216 With the Justice System

"I can... launch a surprise attack... on the Holy Land!"

In Sakazuki's mind, the balance of power within the G-5 Branch began to run through like lightning.

First—the enemy.

The World Government, joined by two Yonko crews.

The highest combat force of the World Government—the Five Elders.

Those five old monsters each possessed terrifying strength on par with Admirals, and even worse were their nearly immortal, eerie abilities.

But...

Sakazuki's gaze fell upon the figure on the screen—tall, upright, like a pine tree.

That boy, Hawke. His power now was unfathomable. To face any one of the Five Elders head-on would be a battle with no suspense.

Borsalino—his old friend. Once he got serious, his speed and destructive force were among the most terrifying in the world.

Aramaki and Issho, those two newcomers—each a monster in their own right. One commanded the boundless power of nature, the other possessed the horrifying ability to control gravity.

And then... there was Zephyr.

Sakazuki recalled the report about the Mythical Zoan: Vampire Fruit.

It allowed its user to restore themselves and regain their peak condition by consuming the blood of the strong.

Which meant—the one standing before the Five Elders now... was "Black Arm" Zephyr at his peak!

Five Admiral-level powers against five ancient monsters.

The top forces of the G-5 Branch weren't at a disadvantage at all—in fact, they held the upper hand!

They only needed to give that boy Hawke a little time. Once he eliminated even one of them, the scales of battle would tip decisively.

Then came the God's Knights and their Supreme Commander, Saint Figarland Garling.

Sakazuki's gaze shifted to the bottom of the screen—to those ninety steel giants radiating with distinct energy waves.

PX-Light, PX-Ice, PX-Magma.

Vegapunk's latest masterpieces—killing weapons perfectly replicating the powers of the original three Admirals.

And there was Bartholomew Kuma—the man who had regained his human form, wielding his fruit ability at a level rivaling top-tier Yonko lieutenants.

With him leading this new Pacifista force, holding back the God's Knights wouldn't be an issue.

Finally—the two Sea Emperors, Kaido and Big Mom.

Those remnants of the old era, powerful as ever, now faced legends of the Marines.

"Buddha" Sengoku and "Hero" Garp.

Those two old men had also been strengthened by Zephyr-sensei's "Life Essence," restoring their power to its absolute peak.

With them there, Kaido and Big Mom wouldn't be able to stir up a single wave.

As for the rest of the battlefield...

The trash from CP0, the executives of the Yonko crews...

"Ha—"

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Sakazuki's mouth.

Under Hawke's command stood four young Marine prodigies who had already come into their own.

Whether it was Zoro and Sanji—hailed as the next-generation Admiral candidates—or Hibari, who had mastered the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, or the calm and reliable Dane...

Each of them was strong enough to stand alone against the so-called "All-Stars" and "Sweet Commanders" of the Yonko.

The G-5 Branch...

Was impregnable!

Those words flashed across Sakazuki's mind.

"Heh..."

"Hehehe..."

From deep within his chest, a low, restrained laugh rumbled out.

Since the G-5 Branch was foolproof—then it was time for him to start the bombardment!

He slowly stood, stepping toward the massive floor-to-ceiling window.

Outside lay the peace and order of Marineford.

But his eyes seemed to pierce through tens of thousands of miles, landing on that Holy Land perched atop the Red Line—Mary Geoise.

"Since you've chosen to leave your comfortable little cage..."

"Then don't ever think about going back."

Sakazuki turned around and picked up the Den Den Mushi on his desk, dialing the first number.

"Buru buru~"

The call connected quickly. The snail's face shifted into that of the wise Vice Admiral Tsuru.

"Sakazuki?"

"Tsuru."

Sakazuki's tone was concise and firm. "The situation has changed."

"The G-3 Branch no longer needs to hold position."

"I need you to immediately lead the fleet and head to the G-5 Branch for reinforcement."

"...Understood."

On the other end, Tsuru fell silent for a moment before replying solemnly.

She too was watching the live broadcast. She instantly understood Sakazuki's intent.

Though the G-5 Branch was strong, they were facing an unprecedented enemy—an extra layer of insurance was always wise.

Click.

Sakazuki hung up the call.

He needed Tsuru to make absolutely sure the G-5 Branch was flawless.

Then...

Sakazuki picked up the Den Den Mushi again and dialed the second number.

"Buru buru~"

The ringing only sounded once before it was swiftly connected.

The snail's face morphed into that of a laid-back man with a head of curly hair.

Kuzan.

Sakazuki didn't waste a single word.

"Kuzan, return from the Four Seas immediately."

"Join me... in a surprise attack on the Holy Land—Mary Geoise!"

"..."

For a brief moment, there was silence on the other end.

But only for a second.

Then the Den Den Mushi's expression hardened into one of resolve.

"Ma~"

The voice still carried that familiar lazy tone—but within it, there was a chill deep enough to freeze the soul.

"Sakazuki, got it!"

"I'll be there soon!"

Clack—

The line cut abruptly.

Tap—

Sakazuki gently set the receiver down and leaned back in the Fleet Admiral's chair.

He pulled out one of the cigars reserved exclusively for the Fleet Admiral and lit it.

Done.

The G-5 Branch was impregnable.

And now he and Kuzan—the two former greatest forces of Marine Headquarters—would personally descend upon the Holy Land!

Tremble... Celestial Dragons!

Sakazuki exhaled a thick plume of smoke, his gaze once again drawn to the live feed.

He sat in silence, waiting for Kuzan's return.

...

West Blue.

A strange-looking bicycle was speeding madly across the endless sea.

Wherever its tires touched, the blue ocean instantly froze, forming a sparkling, crystalline path that stretched infinitely ahead.

And the man riding it was none other than the Marine Admiral "Aokiji" Kuzan.

The wind howled against his face, blowing back his curly bangs to reveal eyes now devoid of hesitation.

"Ma~"

"Freeze the Celestial Dragons, huh..."

He muttered under his breath—but his feet suddenly pressed harder on the pedals.

BOOM!!!

The entire bicycle shot forward like a blue arrow loosed from a bowstring!

It left behind a long, white trail across the sea—a mixture of shattered ice and mist swept up by the roaring wind.

The glacier of the old era had melted away.

Now, it was time for those so-called "gods" on high...

To experience the eternal winter themselves!

"Really now..."

Kuzan could feel the fire in his chest—the one called "passion."

"It's burning hot again!!!"