On this day…
The sea shook.
A vast number of warships emerged from the Calm Belt and converged on Totto Land's territorial waters.
Tens of thousands of fully armed soldiers poured out in succession from the underground passageways—dense and dark, like a swarm of black ants. Even the soldiers of Totto Land, as well as the lower-level officers, were all stunned.
One after another, Pacifista whose faces resembled that of the Buccaneers tribesman "Calamity of Thunder" Oka—cold and expressionless—continued to march out and board the warships.
More startling still…
Huge figures emerged one after another from the underground passages. Apart from their clothing, they looked identical to Saul—and every one of them was equipped with a laser system. They were the giant versions of Pacifista, further enhanced by the powers of the artificial Stone-Stone Fruit, leaving onlookers speechless.
"Gulp…"
"Those scientists…"
"Tsk. What on earth did they create?"
"Has Totto Land's military strength really reached this level?"
"It's simply unbelievable…"
It wasn't just the rank-and-file soldiers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force who were shocked—even the officers couldn't help but be dumbfounded. They knew Totto Land's underground base surely contained all sorts of outrageous things. They even knew about the existence of clone troops and Pacifista. Yet no one expected it to be on this scale.
Just the clone army alone numbered in the tens or even hundreds of thousands. And the armies of Devil Fruit users and Pacifista were similarly vast—so numerous they were almost beyond counting.
"Don't just stand there gawking…"
Hajrudin, Griffin Moss, Sea Tiger Jien, and the others all shouted reprimands: "Board the warships! Check your weapons and gear! Prepare to set out!"
"Sir, what's our objective?"
A rear admiral, suppressing his inner excitement, couldn't help asking again.
"Warriors of Totto Land—"
Hajrudin's thunderous voice boomed, his right arm raised high as he looked down from above, shouting: "It's time for all of you to give your strength… For El-sama, for the honor of Totto Land, let's bring this sea under our banner!"
"Target… the whole world!!!"
At those words—
Countless soldiers were stunned for a moment. Then they couldn't help but grow fanatically fervent, bursting with excitement. Together they roared at the top of their lungs: "The world! The world! The world…!"
"We offer our hearts to El-sama!!!"
"Roaaaar—! Roaaaar—!"
…
As for Totto Land's activity, the ever-present CP, which constantly monitors Totto Land, naturally received the information. They reported it immediately, sending shockwaves through the Five Elders.
"Damn it—they really are launching a full-scale offensive?"
"To think they concealed such a massive force… Those bastards…"
They couldn't help their panic. This was serious trouble. Faced with such power, the Navy might not be able to hold them off at all. They never imagined that Totto Land Kingdom had secretly built up such a huge army under the radar.
"Report this to Imu-sama right away—"
Before long, the Five Elders could no longer sit still. They hurriedly left the Room of Authority and sent messengers to the Pangaea Castle to consult the mysterious Imu-sama. Together, they gathered before the throne, waiting.
Tap, tap…
Before the Empty Throne, a tall, thin figure approached, unhurried. Dressed in a white cloak, emanating a somber aura.
"I'm already aware of the situation…"
High above, sitting on the Empty Throne, hands resting on the armrests, Imu spoke coldly, looking down on the five kneeling below. "But the Uranus weapon has been destroyed, and we've already lost many of our forces. We no longer possess a direct and decisive means to strike down these rebels."
"In that case, we'll have to call for troops from the various World Government member nations."
Saint Mars' expression shifted, filled with helplessness. Even if they held onto the Holy Land Mary Geoise—or even if the World Government was forced to relocate—the bigger issue was that they might lose their territories in the West Blue and North Blue this time around. Because Totto Land's new warships are all plated with Seastone, they can freely move through the Calm Belt without hindrance.
"Make it clear to them that the World Government will only impose a symbolic Heavenly Tribute and won't intervene too deeply in the internal affairs of each nation…"
The armrest of the throne cracked slightly as Im's eyes glinted darkly. With a cold voice, he continued, "But Totto Land Kingdom's ambition is greater. They aim for true domination of these seas. There's no way they'll allow these kings and nobles to keep ruling their lands. It's best if everyone cooperates."
"Yes, sir—"
"Next, it's certain that Fallen Angel El will lead his forces to attack the Holy Land…"
Saint Saturn's expression flickered uncertainly. He inquired, "Then, Imu-sama… should we relocate?"
Just as Imu was about to speak, a flicker of red light flashed in his eyes, and his expression changed. He rose abruptly, and before their very eyes, he transformed into a colossal being of immense power at a speed visible to the naked eye.
At the same time—
A colossal vessel, invisible to the human eye, had already crossed the G-1 Fortress—which served as the gateway and stronghold to the Holy Land Mary Geoise—and now soared at terrifying speed above the vast Red Line itself, thousands of meters in the air.
"Target confirmed—top of the Red Line, Holy Land Mary Geoise…"
"Prepare to fire the ship's cannons!"
Massive turrets began to rotate slowly, rumbling thunderously. It alerted some of the powerful guardians in charge of security atop Mary Geoise, though they found nothing unusual when they looked up at the sky, leaving them a bit puzzled.
Yet—
When the large, dark barrel was raised toward Mary Geoise, a dazzling, blinding ray of light suddenly illuminated the entire sky.
"Roooar—!"
Boom—boom—!!!
In an instant, amid earth-shattering explosions, a beam of unmatched intensity completely engulfed and pierced through the Holy Land. Time and space seemed to freeze. The Red Line, formed of those thick red rock walls—thicker than most large islands were wide—was mercilessly penetrated. Collapsing, it crumbled apart, sending clouds of debris rolling in all directions.
"Rooooar—!" An earsplitting beastly roar echoed. A towering creature that had just escaped destruction bellowed furiously. It was actually a western dragon with wings and razor-sharp claws, shrouded in black, flame-like auras. Blazing black fire coiled in its massive jaws, locked onto the invisible "Pluton" warship, and spewed forth a fierce, fiery attack.
Boom!
Flames soared skyward, heatwaves rolling. A splendid and malevolent serpentine sword aura tore the atmosphere. Stationed on the warship, El stood with composure, casually swinging forth a tremendous slash of sword energy, forcibly blocking the powerful jet-black fire.
Without looking back, El said flatly, "Leave none alive."
"Yes, sir—"