Chapter 25: Pirates and Marines

—Currently, 100,000 people are being hunted on God Valley.

Among them were the island’s indigenous people and slaves. All of them had been made prey in the Celestial Dragons’ “Purge of the Natives” tournament, dubbed “Rabbit Hunt,” where each was assigned a point value and forced to flee throughout the island.

The “SR Rabbits” introduced at the start were worth 10,000 points, with the slightly lesser “R Rabbits” still holding high value. There were also cruel gimmicks designed to spice things up—like “Excellent Bonuses” for instant kills—all part of the twisted game.

Survive for three months, and you're free—or so the rule claimed. It was just a front, meant to plant false hope while entertaining the Celestial Dragons.

“Cabble, you okay over there!?”

“Aniki!! This path's lightly guarded!!”

“Nice work, Ginny!! Come with Vore, Kuma!!”

“Okay!!”

And among this chaos, a few slaves who had uncovered the truth of their situation were prepared to risk everything in a bold escape plan.

At the center of that plan were three slaves: the big-faced Ivankov, known for his ability to rally others; the young girl Ginny, an expert in eavesdropping, theft, and communication—she was the one who’d leaked intel from the island to the outside world; and finally, Kuma, a Buccaneer slave and the tournament’s prized “rare species.”

Moved by Ivankov and Ginny’s words, Kuma snuck through the shadows, heading toward one of the island’s “treasures”—specifically, the one that could grant them a chance to escape.

“Our top priority is the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi!! After that, the other Devil Fruit!! Hee-haw!!”

“Okay!! You’ve got this!!”

“You better hold out till we make our move!!”

“I will!!”

Kuma responded to Ivankov with a cheerful grin.

It was for them. To lift the spirits of the slaves still trapped here. To keep them from worrying. To show them hope.

As planned, Kuma would become the decoy. There was a high chance he’d die. But the innocent look on his young face betrayed none of that fear.

Just like his father once did. Just like the “legendary warrior” he had learned about. Kuma was about to leap headfirst into death—for the sake of freeing others.

—But then.

“Enemy attack!!”

“Eastern shore!! Hurry!! It’s the Rocks Pirates!!”

“…! What the—?!”

“Pirates!? Could this be… our chance, Cabble!?”

Their would-be saviors—though not here for rescue—were the monsters of the era, descending to plunge everything into chaos.

“Gihahahaha!! Hey, you government mutts!! Where’s my treasure!? Where’s my prey!? Doesn’t matter if you won’t tell me—I’ll just kill you and take it myself!!! Forward!!!”

—They were the demons of the sea.

“I’ve come to settle a score, Rocks!! And while I’m at it, I’ll be taking some treasure too!! That’s what a pirate does!!!”

“Hold it, Roger!! Don’t you dare charge in alone!!”

“It’s not just Marines. There are pirates everywhere… This is gonna get messy…!!”

—They were ogres.

“There he is!! Where’s Roger!? I hear Rocks is here too!!?”

“Vice Admiral Garp has arrived!!”

“Uooooohhh!!”

—They were heroes.

Multiple factions, each with their own goals, had gathered on this island—God Valley.

And among them—

“Let’s go, Nue!! Time to raise hell!!”

“Yeah, Kaido!! Let’s give it everything we’ve got!!”

—were two apprentice pirates.

---

—Amid the chaos engulfing God Valley, the first to clash were the pirates and the marines.

“…Yo… It’s been a long time… Garp…!! Never thought I’d find you on this island!!”

“Rocks…!! You bastard… What are you doing here!?”

“What I’m doing here, huh…? Gihaha, not like I owe you an explanation… But try imagining the worst possible reason. You probably won’t be far off.”

“Tch…!! So your target really is—!!”

“Gihahahaha!!! That look on your face—pale as a ghost!! You’ve figured it out, haven’t you!! But you don’t seem all that eager to fight… Gihaha, let me guess—you don’t feel like risking your life for the Celestial Dragons?”

“…!! Don’t spout nonsense!! I’ll capture you here and now!! I’ve grown stronger since losing to you!!!”

“! Gihahaha… Now that’s some spirit…! But don’t think that’s enough to stop me!!! —Alright, boys!! Wipe them out!!!”

“Tch… All units, engage!!! Rocks is coming!!!”

—It was like a reenactment of the first time they clashed.

