Some time later—
Several Marine warships sailed across the sea toward God Valley from a distant island.
Standing atop the lead vessel were none other than Fleet Admiral Kong and Admiral Sengoku.
The moment they received news of Rocks attacking God Valley, they had urgently convened a meeting before immediately setting out.
"I hope Garp can hold on…"
"And I hope God Valley hasn't already fallen."
Kong paced restlessly across the deck, worry evident in his expression.
"Don't worry, Kong."
"Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is is also at God Valley."
"We'll win this battle."
Compared to Kong, Sengoku appeared much calmer.
"No."
"I trust Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is' strength."
Kong frowned heavily.
"But God Valley is home to a large number of Celestial Dragons."
"If they're all dead…"
"We'll have a hard time explaining ourselves."
God Valley could be considered a second Mary Geoise.
Countless Celestial Dragons lived there.
Given the temperament of the Rocks Pirates—
There was no guarantee they wouldn't slaughter every Celestial Dragon on the island.
"That's true…"
Sengoku sighed helplessly.
"But no matter how anxious we are, the warships can only move so fast."
"There's nothing we can do."
He also wanted to reach God Valley sooner.
But the fleet was already moving at maximum speed.
Worry alone couldn't make them sail faster.
"There's one thing I still can't understand."
Kong rested a hand against his chin.
"What exactly is Rocks' objective in attacking God Valley?"
The Rocks Pirates sought world domination.
But what did that have to do with God Valley?
Treasure?
Recruiting more followers?
Even if it were treasure—
Would it really be worth risking an assault on God Valley?
The place housed countless Celestial Dragons.
Massacring them openly—
Would undoubtedly provoke the World Government's highest authorities.
At that point—
Rocks wouldn't only face Marine Headquarters.
He'd face the World Government itself.
So why take such a risk?
Was he seeking death?
"Only the people involved know the answer."
Sengoku spoke thoughtfully with his hands behind his back.
—
This time—
It wasn't only the Marines heading toward God Valley.
Even the Five Elders had personally mobilized.
Because Rocks' actions had completely enraged them.
Openly attacking the World Nobles—
The Celestial Dragons—
Was outright provocation.
If the World Government failed to respond—
They would become the world's laughingstock.
On another stretch of sea—
A luxurious, enormous government warship sailed forward.
Standing upon it—
Were the five highest authorities of the World Government.
"I can't even remember the last time I left Mary Geoise."
The elder carrying a sword gazed toward the ocean and sighed.
"One Rocks…"
"And we're forced to set foot upon these familiar seas again."
The bald elder stood with hands behind his back, speaking casually.
"It has been a long time since I've moved around."
"The God Valley Incident is of immense importance."
"It must remain hidden from the world."
"And Rocks…"
"Must be erased."
The elder with long white hair spoke coldly.
"Otherwise…"
"We'll have no face left before Lord Imu."
This attack on God Valley—
Had angered Imu.
No matter what—
Rocks had to die in this war.
If he survived—
How could the Five Elders return to Mary Geoise?
Though their status stood at the peak of the world—
Personally taking action damaged their dignity somewhat.
But they had no choice.
Rocks had gone too far.
"Hopefully that boy Is can cooperate with Garp and kill Rocks."
"That'd save us the trouble."
The scarred elder leaned against the railing and spoke leisurely.
"I hope Is performs well this time."
"After all…"
"He's someone we value highly."
"If his performance in this battle is outstanding…"
"It's not impossible to elevate him to our current position."
"That's possible…"
"But it still depends on the boy himself."
"He doesn't seem particularly interested in power."
"Is is still young."
"Far too young."
"Even if he possesses extraordinary strength and mysterious followers…"
"In the end, he's still young."
"One day…"
"He'll understand the appeal of supreme authority."
"Hopefully."
The elder with long white hair stroked his beard.
"Even Lord Imu has begun taking interest in Is."
"Let's hope he doesn't disappoint."
If Aurelius D. Virel Is performed brilliantly in this battle—
They intended to seek Imu's approval.
And potentially elevate Is to a position equal to theirs.
—
God Valley.
The center of the island.
The battle between Rocks and Garp had continued for a long time.
Rocks was terrifyingly powerful.
But Garp wasn't weak either.
Again and again—
He was knocked down.
Yet each time—
He stood back up.
Numerous wounds covered Garp's body.
Still—
Such injuries meant little to him.
"Damn it…"
"Why won't you fall?!"
Rocks stared at the blood-covered Garp and roared savagely.
"Your attacks don't hurt that much, Rocks."
Garp grinned.
His response remained cold and composed.
Garp's mastery of Haki and hand-to-hand combat had reached extraordinary levels.
Combined with his terrifying willpower—
Defeating him wasn't easy.
Not even for Rocks at his peak.
"You're too slow, Garp."
From atop the ruins—
Aurelius D. Virel Is suddenly stood.
The moment Rocks saw Is rise—
His gaze darkened.
Although he couldn't defeat Garp quickly—
Given enough time, he might manage it.
But if Is joined the battle—
Things would become troublesome.
"Please…"
"Don't interfere in our fight, Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is."
Seeing Is stand, Garp immediately tried persuading him.
"Are you giving me orders, Garp?"
Is glanced at him indifferently.
"No."
"I just want to fight him myself."
"Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is…"
"Give me this chance."
Garp spoke seriously.
"You're too slow."
"I don't have time to wait for you."
Is answered calmly.
"No, I…"
"I…"
Then Garp sighed helplessly.
"…Forget it."
He sat down atop the ruins.
Although he despised Celestial Dragons—
Aurelius D. Virel Is was the one exception.
The only Celestial Dragon he respected.
Since Is had spoken—
There was no need to argue further.
"Next…"
"Let me be your opponent, Rocks."
Is raised his hand.
Sheets of paper separated from his body and gathered together—
Forming a sharp longsword.
"You're no different from Garp."
Rocks sneered.
"In fact…"
"The time it takes you to defeat me might exceed his."
His mind had already begun calculating.
"Heh."
"Don't try provoking me with something so boring."
"It's completely useless."
A layer of Haki covered Is' blade.
He smiled coldly.
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