Boom!
Above the vast sea, towering waves were swallowed by even more violent magma surging through the waters.
Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle…
The entire sea had long since begun boiling from within, devoured by scorching lava that spread endlessly across its surface.
Silence filled the battlefield.
Countless carcasses of sea creatures floated lifelessly, some consumed by the magma, others pushed away by the blazing currents.
Even a massive Sea King crab, one of the rulers of these waters, failed to escape in time. Trapped within the boiling sea, lava crept over its body until it met an unavoidable end.
Soon, its enormous form turned into a drifting, steaming mass.
On the ocean's surface, a vast crimson expanse formed, resembling a massive "Crab Island."
This strange island became the temporary foothold for the four Admirals, Aramaki, Issho, Youryuu, and Verglas.
The warships that carried them had already retreated under a single command.
"Withdraw. Await further orders in a safe zone."
That was Akainu's only instruction.
Gurgle…
Boom!
The raging magma surged endlessly, devouring everything in its path as it chased the flickering yellow light in the sky.
Beneath the flowing lava, a lone figure stood firmly upon the sea.
Akainu.
His gaze was deep and merciless as he controlled the endless magma, each surge driven by a single purpose.
To kill the light above.
Though his expression remained steady, the violent eruptions of magma around him revealed the storm within.
Whoosh!
A flash of golden light evaded another magma strike before condensing into a human form.
"Oh my, how frightening."
Kizaru hovered in the air, his usual lazy expression unchanged as he looked down at his former comrade.
"To treat a close friend like this, Sakazuki… that is quite terrifying."
"Friend?"
Akainu's face, partially consumed by magma, twisted with cold fury.
"I see only a traitor who abandoned justice, a filthy rat, a rebel who deserves nothing but death."
Kizaru sighed lightly, shaking his head.
"That really hurts to hear."
Under normal circumstances, with the power of the Glint-Glint Fruit, no one present could truly stop him.
If he wanted to leave, he would already be gone.
But this time was different.
He could not escape.
On the surface of Crab Island, Aramaki sat casually, devouring crab meat while a towering sunflower stretched skyward behind him.
Sizzle…
The massive plant radiated intense heat as it faced Kizaru, constantly absorbing his light.
"Borsalino, your energy is incredible. It feels like I might explode from all this power."
The sunflower locked onto him completely.
No matter how fast Kizaru moved, he remained bound within a fixed range.
If he tried to go beyond it, his body would be forced back into solid form, stopping him instantly.
Kizaru narrowed his eyes slightly.
"A troublesome ability… you prepared well, Aramaki."
It was clear now.
The World Government had long anticipated the possibility of betrayal among the Admirals.
This was one of their countermeasures.
High above Elbaf, the spectators watched with great interest.
Crunch.
Lucky Roux sat cross-legged, chewing loudly as juice dripped from the fruit in his hands.
"What a rare sight. Marines fighting each other right in front of us."
"Oi, Roux, keep the mess to yourself."
Hongo dodged the flying juice effortlessly before taking a bite of his own fruit.
"Still, Akainu did say Kizaru was a Revolutionary Army spy."
Roux laughed.
"And you believe everything the Marines say? Their credibility is not exactly impressive."
Nearby, Shanks rested his chin on his hand, watching the battle thoughtfully.
"Even so, accusing an Admiral like that is not something they would do lightly. It is most likely true."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"That would explain how the Revolutionary Army always seems one step ahead."
Information.
That was the key.
Borsalino had been quietly feeding it to them all along.
A silent blade pressed against the World Government's throat.
Back on the battlefield, Akainu raised his arm once more.
Magma gathered, forming another massive fist aimed at the sky.
"Stop resisting. You cannot escape."
His voice was cold and absolute.
"You will die here, Borsalino."
Whoosh!
Kizaru barely avoided the incoming attack again.
His face, though still relaxed, had grown slightly pale.
"If this continues… I might actually die here."
He let out a quiet sigh.
"You really are forcing my hand."
For a brief moment, his gaze shifted toward Elbaf.
The other Admirals tensed, a sense of unease creeping into their minds.
Then, in the next instant, Kizaru opened his mouth and shouted across the battlefield.
"Shirogai, save me!"