Chapter 227: Chapter 227
"Let's proceed with this plan," Riku declared, waving his hand to dismiss the mechanical device in his grasp. He smiled as he looked down at the naval officers.
"Everything will change on the day of Portgas D. Ace's execution. He will serve as the key to unlocking a new era."
"However," Riku turned to glance at Garp, whose expression was tinged with sadness. "Whether his sins are deserving of death will be for the Navy to judge."
"Our plan only requires him to open the curtain on this new era."
"Huh?!" Garp's eyes brightened at Riku's words, and he turned toward Sengoku. His lips quivered as though he wanted to speak but ultimately remained silent.
Smack!
"Enough of your dithering, old man," Tsuru said, giving Garp a firm slap on the back. She smiled at Garp and Sengoku. "Since we've decided to usher in a new era, let's not hesitate."
"As for Garp's grandson, in this new era, no one will be burdened with the sins of their forebears."
"The pirate era sparked by Gol D. Roger will end here."
Standing up, Tsuru addressed everyone with a calm demeanor. "Let the new laws judge his crimes. For now, gather the Navy's elite and prepare for the Whitebeard Pirates' assault."
With a smile, Tsuru slowly clenched her hand into a fist. "This time, we won't just capture the world's attention to cover Riku's actions."
"We will also take down the Whitebeard Pirates and the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
"In the future, the world will have no place for lawful pirates or the Four Emperors!"
As the Navy officers erupted in enthusiasm, Tsuru declared, "That would be an insult to our justice!"
"Yes!" The officers stood at attention, saluting Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, and the three Admirals who had also risen to their feet.
"We swear to complete the mission!" they shouted.
Turning to Hiroshi and his group, the Navy officers bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your support and guidance!"
Sengoku raised his hand and roared, "Prepare yourselves! The world is at a turning point!"
"In the new world, our justice will shine brightly!"
"So in the coming war, all of you must survive. The new world needs us to sustain it!"
"Yes!" The officers roared in response, their fiery determination igniting within their eyes as they departed the conference room in orderly fashion.
As the room emptied, Tsuru stopped Hiroshi and his group, her expression turning serious. "Before you leave, I hope we can discuss the principles and framework of the new world order."
"Although we've studied the materials Borsalino brought back and devised extensive plans, your guidance would be invaluable."
Hiroshi paused, turning to his companions with a soft smile. "You should consult Zhongli. Not only has he mastered the relevant knowledge, but he's also been a ruler of a nation for thousands of years. His experience and wisdom are unparalleled."
At Hiroshi's suggestion, the Navy's leaders turned to Zhongli, who sipped his tea with serene composure.
After a brief exchange of glances, Tsuru asked, "Mr. Zhongli, would you guide us?"
"Though we've studied governance earnestly, our expertise remains theoretical."
Zhongli set down his teacup and nodded calmly. "I was once the God of Contracts. Though I've since retired, I can offer some suggestions."
"Moreover, I've promised Borsalino that I would assist him when the time came."
Tsuru's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, sir."
Quickly waving to Sengoku, Tsuru accepted a stack of documents from him. She pulled Riku, who was sweating nervously, by the arm with a smile. "A good child like Riku wouldn't leave Grandma Tsuru to handle all this alone, right?"
Gulping, Riku forced a smile and nodded reluctantly.
Patting Shuvi's head, Tsuru turned to Zhongli. "Let us begin."
With a crisp sound, the doors shut behind them. Outside, Hiroshi stretched and felt the sea breeze on his face. He glanced at the distant group of girls heading toward a small town.
Lumine led Keqing and Kuroneko, their laughter echoing in the summer air as they headed to shop for swimsuits.
"Heh~ heh~ heh~," Kazuma Satou's sly grin widened as he slung an arm around Hiroshi's shoulder, watching the girls disappear into the distance.
"Is this one of those classic anime tropes?" he mused. "Looks like we're in for a treat."
"What nonsense are you spouting?" Hiroshi's focus sharpened, and he wiped his mouth with a feigned serious expression. "We're here to change this decaying world, not to vacation."
"Besides, ogling girls in swimsuits with that look on your face will get you punched."
Clearing his throat, Hiroshi started walking toward the town. "That said, since we're already here and the Navy is preparing for battle, a little fun wouldn't hurt."
"I knew it!" Kazuma laughed, giving Hiroshi a hearty pat on the back. "Let's go pick out some swimsuits too!"
Touma Kamijou shrugged and followed, with Shirou Emiya trailing behind, his expression calm. Meanwhile, Venti dragged Banir and Infinity toward a bar.
That day, a shocking announcement reverberated across the seas and the New World: Portgas D. Ace, second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates and son of Gol D. Roger, had been captured by the Navy. His public execution at Marineford in seven days would be broadcast worldwide, sending shockwaves through the world.
Unrest brewed across the globe as naval elites converged on Marineford. In the New World, aboard the Moby Dick, Whitebeard sat with a somber expression. Clouds parted around him as he read the notice in his hand.
Looking up at his gathered sons, Whitebeard's grip on the paper tightened.
"Sons!" he bellowed. "Set sail! We're going to bring Ace back!"