Soon after the formation of the Rocks Pirates, Garp’s navy fleet once fought them. Back then, three warships were sunk and heavy casualties followed—it was a victory for the Rocks Pirates. Though some of us were captured, we escaped without suffering much damage in the end.

This was shaping up to be a repeat of that day… only now, both sides were far stronger than before.

Over the past six years, the Rocks Pirates had grown larger, their crew more powerful and vicious. Regular marines alone could no longer hold them back.

Garp, his officers, and the vice admirals fought tooth and nail. Especially Garp—his strength nearly rivaled that of Captain Rocks himself. Only key members like Whitebeard, Linlin, and Shiki could match him blow for blow.

There were still countless government soldiers and marines stationed to guard the Celestial Dragons on the island… but even so, they weren’t enough to stop Rocks.

“…So close… You’ve come a long way, Garp… You really have gotten stronger. Maybe not enough to defeat me, but strong enough to put up a decent fight.”

“Haa… Haa…!!”

On the island’s outer perimeter, piles of marine corpses lay scattered. The ones facing off were us—the Rocks Pirates—and a single man: Garp.

Hundreds of marines still remained, but it was only Garp who stood at the front, breathing hard, bruised and bloodied.

Seeing the carnage and Garp’s valiant stand, Rocks laughed and mockingly lamented. Arms spread wide, flaunting the forces behind him,

“But still—there’s not a damn thing you can do alone!! Isn’t that right, Garp?! You don’t have the strength to stop us!! You know that yourself, don’t you!?”

“Tch…!! Shut your damn mouth…!!!”

Garp snapped back, glaring up at Rocks standing atop the hill. His Haki hadn’t dulled. His fists were coated in black, hardened and ready to counterattack the moment the enemy made a move.

I couldn’t see a single opening in his guard. But still, he was alone. Most of our crew, myself included, laughed as we swatted aside the surrounding marines and watched Garp stand his ground with almost pitiful resolve.

“Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma!! Poor guy…!! Looks like we’re bullying him or something! Hurts my heart just watching, ma-ma-ma!!”

“Jiha! Tough luck, Garp!! You were strong, I’ll give you that… but this is the end of the line for you!! Too bad!!”

“Worororo!! Now this is a fight!! Today’s shaping up to be the best day ever!!!”

“Mmmm… Guess this is it for Garp? Kinda underwhelming… Or maybe we’re about to see a crazy comeback twist? Oops, better watch out!”

“…………”

Even I couldn’t help throwing out a few comments, though mine were more out of genuine curiosity than mockery. I really did want to see how this played out.

Whitebeard and a few close to him stayed silent, watching with furrowed brows. But they weren’t holding back either. They had their own reasons for following Rocks—likely profit-driven.

On the other side, the marines sounded downright heartbroken.

“V-Vice Admiral Garp… please stop…!”

“You don’t stand a chance…! Even you will die like this…!!”

“Vice Admiral Garp, fall back and join the defense!! W-We’ll hold them off…!!”

Even as he shielded subordinates and kept fighting, everyone around Garp shouted, desperate for him to save himself.

But Garp didn’t back down. He kept glaring at us—at the villains before him—without flinching.

“Ghh… Shut up, all of you…!! Haa… Haa… Damn pirates talking big like they’ve got any right…!”

“Oh, you poor bastard, Garp…!! Having to fight to protect that Celestial Dragon scum… Gihaha! Honestly, I almost feel bad for you!!”

“Gh… I’m… a marine!!! I have a duty to follow orders!! I have no complaints!!”

Garp shouted as if trying to convince himself—but even I could hear the doubt in his voice. No way Rocks didn’t notice it. His smirk deepened.

“That’s a lie. You’re not even sure of your own justice anymore. You’re questioning whether those Celestial Dragons—filthy trash no better than pirates, maybe even worse—are worth protecting. Am I wrong?”

“It’s none of your damn business!!!”

“Isn’t it, though? Others’ve asked themselves the same question… and turned pirate because of it. So what do you say, Monkey D. Garp? Why not quit the navy, and as a pirate, help us slaughter the Celestial Dragons?”

“!!?”

Rocks made his move—an insidious temptation spoken openly for all to hear. You hate the Celestial Dragons, don’t you? Then become a pirate and crush them. That too, he claimed, was justice.

