#554 - Chapter 554 The Difference Between the Two Sides
Elbaf.
Sunlight streamed onto the plaza in front of the giants' village, reflecting a spectacular scene of a sea of people.
The atmosphere in the plaza was solemn and dignified, even the normally cheerful and playful giant children were held by their parents, standing quietly at a distance to watch.
In the center of the plaza, beneath a tall stone pillar, Jin stood with his hands clasped behind his back.
He wore the New Navy's signature white cloak, the hem of which fluttered gently in the breeze, his black military boots planted firmly on the hard stone, as if fused with the earth.
His face was calm, and his gaze swept across the dense ranks of soldiers before him like a knife.
Standing beside him, Whitebeard still wore his trademark boisterous smile, but it couldn't hide a hint of solemnity.
His towering figure was like a mountain, holding his Murakumogiri, the halberd's blade lightly touching the ground, emitting a faint, low hum.
Loki stood on the other side, his golden hair shimmering in the sunlight.
His expression was complex, containing both the pride of a giant prince and a sense of unease and expectation when facing his people and allies.
His hands were clasped behind his back, his knuckles slightly tense, indicating that his heart was not as calm as his appearance suggested.
Opposite them was a formation composed of different factions.
Closest to the front were the New Navy soldiers, their figures as straight as javelins, their white caps and cloaks reflecting the dazzling sunlight.
Every soldier's eyes were filled with unwavering determination, knowing that this war was not an ordinary conflict, but the ultimate battle to decide the future of the world.
Behind them were the members of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Unlike the uniformity of the New Navy soldiers, their ranks appeared more casual, but everyone's eyes burned with fierce fighting spirit.
They stood in the ranks, their expressions relaxed yet vigilant, as if they could turn the battlefield into their stage at any moment.
Furthest back were free warriors, rebels, and giant warriors from all over the world.
Their equipment was diverse, some even lacking armor, but their eyes revealed the same longing—to break free from their shackles and embrace a free tomorrow.
Jin stepped forward, standing beneath the stone pillar in the very center of the plaza, his clear footsteps echoing in the silence.
His gaze slowly swept across each face, his voice calm yet resounding:
"Why are you standing here?"
Jin's voice suddenly rose, carrying a thunderous force: "Is it because of the anger of being oppressed, or the helplessness of watching your friends being deprived of their freedom?!"
He pointed his hand sharply into the distance, his voice shaking the entire plaza: "Our enemies have never changed.
They are those high and mighty rulers who hold fate in their hands but trample on the dignity of others at will!
They tell you that this world is theirs, and they set the rules!
But we stand here today to tell them—no!"
This roar was like thunder, stirring countless echoes in the plaza.
The New Navy soldiers straightened their backs, the Whitebeard Pirates roared, and the giant warriors raised their giant axes, their fighting spirit soaring.
Whitebeard stepped forward, his deep voice echoing across the plaza:
"Gurarararara! Since you've chosen to stand here, don't even think about retreating! This time, either kill those bastards or die on the battlefield!
But remember, even in death, make this world remember our names!"
Loki took a deep breath, walked to Jin's side, and looked down at the gathered giant warriors.
He raised his hand, his voice firm: "Warriors of Elbaf, you are the pride of the fighting race!
Today, we are not fighting for the giants, but for the freedom and dignity of the entire world!
Use our power to shake those so-called 'gods'!"
Finally, a golden-haired man wearing a bamboo hat stepped out.
He still wore the hat, and his face remained shrouded in shadow:
"You may not know me, but I want to tell you that my goal is the same as yours.
I stand here not for my past, but for the future! Let us together witness that world that truly belongs to the people!"
"..."
"Well said!"
"For the future!!!"
The declaration ended, and the entire plaza erupted in thunderous shouts, the sound soaring into the sky, as if even the mountains of Elbaf trembled.
Standing beneath the stone pillar, Jin turned to look at his comrades.
He nodded slightly, his voice low but filled with unwavering determination:
"This is the last moment of peace."
Whitebeard grinned, gripping his Murakumogiri:
"Gurarararara! Then let this peace be our last celebration!"
Loki took a deep breath, looked towards the horizon, and whispered:
"I hope this time, it can end everything completely."
No one knew how the upcoming battle would unfold, but at this moment, everyone was ready.
Their power converged into a monstrous wave, ready to shake that world order that proclaimed itself unshakeable.
......
On the magnificent plaza of Mary Geoise, the space was now packed with densely packed soldiers and equipment.
On the high throne platform, the new Five Elders of the World Government were coldly overlooking this chaotic scene.
Behind them stood a row of imposing Celestial Dragon guards, the warriors in white-gold armor moving in unison, expressionless, in stark contrast to the noisy scene below.
Below was a different scene.
Soldiers and mercenary groups from all over the world gathered together, but seemed completely disorganized.
Many soldiers were either whispering in small groups of two or three, or absentmindedly fiddling with their weapons.
Soldiers from different countries even glared at each other secretly, some muttering:
"Still thinking about competing for strength in this situation, these guys are really brainless."
Someone responded with a sneer:
"Why should we fight alongside them? When the time comes to charge, these guys might be the first to stab you in the back."
A burly general stood at the edge of the plaza, his eyes sweeping over the loose ranks, his brow furrowed.
His adjutant whispered, "Sir, these troops... I don't know if they can handle the upcoming mission."
The burly general snorted coldly: "Mission? This kind of team can't even win a battle, I'm afraid they'll fall apart on their own.
The soldiers of various countries don't listen to orders at all, they only care about their own interests."
He added, gnashing his teeth,
"Not to mention there are quite a few guys who don't want to fight this battle at all, they were just forced to come."
In a corner of the plaza, a group of mercenaries were gathered together smoking and drinking, completely ignoring the tense atmosphere on the field.
Their leader was a one-eyed middle-aged man, he leaned against the wall in a slovenly manner, and said sarcastically:
"Ha, this is the World Government's army? It seems that as long as someone gives us more money, we can switch camps at any time."
The mercenaries around him roared with laughter, clinking glasses with each other, completely disregarding the current situation.
