Chapter 170: A Siege Ahead

"It seems the Revolutionary Army is truly committed this time. They've even located their fleet!"

Within the besieged land, those who truly oppose the revolution appear insignificant compared to the World Government's invested combat power. After all, only three army leaders are trapped within the Revolutionary Army's stronghold, and they seem unconcerned.

The sole purpose of the World Government's overwhelming force is to surround and capture the Revolutionary Army. The revolutionaries' situation is deteriorating, and the world appears to be falling under the World Government's control.

A growing Revolutionary Army poses the greatest threat to the World Government. While Luo Ning disrespects the World Government and occasionally captures Celestial Dragons, he hasn't openly declared his intention to overthrow them. Therefore, the World Government is currently more concerned with the Revolutionary Army's expansion.

Their objective now is to eradicate the Revolutionary Army. With the discovery of Dragon and his comrades' support ships, the Marines and other World Government forces await their arrival.

"Then, when they arrive, we can capture them all in one fell swoop. It's time to eliminate these rebels!"

Dragon, being Garp's son, holds similar ideals to some Marines. While they despise the Celestial Dragons, they are bound by their authority. It's difficult for a new force to emerge, and since they are now affiliated with the World Government, they have no choice but to comply. Their position restricts them from taking action.

"It's time to deal with this most-wanted criminal of the World Government!"

Akainu's perspective sharply contrasts with Kong's, despite both being marshals. Kong's justice isn't as extreme as Akainu's, his sole focus is maintaining the World Government's power.

As long as the World Government deems something an evil existence, Akainu will strike without mercy. Indeed, Akainu is a highly qualified soldier and loyal follower of the World Government, but this isn't the case for everyone.

Even though Akainu knows these people haven't committed evil, he won't hesitate to eliminate them as long as the World Government labels them guilty. His ideals are extreme.

Sengoku originally opposed giving Akainu the position of Fleet Admiral, but he had no choice. Under the circumstances at that time, he had to take the blame and step down. There were only three candidates: one with diminished combat power, one with a Carefree-indifference attitude, and ultimately only Akainu remained.

As a result, the Marines have become more extreme under Akainu's leadership.

"I hope there are no incidents this time!"

Kong looked helplessly at the island ahead, where the Revolutionary Army was trapped by their forces.

This time, the Marines deployed almost all their combat power. Only Garp and Sengoku were absent. Garp couldn't participate because his son was the one being besieged. He couldn't help his son or the Marines.

One could say Garp is in an extremely tragic situation. Both his son and grandson put him in a difficult position.

Of course, there's nothing to be said about Dragon's actions. The real big problem lies with Luffy and the others. After all, making a revolution and being a pirate are not the same thing.

Garp can only choose to ignore this matter for now, although his heart burns with anxiety.

As for Sengoku, in the original story, he held other positions after retirement. However, this time, he is gone because he took the blame and stepped down. All his previous positions were eliminated completely.

So, he naturally didn't join the attack. Neither of the two high-level combat powers was present.

***

Time passed quickly. Dragon and the others remained under the watchful eye of the World Government.

Although the World Government hadn't located Baltigo Island, their massive fleet ensured they'd been discovered.

A group of Marines simply stared at them.

"Our destination is ahead. It seems the enemy has prepared an encirclement, waiting for us to charge in!"

Dragon gazed at the densely packed warships before him. The sheer number of vessels was overwhelming. The Revolutionary Army's combat power simply couldn't compare.

While the lack of low-level fighters wouldn't be a critical issue, the Revolutionary Army had truly suffered heavy losses among its high-ranking members.

"Let's break through their lines and join up with those on the island. Actually, I'm curious to see the expressions on their faces when they see me!"

Luo Ning stepped forward decisively. Unsurprisingly, the enemy would likely split their forces. One group would deal with the Revolutionary Army members on the island, while the other would confront them.

After all, with the fish caught, there was no need for the bait. After all, there wasn't a second big fish like the Revolutionary Army.

"Straight there? Understood. Full speed ahead!"

Dragon nodded. He completely trusted Luo Ning. There was no need for deception, was there?

With Dragon's order, the ships surged forward, their speed reaching its maximum.

The World Government was utterly bewildered by the Revolutionary Army's warships. Logically, they should have stopped. After all, the Revolutionary Army's forces were simply outnumbered and outmatched, both in quantity and quality. Yet, they charged directly into the fray, a reckless gamble against overwhelming odds. The World Government couldn't comprehend their strategy.

"Look at the bow!"

Suddenly, the faces of the Marines fell. Leading the charge on the Revolutionary Army's flagship was none other than Luo Ning.

Their plans for an easy victory over the Revolutionary Army were dashed by Luo Ning's unexpected appearance. Luo Ning's reputation preceded him – while countless imitators existed, the real Luo Ning possessed enough combat power to single-handedly defeat 90% of their forces. With such a formidable opponent on the field, the remaining 10% stood little chance against the Revolutionary Army.

"Damn it, when did he join forces with the Revolutionaries?!" Akainu cursed, his gaze fixed on Luo Ning. The mere mention of Luo Ning sent shivers down his spine. Akainu hated his inability to defeat Luo Ning, but refusing to acknowledge the threat wouldn't make it disappear.

The problem was Luo Ning's overwhelming power. Akainu couldn't overcome him, and this impotence fueled his fear. He couldn't escape the constant reprimands from the World Government elders whenever things went wrong. Now, he questioned how Sengoku, his predecessor, had managed to tolerate such frustration. Akainu, unlike Sengoku, was more likely to lash out, even if it worsened the situation.