Origin and Red Foss were both approaching the center of the battlefield, but Shanks had already returned to his own ship; he did not accompany Arceus.
The Five Elders were acting strangely, suspecting him of having ulterior motives. His visit to Marinfanto was enough to complicate many things, and being on the same ship with Hundred Beasts would be even more troublesome.
Some misunderstandings might not be resolved, but there's no need for them to escalate further.
Meanwhile, the Navy soldiers had varied reactions. The aftermath of the recent explosion severely affected the ground-level forces, dispersing most of the Navy's formations, even though the main impact was directed skyward.
As Origin and Red Hair began advancing toward the battlefield, these soldiers were just getting back on their feet.
For soldiers whose eyes had turned red from rage, the identity of the enemy was no longer important; their inner obsession was to kill their foes.
A few soldiers struggled to lift the cannon on the ground, aiming its muzzle toward the Origin.
"It's the Hundred Beasts' pirate ship, prepare to attack, load the shells... Did you hear me say load the shells?"
"Sir... my body... my body isn't responding, I can't move at all..."
The soldier clutching the shell responded with difficulty to another Navy member, who intended to reprimand him, but then realized his own body was also paralyzed.
"What's going on... Doflamingo?! What are you up to, you scoundrel!"
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Doflamingo strutting over with arrogance, his slightly twitching fingers explaining why their bodies couldn't move.
"Aren't you worried about losing your position among the Seven Warlords of the Sea?"
"Fufufufufu, don't get so worked up, the World Government won't revoke my status over a Navy Junior Admiral.
Moreover, you better understand, I'm saving you all; upsetting those on that ship is not something you want."
Whoosh!
A curved blade made of sand swooped in from below, but Doflamingo's threads had already seized the clouds above, and with a flick of his fingers, he dodged Crocodile's attack.
However, the Navy soldiers weren't so lucky; those affected by the sand blade quickly had their bodily fluids drained, turning them into desiccated corpses.
"You bloody crocodile! Didn't I tell you to stop today?
You're making it difficult for me."
"Why should I listen to you? Are you really so kind-hearted to rescue an unknown Navy member? That's not something you'd do."
"Fufufufufu, I just don't want to get caught up in this mess. You see, crocodile scum, these monsters are the future rulers!"
Among the Seven Warlords, seeing the skyward attacks thwarted, Doflamingo was the most excited. To be able to contend with the World Government's military power—now that's the most dreamy collaboration.
"So? What does that have to do with me?"
"Oh, sorry, I almost forgot. You were knocked into Impel Down by that young lady, yet I see you didn't waste your time there; you got quite the spoils."
"...."
Crocodile's already gloomy face turned darker, his resentment nearly tangible, as a sandstorm started to form in his hand.
"Enough, vile crocodile! If you're not an idiot, you'd see this war is coming to an end. Whether to keep fighting or to witness its conclusion; I trust you'll make a wise decision. You still have the opportunity to ally with me now."
"Dream on."
Crocodile still refused Doflamingo but didn't continue attacking him.
He turned into a streak of yellow sand, flying in another direction.
Having pursued Ancient Weapons for countless years, upon witnessing the incredibly terrifying power, he believed it to be the legendary Ancient Weapon. After all, Nico Robin was sent by Hundred Beasts, and Crocodile didn't believe Hundred Beasts lacked information on Ancient Weapons.
[With such power....]
If he possessed such terrifying power, he could establish a militarized nation with absolute military deterrence, creating his own Ideal Land.
He wanted to see how Hundred Beasts, with such power, would shape the future of the world.
[Brother Tai.... Is this the power you follow?]
Jinbe leaped out of the water, rescuing a few Navy members along the way; amidst the normal warfare, he occasionally skewed an attack, wrapping up the fight. These Navy members served as ready witnesses.
Due to the location, Jinbe was propelled into the water by the explosion's shockwave, yet even through the sea, he witnessed that terrifying power.
[Jinbe, I found what I'm pursuing. With that power, if the Lord regains his strength, the dream world will certainly descend.]
Tiger's words echoed in Jinbe's ears, leaving his heart unsettled. At this moment, he vaguely understood why the Arceus Sect's doctrine emphasized the Lord's might.
Hancock, however, felt indifferent, eagerly gazing in the direction of Origin, hoping that despite Queen's indication Olga had other tasks, with Hundred Beasts' support arriving, perhaps Olga would come.