A Storm That Invisibly Affects The Whole World!

And with the undisguised movement of Naval Headquarters, the purpose was clear: to eliminate Bai Ye as swiftly as possible.

In just a few moments, the news of Marine Admiral's departure from Marineford spread like wildfire. Upon hearing this, countless expressions changed, and the entire Grand Line trembled in shock.

"Marine Admiral has been dispatched?!"

"…And not just one—two Admirals?!"

"This must be a joke, right?!"

Underneath the clear blue sky, people from islands near Marineford stood frozen as they watched large warships sailing out from Naval Headquarters. Just the sight of the figures aboard, exuding an indescribable sense of oppression, was enough to make onlookers tremble.

"Could it be that this man's threat level is so high in Marine's eyes that they're willing to temporarily lower their guard against the Whitebeard Pirates?"

"No, no. Maybe Marine's branches across the first half of the Grand Line have been put on combat readiness to prevent any Whitebeard Pirates' movements."

"That would make sense. This way, Marine can focus on annihilating that man in the shortest possible time."

"But even so…"

The speaker's heart raced uncontrollably.

"To deal with just one man, Marine dispatched two Admirals? Is this kind of overkill really necessary?!"

Similar scenes played out in towns across the Grand Line, where rumors and speculations flew rampant. However, little did they know, the forces aboard the warships weren't limited to just Marine personnel. The World Government had also deployed its operatives to participate in this extermination operation.

On the Marine warship deck

"Hey, hey, Sakazuki, it seems like you've been roped into this operation as well," Kizaru said, his lips curling into a teasing smile as he glanced at his wristwatch. He turned to Akainu with a mocking tone.

Akainu snorted coldly, ignoring Kizaru's taunts. His deep voice rumbled, "Borsalino, drop your lackadaisical attitude. Marine's reputation has already been tarnished enough by people like you."

Kizaru scratched his chin, his expression unbothered.

"Alright, alright, but it's still quite frightening…" Kizaru's gaze shifted to the deck behind him, where several CP0 agents in white suits and masks stood in silence. He continued, "For this operation, even CP0—the so-called 'strongest shield of the Celestial Dragons'—has been dispatched. It seems the enemy is truly formidable, isn't that right, Sakazuki?"

Hearing this, Akainu gave Kizaru a sharp look before stepping toward the antler-masked leader of the CP0 group. In a stern voice, he demanded, "The World Government sent CP0 for this operation. Does this mean they don't trust Marine to handle it?"

This operation, in Akainu's view, could have been managed by him alone. But as the warship set sail, he noticed not only Kizaru's presence but also the involvement of CP0—an agency dedicated to serving the Celestial Dragons. To Akainu, this felt like blatant "sarcasm."

The CP0 leader, unfazed by Akainu's hostility, shook his head calmly. "Admiral Akainu, this doesn't imply that the World Government doubts Marine's capabilities."

Seeing Akainu's expression soften slightly, the CP0 leader added, "However, due to Marine's previous failures, our presence here is to reassure the 'important figures' in the Holy Land. We are here to ensure with our own eyes that this 'evil' is eradicated by Marine's hands. Of course, if Marine's strength proves insufficient, we will intervene."

"You…!"

Veins bulged on Akainu's forehead as anger simmered beneath his composed exterior. His fists clenched tightly within his cuffs. However, despite being Marine Admiral, Akainu was still subordinate to the World Government. With a cold snort, he turned and stormed away.

The antler-masked CP0 leader watched him go, indifferent. In his heart, he thought disdainfully:

Marine's people are truly unreliable. They're just dogs under the World Government's leash, meant to follow orders without question.

That man who dared to challenge the Celestial Dragons will meet the most miserable end imaginable.

Meanwhile, in the New World

At the Whitebeard Pirates' base.

"Father!"

"Marine Admirals have been deployed!"

"And now, with the entire Grand Line's eyes focused on the first half, it's only a matter of time before they're too distracted to react!"

Marco's voice echoed as he reported the situation to Whitebeard aboard the Moby Dick. The tall, crescent-mustached man stood with an imposing presence, exuding authority and determination.

Whitebeard addressed his gathered sons loudly, "The time has come! While those pesky flies are distracted, we'll reach Naval Headquarters and rescue Ace!"

"I!!!"

The pirates aboard the Moby Dick erupted into cheers.

"Haha, finally! Let's go, Dad!"

"Ace, hold on! We're coming!"

"This time, we'll make Marine regret crossing us!"

"Anyone who dares touch the Whitebeard Pirates will pay dearly!"

Not long after, the Whitebeard Pirates' base was empty. The Moby Dick had vanished into the vast sea. By the time the New World's forces discovered this, the tides of events had already shifted dramatically.

As the storm brewed in the first half of the Grand Line, the Whitebeard Pirates disappeared from the New World, leaving Kaido and the Beasts Pirates to seize their territories. The involvement of two Marine Admirals, the World Government's CP0, and the brewing chaos was already setting the stage for a world-altering confrontation.

This massive storm was no longer just a brewing tempest. It had begun to engulf the entire world.