Chapter 168 – Emperor of Flames!
"Is it blood?"
Akainu, panting heavily, lifted his head and glared at Ace. "That fire just now… it was your blood, wasn't it?"
"That's right." Ace nodded calmly. "My ability is fire—and for fire to burn, it needs fuel. Normally, that fuel is my stamina. But when I push my ability to its limits… my blood itself becomes fuel, and I can transform my entire body into tangible, living flame."
In truth, the Mera Mera no Mi alone couldn't achieve such a thing. This was Ace's own evolution—something beyond the fruit's natural limits. A man who could raise the very temperature of his flames by basking in the sun, a man whose blood now burned like fire itself.
"I see…" Akainu grunted, forcing himself upright. Magma dripped from his body like molten rock. "So you've pushed your ability beyond comprehension. But every power comes with a price, doesn't it?"
Ace grinned. "Of course. If all my blood burns out… I die."
"Gahahaha!" Akainu laughed, though his voice was grim. "So you're fighting with your very life on the line… Typical of a pirate! But don't think an old dog of the Navy will fall behind."
He clenched his fists, magma surging. "Your name is Fire Emperor, isn't it? Portgas D. Ace—I'll remember it well! Now let's settle this with our lives!!"
Although they stood on opposite sides of justice, Sakazuki now acknowledged Ace as a true opponent worthy of everything he had.
Ace's lips curved into a wide smile. His towering frame seemed to radiate flame itself. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear!"
"Come on!!"
The two lunged at each other.
"Great Eruption!!" (Dai Funka)
"Fire Emperor: Rising Sun Fist!!"
BOOOOM!
The impact shattered the plaza. Shockwaves blasted outward, hurling Marines and pirates alike through the air. The battlefield shook under the clash of magma and purple-gold fire.
This was no ordinary fight. It was a duel of monsters—destructive power covering most of Marineford's square. Since the start of the war, no battle had burned with such intensity.
---
On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard's eyes narrowed. His voice was a low rumble.
"Kit… Ace, don't you dare die."
On the execution platform, Sengoku's expression hardened as he watched.
"Portgas D. Ace… Has he really grown to the point where even Sakazuki can't suppress him?"
From the Warlords' line, Boa Hancock's lips parted in a whisper.
"So this is the man who dared strike a Celestial Dragon… I knew you would not disappoint me."
Gecko Moria cackled. "Hehehehehe! Amazing! No—this isn't just a battle anymore… they're fighting with everything! Look at them—both of them are laughing! Isn't that insane?!"
Dracule Mihawk's gaze sharpened. "As expected of the Pirate King's bloodline. To clash with the Navy's strongest at such a young age… After today, regardless of who falls, the name of Fire Fist—no, the Fire Emperor—will echo across the seas."
On the execution platform, Sabo's vision blurred with tears as he stared at his brother.
"Ace… you have to survive. Please… brother!!"
---
Back on the square, the ground itself had turned molten red—uncertain whether it was Sakazuki's magma or Ace's burning blood-flame.
Both men stood panting, their elemental bodies flickering. Ace bore scorch marks, but no fatal wounds. Sakazuki, however, showed charred burns spreading across his arms and chest.
Sengoku's jaw tightened. At this rate…!
"We can't allow this to continue!" the Fleet Admiral roared. His voice thundered across the plaza. "Kuzan! Borsalino! Assist Sakazuki—take down that boy!!"
"…Tch." Aokiji exhaled a frosty breath, displeased but silent.
"Yare, yare…" Kizaru sighed lazily. "If you insist, Sengoku-san."
Though reluctant, the two Admirals moved. The order was absolute—and Sakazuki's condition left them no excuse. Together, they dashed toward the clash of fire and magma.
"Don't you dare interfere with Ace!!"
Marco's blue flames flared as he shot forward, wings unfurling. At the same time, Diamond Jozu charged to intercept.
But they were cut off.
Shing!
A razor-sharp slash carved the air before Marco.
"Hawkeye!!" Marco's face darkened as Dracule Mihawk stepped in front of him, blade gleaming.
On the other side, a massive figure loomed before Jozu.
"Ursus Shock."
The impact sent Jozu staggering back.
"Bartholomew Kuma…" Jozu growled, bracing himself. Even he knew breaking through would not be quick.
---
Meanwhile, the other Admirals made their move.
"Yasakani no Magatama!!"
"Ice Time Capsule!!"
A hailstorm of light beams and freezing cold forced Ace back, shaking the entire plaza.
Kizaru raised an eyebrow. "Ara, ara… To take a joint strike from both of us and remain standing—impressive. Fire Fist… no, Fire Emperor."
Aokiji's eyes were cold. "Sorry, Ace. But this is where it ends."
Akainu staggered up beside them, magma bubbling. Now the three Admirals stood shoulder-to-shoulder, the Navy's highest power united.
Ace faced them alone.
"Tch tch… All three Admirals at once. Now this is spectacular." He laughed, utterly fearless. "This honor belonged only to Whitebeard… and now, it's mine. To fight the Navy's might at its fullest… It excites me!"
On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard gritted his teeth in fury. "Sengoku, you bastard! Do you throw away all dignity, sending three Admirals against one man?!"
His grip tightened on his naginata, ready to charge.
But just as he prepared to leap into the fray—
Vwoooosh…
A strange vessel appeared on the horizon, soaring toward Marineford and drawing every eye.
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