“The world would be better off without the Celestial Dragons. If we drag them down, how many people would be saved? You’ve climbed high enough to know exactly what I mean!! And if you need proof—just look around you!! This island’s nothing but a bloodbath! A kill-or-be-killed game where slaves aren’t even treated like people!! There’s no excuse for that kind of evil!! Can you really say they’re worth protecting!?”

“Tch…! Don’t you dare… pretend pirates have the moral high ground!! You think spouting noble ideals excuses all the crimes you’ve committed!?”

The horrific event hosted by the Celestial Dragons—still ongoing, still driving slaves and natives to flee in terror—was right there in front of them. Garp clenched his teeth. He didn’t say yes to Rocks… but his silence screamed of inner turmoil.

Even I could feel it. Which means there’s no way Rocks couldn’t.

"Oi, oi… Don’t start asking something so basic now. You’ve been a Marine for over ten years—you’ve seen the world. Don’t tell me you don’t get it. 'Justice' is just a difference in values. There’s no such thing as true justice or evil in this world…!!"

“…Tch! Then I’ll say it!!! My justice is to prevent bloodshed!!! I became a Marine to reduce the blood that gets spilled!!”

“If that’s true, then you’re not ready. If you were truly, fully devoted to that justice of yours, you wouldn’t hesitate to protect the Celestial Dragons. The fact that you’re wavering… Gihaha! That’s proof you haven’t come to terms with it yet!!!”

“…!!!”

Captain Rocks had just exposed Garp’s inner conflict. Garp’s expression turned grim—his teeth clenched, his fists tightening to the point they might crack. His hands trembled. That alone was enough proof.

Still, man, Captain Rocks really doesn’t hold back. Garp says some solid things from time to time, but Rocks just shrugs them off and goes straight for the kill—emotionally speaking.

Even when the topic of the Celestial Dragons came up, he shot a quick glance at me. Maybe Garp was trying to be considerate of me, but he didn’t bring up the whole slavery issue. In fact, it almost felt like he agreed with what Rocks was saying, at least partially.

I mean, it’s kind of sweet of him, but I’ve already come to terms with the past. I’m doing just fine now, having fun, and I don’t really dwell on it anymore. —That said, if I ran into a Celestial Dragon, I might kill them. Not out of anger or anything—it’d just be payback. It’s not like I hold a grudge. I was weak back then, that’s all. Yup. I’m pretty good at moving on.

While I was off in my own world, listening to Rocks and Garp argue, Captain Rocks finally drew his sword and slung it over his shoulder as he spoke.

“Well then… Let me ask you one more time, loud and clear. —Monkey D. Garp!! Quit the Marines and join my crew!! If you do, I’ll make your wish come true!!!”

As he said that, the Marines around Garp gasped. And the Rocks Pirates? They all wore vicious grins. Everyone knew what was about to happen.

If Garp refused this offer, he and the Marines would be crushed—completely—by the full might of the Rocks Pirates. No one would be left alive.

Even Garp knew it. The odds were against him. Accepting the offer, even as a bluff, was probably the only path to survival.

—But of course… Garp wasn’t the kind of man to take that path.

"I refuse!!!"

"……Gihahahahaha… Is that so. —Then I’ve got no choice but to kill you right here and now!!!"

!!

With a thunderous voice, Captain Rocks surged forward, his overwhelming Haki shaking the air as he closed in on Garp. Garp widened his stance and raised his fists, sweat forming as he braced for Rocks’ assault.

The other Marines followed suit. Whitebeard readied his naginata, Linlin held Zeus and Prometheus in both hands, Shiki floated into the air with blades drawn, and the rest of the crew took up their weapons. Kaido and I, too, brandished our trident and kanabō, charging forward with renewed ferocity.

The oncoming storm of battle was about to begin. But—at that very moment—

!!?

Rocks’ Haki-infused sword was blocked—by another sword. The impact rang out like thunder crashing into steel.

Naturally, Garp doesn't use a sword. He’s a brawler—“Fist” Garp, after all. He doesn’t even carry a blade.

And yet, someone had just stopped Rocks’ blade… and not only that, their clash burst with the raw power of Conqueror’s Haki.

Someone had just arrived.

A pirate now stood before Captain Rocks, radiating pure hostility.

"Rooooocks~~~~~~~!!!"

"!! …Gihahahahahaha!!! You showed up here, of all places…!! —Roger!!!"

