Hi guys, Azza here!
So we've finally arrived at the Marineford War Arc! Strap yourselves in guys because this is going to be an absolute mess!
For real though, I was wondering which I'd hit first, 100 chapters or 700k words and it looks like I've got my answer now. This is the third time now we've struck this milestone now and I'm so thankful to you all for sticking with me this long!
We aren't even at the time skip yet but the word count and chapter count is so damn high! Honestly, I'm glad to be able to provide such filling content for you all because trust me, its my own dream to find fics this size to just binge whenever.
But really, thanks to all of you! From the guys who always review to the silent readers who are just content reading but not reviewing, all of you guys are just as important to me! I hope you'll stick with me because we've still got soooooo much more to go yet it isn't even funny!
I'll cut this here because you'll get the 100 chapters speech in like a week so we can continue this then!
For now, onto the reviews!
Zanark Sathanus – Yeah I planned on having World and Bullet in from the start and if you're observant in this chapter another one will be included in this chapter though I don't mention them by name.
Also, not sure if you know, but Redfield was the main villain of One Piece Unlimited World Red and was made by Oda so I decided to also include him since his origins are the same as the other two. Unknown beast lurking in Level Six of Impel Down until the infamous breakout where he slipped away and only shows up either during or post time skip. He's pretty damn powerful to be honest, so strong actually that him being a rival to Roger isn't actually unfeasible in his prime.
As for Natsu and Lancer Artoria that will be a thing after the war and its going to go probably how you'd expect though once more it will be my chance to experiment with something a little different.
Mordred will most likely be involved as well, as foreshadowed haha!
Alright, on with the story!
I do not own Fairy Tail, One Piece or the Nasuverse.
The Precipice Of War
/A Market Somewhere In The South Blue/
The shops had just begun to open for the day across the small island of Varhneld. The atmosphere however by all those who currently trekked through the stalls was tense as people bartered and traded with haste before scurrying back home as quickly as they could.
At the edge of the marketplace, one business savvy owner had opened up his pub early to the public. A live broadcast of Marineford up on screen which was currently being watched by as many as the establishment could possibly accommodate.
"Can you believe the amount of power the World Government is throwing up for this," one patron asked in clear disbelief. "They say all the Warlords are gonna be there!"
"Plus, all the heads of the Three Great Powers," another chimed in grimly.
"Seems like they're expecting Whitebeard to do some serious damage!"
"He very well could …"
"How?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"How is he just gonna roll up and fight all the Admirals, the Generals, the Air Marshalls, the Seven Warlords, all the Servants and even the top three leaders of the Three Powers!?"
"Whitebeard isn't stupid," the other man scoffed before draining his glass and slamming it down onto the bar. "Word is, he's calling in literally every last favour for this!"
"Tch, Whitebeard," the other man said mockingly as they all looked onto a different screen showing the man's Wanted Poster. "He's just an old relic that blowing a lot of hot air! His time is past, just like that of Roger!"
/A Farm Somewhere In The East Blue/
The breeze was gentle as a group of farmers toiled away in their fields, having only just begun a day of what was shaping up to be hard work. Their backs weren't quite into it however, their minds more focused on the impending conflict to come.
"My Son was called up to fight you know," one of the farmers croaked, seemingly cracking under the pressure. "He's only nineteen years old!"
"Shit …"
"The faces of the Marines who came to get him looked grim," the farmer continued as he dropped his basket. "I think they all knew they weren't coming back!"
Two of the other farmers rushed over to comfort the man as he dropped to his knees crying. Both of them understood how their friend felt. They too had relatives who had been called up to fight. Even those who had retired were called back into service to face the impending threat of Whitebeard.
"Listen man, you can't go thinking like that," one of the farmers said supportively as he knelt down next to his friend, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I mean, there's no way the World Government are gonna lose against a Pirate, right? I mean, its their job to protect us, isn't it?"
