#557 - Chapter 557: Elite Troops
Inside the council hall of Elbaf, a heavy atmosphere spread like a tide, almost suffocating.
A detailed sea chart was spread out on the huge wooden table, stuck full of small flags, each representing a possible route of attack by the enemy.
Sunlight from outside the window filtered through the heavy curtains, appearing dim and weak.
Jin sat at one end of the long table, his fingers lightly tapping the surface, the rhythm slow yet exceptionally clear.
His eyes were lowered, as if lost in deep thought.
Toki stood beside him, gently placing a cup of hot tea in front of him, but he showed no reaction, his gaze still fixed on the sea chart covered with red markings.
"All forces are coming out..."
Whitebeard's deep voice broke the silence.
His arms were crossed in front of his chest, his whole being sitting there like a silent mountain, his gaze fixed intently on the sea chart.
Loki stood by the window, his hands behind his back, the veins on his forehead slightly bulging.
His giant body occupied almost half the room, but at this moment he seemed unusually quiet.
He looked back at Jin, and said in a deep voice:
"Not only are all forces coming out, but they have also won over many hesitant forces.
These kings and soldiers may not want to participate in the war, but they have no choice."
"The most troublesome thing is the Navy," Dragon's voice came from the other end of the long table.
He sat up straight, his hands folded on the table, his tone calm but with an undeniable majesty.
"Although Sengoku, Garp, and others have long seen through the true face of the World Government, they are still opponents that we must face squarely."
Toki looked around at everyone and said softly:
"The Navy represents 'justice'.
Although they have been used by the World Government, in many people's hearts, their existence still symbolizes hope.
As long as they are still on the enemy's side, they will bring great pressure to our alliance."
"Justice?" Whitebeard snorted coldly, and slammed his huge fist heavily on the table. "On the battlefield, can justice block swords?"
Toki did not refute, but her brow furrowed slightly, obviously aware of the complexity of the problem.
"So, this time we have to win more than just the war," Jin's voice suddenly sounded, breaking everyone's contemplation.
He raised his head, his eyes like torches sweeping over everyone.
"What we have to win is belief, is the future."
Everyone was attracted by his words and turned their attention to him.
"The World Government's all-out attack is certainly a challenge, but it is also our opportunity."
Jin stood up, his hands propped on the table, his tone sonorous and powerful.
"This war is not just to overthrow the World Government, but to let everyone in this world see that there is a better choice than 'Celestial Dragon rule'."
Dragon nodded, a hint of approval in his smile.
"That's right. To completely disintegrate the World Government, we must destroy their deeply rooted prestige.
And this can only be achieved through victory."
"......"
The atmosphere in the council hall gradually became heavy but firm.
Loki walked back to the long table from the window and slammed his huge fist heavily on the table, making a deafening sound.
He looked at Jin, his voice like thunder: "If that's the case, then bring it on! Elbaf fears no enemy!"
"Well said, Elbaf!"
Whitebeard laughed, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.
He clenched his fist, as if he couldn't wait to meet this decisive battle.
Toki looked at the scene in front of her, sighed softly, but couldn't help but show a smile.
She knew that although these people spoke lightly, they all knew in their hearts that this would be an unprecedentedly tough battle.
Jin slowly raised the teacup in his hand, his eyes sweeping across each face.
His voice was low but firm: "So, everyone, for victory, for freedom—cheers!"
Teacups, wine glasses, and even the giants' bucket-sized cups clinked together, making a crisp sound.
This sound was not only their oath to this war, but also a promise to the future.
The jubilant atmosphere gradually subsided, and the discussion in front of the long table came to an end.
The sea chart spread out on the table and the strategic drafts were covered with annotations, and the area representing Elbaf was heavily circled, and a clear arrow extended from here to the end of the sea, pointing directly to Mariejois.
"This battle is divided into two routes."
Dragon's deep voice cut through the silence.
The baton in his hand pointed to two key points on the map.
"One way is to defend Elbaf, hold back the main force of the World Government, and ensure that our alliance can be stable.
The other way is to directly point the sword at Mariejois—to fundamentally end this war."
There was silence in the conference hall.
Everyone's eyes turned to Jin, as if this adventurous route was tailored for him.
Jin did not avoid these gazes.
He slowly stood up, his eyes like torches, looking at everyone present.
There was not a trace of hesitation on his face, and his voice was full of unwavering determination:
"Since we are going to end this war, I will naturally take action myself."
Loki strode to the sea chart, put his hands on his hips, and stared at the huge Elbaf area on the map.
His voice was loud, with an unmistakable majesty:
"Elbaf's defenses have never feared any enemy.
As long as they dare to come, we will make them never return!"
Whitebeard stood beside Loki, chuckled in a low voice, then patted the giant's shoulder:
"I trust the fighting spirit of the Giant Race very much.
But old man's sword is not for rusting, and I will be indispensable in the defensive battle."
Dragon calmly looked at Jin, his eyes showing a trust and deep consideration:
"Going to Mariejois is a dangerous road with extremely high risks.
What is needed is not only strength, but also strategic wisdom and strong morale.
Are you sure you can guarantee your safety?
You must know that you are an idol of many people in the New Navy, and also the spiritual pillar of many people."
"I will lead the elite to set off," Jin nodded without hesitation.
"Imu is the source of this war. As long as she is defeated, everything will be self-defeating.
In addition, there is a more important meaning—we must let this world see that their so-called 'god' will also be pulled down from the altar by mortals."
"......"
With the division of labor settled, the atmosphere did not relax.
Toki stood beside Jin, gently holding a cup of hot tea and handing it to him:
"Going to Mariejois is not only for victory, but also to prove it.
Don't be too brave, you know?"
Jin took the tea, glanced at it, and the corner of his mouth raised slightly:
"Don't worry, I haven't lived enough yet."
Toki smiled slightly, then turned and handed the tactics book to Whitebeard and Loki:
"The plan to defend Elbaf is here. Everyone must follow the steps above.
As long as the time is delayed, the balance of victory will tilt towards us."
Whitebeard picked up the wine barrel and interrupted her with a big laugh:
"Plans are plans, but on the battlefield, fists are the best tool for persuasion."
"Old brother, take it easy, don't forget that you still have an agreement to fulfill."
Jin looked at Whitebeard, his eyes full of deep respect and concern.
Whitebeard raised his eyebrows and laughed boldly:
"Old man hasn't lived enough yet.
Kid, don't let me down either!"
......
Everyone finally stood on the square outside the council hall. The huge war drums had already sounded, and the soldiers' slogans came like waves.
Jin's troops had begun to assemble, and the warships in the distance were docked in Elbaf's port like giant beasts, ready to set off at any time.
Jin looked back at his teammates standing behind him.
There was no fear in their eyes, only determination and trust.
"Everyone, we will part ways here, but we will eventually meet on the shore of victory."
He said, his tone firm, then slowly raised his hand.
"For freedom, for the future—depart!"
In the shouts of everyone, he led the elite troops to board the warship, his eyes firmly looking at the distant horizon.
Under the sky of Elbaf, the war spirit had been ignited, vowing to usher in the final chapter of this war.
...
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