True Final prepairation!!!

"Vegapunk, how are you here!?"

Finally unable to hold back, Queen interrupted Vegapunk, who was criticizing him relentlessly.

As for talking back, that was impossible. If anyone else dared to belittle his scientific achievements like this, Queen would have used his Brachiosaurus Laser to show them that truth only exists within shooting range. But in front of Vegapunk, Queen had no doubt that he would be the one taught a lesson by the "truth."

"Why shouldn't I be here?" Vegapunk looked at Queen with some confusion, but quickly his expression changed as if he understood. After all, it wasn't surprising that someone as "stupid" as Queen would ask such a dumb question.

Having once worked under Vegapunk, Queen easily read the thoughts behind Vegapunk's expression, and a few black lines appeared on his forehead.

"What I mean is, what's your relationship with Nicholas!? And even though I know you think we're idiots, do you have to keep looking at us with that expression!?"

Queen couldn't help but complain.

"Oh, I get it. As for my relationship with Nicholas?"

Vegapunk paused.

Queen perked up his ears, and Judge also looked at Vegapunk curiously.

"Of course, we're comrades. Now, enough talk, I have some work for you to help with."

Without waiting for them to ask more questions, Vegapunk turned and walked away.

Seeing this, both men followed quietly. Although Vegapunk's tone was irritating, they couldn't deny that he had real knowledge. Just a few scraps of what he knew had sustained them for years.

...

Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Army had gathered its elite forces from around the world in Wano.

These were the true elites of the Revolutionary Army, and almost every one of them was as strong as the Navy's top officers. However, their numbers were small—only fifteen thousand.

Considering the difficulties the Revolutionary Army faced worldwide and the constant persecution by the World Government, this was practically all they had left.

Mariejois was on top of the Red Line, making most ships useless in deciding the battle. The outcome would depend on manpower, and only the elite would make a difference. Although the total force of the Revolutionary Army was large, these fifteen thousand were their true core.

Once these forces arrived on the shores of Wano, they immediately began resupplying with food and weapons. Although their weapons were decent, they were inferior to those produced in Wano.

After settling the Revolutionary Army and the newly allied pirates from the New World, Nicholas headed to Ryugu Palace on Fish-Man Island to visit Neptune. After all, the power of the Fish-Man race was crucial to the coming war. Furthermore, if the Fish-Men wanted a voice in the future world, they needed to participate in this war.

Neptune agreed without hesitation, promising that the Sea God Army would be on the battlefield on time.

According to Nicholas's plan, the Fish-Man warriors wouldn't need to set foot on the Red Line. They only needed to block anyone from leaving the Red Line at Red Port or support the World Government's reinforcements.

Compared to those attacking Mariejois, the risks for the Fish-Men were minimal. Moreover, the sea was their home turf.

"Nicholas-sama..."

While Nicholas was discussing the details of the plan with Neptune and others, a voice suddenly came from a nearby hall.

The massive figure of Shirahoshi slowly emerged from behind a column, her ocean-like eyes filled with deep concern.

"Shirahoshi, don't worry," Nicholas said with a smile. "Once this war is over, you'll be free to visit the surface."

"I... I want to help you, Nicholas-sama," Shirahoshi said quietly, nervously fidgeting with her clothes.

"You've already helped a lot. Don't underestimate yourself. Without your ability to summon Sea Kings, we'd be facing enemies hundreds or even thousands of times stronger," Nicholas said with a smile. He wasn't exaggerating; if the Sea Kings hadn't sealed off those islands, the kingdoms allied with the World Government would have definitely sent their troops.

After all, in over 800 years of history, the royal families and nobles of those kingdoms had their interests deeply tied to the World Government.

"Oh, and Neptune, you should start repairing Noah. We'll need it to move the entire Fish-Man Island to the surface."

"Don't worry, under Tom's guidance, Noah is almost fully repaired," Queen Otohime said with a smile, clearly excited about the future of Fish-Man Island.

The group talked late into the night, and Nicholas was eventually led by Neptune to his guest quarters in Ryugu Palace.

The main hall of the palace remained brightly lit.

"Your Majesty, can we really win this war?" Tiger asked Neptune worriedly.

He knew that Fish-Man Island had completely severed ties with the World Government. If they lost this war, the World Government would surely not spare Fish-Man Island, even if it was located 10,000 meters below the sea.

"Tiger, I believe in Nicholas," Neptune said firmly, gazing towards the Sea Forest. To him, Nicholas seemed more reliable than Joyboy or any other figure from Fish-Man Island's legends.

"Tiger, don't worry. Madame Shyarly has already foretold that in the near future, Fish-Men will be free to bask in the sunlight," Queen Otohime added with a smile. Shyarly's prophecy was one of the reasons for their confidence.

The process might be harsh, but the outcome would be bright.

As long as Fish-Men could freely reach the surface, any sacrifice would be worth it.

...

Back in Wano, Nicholas opened the door to his room.

Before stepping in, he noticed June sitting by the window, gazing at the distant sea.

Nicholas paused for a moment, then smiled as he walked up behind her and gently embraced her.

The next morning.

Nicholas opened his eyes.

He looked at the peacefully sleeping June beside him and smiled.

As time passed, more and more attention was focused on the Red Line.

After the World Government announced the public execution, people worldwide turned their eyes to Mariejois.

Facing the biggest crisis in its history, the World Government raised the security level of Mariejois to the maximum.

Within the Holy Land of Mariejois, heavily armed soldiers were everywhere.

Even the skies and the ground were tightly monitored, forming an impenetrable defense.