"He's right, there's no way the World Government is gonna lose to Whitebeard! He's just an old relic from Roger's era!"
"Y-you guys …"
"Come on, there's no use fretting over what might or might not happen," the farmer on his knees sighed. "How about we just leave these apple trees for now and go into town?"
"I agree. Today isn't a day an honest man can keep a straight head; I'll pay you for it regardless."
"Y-you guys," the man sniffed as he was hoisted back to his feet by his friends. "Yeah, I don't think we can do much of anything until this is all over. I just-I just hope my Son makes it out of all this alive, y'know?"
"We're all praying for him too," the Boss said supportively as they all started walking toward the nearby dirt road. "Now come on, let's go find us some liquid courage and see the rest of this day through!"
/A Bar Somewhere In The North Blue/
"The hell do you mean you're not open today; you're open every day!?"
"Not today Son," the owner replied with a dark look as he closed the blinds to his bar. "Nothing good'll come from gettin the people smashed off their faces at a time like this."
"But some of us need this to get us through, my damn nerves are shot as it is!"
"Look kid, I'm not opening up today," the owner said in a much kinder tone. "I'll be open tomorrow!"
As he closed the door, the man who desperately wanted a drink watched his entire expression shift to one of hopelessness.
"I'll open, assuming there even is a tomorrow for any of us …"
/A Casino In The West Blue/
"HAH! You'd better believe betting on the World Government is the safe bet," a snobbish looking Noble grinned as he slammed down a check for no less than a Hundred Million Berries to the bookie. "That fool Whitebeard is finally going to get what's coming to him, mark my words!"
"I wouldn't be so sure of that slick," an older man in the far corner chuckled softly.
"Oh really? You think someone as senile as Whitebeard stands a chance against the assembled might of the World Government!?"
"Yeah actually, I do," the man said as he rose to his feet which prompted many to take a step back at his appearance.
"A Pirate! You dare show your face here at a time like this!?"
"Relax slick, I'm not here to start trouble," the man grinned as he stepped up toward the shaken bookie. "Here, this is my bet."
"Wh-what!?"
"You'd bet Five Hundred Million on WHITEBEARD!?"
"A lot of you either weren't around or have forgotten, but Whitebeard once graced this Casino with his presence back in the day you know. Don't underestimate him just because he's gotten a little old, he's still as monstrous as he's always been. He's just gotten a lot more patient as the years went by."
"What do you mean by that," one of the younger patrons asked curiously which prompted the man to chuckle once again.
"The last time Whitebeard was here in this very same place; he killed an entire room full of people without even having to lift so much as a finger. A thousand people sitting here just like you and me, dead, and he didn't even lift so much as a finger."
"Wh-why would he do that!?"
"The old owners of this place attacked one of his crew," the man replied with a feral grin. "The guy they got was new, hadn't even been part of the Whitebeard Pirates more than a week and they thought he was an easy target."
"Wh-what happened …?"
"Well, once word got out they assumed the worst that was gonna happen was more low level crew members were gonna come and try and seek revenge for him. So naturally they laughed and partied and celebrated their little victory over the 'Great Edward Newgate' until they got all tuckered out."
"And then …"
"Well, they all got mighty silent when old Whitebeard himself walked on through that door right over there, didn't they? I still remember it like it was yesterday, his eyes glowing Crimson Red as he marched right up to the barkeep and demanded to know who did it."
"A-and what did the barkeep say!?"
"Tried to lie, to fool him, of course," the man chuckled as he took a sip of his whiskey. "Course, me being the upstanding citizen I was told him that it was actually a group job and that everybody in that place was actually part of a Pirate Crew of their own."
"And he just believed you," one patron cut in, clearly not buying the story. "Why didn't he suspect you?"
"Heh, me and Whitebeard go way back," the man grinned as he fully emerged out into the light to reveal his missing legs, replaced by a set of swords. "Of course, that's a story for another time but … suffice to say, my word alone was enough."