Yes—that man’s name was Gol D. Roger.

The third “D” to enter the scene, and the only one—the only one—capable of stopping the demon before him.

The demon of the sea… versus the king who would rise from it.

---

…No way… he actually came…!!

God Valley, the island of fate. Just as the battle between us, the Rocks Pirates, and the Marines led by Garp was about to erupt, an unexpected third party barged in—Roger, looking angrier than usual.

Everyone was shocked. Eyes widened. The only one smiling was Captain Rocks.

"That guy… it's Roger…!"

"What the hell is he doing here!?"

"Is he after the treasure too…? Or the Celestial Dragons…!?"

Both pirates and Marines broke into a stir. Not just because Roger had arrived—but because he’d stopped that last blow from Rocks. The man had a presence that demanded attention.

And not long after Roger’s entrance—

"You damn idiot, charging in on your own…! Hey, Roger!! Try matching our pace for once!!"

"Tch… figures we’d walk into a real mess…!"

Gaban, Rayleigh, and the rest of the Roger Pirates followed in. Talk about timing—way too perfect!! I nearly screamed. If they’d been even a minute later, maybe not Garp, but plenty of Marines would’ve been dead by now!

I couldn't help but get excited. Even though they were the enemy, this kind of scene—it just got my blood pumping.

"Kaido, Kaido, look!! More enemies just showed up!! It’s Roger!! This timing is insane!! Can you believe it!?"

"Hell yeah…!! Time to settle that score from back then…! You're gonna regret this, Roger!!"

Kaido and I were among the first to snap out of the shock and jump back into fighting mode. Then Roger looked our way, clearly recognizing my voice.

"—Hm? Oh, Nue!! Long time no see!! Still sticking with these guys? Join my crew!!"

"Blehhh!! No waaay!! I’m one of the longest-standing members of the Rocks Pirates, y’know!! …Well, I’m still an apprentice!!"

"Wa ha ha! That so!? If that’s the path you chose, I won’t stop you!! But next time—wait, no, that’s not why I’m here!! Rocks!! I came to take you down!!"

"Quit monologuing!! Are you emotionally stable or what!?"

As Roger laughed and raged all on his own, his crewmates couldn’t help but jump in with their usual quips. Man… nostalgic. That’s the Roger Pirates for you. Even in a serious moment, they’re just being loud and chaotic. Totally free-spirited.

Captain Rocks stayed silent for a moment, but once Roger called him out, he finally spoke.

"…Gihaha, long time no see, Roger!! So? That wound I gave you—healed up by now?"

"Shut the hell up!! You think I’m gonna let you kill my rival!?! Unforgivable!! Also—give me Nue!! No meat or booze this time… I’ll trade you fish!"

"I'm not some damn item!! You literally gave up on me like five seconds ago!!"

There he goes again, Roger spouting nonsense. I mean… is he even aware of all the stuff I get up to in the Rocks Pirates? I’m pretty sure I told him once… but maybe he forgot. He probably thinks I’m a decent person because he’s never seen that side of me.

As I flailed under the sudden return of Roger’s chaotic vibe, Captain Rocks suddenly placed a hand on my head. Huh? What’s this?

"Gihahahaha… Sorry, but Nue’s my precious crew member! Fish ain’t gonna cut it!!"

"! Captain…!"

I was a little moved. I mean, he probably didn’t mean it in a deep, emotional way, but still—it meant something. I’m valued as part of the crew. Heh. Take that, Roger. I’m worth more than a couple of fish. Even if the captain does love sea king meat more than life itself—

"Dammit… that sea king steak I had earlier was insanely good, I thought it might work…"

"…Gihaha, tough luck. That won’t be enough to trade for her… but hey, I’ll humor you. —What kind of fish?"

"—Wait!! Don’t waver now!!"

I couldn’t help but yell at the captain’s unexpected response. Don’t do it, Roger!! Don’t shake him!! You’re making it sound like my value is on par with a sea king!! …Actually, that’s kinda impressive…

"Gihaha… alright, joke’s over… Still… I see."

"…?"

Apparently, he really was just joking. Captain Rocks lifted his hand from my head. But… he sounded oddly hesitant. Like he was thinking something through. That’s rare for him. Was he reconsidering what to do with Roger? He didn’t kill him last time either… maybe he’s actually fond of the guy. Is he planning to ask him to join again?

