Chapter 273: About to Begin

Navy Headquarters, Marineford.

Warships were neatly docked on the sea, and Navy soldiers walked back and forth on the decks, preparing for the coming battle.

Standing in Crescent Moon Bay were towering giants—the Giant Vice Admirals. They all looked serious, staring at the sea ahead; any movement would catch their attention.

"Hurry up and get ready! Don't dawdle! We must ensure nothing goes wrong!"

In the Marineford plaza, looking out, it was a sea of white—the white of the Justice cloaks.

This time, a total of 19,874 Navy Colonels, 8,452 Commodores, 1,498 Rear Admirals, and 176 Vice Admirals—a total of 30,000 Navy officers—were participating. 90% of them were transferred from the Four Blues and the Grand Line. Although their strength was a gap below the Headquarters officers, they were all the elite of the elite.

"Everyone, do not be careless! Only three hours left, and then everything will be over!!!"

"Ohhh!!!"

The shouts of the Navy soldiers echoed throughout Marineford, and a murderous aura filled the air.

At this moment, Marineford was ready to face any opponent...

In the center of Crescent Moon Bay were the Seven Warlords of the Sea: from left to right, Bartholomew Bartholomew Bartholomew Kuma, Gecko Moria, Donquixote Doflamingo, Dracule Mihawk, and Boa Hancock.

Hancock was probably bored of waiting and sighed softly: "How boring~ why hasn't that old man Whitebeard come over yet? I'm getting a bit bored..."

While speaking, Hancock couldn't help but look back toward the execution platform. Karl hadn't come either; no fun...

Although Karl hadn't arrived yet, others had.

"Look! It's the Admirals!"

Three Admirals slowly walked toward the three empty seats below the execution platform. Leading them was Aokiji, followed by Akainu, and Huang Yuan.

Aokiji sat down first, simply resting his hands on his legs, staring ahead.

Then came Akainu. After sitting down, he crossed his legs and lowered his head. Because he was wearing a hat, his eyes were unclear, but his serious expression made him look particularly gloomy.

Huang Yuan sat down with a pout and crossed his legs in a similar fashion, but then realized Akainu had already done the same. To avoid being identical, Huang Yuan had to clasp his fingers together, putting on a deep look.

"Are these the Admirals? Such a powerful aura!"

"Yeah! It makes my blood boil! As long as Whitebeard dares to come, he will never leave!!!"

"Exactly!!! The Navy will win!!!"

"Ohhh!!!"

*Creak, creak*...

The shouting stopped abruptly. Karl's figure slowly emerged from the execution platform. Karl was wearing a white suit today, his Hero medal pinned to his chest, and his Justice cloak fluttered in the wind.

The Raven stood on his shoulder, surveying the world with its blood-red pupils. After Karl stopped, the Raven let out a "caw," as if announcing his and Karl's arrival.

*Gulp*—

"It's, it's the Navy Hero, Vice Admiral Karl!!!"

Karl's arrival made the Navy soldiers present very excited, as if they had been given a shot of adrenaline. With the Navy Hero here, how could they lose?

Looking at the lively scene below, Karl couldn't help but show a smile. These people were the foundation of the Navy!

Although their strength wasn't top-tier, it was precisely because of them that the Navy could become the hegemon of the sea.

In this situation, Karl couldn't help but want to buff everyone, but considering Whitebeard hadn't arrived yet, he decided against it. Why waste energy before the enemy even appeared?

Thus, Karl stood Move Move Like a statue at the edge of the execution platform, his gaze fixed on the blue sea in the distance.

Standing below, Hancock looked at the handsome and dashing Karl, her heart surging. This was her man!

On the other side, Ace was slowly walking up the stairs, his mind constantly replaying the words he had once said to Luffy.

Listen, Luffy, we must live without regrets...

It was a pity he hadn't been able to do that. He still had too many things left undone, too many regrets, and he would never have the chance to complete them.

Without realizing it, Ace found he had reached the top of the stairs. Ahead was the gate.

*Creak*—

The wooden door slowly opened, and the long-lost light returned to his face.

Meanwhile.

"The Blackbeard Pirates invaded Impel Down? Magellan, are you okay?"

"That's good. Blackbeard's attack was within our expectations; proceed according to plan. What? Straw Hat Luffy is there too? How did he get there?"

"Fine, I understand."

After Sengoku hung up the phone, he showed an inscrutable smile, feeling that Karl was indeed right—Teach was harboring evil intentions.

The only variable was the Straw Hat kid. He actually disguised himself as a Navy soldier and forced his way into Impel Down. It was ridiculous; he was worthy of being Garp's grandson, truly bizarre.

On the sea, Luffy stood at the bow of the warship, looking at the towering Gate of Justice ahead, his gaze firm. He thought: Ace, I'm coming to save you right now.

Behind Luffy, Captain Buggy was giving a speech, having become the big brother of the prisoners. Jinbe was steering the ship, looking at the Gate of Justice ahead with worry. How could they get through?

Back to Marineford.

The wooden door opened completely, and two executioners led Ace out. Ace looked up at the Navy soldiers waiting in full battle array, his heart sinking to the bottom.

Pops, everyone, please don't come! It's really not worth it for me!

"Move!"

Ace took a deep breath and slowly walked toward the execution platform. There was still a distance to go!

*Clatter, clatter*~

Hearing the crisp sound of chains, Karl turned to the side and looked over. Ace was here. Karl’s mouth curled up slightly: "Finally here, huh?"

When Ace passed Karl, he just glanced at him. He didn't say anything, just knelt obediently on the execution platform. The executioner connected Ace's leg chains to the platform, then raised their long blades, clashing them together with a *ding*, forming an X-shape in front of Ace.

"Is it alright, Garp? I'm going to say it all."

"Do as you please. I'm going down."

Sengoku glanced at Karl's departing back and didn't say anything, walking toward the front of the execution platform.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, it's time!"

Sengoku nodded: "Let me say it later. If Whitebeard comes, I'll leave him to you!"

"You can count on me!"