"Y-y-you," the current barkeep gasped. "Y-you're meant to be dead!"
"Dead, missing, imprisoned … I'm meant to be a lot of things," the man grinned as he lit a cigar, brushing some of his long shaggy blonde hair out of his face. "Then again, so is Whitebeard, no?"
The man laughed as the patrons digested the words of the legend before them, not entirely confident of the outcome any longer as all eyes turned back toward the live feed of Marineford.
/Marineford – Same Time/
And so, as the world itself braced for the impending clash between the forces of Justice and the Whitebeard Pirates, backed by their allies. The three highest ranking officers stood atop what was the execution platform, Portgas D Ace seated before them.
All three stepped up to view what was to be their assembled forces. The barrier between Whitebeard's allies and Ace.
"So, this is the final count," Sengoku asked as he passed the paper off to Archer.
"Indeed. This is the best we have that doesn't compromise international security," Rider replied as the paper returned to him. "All in all, probably better than we could have hoped.
"Mmhm. We have just shy of two hundred and sixty thousand people down there," Sengoku muttered as they looked out at the sea of people all waiting for the inevitable. We also have Five of the Seven Warlords, far better than we ever could have hoped for."
"Indeed, plus all the Servants," Rider added. "Tiberius Squad alone will be an invaluable asset."
"Don't forget Cipher Pol either," Archer added quickly.
"Yes, all in all we have assembled quite the force here," Sengoku nodded as he set his eyes down upon the forces below.
To reiterate, almost two hundred and sixty thousand Marines and Soldiers had gathered from across all four corners of the globe.
One hundred of the Navy's most formidable ships, the fearsome Man O War, had encircled Marineford's crescent shaped bay. And within the bay, countless cannons and machine gun nests had been erected, ready to be used at a moment's notice.
From the port, the front row of troops could easily be seen from far off. From the Soldiers manning the guns, to the squad of Giants towering over the ships themselves, they were ready to fight.
However, on clear display at the front were five rogues who could possibly change the outcome of the war with their mere presence alone! Members of the Seven Warlords Of The Sea!
The first, a fearsome giant of a man that had only just recently returned from Sabaody Archipelago. A man carrying a bible under his right arm and a blank look on his face as he gazed out at the distant seas.
An Ally Of The World Government
Warlord Of The Sea
Paw Paw Fruit User
The Cruel Tyrant
Bartholomew Kuma
Bounty – 296,000,000 Berries (Frozen)
The man standing next to him was one that could be considered a real troublemaker. A trickster, a man who had little care for those around him that weren't his direct subordinates. This man could be considered a true pshycopath in his own right …
An Ally Of The World Government
Warlord Of The Sea
The King Of Dressrosa
Donquixote Doflamingo
Bounty – 340,000,000 Berries (Frozen)
And then, next to this man was one who could kill lesser opponents with a mere glare. A man so skilled with the blade he holds the title of the World's Greatest Swordsman. A man so powerful he fought almost daily with Red Hair Shanks until he lost his arm saving Straw Hat Luffy.
An Ally Of The World Government
Warlord Of The Sea
The World's Greatest Swordsman
Dracule Mihawk
Bounty – 2,887,900,000 Berries (Frozen)
Next to this man was a woman whose beauty was said to be virtually unrivalled. A woman who held true disdain for those not of her own home and whose tolerance for those she disliked remained nil. A heart of ice that had only just recently been thawed; she still despised the very establishment she currently stood in service for …
Ally Of The World Government
Warlord Of The Sea
Empress Of Amazon Lily
Boa Hancock
Bounty – 300,000,000 Berries (Frozen)
And finally, standing to her right was the man who replaced Gecko Moria after his death. A man who harbours a deep grudge against a certain person. A man who wields Darkness and Rage as if it were second nature to him. This man is truly a monster of legend …
Ally Of The World Government
Warlord Of The Sea
A Hole In The Very World Itself
Berserker Of The White Dragon
Bounty – 1,117,400,000 Berries (Frozen)
Many of the nearby forces who looked over at these five fearsome warriors quickly gasped as all eyes turned toward the area beneath the execution platform.
