Chapter 505: Arrival at the Gate of Justice

“Moshi moshi!”

Click!

“Is this Lord Borsalino? The vanguard of the Third Army has reached the center of the trap. Please await your orders.”

On the shore of the Skee Kingdom, rows of heavy artillery lined the coast, their barrels aimed at the hundreds of Army warships cutting through the sea.

Borsalino hovered in midair, easily spotting the massive fleet. “How are the jammers set up?”

“Reporting, sir. The jammers have completely sealed off the waters ahead. Not a single call can get through.”

Hearing the voice through the receiver, Borsalino nodded in satisfaction. Ever since jammers were developed, the Revolutionary Army used them widely—their spies, infiltrators, and intelligence-gatherers all benefited. Missions ran smoother than ever.

With the sea riddled with leaks, the Revolutionary Army now caught wind of any major move the World Government made.

“Once they’re within range, fire at will. Don’t hold back.”

As for Skee Kingdom, the Revolutionary Army had taken control already, relocating all port residents inland. Setting up an ambush here was perfect.

Even if an all-out war broke out, civilian casualties would be minimal.

“Understood!”

The Army warships only appeared as specks on the horizon, but it would be hours before they entered the ambush. By the time they did, it was already 11:55 AM.

“Kuina!”

“We’re almost at the Gate of Justice up ahead.”

Luffy stood at the bow, eyes fixed on the towering gate in the distance. Once they passed through, they’d cross the Calm Belt and reach Navy Headquarters—Marineford.

“That was actually pretty slow. If we had some wind, maybe we’d have arrived even sooner.”

“True, but the bigger question is how exactly are we supposed to get through that gate?”

“Super!”

Franky bounded out wearing red underwear over his suit. “We just climb it! This ship’s been modified to scale the Gate of Justice with ease—same trick we used to get into Impel Down.”

“Alright, boys, almost there!”

On a warship behind them, Buggy the Clown gazed down at the hundreds—maybe thousands—of pirates below, excitement lighting up his face. “What is it that’s about to arrive?”

Buggy cupped his left hand to his ear.

“The glorious moment when Captain Buggy conquers the world!”

“Spot on!” Satisfied with the answer, he dropped his hand.

“What’s the big deal about Navy Headquarters?”

“And what’s so special about Whitebeard?”

All the pirates below had been bombarded by Buggy’s bravado for so long, they’d become absolutely loyal, following his every word.

“Who’s going to be the Pirate King?”

“Captain Buggy!”

“Exactly right!”

“No, the next Pirate King is me—Monkey D. Luffy!”

Hearing Buggy’s bold claim, Luffy raced over from the bow and booted him right off the railing.

“Hey, Straw Hat! How dare you—!”

Click click click!!!

Before Buggy could finish yelling, the Gate of Justice in front of them rumbled open for reasons unknown, as if welcoming their arrival.

“Can’t start without the main character, after all.”

A man shrouded in a red cloak stood by the control room window, looking down at Luffy at the gate’s base. He vanished, leaving heaps of Navy soldiers scattered on the floor behind him.

“Ace!”

Luffy hurried back to his prized spot at the ship’s prow, staring through the now opening gate. In his mind, he could already see Ace walking step by step toward the execution platform.

At Navy Headquarters, the three Admirals sat above on the grand stage, surrounded on either side by more than twenty Vice Admirals.

The main gates before the execution platform swung wide. Ace—disheveled and chained by both hands and feet—shuffled out, trailed closely by two executioners in yellow uniforms.

Ahead stretched a Y-shaped bridge; the platform between the twin arms was the execution stage.

At that moment, countless Video Transponder Snails around the world broadcast Ace’s appearance, delivering the unfolding execution to every corner of the globe.

Fishman Island!

“Hey, look! Fire Fist Ace is out!”

“So he’s Whitebeard’s Second Division Commander, Ace?”

“Why does the Navy insist on provoking the Four Emperors, anyway?”

Across the New World, the Navy and World Government’s reputation didn’t even match the Four Emperors. The Emperors actually sheltered their people, bringing prosperity, while under Government and Navy rule, massacres, fallen nations, and human trafficking were commonplace.

If you didn’t pay the Heavenly Gold or join as an allied nation, the World Government would do whatever it took to pressure your country—until you caved.

And if you stubbornly refused? Best case, a new regime. Worst case, your country wiped away.

Before the Four Emperors’ shadow fell, people thought paying the Heavenly Gold meant a few good years. Once under the Emperors’ banner, though, they saw the World Government’s protection was just a different kind of exploitation.

East Blue!

“A new era is calling. We need to be ready—when the moment comes, we’ll devour the Army and strike at the Celestial Dragons’ holy land.”

Dragon and Kuma, along with a legion of Revolutionaries, were already stationed in the tunnel beneath the Red Line, poised to assault the Celestial Dragons’ stronghold at any moment.

The other three seas waited for war to erupt; the instant battle broke out, each would unleash destruction on local Army forces, then storm Mariejois through the Red Line tunnel.

Navy soldier: “That’s him—the man they say could spark a world-shaking war.”

A comrade replied, “And right now, he’s the one holding the fate of the whole world.”

While conversations unfolded around the globe, Ace was led up to the execution stage. Two executioners were already waiting.

Ace walked forward, then sank to his knees. The two men behind him fastened his shackles to the hook at the back of the stage to prevent any escape.

“It’s alright, Garp. I have to tell them everything.”

Below the execution stage, Sengoku strode to the front, glancing back at Garp, who was just a few steps behind.

“As you wish. I’ll be waiting below.”

Garp turned and headed for the right stands, his voice raspy and heavy—barely containing the pain welling up inside.

Sengoku stepped up to the platform. “Everyone, clear out.”

“Yes, sir.”

The two executioners put away their blades and stepped back in silence, giving Sengoku space.

“Fleet Admiral Sengoku?”

“What is it?”

Seeing this, the Navy officers below grew suspicious. Did Ace harbor an unspeakable secret, for the Fleet Admiral to intervene personally?

“Hand me the Transponder Snail.”

A soldier handed Sengoku the Transponder Snail at once.

Taking the Transponder Snail, Sengoku strode to Ace’s left and addressed the audience. “There’s something I must say to you all first.”

“Portgas D. Ace—the significance of this man’s death today cannot be overstated.”

Standing at the center podium, Sengoku gazed out at the massed Navy elite below—nearly a hundred thousand soldiers—and the condemned Ace upon the stage.

“It’s not your fault, Garp!” Vice Admiral Tsuru’s gaze was calm, her words full of meaning.

“Women are at their gentlest at times like these, Tsuru.”

Garp threw his head back and laughed, covering up the sorrow in his heart. Having raised the boy as his own grandchild for over ten years, how could letting go be easy?