"Well done, Issho, Aramaki," Fleet Admiral Sakazuki said, nodding as his sharp gaze swept over the two newly appointed Admirals.
"This is nothing," Aramaki replied with a feral grin. "I'm already itching to take Big Mom's head."
Sakazuki snorted coldly. For this operation, he had personally mobilized overwhelming force. Two Marine Admirals, ten Vice Admirals, thirty Rear Admirals, and fifty thousand elite Marine soldiers had been deployed. In addition, the Marines brought one hundred warships, one hundred Pacifista units, and the combined combat power of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Their objective was clear and singular.
The complete destruction of the Big Mom Pirates, the dismantling of the Three Emperors Alliance, and the enforcement of Marine justice.
"We have officially entered Totto Land's territory," Sakazuki said decisively. "From here on, we will divide our forces and systematically seize every island surrounding Cake Island. Once that is complete, all units will regroup at Cake Island and launch the final offensive. Is that clear?"
"Yes!" the assembled officers responded in unison, their voices filled with conviction.
At that moment, Fujitora spoke. "Fleet Admiral, what are your instructions regarding the civilians on the islands we pass through?"
Aramaki answered immediately, his voice loud and ruthless. "Isn't it obvious? Execute them all. Those civilians chose to live under Big Mom's protection, paying Berries and even their lifespan every month in exchange for safety. That is how she created so many Homies across Totto Land."
"Even so…" Fujitora hesitated.
Before he could continue, Sakazuki cut him off sharply. "They willingly aligned themselves with pirates. They forfeited any claim to mercy the moment they chose that path. Every island harbors Big Mom Pirates. We do not have the time or resources to distinguish between them."
His voice grew colder. "Today is Big Mom's birthday. All of her affiliated pirate crews will be gathering. This is a rare opportunity, handed to us by fate, to eradicate them all in one decisive strike."
Hearing Sakazuki's unwavering stance, Fujitora fell silent.
Marine Vice Admiral Gion then stepped forward. "Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, intelligence reports confirm that the Big Mom Pirates possess a Mirror Mirror Fruit user. Her ability allows spatial movement through mirrors. If the Phoenix Pirates or Beasts Pirates attempt a surprise attack using this power…"
Sakazuki waved a hand dismissively. "There is no need for concern. The World Government anticipated this long ago. Agents have already been deployed to deal with her. Reinforcements from the Phoenix Pirates or Beasts Pirates will not reach Totto Land through mirrors."
His eyes hardened. "Our goal remains unchanged. The Big Mom Pirates will be crushed completely."
The Marines present nodded in agreement, their resolve firm.
Sakazuki then turned his attention to the Seven Warlords of the Sea and their entourages. His voice was cold and commanding. "As Shichibukai, you will prove your worth today. Each of you is required to eliminate at least two hundred pirates. This is the minimum responsibility that comes with enjoying the privileges of your position."
Buggy's eyes widened. "Two hundred?"
Sakazuki's gaze locked onto him briefly before sweeping across the rest of the Warlords. "If any of you believe that eliminating two hundred pirates is beyond your capability, then I will reconsider whether you are qualified to remain a Shichibukai."
Though displeasure flickered across several faces, none of the Warlords dared to voice an objection. Sakazuki's reputation for ruthlessness was well earned.
Whether they would truly follow his orders once the battle began was another matter entirely.
"One final reminder," Sakazuki added. "This is an annihilation mission. There will be no arrests. Kill every enemy you encounter. We do not have enough prison cells, and these criminals have no reason to live."
This was absolute justice, Sakazuki's creed. Unlike Sengoku, he believed pirates deserved only eradication, not imprisonment.
Many Marines showed resolute expressions upon hearing his words, especially those who firmly believed in absolute justice.
Fujitora let out a quiet sigh. "To destroy a Four Emperor's crew, they are willing to sacrifice countless civilians. Is this the true danger of pirate ruled nations?"
Soon after, the Marine fleet split apart, warships dispersing toward the thirty four islands that made up Totto Land.
Sakazuki turned his back on the assembled officers and Shichibukai. "Enough talk. We move now. Our destination is Cake Island."
"Yes."
Ten Marine warships surged forward, cutting through the sea as they advanced straight toward Totto Land's capital, Cake Island.