Chapter 25 Decisive Battle Approaches! The Strongest Navy’s Formation Completed! (Ch 25)

Naval Headquarters, Marinford.

A large town that carries the warm memories of countless Marine families is now shrouded in an impending storm.

Residents have been told to evacuate urgently. The streets have become empty and quiet, with only the occasional sound of hurried footsteps. Those are the marines gathering against the clock to prepare for an unknown battle.

The doors and windows of every household were tightly closed, and the curtains were like drooping eyelids, hiding the anxious and worried eyes inside. The children were tightly hugged by the adults, their young faces were full of fear and confusion, as if they didn’t understand why the peaceful life would suddenly be so turbulent.

“Hurry, everyone, move to the Sabaody Archipelago first, the ship will leave soon!”

The radio kept repeating the emergency evacuation instructions, mixed with the faint roar in the distance, which seemed to indicate that a war was about to break out.

The sea breeze is mixed with the salty smell of sea water, as well as a subtle hint of tension and uneasiness.

“Hey, boss, give me a bottle of wine.”

However, in this tense atmosphere, an untimely call came from a tavern in a corner.

The tavern owner was an elderly retired navy soldier. He looked up at the source of the sound and saw a middle-aged man with a stubble on his face, standing in front of the counter with a huge iron arm, his eyes showing a mixture of loneliness and determination.

“How can you still have the energy to drink at a time like this? I don’t know how big a war will break out.”

The boss frowned, but turned around, took out a bottle of wine from the wine cabinet and placed it in front of the middle-aged man.

“Let’s go! If the world still exists tomorrow, I will open my business.”

The middle-aged man took the bottle of wine but did not open it immediately. Instead, he gently stroked the cold bottle with his calloused hands, as if this simple action could bring him a little comfort.

His name is Zephyr, and he was once the admiral of the Navy Headquarters, the highest combat force of the former World Government. However, due to a serious mistake in a mission, all the students he led were killed, and his right arm was severely injured, so he had to wear a prosthesis. Since then, Zephyr was disheartened and left the Navy, wandering alone in the world.

“War… is nothing new to me.”

The man raised his head, looked through the small window of the tavern, at the sky that was about to be shrouded in the shadow of war, and a complex look flashed in his eyes.

“There are only three hours left. I would say Whitebeard has definitely given up!”

In the corner, a drunken man dressed as an officer suddenly interrupted, his eyes full of contempt and disdain.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen his name in the news for several years. Maybe he’s too old to walk. Hahahaha…”

Another man chuckled and echoed the officer’s words, and several drinkers around him also let out a few contemptuous laughs.

“Each generation is really inferior to the previous one!”

Zefa withdrew his gaze from the window and slowly glanced at everyone in the tavern. There was both disappointment and helplessness in his eyes.

“No wonder we have to rely on those so-called Seven Warlords of the Sea.”

“If old Edward knew his opponents were good-for-nothings like you, I’m afraid he would be so happy!”

“Stinky old man, say it to me again!”

The man dressed as an officer was angered by Zefa’s words. He slammed the table and stood up. The alcohol made his face flush.

“I’m a colonel of the G2 branch of the Navy. I have captured countless pirates. How can you point fingers at me here?” the officer roared.

“Why, you want to fight here?”

Zefa didn’t even turn his head, but just pressed lightly on the table with his left hand. Suddenly, the whole tavern seemed to be shrouded by an invisible force. The officer’s body sat back involuntarily, and the anger on his face was replaced by astonishment.

“Give my regards to that Gumier guy, and tell him that the old guy who made him stand all day drank here, and ask him to pay the bill for me.”

After saying that, Zefa placed the bottle heavily on the table, turned around and walked out of the tavern, his figure disappearing outside the door…

……

At the port of Marinford, the blood-red sunset sprinkled on the vast sea, contrasting with the densely packed artillery and warships, forming a magnificent yet heavy picture.

These steel behemoths, crawling like prehistoric beasts, reflect the afterglow of the setting sun and also foreshadow the coming storm.

At the port, marines swarmed like ants, shuttling between the warships and making final preparations for the war.

They were checking weapons and equipment, carrying supplies, or saying their final goodbyes to their families. The air was filled with a tense and tragic atmosphere, as if the shadow of the war had enveloped the entire port.

“Over there, hurry up, don’t dilly-dally!”

“No matter what happens, don’t be complacent. There are only three hours left.”

“It will all be over then.”

A giant commander, holding a megaphone, moved among the crowd, giving orders loudly. His voice echoed in the port like thunder, trying to ignite fighting spirit in the soldiers’ hearts.

“roar–“

Beside him, the famous marines gathered from all over the world roared in unison, their voices shaking the earth. There were about 100,000 of them in total, and at this moment they were all gathered together to face this battle that would decide their fate.

Fifty warships surrounded the crescent-shaped bay, ready to meet the coming storm. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on each warship, covering them with a layer of golden armor, adding a bit of solemnity and grandeur.

At this moment, a deep and powerful bell sound came from the central bell tower of Marinford. It penetrated the noise and made everyone present feel nervous.

“Look, Fire Fist Ace is about to be brought out.” Someone exclaimed in a low voice, instantly attracting everyone’s attention.

In an instant, the entire Marinford seemed to hold its breath.

Whether it was the elite navy who were ready to go, the Seven Warlords of the Sea who were invited, or even the audience who watched the live broadcast through Den Den Mushi, all their eyes were focused on the execution platform.

“Hehehehe——”

“Here we have the strongest forces of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and the Navy Headquarters, three admirals and 100,000 elites. How are you going to attack us, Whitebeard?”

Moonlight Moriah looked upward, licking his cracked lips from time to time.

“That’s the man who might become the trigger for a world war.”

“It’s exciting!”

Doflamingo, who was standing next to the former, still had a playful smile on his face. He turned his head and glanced at Mihawk, who was resting with his eyes closed, with a hint of teasing in his eyes.

“Hey, are you planning on just standing by and watching again?”

“We’re just here to kill time anyway!”

Mihawk slowly opened his eyes, staring at the sea:

“For me, fighting is just a way to hone my sword skills.”

“No matter who it is, as long as they are worthy of my help, I will do my best.”

“There are stinky men everywhere, it’s unbearable!”

Hancock smiled contemptuously upon hearing this, feeling both anticipation and disdain for the upcoming war:

“But, although they are both men, that one is special.”

“You must be safe, Luffy!”

Her eyes penetrated the crowd, as if she could see the figure in the distance rushing towards here…