Two tiers, three chairs for each and three occupants to occupy these spaces. All the assembled forces knew who sat in each of these chairs. These were arguably their biggest saviours.
Starting with the top row there were three men dressed in Marine garb. These were the Admirals Of The Navy.
To the left was a man dressed in a yellow suit and orange tinted sunglasses. He was the most laid back of the three and seemed to find the situation almost amusing as he lazily leant back in his chair.
One Of The Great Military Powers
Admiral Of The Navy
Glint Glint Fruit User
The Yellow Glimmer
Kizaru
The chair on the right housed another rather relaxed man, however it appeared that he did seem to understand the sheer gravity of what they were getting into as he leant forward in his seat, chin resting atop his linked fingers.
One Of The Great Military Powers
Admiral Of The Navy
Ice Ice Fruit User
The Blue Pheasant
Aokiji
And finally, seated at the centre of the group was a stern looking man dressed in a red suit. A distinctive tattoo could vaguely be seen on the left side of his chest and he had a cigar in his mouth. The man appeared to be taking this whole situation very seriously, simply watching the horizon and waiting …
One Of The Great Military Powers
Admiral Of The Navy
The Red Dog
Akainu
Moving down to the next level were the seats reserved for the Generals. Each person who took a seat differed drastically in appearance compared to their Admiral counterparts however their strength was considerably just as potent.
Beginning on the right was a tall, beautiful and slender woman with long light blue hair. Her eyes were also likewise blue and she wore a form fitting officers uniform that was grey with black trimming lining the edges with a matching cap that had the kanji for JUSTICE etched into it.
The woman's eyes were alight and seemingly scanning the forces assembled below, darting upward every now and then to see if the enemy had arrived yet. She was clearly all business and there wasn't a single trace of warmth upon her pale skinned body to be seen.
One Of The Great Military Powers
General Of The Army
Servant Of The World Government
The Ice Queen
Esdeath (Caster)
Seated next to her was what appeared to be a little girl, though the look of pure insanity upon her twisted face certainly said otherwise. She was dressed in a similar manner to Rider Of The Axis and Archer Of The Black Devil, wearing a black military styled uniform with a cap that had the kanji for Justice on it.
The girl was practically bouncing in her seat, seemingly excited for what was to come yet her gaze never once left the open seas, showing that she was still focused on the task at hand despite her seemingly blood lusted state.
One Of The Great Military Powers
General Of The Army
Servant Of The World Government
The Herald Of The Lord
Archer Of The Rhine
And finally, seated next to her was the most out of place person among the three. The man wore a mask that obscured his entire head from view and was dressed in what appeared to be the uniform of the Romans, though what time period none could truly say.
The man simply sat, and watched, and waited. His body didn't even show the signs that he was breathing, a testament to just how controlled he truly was at that moment.
One Of The Great Military Powers
General Of The Army
Servant Of The World Government
The Butcher
Saber Of The East
"So, do you know if he's got them ready yet," Sengoku asked, prompting Rider to shrug in reply.
"He merely said that they will be there when they are needed, that was all. I'll admit that I don't like it, but I assume it will be for shock value."
"That's what I thought," Sengoku sighed as they all looked down upon the assembled forces once again.
"Not long now Sengoku, I can feel it."
"So can I," Sengoku sighed as he looked off to the side to see his old friend Garp standing next to Tsuru, the Command Seals on his hand missing a portion which only further worried him.
"Belebelebelebelebele … GATCHA!"
"This is Rider … Truly? I see … I understand, I approve. Deploy it at once."
"Who was that," Sengoku asked curiously only to notice Rider's grim expression.
"Impel Down has been destroyed."
"WHAT!?"