While I pondered that, Garp suddenly snapped at Roger.

"…Roger!! So you did come!!"

"Wa ha ha, good to see you too, Garp!! That was a close one, huh!?"

"Shut up!!! What the hell are you doing, a pirate saving a Marine like me!?"

"Don’t be so uptight!! We’ve tried to kill each other more times than I can count!! So saving you now? Feels natural to me!!"

"…That’s not natural!!!"

Roger treated Garp like an old friend, casual and carefree. But that response made Garp falter—just for a moment—before his rage flared up again. Even Roger paused at that.

And then, Garp raised his fists once more.

"I'm a Marine...!! It's my duty to take down and capture any pirate I find...!!"

Garp declared what any Marine would see as obvious. Both of them were pirates, and if they appeared before him, it was his job to go after them—no matter how unfavorable the situation might be.

He was clearly prepared to face both Roger and Rocks. Garp’s eyes brimmed with resolve. Even if it was something he didn’t want to do, his sense of duty as a Marine—his obligation to his role—always came first. That was the code he lived by.

The Rocks Pirates smirked at him, calling him a fool. The Marines, on the other hand, looked uneasy, concern written all over their faces.

And then, Roger responded to Garp’s words with a grin:

“Alright!! Then let’s take them down together first!! We’ll settle things between us after that!!”

“...!!”

“What the—!?”

“...Gihaha.”

Garp was stunned. Most of those around were just as surprised. Even Rocks himself let out a small laugh, his voice cutting through the tension.

Ignoring the reactions around him, Roger sprang into action. Sword in hand, he moved the conversation forward on his own terms.

“That works for you, right!? Alright, let’s go!!”

“Th... That’s absurd!! 'We’ll fight after this'!? Don’t pity me just because we’re at a disadvantage!! If you’re gonna show me mercy like that, then just settle this—right here, right now!!”

“Shut up, Garp!! I don’t wanna fight you when you're not at your best!!! And if you lose, you’ll die, right!? I wanna fight you when we’re both alive, in our prime, and ready to kill each other!!! That’s why I’m not making you my enemy right now!!! If you really want me as your enemy—then beat those guys first!!!”

“!!”

This time, Garp was truly frozen. All we could do was watch, unsure what to feel. Most of all, Captain Rocks hadn’t moved. Or perhaps he couldn’t.

Still... it was completely insane. Just too selfish. Wanting to fight at full strength, saying “take care of my enemies if you want to fight me”—what kind of logic was that? The things he was saying made no sense. And as if to top it all off:

“Oh, but Rocks is mine to take down, alright?”

“You’re unbelievable!! Damn it...!!”

Even Garp couldn’t help but yell back, his voice filled with frustration and anger.

But after that, he scratched his head. Swearing, venting his anger at Roger—but at the same time, there was something about him that looked like he had made up his mind. Garp clenched his fists again, turned to Roger... and stood beside him. The two of them, shoulder to shoulder, declared:

“...Damn it!! Once this fight’s over, we’re killing each other!!”

“Wahahaha!! Hell yeah!! Let’s do it!! I can’t wait!!”

Garp and Roger stood side by side, facing the Rocks Pirates.

Everyone watching was stunned by the sight. Many were left speechless. Even Whitebeard, standing nearby, was grinding his teeth in disbelief, unable to comprehend what was happening.

Roger’s crew gave a wry smile as they readied for battle. The Marines hesitated, but an order from a commanding officer—"For now, target only the Rocks Pirates!!"—redirected their focus. The soldiers who had been eyeing Roger’s crew now turned their attention, and their hostility, fully onto the Rocks Pirates once more.

And amid it all, only Rocks himself looked genuinely entertained by the situation.

“Gihahahaha...!! I see now... this is getting exciting...!! But—”

He spoke with menace, his presence swelling with a Haki far greater than before. He looked ready to lunge at Roger and Garp that very instant. Even we, his own crewmates, felt a chill run down our spines. The enemy visibly braced themselves under the weight of his Haki.

But then, Rocks stopped. He held back that overwhelming pressure. And then said:

“—Hey, you lot!! Hold them off for a bit...!!”

“!”

“What... the hell!?”

The members of the Rocks Pirates reacted to the command, while Roger’s crew and the Marines looked on, confused.

