After assembling 130,000 pirates, Whitebeard deemed the time ripe for revenge.
A blood feud, to be settled conclusively in this battle.
A fight to the death, with no other option.
"Set sail!!!"
With a single command, the formidable pirate fleet advanced towards the Sage Shinobi Nation, a vast and imposing force.
The entire sea seemed to boil, the world abuzz with clamor.
"It's about to begin! This is definitely the largest-scale war in pirate history, right?!" Someone exclaimed in excitement, overwhelmed by the sheer number of participants on both sides, totaling around 270,000.
Moreover, this number was still increasing.
A steady stream of pirates continued to join the Avengers.
Therefore, this war might ultimately involve around 300,000 people.
Around 300,000!
Such a scale was truly unsettling.
"Absolutely! To witness such a war is a privilege!"
"I wonder which side will ultimately prevail. I hope the Sage Shinobi Nation wins, preferably overthrowing the World Government along the way, and making this world as free and peaceful as they claim." Someone spoke longingly, clearly holding great admiration and high expectations for the Ninja Pirates.
"You actually believe their rhetoric? A world of peace and freedom? Impossible. Even if they overthrow the World Government, they'll just become the next one." Another scoffed.
The tale of the dragon-slaying hero becoming the new dragon was all too common.
Who could truly resist the allure of power after unifying the world and becoming its ruler?
"I think the Avengers is more likely to win. After all, they have Whitebeard, Kaido, and Charlotte Linlin, three powerhouses, along with numerous other strong individuals. There are dozens of pirates with bounties over 500 million, not to mention the rest." Someone analyzed, drawing a sharp breath at the thought.
He hadn't realized it before, but upon closer examination, the Avengers's strength was terrifyingly immense.
"As for the Sage Shinobi Nation... Although they don't have many known strong individuals, the Ninja Pirates have always been shrouded in mystery. No one knows what hidden cards they possess, such as... God!"
"If they truly have connections to God..."
"If they're truly connected to God, then the Avengers is doomed. But who knows if they really are?"
People speculated about the relationship between the Ninja Pirates and God, especially since the Fallen Angel Konan proclaimed herself God's guardian.
"That must be false. If they truly had connections to God, there would be no need for such elaborate schemes and conspiracies."
If God were to intervene, who in this world could resist? Even the World Government would crumble instantly under God's power.
Some argued that the Ninja Pirates were merely using God's name to intimidate others.
After all, if they were truly God's subordinates, there would be no need for such machinations. They could simply follow God and conquer the entire world.
"How could there be no connection? God wouldn't personally handle every matter. He would surely delegate tasks to his subordinates. If Angel Konan dares to call herself God's guardian, then she must be. Otherwise, could the Ninja Pirates withstand God's wrath?" Others firmly believed, reasoning that if Konan's claim were false and God were to find out, the Ninja Pirates would face immediate annihilation.
People argued heatedly over these two opposing viewpoints.
Finally, someone intervened, putting an end to the debate.
"It's pointless to argue now. Let's wait and see. No one knows how this war will end until it's over."
"Moreover, if the Ninja Pirates are truly God's subordinates, and something unexpected happens to them, God will surely appear. We just need to wait."
Amidst the global commotion, the Avengers slowly approached the Sage Shinobi Nation.
The Sage Shinobi Nation also began preparing for war.
They gathered their forces in a specific sea area along the Avengers's route, awaiting their arrival.
"Since they insist on fighting, let's give them a battle. This is a good opportunity to unify the New World!" Ranzuki declared boldly, igniting excitement among the high-ranking pirates of the Sage Shinobi Nation.
They had chosen to join the Sage Shinobi Nation precisely because they believed in its future.
Unifying the New World, unifying the pirates, and ultimately unifying the entire world!
Such a future was exhilarating to contemplate.
The two sides drew closer.
The entire world's attention focused on these two forces.
"This will be a historic war. In terms of scale, even the God Valley incident, where the Marines and Roger Pirates defeated the Rocks Pirates, pales in comparison."
"I'm so excited! I wish I could witness this war firsthand. Unfortunately, I'm too weak. I might be killed by the aftershocks."
As the two sides approached, anticipation grew.
Everyone eagerly awaited this momentous clash.
On the Avengers, the largest ship in the Avengers fleet...
This ship held numerous powerful pirates. Every individual on the deck boasted a bounty exceeding 300 million berries.
"The Ninja Pirates want to fight us in this sea area." A pirate with a 900 million bounty announced, looking at the map.
He didn't address Whitebeard, Kaido, or Big Mom as "Captain".
He wasn't their subordinate. He had joined the Avengers solely to claim a share of the Sage Shinobi Nation's spoils.
Whitebeard and the others were aware of this and didn't mind how they were addressed.
"A sea battle? Do they think we're fools?" Someone scoffed.
The Sage Shinobi Nation's strength lay in their ability to control seawater for attacks.
Especially Ranzuki, whose strongest attack was literally the overturning seas.
He could easily manipulate the ocean and launch devastating assaults.
Engaging in a battle in the sea with them would put the Avengers at a significant disadvantage.
"Change course and land on an island. This war must be fought on land." Whitebeard, avoiding recklessness, ordered a change of course.
He had no desire to relive the previous battle at the sea.
Moreover, with so many Devil Fruit users among them, each possessing formidable attacks, a sea battle risked shattering their ships. If they fell into the sea, how could they fight?
"An island? This one looks suitable. Let's commence the battle there!" A pirate with a billion bounty suggested, pointing to a location on the map.
It was an island on the edge of the Sage Shinobi Nation, the largest of the outlying islands.
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