Day Five of the New World War.
Marine Headquarters. New Marineford. Fleet Admiral's Office.
Carlo walked in and reported the battle situation, "Fleet Admiral, on Big Mom's side, all fleets have reached their designated positions. Should we launch a full-scale attack and completely destroy the third defensive island chain?"
Sakazuki looked up and stretched his neck before replying calmly, "Launch the attack. They have been making trouble for long enough. Teach them a lesson."
Carlo nodded. "Yes. Soter is already on the way, and he also said he has something to confess to you."
Sakazuki glanced at him. "What is it?"
Carlo smiled slightly. "He forcibly took away the residents who refused to evacuate, but it does not affect the demolition plan."
Sakazuki shook his head. "As long as it does not affect the bigger picture, there is no problem. He can handle such matters himself in the future. No need to report."
Carlo smiled. "Understood."
* * *
New World. The floating fleet that had just crossed the Red Line.
Several massive islands floated in the air, all of them barren rocky landmasses, while warships surrounded them and sped through the sky.
After receiving Carlo's message, Soter finally relaxed.
"No problem, Carlo-san. We should reach the battlefield in about half a day."
After confirming the mission, he hung up. A faint smile appeared on his face, and Ain beside him smiled as well.
"How is it? Fleet Admiral Sakazuki did not blame you, right?"
He nodded. "Yes. The Fleet Admiral said it does not affect the bigger picture. I can handle it myself in the future."
She smiled. "That is good. You are going to join the battle next, right?"
Soter looked at the distant sea, his blood beginning to stir.
"That's right. They have been causing trouble for days. It is time to end this. I will drop you all at Lota Island later. Replenish supplies and wait for me."
Ain laughed softly, her eyes curving like crescents. "Okay."
The massive islands moved through the clouds and headed deeper into the New World.
* * *
New World. An unnamed sea.
Day Five of the great war.
The Red Hair Pirates remained aboard their ship. The Red Force was almost sinking, as a battle at the level of the Four Emperors was too much for it. Even with a strong keel and hull, it could not endure such strain. Most of the battlefield had been in the sky, yet it had still reached this state.
After days of fighting, the wounds on everyone's bodies had scabbed over only to split open again.
Shanks had a large hole in his abdomen, the surrounding blood long dried into a dark brown crust. His chest was slightly sunken, and though his breathing was heavy, it remained steady. The right hand holding his sword was still firm as he stared at the two figures above.
The others looked extremely tired. Yasopp and Beckman were the worst off, forced to constantly use Observation Haki to track Bullet. After days of doing so, their heads throbbed as if they were about to split. Combined with Yasopp's already severed arm, he was barely holding on.
None of the others were in good condition either. Some had broken bones, others torn flesh, and blood soaked through their clothes.
High in the air, Enel had formed a long golden platform for the two of them to rest on.
Bullet's body was covered in countless blade wounds, crisscrossing like a spider web. A horizontal slash across his abdomen ran clean through, and he looked as if he had been soaked in blood.
Enel's expression was solemn. He also bore a few blade wounds, though none were serious, but there were two holes in his arm, shot by Beckman when Shanks had restrained him.
Whether pirate or the Marines, this battlefield was the most exhausting among the four. Both sides' abilities were simply too troublesome.
Shanks' Observation Killing could only be detected by Enel's magnetic field; even Bullet's Observation Haki could not sense it, which was how those blade wounds had been inflicted. And this was Bullet, anyone else would have died under that terrifying ability.
Bullet's multiplied extreme speed had left the crew in misery. They could only defend together, as anyone caught by him had no chance of escaping. The hole in Shanks' abdomen and the loss of Yasopp's arm were bloody lessons.
The anger from days ago had long been worn down. This battle had exhausted everyone, yet neither side chose to retreat. It had become a matter of pride.
In the sky, Enel sat on the golden platform, resting his chin on his hand as he looked down.
"Hey, Red Hair! That one-armed guy beside you looks like he can't hold on much longer! Give me some face and get lost!"
On the Red Force below, Yasopp shook his head and said to Shanks, "I am fine."
Hearing his voice behind him, Shanks' eyes sharpened. He knew Yasopp was forcing himself to stand, but if they retreated now, no one would accept it. It had been many years since they had suffered such losses. Even when they were weaker in the past and were hunted by Kaido and Big Mom after entering the New World, it had never reached this point.
He looked up, his tone low and filled with killing intent.
"Your face is not worth much."
Gryphon rose in his hand, and Conqueror's Haki lightning wrapped around the blade.
In the sky, the two snorted coldly. Bullet stood up on the golden platform and entered his Demon Mode.
"You don't know when to stop. Then stay here."
Enel's expression darkened. "You really think you are something. Sea trash."
Lightning flashed around his body as he floated in the air like the embodiment of an element. A spear of lightning formed in his hand and aimed downward.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, he sensed something, and the lightning spear slowly dispersed. Electricity flickered in his palm as threads of lightning connected to the golden platform. Carrying Bullet, he shot straight into the sky and disappeared into the clouds.
On the Red Force below, the crew looked confused. Lucky Roux collapsed onto the deck.
"Ah. Did those two finally run away?"
He looked completely drained.
Shanks did not relax. He continued staring at the sky. "No."
Beckman nodded slightly, his expression serious. Those two arrogant men would not retreat so easily.
* * *
A moment later, a massive shadow covered everyone's heads, and the crew's eyes widened in fear. The meat in Lucky Roux's hand fell to the ground.
"Hey! Has the Golden Lion come back to life?! How is that possible?!"
Shanks shouted, "Everyone, get ready! Focus your attacks on one point!"
In the sky, a small black dot rapidly grew larger. A gigantic lion head formed from several islands dove down…
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