As all eyes turned to him, Rocks suddenly leapt—vaulting over Roger and Garp in a flash, distancing himself from the fight.

Of course, Roger and Garp tried to go after him immediately, but Whitebeard, Linlin, and Shiki quickly stepped in, clashing weapons with them to block their path. They didn’t hesitate. Even though they weren’t the type to take orders from anyone, they didn’t question or resist what Captain Rocks had just said. In an instant, Whitebeard was trading blows with Roger, halting his advance.

Standing atop a rocky peak, Rocks looked down at Roger and the others. Roger shouted:

“Hey!! Don’t tell me you’re running away!! Get down here!!”

“Gihahahaha... No, I’m not running. Either way, everyone on this island—pirates, Marines, Celestial Dragons, or their slaves... if they’re not my crew, I’m killing them all...!! But—”

He paused, saying something that sent chills down everyone's spines, then shifted his gaze toward the towering ravine at the center of the island.

“If we waste too much time here, the trash might start hiding or running off... so I’ll go on ahead. You lot!! Half of you, come with me!! The rest—hold them off until I’m done...!!”

“...Yeah!!”

“Kh... Damn it...!!”

Dozens of crew members roared in agreement. Whitebeard, still locked in a blade clash with Roger, gave a nod without taking his eyes off his opponent. Then Roger—and Garp, who was still held back by Linlin—

“Damn it, he’s strong…!! —Hey, Rocks!! Wait!!”

“Wait, Rocks…!! Are you planning to kill the Celestial Dragons!? What the hell are you trying to do!?”

Garp shouted as he tried to pursue Rocks up the rocky cliff—but he couldn’t catch up.

From above, Rocks sneered down at Roger and Garp with a wicked grin.

“Gihaha… Isn’t it obvious!? I’m gonna humiliate those arrogant Celestial Dragons—those pompous bastards who call every island below the Red Line the ‘lower world’!! I’m gonna get back at them for stealing my treasure! I’ll take everything and kill them all!! This world belongs to me!!!”

“Damn it…!! Wait!!”

“Don’t run, bastard!!”

Roger and Garp each shouted at him with fury. But Rocks turned his back, glancing at them sideways as he spoke:

“Gihahahaha!! I’m going on ahead!! If you wanna face me, then break through my crew and follow me!! But if you get in my way, you won’t have a choice—I’ll take you on myself…!!! Step up only if you’re ready to die!! Gihahahahahaha!!!”

With that final declaration, Rocks disappeared—most likely heading toward the island’s center.

The ones left behind erupted in chaos. That moment sparked the beginning of a ferocious battle, with orders flying left and right.

“Damn it… he got away…!! All of you!! Stop them!!”

“Yes sir!! All units, charge!!!”

“Uwoooohhhhhhh!!!”

“Hey, Rayleigh!! That bastard took off!!”

“Yeah, I saw!! Let’s wrap this up quick!!”

“Don’t let the marines beat us to him!! Let’s go!!”

“Yeah!!!”

Garp led the Marines, while Roger’s pirate crew joined in. Rayleigh, Gaban, and the rest charged together at the Rocks Pirates.

But there wasn’t a single soul here who cowered at the sight of the enemy.

“...You bastards!! You heard the captain! Split up!!”

“Ha~hahaha mamamamama!! You didn’t even have to say it!! I’m going after Rocks!! Anyone who comes at me—I’ll just steal their lifespan!!”

“Damn right! Don’t you go barking orders at me, Whitebeard!! I give the orders!! Move out, boys!! Jihahahaha!!”

“Wororororo!!! This is the best!!! Let it all burn!!! The greatest war begins now!!!”

“Alright!! Let’s pump it up!!! All you fools charging into this hopeless battle—die dancing in a barrage of mysterious flying objects!!”

“Hyahhah!!! Forget stopping them—it’s a pain!! Just kill them all!!!”

“Clear a path!!! Let’s go, boys!!!”

—The island bearing the name of God… God Valley.

The world's most powerful pirate crew, led by Rocks D. Xebec… now faced a temporary alliance of Gol D. Roger's Pirate Crew and hundreds of Marines under Monkey D. Garp.

But that wasn’t all—the center of the island still housed many Celestial Dragons, Marines… and the mysterious “God Knights,” waiting in the wings.

No one knew what the outcome of this battle would be.

—But one thing was certain:No matter who won… a whole era was about to come to an end.