Preparation

Chapter 195: Preparation

On the final day, Pirate Empress Boa Hancock, along with Vice Admiral Momonga, arrived at Marineford. When she saw Doflamingo and the others, her demeanor exuded arrogance.

Upon seeing the Shichibukai, she immediately approached Rodney.

Rodney, who was lounging on the couch, sensed someone approaching. He opened his eyes and saw a beautiful face radiating an indescribable charm. He coughed politely, grateful that he could resist this strange allure. Was this the beauty of the world's number one woman, Boa Hancock?

However, he couldn't help but wonder why she was checking him out like that.

"Are you Joestar Rodney? Luffy's friend?" 

Hancock didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point. On her way here, she had heard Luffy mention Rodney as his friend, and she wanted to know why someone Luffy considered a friend had chosen to help the Marines. She didn't want Luffy to associate with bad people.

Well, Rodney had already realized that she was head over heels for Luffy. She seemed to think about him all the time. Was this the charm of a rubber man?

"I am. What's up?" 

Rodney changed his posture, lying down lazily on the couch. 

"Luffy should be causing chaos in the city by now, right? I don't think he'll be a match for Magellan; the guy's a poison user. Luffy's not on his level."

Thinking about it, thanks to him, things had changed significantly, and Rodney wasn't sure what would happen next. Would Luffy be able to escape?

Who knew? With a protagonist's plot armor, there was a good chance.

Hancock was very confident in Luffy's ability to escape. 

"I believe in Luffy because he's Luffy, the man I adore!"

"Such a straightforward confession," Rodney said, standing up and facing the Empress, who was almost as tall as he was. 

"I'm looking forward to what happens tomorrow. It will be my path of transformation, and nothing can stop it."

The battlefield of the Summit War would bring about his transformation. He aimed to gain an advantage in this battle.

Bones in his body cracked as he emanated a formidable aura, making people take notice. On the sidelines, Mihawk and Doflamingo looked over. Mihawk commented, "He's prepared for battle, perhaps planning to face Whitebeard? His determination is quite remarkable."

Doflamingo chuckled and said, "Kukuku, Rodney is indeed a man who can't stand idly by. I'm looking forward to tomorrow even more now. What will happen will change the world."

So, Rodney, what will you do? Will you stand on the side of the Marines or the Pirates? Justice or evil? Or perhaps, will you stand on your own? Hahaha, war is a dirty game, and will you, too, become a dirty player like us?

Rodney's actions in Avalon hadn't escaped their notice. He had been nurturing ignorant children, giving them a proper education, and making them believe in the beauty of the world. 

This was a man with a kind heart, albeit one who used ruthless methods against pirates. Doflamingo couldn't help but be curious about what kind of person Rodney would become when pushed to the limit.

---

The Next Day

Marine Headquarters, Marineford

In preparation for the arrival of one of the Four Emperors, the Whitebeard Pirates, the upper echelons of the Marines recalled outstanding Marine officers who were stationed elsewhere. A massive force, numbering up to a hundred thousand or even more elite Marine troops, had assembled in Marineford's square.

They were disciplined, and well-trained, and a tense atmosphere hung among them. The war was about to begin, and how much preparation had they done for this day? Ever since Fire Fist Ace was captured and taken to Impel Down, the Marines had been consolidating their forces. 

Many officers from various parts of the world had been summoned to participate in the battle against the Whitebeard Pirates, with the goal of defeating this formidable crew, who were arguably the strongest among the Four Emperors.

This battle was a must-win for the Marines!

The crescent-shaped harbor of Marineford was surrounded by fifty massive warships, and numerous heavy cannons were set up along the coast. Even though the Whitebeard Pirates had disappeared from sight, the Marines would immediately launch an attack on their ships if they spotted any trace, intending to damage or even destroy them.

Even if they couldn't destroy them, they could still weaken the Whitebeard Pirates' strength.

At the forefront of the harbor, five figures stood side by side, making it impossible to ignore them. They represented the three powers in a three-way standoff: the Four Emperors, the Marines, and the Shichibukai.

The Shichibukai!

Hawk-Eye Dracule Mihawk!

Tyrant Bartholomew Kuma!

Man-Eater Boa Hancock!

And the Magician Joestar Rodney!

They had answered the call of the World Government and the Marines, specifically coming to this place to be a powerful force against the Whitebeard Pirates. However, whether all of them were willing to go all out was uncertain.

At least, they wouldn't cause any trouble... probably...

These figures, second only to the Four Emperors on the Great Sea, concealed their true strengths. Among them, Mihawk alone had the potential to challenge the other Warlords. Challenging one of the Four Emperors wasn't impossible either. 

After all, he had frequently clashed in swordsmanship with Shanks, one of the Four Emperors. However, their duels had stopped after Shanks lost an arm, as Mihawk didn't want to take advantage of that situation.

Because he and Shanks were good friends, respecting each other's skills.

As for Rodney, his combat power was also impressive. Setting aside Whitebeard, he could challenge several of the division commanders. Kuma would also lend his strength, but Doflamingo and Hancock weren't within Warlord Dracule Mihawk's consideration.

The Vice Admirals, in their giant forms, lined up on both sides. These were the elite giants of the Marines, who, after joining, had become Vice Admirals thanks to their immense physical strength.

Behind them, under the towering execution platform, three figures sat in their chairs.

Yellow Monkey, Borsalino!

Red Dog, Sakazuki!

Blue Pheasant, Kuzan!

They were the top fighting force of the Marine Headquarters, responsible for guarding the most critical positions. 

Below the execution platform, Admiral Sengoku presided, and Admiral Garp watched over, while the Marine Hero, "Iron Fist" Garp, was stationed, making sure things didn't get out of hand. 

They were prepared for today, and the five admirals, each at the Vice Admiral level, had geared up to make sure that Whitebeard and his crew would stay there.

And who could bring them all here?

The world's strongest man, Edward Newgate, Whitebeard!

The Marines were on high alert, and they broadcasted the events in Marineford worldwide using Den Den Mushi, ensuring that people around the world could witness it. 

The Marines wanted to show the world that even the mightiest pirate crews could be defeated by the Marines' sense of justice. If you didn't want to die, don't act foolishly as a pirate.

They wanted to use the Whitebeard Pirates' defeat as a lesson for those reckless youngsters who dreamed of being pirates. They wanted to warn the other Four Emperors that if they caused trouble, they could be the next to fall. Don't hop around like fleas, causing chaos everywhere.

Everyone was watching what was happening in Marineford, whether they were pirates or civilians. They all wanted to see the outcome of this battle, a battle that could change the world's course.

Who would emerge victorious?

Justice or evil?

Marines or pirates?

They wanted to see the final result of this battle unfold before their eyes.