"Dragneel is on his way here, that was the lone surviving ship with the last few guards left from the place."
"No way," Archer muttered. "What the hell happened!?"
"Dragneel happened," Sengoku growled. "Him and Garp's Grandson no doubt! What did you approve?"
"I approved the deployment of the SSG's recently finished weapon," Rider replied as he turned to Archer. "I'll need you to pilot it, I don't trust anyone else."
"Of course. A thing like that would be far too complex for someone who hasn't flown at all, I'll head off to get that done now but … I don't really think it's gonna be enough."
"Hold Dragneel back as long as you can Archer, that's all any of us can ask," Sengoku sighed as Archer vanished in a burst of speed.
The air is getting thicker with tension Sengoku …"
"I know," Sengoku muttered in reply as they braced themselves for what was to come.
/Meanwhile -? /
"THIS IS FUCKING INSANE," Mordred cried out in shock as she watched the ship she was on sail through some of the craziest stuff she'd ever seen before. "WHERE THE HELL ARE WE!?"
"Haha! Like I said earlier Mordred, displacement," Gawain grinned in response. "We're being sent to another place entirely using a cheap form of Magic!"
"Mordred? It is you, isn't it!?"
Steeling her nerves for the moment, Mordred looked off to her left to see who had called her name only to nearly faint upon seeing Ritsuka grinning away like an idiot and Mash clinging onto his arm for dear life.
"HOW THE HELL ARE YOU TWO HERE!?"
"Long story short, we got sent to Eden and then basically told we had to come onto this ship because you were here and we spent ages trying to find you," Ritsuka grinned in reply. "Oh yeah, by the way, we got our connection to Chaldea back up and running thanks to the Casters!"
"Wait, really?"
"Really really! You doubt the ability of my fellow Casters Mordred?"
"Da Vinci? Is that you?"
"The one and only! I must say, this method of transportation is most unique, I do wish I was present to analyse it for myself but-!"
"One thing at a time," Mordred sighed as she stepped closer to the holographic projection of the Caster. "You up to speed on what's going on?"
"Yes and I don't like it. Natsu mentioned none of this and we can't even ask him to provide details on what's to come!"
"Why not?"
"He's … currently unavailable."
"Why?"
"He just is, ok!"
"Its alright Mordred, we'll just get by like we always do. Natsu often disappears for periods of time while we're out on Rayshift so it'll be fine," Mash said softly which in turn caused Mordred's own demeanour to soften also.
"Fine. So, with this connection up, what exactly do we get out of it?"
"What do you get, you get my illustrious self!"
"I meant what 'useful' stuff do we get?"
"How rude! I might as well not analyse enemy Servants to discern their true identities, analyse and provide real time geographical data to help you on your mission and I most certainly will not be providing you all with forewarning to enemy engagements that could otherwise be avoided!"
"Da Vinci's mad now," Ritsuka sighed as he palmed his face. "It's gonna take a hell of a bribe to fix this mess …"
"Bribe?"
"Usually, we promise her something for when we get back," Mash cut in though this only further confused Mordred.
"If she's not gonna do her job then just get that other guy to do it, Romani or whatever his name was?"
"THAT IS WHOLLY UNNECESSARY! I AM PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF PERFORMING MY DUTIES HERE AS SUPPORT," Da Vinci practically screeched through the hologram. "I'm also telling on you to Natsu that you were mean to me."
"WHAT!"
"Oh Natsu, it was horrible," Da Vinci sniffed as she started crying. "She just kept bullying me about how useful I'm able to be even though I wanted to be right there beside you all … I feel so horrifically scarred-!"
"I bet you just want an excuse to sleep with him again," Gawain grumbled only for a shock to shoot out from Ritsuka's glove and hit Gawain right between the legs.
"OUCH! WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?"
"What was what," Da Vinci replied calmly before noticeably brightening up once again. "Oh, Sir Gawain! My readings here told me that you were supposed to be dead, perhaps you should correct that and jump overboard."
