novelraw Chapter 500 500: The Pirates' Doomsday!
Chapter 500 500: The Pirates' Doomsday!
News of the Marines' upcoming unprecedented 'Thousand-Ship Patrol Demonstration' quickly spread throughout the world.
The front-page headline personally penned by Morgans, president of the World Economic Journal, struck like a boulder hurled into the sea, instantly sending towering waves across the entire world.
On the day the newspaper was issued, countless News Coons blotted out the sky as they delivered this earth-shattering news to every corner of the globe.
In an instant, whether on bustling streets or quiet alleys, in rowdy taverns or serene tea houses, only one topic dominated all conversations.
"A Thousand-Ship Patrol? Good heavens, a thousand warships? Has the Navy emptied its entire arsenal?"
"This is madness! The era of the Four Emperors just ended—what is the Navy trying to achieve? A show of force to the whole world?"
"Who cares! I'm going to see it! I heard the patrol demonstration will start from Egghead Island, the Island of the Future—I've already booked my ticket!"
"Are you insane? Why not just watch the live broadcast? You're actually risking a trip to Egghead Island?"
The global populace waited with bated breath, their enthusiasm utterly ignited.
In stark contrast, the pirate factions still roaming the various seas reacted differently.
...
Somewhere in the New World, an unnamed stretch of ocean.
On a dilapidated pirate ship, the captain held a newspaper, his hands trembling uncontrollably.
"A thousand warships on patrol? Three hundred thousand elite Navy troops participating?"
"What's going on? The Four Emperors have been toppled—why is the Navy going so berserk?"
His first mate, standing beside him, stammered, "Captain, this is aimed at us! What should we do?"
"What should we do? Lower the Jolly Roger! Find a deserted island to hide on! No—better yet, surrender at the nearest Navy base! I don't want to become fireworks for a thousand warships!"
Panic spread like wildfire among the pirate factions.
They all understood clearly that this so-called patrol demonstration was an ultimatum targeting remnants like them.
Yet they couldn't comprehend—why such an overwhelming display of force just to deal with small fries like them?
They were being given far too much credit!
...
Egghead Island, the Island of the Future.
As dawn broke, the waters surrounding Egghead Island were completely occupied by an endless forest of steel.
A thousand brand-new warships hovered silently on the sea's surface like slumbering behemoths.
Sunlight glinted off their silver-white armor, reflecting a cold, murderous gleam.
The newest models of warships, rushed day and night from Water 7 and enhanced by Vegapunk's advanced technology, showcased their streamlined designs and menacing cannons—undeniable proof of the World Government and Navy's terrifying current might.
Three hundred thousand elite Navy soldiers, meticulously selected from headquarters and various branches, stood at rigid attention on their respective decks like statues, clad in immaculate uniforms.
A flagship bearing the fleet admiral's ensign slowly docked.
Gion, draped in the "Justice" cloak, descended the gangway flanked by an entourage of Navy admirals and vice admirals including Fujitora, Katakuri, and Kuzan.
As the group set foot on Egghead Island, hundreds of journalists from around the world who had been waiting swarmed forward.
Lenses of countless Video Transponder Snails focused on Gion and her companions, camera flashes erupting in a continuous blaze.
"Fleet Admiral Gion! What is the true purpose of this Thousand-Ship Patrol? Is it to celebrate the end of the Great Pirate Era?"
"How long will the patrol last? Where is its final destination?"
"Fleet Admiral Gion, why hasn't Orion-sama made an appearance? Will he be attending this patrol demonstration?"
A bold female journalist even pushed her way to the front and asked loudly, "Fleet Admiral Gion, there are rumors that you have a close relationship with Orion-sama. They say the reason you rejected Vice Admiral Chaton's confession is because the person you love is Orion-sama. Is that true?"
The chaotic barrage of questions rose and fell, nearly overwhelming everyone.
Gion stopped walking, a composed and appropriate smile on her face as her cool gaze swept across the scene.
With just one look, the noisy atmosphere quieted considerably.
"Friends from the media, welcome to Egghead Island."
"The Navy has invited you here in hopes that through your lenses, you can broadcast this grand cruise to the entire world."
