On the vast sea, the blue sky was boundless, and the sea breeze was warm as the warship steadily advanced across the calm waters.
Jin An stood on the deck, his gaze penetrating the ship's railing as he looked into the distance. The sea was as calm as a giant mirror, as if all was peaceful.
However, he knew in his heart that this superficial tranquility was merely the calm before the storm.
Zephyr lay on a chair on the deck, his hands crossed over his chest, enjoying the warmth of the sun.
His expression was relaxed, and a faint smile hung on his face.
"Sending two people away isn't a big deal; it's better than executing them."
Zephyr's voice carried a hint of consolation, as he understood Whitebeard's character better than anyone.
Escorting only two captains wouldn't be enough to trigger an irreversible war.
Jin An also leaned against the railing, his eyes solemn.
"Teacher Zephyr, you can leave the escort mission to me. It's really troubling you to come here in person."
Jin An's tone revealed a hint of apology.
He knew that Zephyr's arrival was not only for this mission but also to protect Sengoku and the others, providing him with an invisible support.
Zephyr opened one eye and glanced at Jin An indifferently.
"What's troublesome about it? I've had enough of G5 lately, just came out for a change of scenery. Besides, that Garp is too reckless; I wouldn't be at ease if he came."
He said it lightly, but he knew in his heart that this mission was far from a simple escort.
His tone suddenly became serious, "But don't let your guard down. This journey probably won't be peaceful."
The corner of Jin An's mouth lifted slightly, feeling warmth in his heart at Zephyr's concern.
"I naturally know that," he responded softly, a calm and firm light flashing in his eyes.
"I've brought out quite a few men this time. I hope those people come to cause trouble with the determination to die."
"......"
At this moment, the door of the cabin was pushed open, and Kuzan, Shiliew, Enel, and Doflamingo walked out one by one. The auras on their bodies were different, but without exception, they all carried an indomitable momentum.
Kuzan still dragged his long steps lazily, Shiliew played with the sword in his hand, ready to be unsheathed at any time, Enel looked disdainful, as if nothing in the world could catch his eye, and Doflamingo laughed wantonly, as if looking forward to the coming chaos.
"We're still looking forward to those people coming," Kuzan said lazily, his tone revealing a confident indifference, "Guarantee they won't return once they come."
Shiliew sneered, his fingers gently tapping the hilt of his sword, "The long-lost smell of blood is truly missed."
Lightning flashed in Enel's eyes, his smile carrying a hint of madness, "These mortals, wanting to challenge the majesty of God without knowing death, I will let them understand what despair is."
Doflamingo raised his head and laughed loudly, "Jie hahaha, the sooner this game starts, the better!"
Jin An looked at this group of comrades with their own thoughts and powerful strength, but the pressure in his heart did not diminish at all.
Precisely because the enemy was strong, the Navy would naturally not send ordinary people.
Along the way, no one knew what kind of dangers and traps they would encounter.
He put his hands behind his back, took a deep breath, and calmed the waves in his heart.
"Everyone, prepare yourselves. No matter who the opponent is, you must have the belief that you will win," Jin An's voice was low and firm.
Zephyr looked at Jin An's back, a trace of gratification flashing in his eyes.
Jin An had grown into a general capable of standing alone, but at the same time, he was facing unprecedented challenges.
Zephyr knew that this mission was not only a test of Jin An's abilities but also a test of his inner resilience.
"I hope this can all end smoothly," Zephyr silently prayed in his heart, but he knew that the sea was never a place that emphasized smoothness.
In the distance, the sea was still calm, but behind this calm, countless unknowns and dangers were hidden.
Jin An knew that he could only truly breathe a sigh of relief after this mission was successfully completed.
Before that, he had to remain vigilant and could not relax for a moment.
......
In the sea area not far from Impel Down, the Whitebeard Pirates' fleet was quietly anchored, and the atmosphere was filled with a repressed tension.
The pirates on each ship vigilantly watched the surrounding movements, the sea breeze gently stroking their faces, unable to blow away the heaviness in their hearts.
The sails were slightly raised, and the sea water slapped against the ship's side, making a low echo, as if foretelling the coming storm.
Marco stood on the deck, his gaze solemnly looking at the distant horizon.
Although he still maintained his composure on his face, the anxiety and anger in his heart were like undercurrents, ready to erupt at any time.
His fingers trembled slightly, indicating the unease and contradiction in his heart.
Having been baptized by years of battle, he had long learned how to conceal his emotions, but the news of Jozu and Thatch's capture still prevented him from completely calming down.
"Dad," Marco finally broke the silence, his voice low and suppressed, his fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white from exertion.
"What do you think the World Government will decide? If the situation is unfavorable to Jozu and Thatch, I won't let it go!"
His voice carried an unquestionable determination, which was a deep affection for his companions and an unconditional loyalty to the Whitebeard Pirates family.
As the commander of the Whitebeard Pirates' First Division, Marco had followed Whitebeard since he was a child. His relationship with Jozu and Thatch had long surpassed ordinary brotherhood, and was more of an inseparable family relationship.
Now that his family was threatened, how could he remain indifferent?
Whitebeard sat quietly on the deck, his huge body seemed heavier than everything around him.
His wrinkled face carried a trace of fatigue and annoyance, and his eyes revealed a deep contemplation.
Although he had experienced countless battles and life-and-death tests, this situation made him feel unusually tricky.
He had adopted so many sons, and each one was precious to him.
Complex emotions surged in Whitebeard's heart, including worries about Jozu and Thatch, as well as deep concerns about the future situation.
"Don't worry, Marco," Whitebeard finally spoke, his voice thick and steady, carrying a reassuring power. "I believe there are sensible people in the Navy."
His words were calm, but they hid a calm judgment of the situation.
Years of experience told him that excitement and impulsiveness would only make the situation more uncontrollable.
He knew that the Navy was not a monolith, and there were some people inside with reason and conscience.
He was unwilling to easily push the relationship between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Navy to the point of no return.
"There is no need for us and the Navy to develop into an endless situation," Whitebeard continued, his eyes solemn and firm, as if persuading Marco while also convincing himself.
Although Whitebeard's words carried composure and rationality, the worry in his heart never faded.
As a father, he could not bear to see his children harmed, but he also knew that easily launching a full-scale war would only put more children in danger.
Whitebeard tightly gripped his large machete, the veins on his hand exposed, showing his inner struggle.
His choice was not only out of reason but also to protect more family members from unnecessary sacrifice.
Listening to Whitebeard's words, the anger in Marco's heart gradually subsided, but he still couldn't completely let go.
He took a deep breath, looked at Whitebeard with firm eyes, and his tone revealed a trace of unwillingness and helplessness.
"I understand what you mean, Dad. But if they dare to touch a hair on Jozu and Thatch, I will never sit idly by!"
Whitebeard nodded slightly, he knew Marco's determination.
As the leader of the pirate crew, he understood the weight of brotherhood better than anyone.
His gaze once again turned to the distance, the endless sea seemed to foreshadow the uncertainty of the future.
No matter what was coming, he would do his best to protect his family as a father.
...