"I'm so lost," Mordred sighed as a loud voice came over the ships PA.
"All hands, brace for rematerialization!"
"Here we go," Lancelot sighed. "We're about to jump into the war for real now …"
"Really," Mordred asked as the group moved toward the nearest railing. "Already?"
"Yep. Just be ready since we could be popping right into the middle of a warzone."
"Right," Mordred sighed before looking over at Mash and Ritsuka. "You two ready for this?"
"Not really, but we'll be fine," Ritsuka replied with a shrug.
"Senpai and I have been through a lot so this shouldn't be too bad."
"I sure hope so," Mordred sighed as she felt that familiar weight tug at her body like earlier. "I sure hope so …"
/Marineford/
As the forces of Justice stood vigilant in preparation for the impending invasion, the lookouts stationed on the upper ramparts of HQ kept watch over the sea from all sides of the island. One of the lookouts just so happened to aim his spyglass to the North right as a sudden blanket of smoke sprung up.
"What …"
Looking into the smoke, the man couldn't make out any distinct shapes, though he could definitely see shadows of what appeared to be people. Out in the smoke, someone spoke.
"Right then, let's begin!"
And then, as the man turned his spyglass to the left, he saw it, the first shadow of a ship which was quickly followed by four more. The man gasped and started pressing a series of dials before picking up the nearby speakerphone for the PA system.
Alarms began to ring out across the island which sent shivers throughout the gathered forces below as the man's voice rang out across the island.
"THEY'RE HERE!"
"ALL TROOPS, PREPARE FOR BATTLE," a commanding voice boomed seconds later as the Marines stationed on the Man O Wars started facing their guns toward the now approaching fleet of ships.
Likewise, the guns in the port also quickly found themselves primed and faced toward the inbound force. Most of their crews though were shaking as the smoke began to dissipate, the flags of the crews that had come to fight now proudly on display for the world to see.
"They got here faster than I'd expected," Sengoku growled as the size of the fleet only seemed to grow larger.
"We should've pre-emptively tried taking back Enies Lobby," Rider replied with a deep frown. "They've gotten far too close, too quickly."
Meanwhile down with the regular troops, many of them were now openly panicking upon seeing some of the well known ships which housed some of the worst Pirates they'd been forced to deal with for years on end.
"IT'S A HUGE FLEET OF PIRATE SHIPS!"
"But where's Whitebeard, we've got to find his ship quickly!"
Back up with the lookouts, they were finally able to gain a visual on some of the Pirate Captains and began relaying it down to command.
"I've got eyes on the Bohemian Knight, Doma! Bounty of Three Hundred And Twenty Seven Million!"
"Can confirm the presence of Thunder Lord McGuy! Bounty Four Hundred And Forty Million!"
"There's the infamous DeCalvan Brothers! Bounty of Three Hundred and Eighteen Million!"
"Shit, its Whirl Spider Squard! Bounty of Two Hundred And Eighty Eight Million!"
"There's the Ice Witch, Whitey Bay! Bounty of Four Hundred and Ninety Million!"
"So many big time, well renowned Captains from the New World," Sengoku muttered as the fleet continued to draw closer.
"Looks like, fifty-one ships in total," Rider muttered as the identities of the Captains continued to roll in. "But no sign of Whitebeard or the Division Commanders though …"
"Whitebeard must be up to something," Sengoku thought when the PA started blaring once more.
"WE'VE GOT ACTIVITY GOING ON TO EITHER SIDE OF THE FLEET," one of the lookouts cried as everyone watched on in shock as the space on either side of the fleet started twisting and distorting, releasing powerful sparks of lightning out in all directions.
"WE'VE GOT MORE CONTACTS INCOMING," another lookout cried as a ship emerged from the left distortion as if it had been sailing right next to the others at full speed.
"It's Eden," Rider said darkly as he pointed to the Coat Of Arms painted onto the mast. "So, they came as predicted."