Gion paused, her smile unwavering. "As for other questions, I have no comment."
After speaking, she paid no further attention to the stunned reporters and led a group of officers toward Vegapunk's research institute.
...
East Blue, Loguetown.
In contrast to the futuristic and tense atmosphere of Egghead Island, everything here appeared peaceful and tranquil.
This was the town of beginnings and endings.
Orion strolled casually along the town's cobblestone paths with Imu, Gunko, and Aqua.
"Wow! So this is where the Pirate King Roger was executed?" Aqua asked, a lollipop in her mouth as she curiously surveyed Loguetown Square before her eyes.
As the four of them entered the square, a woman selling oranges at a stall accidentally looked up and then stared in disbelief, exclaiming excitedly.
"The Fleet Admiral?"
"Oh my god, it's really the Fleet Admiral!"
She was a villager from Cocoyashi Village who had seen Orion in person when he appeared there.
The woman's shouts quickly caught the attention of several nearby townspeople.
Soon, these townspeople also began shouting excitedly, crying 'The Fleet Admiral!' as they ran over.
Amid their shouts, other leisurely shopping townspeople, shop owners, and hotel guests turned to look.
Then, like a chain reaction, everyone started shouting 'The Fleet Admiral is here!' and surged into the square wave after wave.
Within just over ten minutes, tens of thousands of people packed the square until it was completely congested.
Imu, Gunko, and Aqua, clearly accustomed to such scenes, tactfully retreated to the edge of the square.
"Uncle Orion is just too popular. Wherever he goes, it turns into a massive crowd," Aqua said, her eyes curved like crescent moons, her face full of admiration as she watched Orion once again surrounded by a sea of people.
Imu also narrowed her eyes, a faint, elusive smile playing on her lips.
Just then, soldiers from the Loguetown Navy base, having received the news, quickly rushed into the square and brought the out-of-control situation under control.
Even so, townspeople continued to pour into the square.
Orion took the opportunity to walk over to Imu, shaking his head with a laugh.
"It seems I'll have to disguise myself next time we go out. Otherwise, I won't be able to enjoy traveling at all."
Imu mimicked Aqua's crescent-eyed expression, her tone surprisingly carrying a hint of playfulness.
"Oh, stop gloating. I've been pulling the strings behind the World Government for eight hundred years, and I'm not as popular as you!"
Orion shrugged slightly and delivered a merciless blow. "That's because you've never cared about the people. If I hadn't appeared, they would still be insignificant lower-world citizens in the eyes of those in the Holy Land!"
Before Imu could react, Orion pulled Aqua to his side, affectionately ruffling her small head as he said gently, "Aqua, remember this journey. You will soon enter the World Government to wield power. No matter how great your achievements become, if you keep the people in your heart, the masses will lift you high!"
"Don't worry, Uncle Orion. Aqua won't let you down," Aqua nodded obediently, then added.
"After all, we all grew up in the spring breeze..."
Halfway through her sentence, Aqua's face suddenly changed, and she reflexively covered her mouth with her hand.
At that moment, the Den Den Mushi in Orion's pocket rang.
Orion didn't pay attention to Aqua's slip about "growing up in the spring breeze," taking the Den Den Mushi out from his pocket.
Before Orion could speak, Vegapunk's voice came through.
"Orion, you untrustworthy bastard! You promised to come to Egghead Island—why aren't you here yet?!"
"Since you can broadcast, it doesn't matter whether I go to Egghead Island or not." Orion smiled faintly, then looked up at the high execution platform in the center of the square.
"I'm currently at the place in Loguetown where Roger was executed. Before the cruise begins, broadcast the footage of me here."
"Huh? Loguetown?" Vegapunk was momentarily stunned, then understood. "I see! Announcing the end of the Great Pirate Era in the town where it began and ended—not a bad idea."
Orion changed the subject: "How many new model Pacifistas are ready for the demonstration?"
"Though time was tight, thanks to you transferring enough personnel from headquarters, we have thousands of each new model ready for the cruise demonstration!"
"That's enough." Orion nodded. "Start the broadcast."