Chapter 157 The Eve of Execution Shocks the WorldDoesn't this guy realize that these three people in the room have a close relationship with Luffy's family?
Am I the only one in the world who knows that Garp, that old scoundrel, has Dragon, the son of the Revolutionary Army?
Even Fleet Admiral Sengoku is tight-lipped about it, and you, of all people, bring it up. Do you really think Garp's iron fist can't kill you?
With a major battle about to erupt, Kizaru slowly put down his steaming teacup, breaking the awkward silence: "Alright, alright, we still have to stand guard at the execution platform. Let's go."
Aokiji, hands in pockets, shuffled towards the door.
Akainu, watching their lazy backs, snorted and followed them out.
Only after the three admirals had completely disappeared down the corridor did Garp casually pull his finger out of his nose and flick it.
"Sengoku, if I kill that brat Sakazuki now, would that be considered a violation of discipline?"
Sengoku's forehead veins throbbed, and he gritted his teeth, forcing out two words: "No!"
The scene shifts, and the South China Sea is shrouded in a tense atmosphere.
Only seven hours remain until the execution!
Everyone's heart is heavy, wondering if the legendary Whitebeard has arrived.
No one has a sure answer; everyone's heart is pounding. It's Whitebeard, after all, but would he really show himself for one person?
Some question whether Whitebeard, that old man, is still capable of such an act.
After all, it's been years since that man's name has appeared on the front page of the newspapers; perhaps he's already past his prime.
"Shut up! What are you saying, spouting such sarcastic remarks?"
An elderly woman with a wrinkled face, clutching a newspaper, snapped sharply, her eyes filled with fear.
It was precisely because that man was monstrously strong that Marine Headquarters was so terrified that they summoned the world's elite forces, setting up such a massive defense!
As long as Whitebeard wasn't dead, he'd most likely come.
A naive young man swallowed hard, trembling as he asked what would happen if he really came.
The old woman grinned, revealing a few toothless teeth, a meaningful, bitter smile: "Who dares to imagine the cataclysmic consequences?"
The scene shifted to the East Blue, where people were also discussing the matter.
Some thought they were remnants of a previous era, long ago consigned to the dustbin of history.
Marine Headquarters was an impregnable fortress; how could it possibly lose to a bunch of pirates?
No matter what kind of three-headed, six-armed monster the enemy was, trying to storm Marineford was simply a pipe dream.
"Don't be so sure of yourself," Jabba, a former Roger Pirates officer with a tattooed head, chuckled, exhaling a cloud of smoke.
Over twenty years ago, a madman named Shiki the Golden Lion single-handedly stormed Marineford and nearly razed Marine Headquarters to the ground.
Jabba's eyes were glazed, as if recalling those glorious days. If nothing had gone wrong back then, heh heh.
This great battle will likely be even more brutal than that one.
Regardless of who wins, this sea will probably be filled with mountains of corpses and seas of blood.
Jabba took a deep drag of his cigarette and sighed, "If that man hadn't shown up, everything would be fine. If the execution goes smoothly, thank goodness."
North Sea Winter Island, the wind howled.
Two shivering young men frantically pounded on the wooden door of a bar, crying and begging for drinks.
The bar owner yelled irritably from inside, "Get out! Who's in the mood for business at a time like this?!"
The whole world is waiting to see if tomorrow will be the end of the world or a solar eclipse. If the earth doesn't explode tomorrow, I'll open the door then!
With a sharp crack, the owner bolted the door shut, afraid of being caught in the blast.
Somewhere in the West Sea, in a dark corner.
With a thud, a rough, large foot slammed heavily on the table.
A burly pirate with a face full of scars seemed to have heard the funniest joke, disdainfully refuting the comments about Whitebeard being old.
Just a year ago, this group of men had witnessed that man firsthand; the mere sight of his back nearly stopped their hearts in terror.
The pirate's hand trembled violently as he held the rum, spilling it all over himself.
One glance from him was enough to extinguish any thought of resistance, not even the urge to flee.
Fear spread across the Grand Line.
Some still questioned whether Whitebeard was truly as terrifying as the legends suggested.
A nearby person immediately scoffed, "Isn't that obvious? Even toddlers know that old man is not to be trifled with!"
A group of children nearby skipped rope, singing nursery rhymes about the terrifying legends of Whitebeard.
On the beach, a nun knelt devoutly on the sand, praying to the heavens for divine protection.
Meanwhile, in the Sabaody Archipelago, though the eastern sky was just beginning to lighten, the plaza was already packed with people.
The families of the naval personnel who originally lived in the large town of Marineford had all gathered here, anxiously watching the giant screen.
A huge broadcast screen stood beneath the mangrove trees, flickering with an eerie blue light.
Everyone stared intently at the screen, closely watching every move as the captains were publicly executed.
Reporters and photographers from all over the world, carrying their long lenses and cameras, their palms sweating with tension, determined to grab the first scoop of the news.
One reporter, looking at the densely packed military figures on the screen, couldn't help but admire how much Naval Headquarters had really gone all out this time, deploying their entire force.
Whitebeard, that old fox, must have known this was a certain death trap.
Another reporter frantically scribbled in his notebook, while a giant video Den Den Mushi faithfully transmitted the footage to every corner of the world.
Even knowing it was a trap, would that man really risk his life for his son?
The camera zoomed back to Marineford Square, the atmosphere thick with the chill of death!
Dozens of fully armed warships were anchored in the harbor, their dark cannons radiating a chilling killing intent!
Eight towering vice admirals, their physiques like mountains, stood in a row before the harbor, exuding an imposing aura!
Crates of heavy weapons and ammunition were hurriedly carried ashore by naval soldiers, their footsteps hurried and chaotic.
The crescent-shaped plaza was densely packed with over 100,000 elite naval troops!
These weren't the weaklings Luffy had encountered in the East Blue; this was a true elite force!
These 100,000 men are all proficient in at least four of the Six Powers of the Navy, killing machines forged through the rigorous training of Headquarters!
Among them are many masters who have fully mastered all six powers, possessing ridiculously strong individual combat abilities!
This terrifying force is something even any of the Four Emperors' pirate crews couldn't muster by mobilizing their entire forces!