Ship after ship seemingly charged through the distortions from either side with no end in sight. Each easily larger than a frigate however it was when the Man O War sized ones started coming through that Sengoku actively started to sweat.
"WE'VE GOT EYES ON EDEN'S SHIPS," one of the lookouts roared as their spyglass started honing in on specific people.
"Knight Captain Salisbury, bounty of Four Hundred and Twelve Million!"
"Paladin Fairfax, bounty of Five Hundred and Twenty Million!"
"Lieutenant Commander Lancaster, bounty of Five Hundred and Thirty-Three Million!"
"I've got eyes on The Britannia, Artoria Pendragon's Flagship," one of the lookouts practically squeaked out which had both Sengoku and Rider gaping in shock.
"Look on the deck, that's Knight Of The Sun Gawain, bounty of Six Hundred and Fifty Two Million!"
"And there right next to him, that's the Knight Of Lamination Sir Tristan, bounty of Four Hundred and Forty Million!"
"ANOTHER FLAGSHIP!"
"WHAT," Sengoku roared, this time pulling out a set of binoculars. "This can't be …"
"IT'S THE CYPRITINE JEWEL," one of the lookouts cried as the hulking Man O War emerged from the distortion with its crew already roaring and ready for a fight.
"That's the flagship of Iskandar," Rider said as he also scanned the ship with his binoculars. "But I don't see him anywhere, just more big named soldiers and Servants."
"To be honest, I think he'll strike from where we'd least expect," Sengoku sighed as he listened to the statistics from his personal Den Den Mushi. "So, thanks to Eden's efforts, Whitebeard now has over one hundred and thirty-three ships at his back with almost all of them being manned by someone of note at the very least. Lowest bounty among every Pirate and Eden soldier present clocks in at Two Hundred and Twelve Million."
"Numerical advantage?"
"That we still have, fortunately," Sengoku sighed as Rider looked back out toward the colossal fleet of ships. "We still have at least forty thousand over their number, far less than our analysts had predicted but still significant."
"For now," was all Rider said in reply as they all looked back toward the bay. "Do you hear that?"
"Yes …"
All the Admirals and Generals heard the sudden disturbance beneath the surface of the water in the centre of the bay, the light show of sparks down there only confirmed more suspicions as several shadows slowly began to appear and grow larger by the second.
"I knew Whitebeard was reckless … but this is-!"
Sengoku was cut off as something broke through the water's surface. A massive ship, easily Man O War Class, erupted from beneath the sea and launched itself into the sky before landing easily on the shaky surface.
The ship was protected by a bubble coating, one designed specifically to allow the free travel of ships beneath the sea. Two more ships of similar appearance appeared shortly after in the same fashion and landed on either side of the main one, facing left or right respectively.
"It's the Moby Dick, Whitebeard's Flagship," Sengoku said to no one in particular as the sound of distant clanging could be heard.
"WE'VE GOT EYES ON THE DIVISION COMMANDERS," the lookout cried as Sengoku and Rider both moved to look at the Moby Dick.
"Yeah, that's them alright," Rider sighed. "All Fourteen Division Commanders, in fact."
Sengoku's eyes weren't specifically on them, but on the space their main foe would be as the clanging sound continued to increase in volume. After several tense moments, their main foe finally walked into view and stood tall with a wide grin on his face.
"Whitebeard …"
"Gurarararara … How many decades has it been since we last met, Sengoku?"
"Damn you Whitebeard," Sengoku hissed as the man tapped the end of his massive naginata lance down for a final time before continuing to speak.
"You'd better tell me that my beloved Son is doing alright, Sengoku?"
One Of The Four Emperors Of The Sea
Pirate Lord Of The New World
Captain Of The Whitebeard Pirates
Former Rival To Gol D Roger
Devil Candidate Of The World Of Pirates
The Strongest Man In The World
Edward Newgate (Whitebeard)
Bounty – 5,046,000,000 Berries
The second he finished speaking, several other figures flashed in on either side of Whitebeard who only seemed to grin wider as the forces of the World Government paled.
