments. The conflict between family and justice fought within him.

"Let's go!" Sengoku gave the order, and the Marines opened the door in front of them, with the light of the square emerging and a hundred thousand pairs of eyes turning to them at that moment. Garp and Sengoku continued walking in front with Ace behind and the Marines.

Low-ranking soldiers, officers, giants, admirals, and Shichibukai were all positioned in their places without anyone able to breathe, as they awaited the five people appearing on the bridge leading to the execution platform.

When Ace finally reached the platform, Sengoku, now at the center, looked at him with an indifferent expression. Raising his hand, he signaled for the crowd to prepare.

"Marines! Today, justice will be done. Today, we show the world that the era of pirates is coming to an end!" Sengoku's voice reverberated throughout the fortress, laden with conviction.

"I will begin... I will make the announcement shortly..." Sengoku saw the Marines kneeling Ace in front of everyone and spoke to Garp, after all, he had to say a few things before the execution.

Ace found himself cornered and had no choice but to face his fate. He only hoped that his pops would not come here because he did not want anyone to die for him, whom he considered a useless life, after all, he was the biological son of that demon.

Before Sengoku finally began the announcement, a Marine ship was advancing through the turbulent passage from Impel Down to Marineford. Luffy and his crew, along with the newly freed prisoners, were all on board with unconscious bodies all around, keeping the ship advancing against the sea.

Luffy walked to the back of the ship, where his sister was with a pensive expression. "Are you sad to see so many Marine bodies in Impel Down, Lucy?" Luffy asked.

"Yes, I'm happy that you came to get me... but they used to be my comrades..." She murmured despondently.

"You made your choice, Lucy... I just don't want you to regret it later. I can say you're being kidnapped if the Marines are that important to you... I can save Ace... But I don't think you should stay in the Marines anymore anyway..." Luffy, even though he wanted his sister to sail with him after this war, it was still her choice, and he still trusted their grandfather to protect her from the World Government for possessing the Nika fruit.

"No, I've already made my choice... but Luffy... can I still carry out my justice outside the Marines?" She asked, looking at him with some hope.

"Yes, I will help you with that, Lucy. Don't worry, I'll never let you be in danger again." Luffy said, looking into her eyes firmly.

"I believe in you, brother..." She said with a slight blush.

"Luffy!!" Luffy heard Usopp's voice and looked to the front of the ship, where the sniper was using binoculars.

Luffy went to the front of the ship with his group and Lucy. "The gate of justice is in front of us as you said!" Luffy heard this and nodded.

"Well, we have to pass it, after all, it is the entrance to the current of these waters, and without Bepo, we have to take this path..." Luffy said.

"What are we going to do... isn't that indestructible?!" Buggy shouted, scared, having no idea that they would have to pass through there.

"Let's test if it is really indestructible..." Luffy commented with a smile, while Buggy, Ivankov, and Lucy looked confused. Mr. 1, Crocodile, and Jimbei were indifferent but still wondering what he planned to do, but his crew nodded, knowing what he should do.

"Who will do this?" Kuina asked.

"Why not all of us?" Luffy said, maintaining his smile.

"That sounds cool!" Yamato commented, looking at the gate in the distance.

Zoro drew his swords. "Understood, captain. Let's destroy that gate together."

"Let's go!" Luffy announced and disappeared, with everyone disappearing along with him.

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