The Red Line.
Its height? Unknown.
It stretches like a massive belt across the world, dividing the seas into two.
Atop the Red Line lies the center of the world—
The headquarters of the World Government—
The Holy Land, Mary Geoise!
But despite its grandeur, Mary Geoise is no more than a single city.
Most of the Red Line is still a vast, desolate land.
And on that barren expanse…
Once lived a tribe bearing the name of gods—the Lunarians.
Now, only a few of them remain, including King the Conflagration.
Aside from their strange physiology…
The real reason they were nearly wiped out was due to their title—"Race of Gods."
After all, the Celestial Dragons—the world's so-called "Noble Gods"—proclaim themselves descendants of gods.
The existence of another tribe using that same divine title, and living on the Red Line no less, was an affront the Celestial Dragons could not tolerate.
What's more…
Compared to the arrogant and repulsive Celestial Dragons, the graceful Lunarians—who possessed the power of divine flames—were far more convincing as the true godly descendants.
In short, for various reasons…
The Lunarians were ruthlessly purged by the top officials of the World Government.
That event caused a global uproar.
Major powers on the seas were deeply affected.
Because no one could tell whether the World Government's actions were aimed solely at the Lunarians—
Or whether it was the beginning of a broader purge against all foreign forces established along the Red Line.
After all, the Red Line is massive.
Even the World Government can't possibly maintain total control over it.
Far from the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, other powerful sea forces had established secret bases, handling various underground industries.
So, for that particular purge, the government only targeted the Lunarians.
But that action made other secret factions along the Red Line more cautious—despite having previously gained "legal permits" by paying hefty protection fees to the government.
Many operations survived until today thanks to that covert arrangement.
---
Five days later…
With Franky's modified warship traveling at high speed, the Straw Hat crew journeyed from Wano to the Red Line.
There, they successfully found a shipping base operated by the infamous Shipping King—Umit.
The arrival of a Beasts Pirates warship caused a stir.
After all, the Beasts Pirates were not only one of the sea's top crews…
They also had numerous dealings with the Shipping King—especially in transporting weapons made in Wano.
Handling negotiations with the criminal underworld was naturally Robin's job.
Even Jinbe, a former Warlord, had little experience with the underground world.
Any wrong move could expose their identity.
But for Robin—who had maneuvered through the shadows for twenty years—this was routine work.
Before long, and without revealing her identity…
Robin successfully negotiated a secret transport deal.
Even better—they didn't spend a single coin.
All expenses were charged to the Beasts Pirates' account.
Soon after…
The Shipping King's forces deployed a massive "ivy beast" to anchor their warship.
And the crossing of the Red Line began.
Three hours later…
The warship was hoisted onto the ivy beast and began climbing the Red Line.
At the top, it was carefully transferred onto another massive transport creature.
Their estimated time of arrival on the other side of the Red Line: one day.
---
Onboard the warship...
"As expected of Robin-senpai~!"
Sanji twirled around in admiration.
"If it weren't for her, we'd be in another mess again!"
Usopp glanced at Luffy—who was picking his nose with his usual carefree look.
"And we didn't spend a single coin! Beasts Pirates paid it all! Robin is amazing!"
Nami's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"No, I didn't do that much," Robin said modestly.
"Come on, everyone! Let's raise a glass to Robin!"
Jinbe, the big brother of the group, lifted his cup.
Laughter and celebration filled the room.
Ahead of them lay the ultimate war at Marineford.
The Straw Hats, now regrouped, began their final preparations.
---
At the same time...
Back at the Shipping King's base…
A flaming Pteranodon descended from the sky.
King the Conflagration had just received full intelligence reports.
"Heh… it's getting more and more interesting. Just as I suspected, those guys are rushing toward Marineford."
He touched his elbow in thought, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips beneath the mask.
"Whatever connection you have with Whitebeard... doesn't matter. The Beasts Pirates aren't the kind of crew you can toy with."
With that, he pulled out a Den Den Mushi.
"Kaidou… time to stir up Marineford!"
---
Time passed slowly—like water dripping from a leaky faucet.
In the blink of an eye, the day of execution arrived.
September 23, Year 1520 of the Sea Circle Calendar, 6:00 AM.
Nine hours remained before the scheduled execution of Fire Fist Ace.
The Straw Hat crew had successfully crossed the Red Line and returned to the first half of the Grand Line.
They were about five hours away from Sabaody Archipelago.
From there, it would take less than an hour to reach Marineford.
There was still time!
---
Across the world…
Tension filled the seas like a dark, suffocating cloud.
Just nine hours—or perhaps even fewer—remained before the greatest war of the era erupted.
From the Four Blues to both halves of the Grand Line…
Fear spread among civilians.
Because everyone knew…
Edward Newgate—Whitebeard—was a monster more terrifying than any devil.
Twenty-two years ago…
Roger's death had ushered in the Great Pirate Era.
And after him, Whitebeard naturally became the new ruler of the seas.
Among countless pirates, Whitebeard alone stood at the peak.
This was the age of Whitebeard.
Now…
After years of silence, the sea's supreme monarch would rise once more.
And the spark? The public execution of Fire Fist Ace—2nd Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates.
A full-scale war between the World Government and Whitebeard's forces was imminent.
"The world is about to change… but how?"
"Will Whitebeard win? Or will the Marines prevail?"
"Would Whitebeard really appear… just to save a division commander?"
"He will! I know he will!"
"He's terrifying like a demon, but even Whitebeard has his honor! He would never abandon his sons!"
"This war can no longer be stopped! The era is about to explode!"
"Not just the Whitebeard Pirates… but even those allied with them have vanished lately!"
"They must be on their way too! All to make war on the Marines!"
"This will be the most epic war in modern history—one for the ages!"
"I've got my snacks, drinks, beer, and grilled meat ready—let the show begin!"
---
Meanwhile…
10,000 meters beneath the sea—
Fish-Man Island.
This was the transfer hub for pirates moving from the first half of the Grand Line to the New World.
But recently…
Pirates arriving from Sabaody Archipelago were faced with an unexpected shock—
They were greeted by five identical smiling whale ships.
Everyone knew—
These were the Whitebeard Pirates' flagship vessels—the Moby Dick fleet.
Days ago…
The Whitebeard Pirates had vanished from their New World territory.
Everyone guessed they were headed toward the war zone.
But no one could have predicted…
They took the long route—through Fish-Man Island beneath the sea.
For the pirates there, it was a terrifying encounter…
But also incredibly lucky—to witness this historic war firsthand and not be destroyed in the process.
---
"Father, Moby Dick's coating is finished. We're ready to go."
Marco, with his pineapple-shaped hair, gave the report.
"According to Squad's message, Decalvan Brothers, Doma, Little Oars, and 43 allied ships have successfully crossed the Red Line and are standing by for your order."
Jozu, the Diamond 3rd Division Commander, added excitedly.
"Gurararara! What fine sons I have! I can't let them show me up now!"
Whitebeard laughed heartily.
"Marco, notify everyone—prepare to set sail!"
Boom!
Flags fluttered.
With Moby Dick in the lead, the whale ships powered forward—toward the battlefield.
From Dragon Palace in Fish-Man Island…
King Neptune and his officials bowed deeply.
"Whitebeard… may the wind be at your back. Good luck in battle."
They offered heartfelt prayers to the man who had protected their island for over two decades.