"Now THAT is how you do an entrance! I kind of wish I had the opportunity to pull something off like this in my decisive battle with Darius, but beggars can't be choosers, eh!?"
An Ally Of The Whitebeard Pirates
King From The Servant State Of Eden
Former King Of Macedonia
The King Of Conquerors
Alexander The Great (Rider)
Bounty – 912,000,000 Berries
"I do not see the need to gloat about making an entrance to battle King Of Conquerors, this is after all a battle that will see tens of thousands dead, if not more, by its conclusion."
An Ally Of The Whitebeard Pirates
King From The Servant State Of Eden
Former King Of Arthurian Britain
The King Of Knights
Wielder Of The Sacred Sword Excalibur
Artoria Pendragon (Saber)
Bounty – 910,000,000 Berries
"Come on King Of Knights, this will only further demoralize the enemy which might even incentivise some of them to surrender or try to flee. Most leaders would kill for something like that! As much as I personally enjoy facing my foes head on, in cases where the numbers are on this scale, being able to thin out their rank that way really does go a long way!"
An Ally Of The Whitebeard Pirates
King From The Servant State Of Eden
Former King Of Sparta
The King Of Flame
Leonidas I (Saber)
Bounty – 855,000,000 Berries
"I must admit that I am glad you all decided to aid us in this dire hour. I don't even want to consider how this would have gone without Eden's aid," the older looking man standing just behind Whitebeard said with a slight bow. "Thank you, Kings Of Legend."
"No need to thank us with words my friend, the feast after our victory shall be most sufficient," Iskandar grinned as he clapped the man on the back. "Besides, I know you're quite strong yourself so I expect to see you giving us a run for our money!"
"Hoh! I do know my way around a fight, I'll not deny that! However, my talent does lie more in commanding others and tactics, and tea making!"
"Either way, I guess I'll have the best tea in all the land to look forward to upon our victory then," Iskandar replied as the group turned their gaze back toward the forces of the World Government. "Assuming that they aren't stupid enough to drag this out."
"That may be a certainty," the older man replied grimly as all eyes moved to Whitebeard who had taken several steps forward.
"This is your one chance Sengoku to end this peacefully," Whitebeard's voice boomed out across the entire island as everyone shifted nervously for the inevitable response. "Return Ace to me and I'll withdraw!"
"You know we can't do that Whitebeard; you know exactly why we can't," Sengoku replied defiantly prompting Whitebeard to sigh audibly.
"Fine then, but don't act like this couldn't have all been avoided. I gave you all a chance to end this peacefully and you've gone and squandered it!"
Clenching his fists, Whitebeard's muscles seemed to begin to bulge which earned him a whistle of respect from Leonidas and caused Iskandar to flex his own right arm for a comparison.
"From this moment on … all the lives lost, ARE ON YOUR HEAD, SENGOKU," Whitebeard roared as he clenched his fists, brought them close to his chest before swinging his arms outward on either side of him to punch the air.
The second he struck the space he desired, large cracks formed in the space itself as the sound of shattering glass rang out all across Marineford and the gathered fleet. The cracks grew larger and larger as everything began to shake violently.
The War Of The Best, had begun.
Ok so before anyone says anything, some Bounties like Artoria's and Iskandar's are higher because they actually did stuff during the time I revealed them last and what's going on right now.
Iskandar fought Garp to a standstill so his went up and Artoria captured a CP0 Agent and took out an entire island slave operation so hers also went up.
So yeah, just clarifying that all for you now in case anyone is wondering if I made an error.
Also, I figured doing the World Government forces introduction in a narrator styled manner worked best so hopefully no one minds that. I don't do it often but I feel like each time I do use it that its warranted.
Anyway, hope you are all hyped for what's to come and I'll see you in the next one!