Declaration of war

"Indeed, what Nicholas said makes sense," Rocks said, standing up after speaking, and he walked to the balcony of the castle. Upon seeing this, Whitebeard and the others also stood up and positioned themselves on either side of Rocks.

As Rocks appeared, along with each captain and officer, the revelry on Hachinosu came to a halt. With the arrival of these influential figures, they sensed that something significant was about to happen.

"Everyone! I know why you've gathered here, and you know my goal. So, I declare that the war has officially begun!" Rocks's voice echoed, plunging the entire island into a prolonged silence.

After Rocks's words, the assembled pirates took some time to recover from the shock. They exchanged glances, seeing the astonishment in each other's eyes.

They naturally understood the meaning behind Rocks's final words: from this moment on, the pirate alliance led by the Rocks Pirates would launch a full-scale war against the world government, the rulers of the world!

To these pirates gathered here, this grand war meant abundant opportunities. With monsters like Rocks leading the charge, they could reap benefits while the big shots were at the forefront. Even if the risk was immense, being a pirate meant being prepared for anything. Every plunder could bring riches and glory, while defeat could mean death or the gallows.

"Captain Rocks!"

As the captain of one of the factions under the Rocks Pirates, the first captain knelt down, his voice filled with excitement as he declared, "I, Captain Harlotto, hereby swear to become your sharpest blade, to follow you and conquer the world!"

Other pirates followed suit, kneeling and loudly proclaiming their loyalty to Rocks, eager for any rewards or recognition he might bestow upon them.

Nicholas, observing from the sidelines, watched the captains swear their allegiance and the enthusiastic faces of the young pirates. He couldn't help but smirk.

Then his gaze shifted to a figure in the distance, his eyes flashing with amusement.

The individual with horns on his head and a somewhat ethereal gait... Was he really the strongest creature in the future? Why did he look so feeble?

Meanwhile, the events on Hachinosu weren't confined to the knowledge of the pirates alone. Through the intelligence networks planted by various factions...

Word of Rocks's formal declaration of war against the world government quickly spread among the major powers, causing a stir worldwide.

The first to learn of this was the world government, which had been closely monitoring the actions of the Rocks Pirates. Upon receiving the news from their undercover agents, they immediately convened high-level meetings and began war mobilization.

In the New World, on a snow-covered island...

As snowflakes danced in the air and the cold wind howled, a group of people sat around a bonfire, enjoying a feast inside a wind-shielded cave.

Roger had his hands resting on Rayleigh's and Gaban's shoulders. After listening to the reports from his subordinates below, he wiped the wine from his lips and asked with interest, "So, that lunatic Rocks is really going to wage a full-scale war against the world government?"

Below, the members of Roger's crew, unlike their captain, wore expressions of worry. They could foresee chaos in the New World once Rocks and the world government clashed openly.

"Yes, Captain," one of them replied. "According to our informants, after Rocks declared war on the world government, all the captains under his command and those who have joined him have begun to mobilize. Meanwhile, the Marines and the world government have started urgent reinforcements in the New World. The G1 Branch has already gathered a large number of elite Marines from branches worldwide."

"It's a pity," Roger interjected. "If the Marines had continued to confront Rocks in the New World, that would have been ideal."

"Yes, this war will spell the end of our good days, regardless of who wins," Rayleigh added, his glasses reflecting a sharp gaze.

For the Roger Pirates, a standoff between Rocks and the Marines was the most favorable situation. In a mutual threat scenario, neither side could spare enough forces to deal with the Roger Pirates, which suited them perfectly.

However, if one side emerged victorious, Rocks's temperament meant that they would either submit or face death. While the world government might not be as extreme, sending troublesome individuals could pose problems for the Roger Pirates, who sought to explore the world.

As Roger and his crew discussed, most of the crew suddenly turned their attention to the entrance of the cave.

Moments later, a tall figure emerged from the snowstorm and slowly made his way into the cave.

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, Marineford...

Behind a desk piled with documents, Admiral Kong placed down a newly arrived report and rubbed his temples, saying with a headache, "These lunatics are really out of their minds. Couldn't they just dominate and rule in the New World? Why do they have to plunge the world into chaos!?"

"Admiral, the CP department of the world government has repeatedly urged us. They want detailed information on our battle plan to coordinate their actions."

The Vice Admiral standing across the desk wore a wry smile.

"Tell those guys that our military plan is a top secret. Apart from the top brass at Marine Headquarters, we will not disclose it to anyone. If the world government's CP and combat departments need support, they should provide their battle plans first. Also, inform them that if they want to know our specific battle plan, let the Five Elders personally call me!"

"The bastards in the New World are troublesome enough; now the world government wants to meddle too."

Thinking about the upcoming war, Kong felt his headache worsen. He took a sip of hot tea to ease his discomfort before continuing, "Also, send a report to the world government requesting a doubling of this year's military budget. The sooner, the better."

Upon hearing Kong's orders, the Vice Admiral seemed a bit dazed. The world government had recently allocated a quarterly military budget due to the war, but now Kong wanted more.

"Why are you still standing there? Wars cost money. Recruiting soldiers, stocking up on supplies, compensating fallen soldiers' families—all of it costs money. Tell those guys that we need more funds; now go!"

"Yes, Admiral!"