"What's going on? Why are you so panicked?"
Because Steel Bone Kong and Aegis were both present, Sengoku's tone toward the communications officer was especially displeased.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Commander Kong, Lord Aegis—the World Economy News has decided to start a live broadcast of the great decisive battle. They're going to let the entire world see this war."
Scolded by Sengoku, the officer finally calmed down and hurriedly delivered the news he'd just received.
"What? Morgans! Once the Marines take over this sea, that will be the day of execution for you and your newspaper!"
This time, it was Steel Bone Kong who exploded in fury, sentencing Morgans and the World Economy News on the spot.
Morgans' action was practically an open challenge to the entire world. The Marines no longer had any need to tolerate him; soon his name would be appearing on the wanted list.
To ignore all authority and broadcast to the whole world, this had already touched the reverse scale of the World Government.
Of course, if the World Government managed to win this war, then Morgans' behavior would become gilded embellishment instead.
However—
Steel Bone Kong truly did not have absolute confidence in victory.
Even though they had gathered Blood Shadow and the two giants of CP0, along with multiple Marine Admirals, Creed's side possessed several combat forces on the level of Yonko.
So even if their own side won, it would most likely be a pyrrhic victory.
Whether it ended in a disastrous victory or outright defeat, Steel Bone Kong did not want any of it to be seen by the entire world. It would cause unspeakable damage to the World Government's authority across the globe.
"Pass my order down: all Marine branches are to immediately take control of all live-broadcast channels within their jurisdictions. They must cut the signal. And do everything possible to activate signal jammers to interfere with these live feeds."
Steel Bone Kong rubbed his forehead as he issued the command.
Even if every Marine branch moved at once, they would only be able to shut down a bit less than half of the world's live signals.
After all, there were many sovereign kingdoms with no Marine presence at all; the Marines had no authority over those countries' affairs.
"Daring to smear the Celestial Dragons… Morgans absolutely cannot be allowed to live."
Aegis' attention wasn't focused on the live broadcast itself. What really enraged him were the articles that had subtly exposed the Celestial Dragons' cruelty and brutality.
"This battle, we must win."
Steel Bone Kong's voice rang out, but his brows soon furrowed again.
Because he'd seen that streak of yellow light on the horizon—Kizaru.
His return was much earlier than scheduled.
That meant the enemy defenses were exceedingly solid. Even in the sky, they hadn't allowed someone with Kizaru's speed to break through.
"Report to Commander! The Second Fleet on the left wing has been ambushed from below the sea by former Shichibukai Trafalgar Law. We lost three medium warships on the spot, and Trafalgar Law escaped immediately after succeeding in his strike."
The next moment, the communications officer's urgent report made Steel Bone Kong's frown deepen further.
They hadn't even entered Totto Land's waters yet and were already getting hit by raids.
Could it be that Creed intended to start the decisive battle out here?
"Just harassment tactics. We won't slow down for this. Advance at full speed and head straight for their heart. Petty tricks like these can't get on the main stage."
Aegis spoke calmly.
Indeed, if this were a battle between ordinary people, strategies and battlefield maneuvers might still matter.
But now, both sides had peak-level powerhouses anchoring their lines—and not just one or two.
When all was said and done, the key to victory or defeat still lay in the clashes between those at the very top.
If Steel Bone Kong's side could bring down Creed, Shiki, Big Mom, Dragon, and the others, then no matter how many forces remained in Creed's alliance, they would be nothing more than chickens and dogs to be swept aside—completely unable to form any real climate of resistance.
"Lord Aegis is right," Steel Bone Kong said, deeply agreeing. Then he immediately ordered, "Pass the word—full speed ahead!"
After the orderlies left to deliver the command, Steel Bone Kong finally turned to Sengoku.
"The front lines are in your hands now."
Sengoku nodded.
"I understand."
…
On a secluded island somewhere within Totto Land, Morgans stood on the balcony of a tall building, looking out into the distance.
At the end of his gaze, the horizon was already a wall of fire and smoke.
There, the Marine vanguard and Creed's alliance vanguard had already clashed.
"Morgans, you've tied us to your chariot this time. By secretly helping Creed like this, if he loses, we'll all end up as prisoners—maybe even on the execution platform."
"Trust Morgans' instincts. This time the Marines have come in full force, gathering all their strength. It's obvious they want to wipe the New World out in one stroke. When that happens, where in this world will there be any place for us?"
"You're right. The Marines will never tolerate the existence of the underworld."
Inside Morgans' room stood three figures of different shapes and sizes, each exuding the aura of a ruler.
The Four Emperors of the Underworld were all present today.
The other three walls of the enormous room were covered with massive screens. Each screen was broadcasting the unprecedented decisive battle from a different angle.
"Thank you all for your trust. Don't worry—Creed will win."
Morgans turned around, eyes narrowed, and continued.
"Because in him, I see the shadow of a king."
"Perhaps the Empty Throne is due for a new occupant."
A short while later, he said something that made the other three draw in sharp breaths.
"So, let's enjoy this visual feast to the fullest."
He raised his glass in a toast.
"Gentlemen, be ready to cheer."
The other three hurriedly stood as well, lifting their own glasses.
"But of course. To Creed's great victory!"
…
Totto Land, Ice Island Line.
Here, after several probing skirmishes between the Marines and Creed's alliance, the two sides finally collided in full force.
In an instant, the entire sea turned blood-red.
Shells rained down like a storm, sword light crisscrossed like a web, and the roar of battle shook the heavens.
Corpses and shattered planks floated everywhere.
It was obvious that the Marine forces, packed with elite troops, quickly gained the upper hand.
However…
(End of Chapter)
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