Rolan's eyes swept over Akainu with cold interest. "Now, you're surrounded by the Ion Tempest."
Akainu glanced at Kuro and the others, inwardly surprised. Each one exuded an incredibly powerful aura — at least Vice Admiral level, with some rivaling even the Admirals themselves.
Still, he would not let their presence diminish his own pride. A mocking smile crossed his face. "What? Your captain is too weak to win, so you've come to help him?"
Kuro adjusted his glasses, stepping forward with a smirk. "You're the useless ones, thinking to gang up three against one?"
In a blink, Kuro's figure struck before Akainu could react.
"Peng Wing Blade!"
The attack was lightning fast. Akainu felt sharp pain in his mouth and tasted blood. By the time he realized what had happened, Kuro had already returned to Rolan's side.
It was then Akainu understood: Kuro's speed rivaled Rolan's, almost matching Kizaru himself. The disdain in his expression vanished, replaced by focused seriousness.
"This was only a lesson," Kuro said coldly. "Next time you wag your tongue, it won't be just a scratch."
In truth, he had aimed for Akainu's neck, but Akainu had sensed it and dodged, leaving only minor damage. Still, even Kuro, usually calm and calculating, could not hide his shock at the raw power of an Admiral.
Zoro gripped his sword guard, eyes gleaming. "So these are the Marine Admirals? Three powerful auras…"
Kizaru observed the scene, troubled. Their plan had accounted for Rolan's crew, but their strength far exceeded expectations. Crocodile had seemed the strongest ally, yet Rolan and his team were clearly underestimated. Success in trapping Rolan now seemed unlikely.
Still, as long as the three Admirals coordinated, they might regain control. Kizaru, Akainu, and Aokiji exchanged glances and nodded.
Kizaru transformed into Ryugu form and appeared before Rolan.
But a shadow blocked him. The dark figure struck Kizaru's chest with a powerful handwave.
Kizaru crossed his arms, blocking the blow. With a crash, he transformed into Ryugu again, sliding across the ice and carving a deep gully.
"Kowai! Such speed!" Kizaru gasped, surprise in his voice.
Kuro flapped his wings, calm and confident. "As expected of an Admiral, strong body, impressive endurance."
"My Captain is on a tight schedule, so why dawdle? Let's see whose speed is faster," Kuro added.
Aokiji attacked simultaneously. "Ice Block: Pheasant Beak!" Cold air coalesced into an ice phoenix, speeding toward Rolan.
A shout rang out: "Desert Spada!"
A massive sword of yellow sand appeared, slicing the ice phoenix cleanly in half. Aokiji's eyes widened in surprise. "Sand Crocodile, Crocodile. You've joined Rolan's crew?"
Crocodile, cigar in hand, nodded. "Better to fight my own way than serve the World Government. I want to see the true strength of Admiral Aokiji."
A bolt of lightning struck nearby. "Heh, stinky sand Crocodile! I'll handle this Admiral myself. Don't get in my way," Enel laughed.
Crocodile glanced at Enel. "Lightning exhibitionist, pick your opponent first."
Aokiji's patience was tested. Were these two treating him like merchandise? Selecting opponents at will?
He extended both palms. "Ice Ball!" Two massive ice pillars shot toward Crocodile and Enel.
Zoro couldn't contain his frustration. "Hey! Can you two focus on the enemy in front of you?!"
The ice pillars encased them, but Crocodile's sand dissolved one, and Enel's lightning shattered the other.
"Lightning exhibitionist, watch me take down this Admiral first!" Enel boasted.
"Sandstorm!" Crocodile countered.
"Fifty Million Volts: Discharge!" Both strikes slammed into Aokiji, who struggled to defend, crashing into the ice.
Enel appeared next to the resulting hole, smug. Crocodile transformed into sand and arrived as well, observing the scene seriously. Aokiji's figure had disappeared into the crater.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Marine soldiers poured from the Gate of Justice, their synchronized steps shaking the ice with every stride.
"Have they arrived?" Rolan observed, eyes calm. "The Marines have prepared well to face me… I wonder if it will backfire."
Akainu laughed. "Enjoy a grand funeral, Rolan!"
Rolan tilted his head. "We're not so easy to break. One wrong move, and it could be yours."
Akainu scowled. "Justice will not lose! Today is your end, Rolan!"
Zoro drew his blade, slashing toward Akainu. A huge blue arc tore through the air at lightning speed.
"Hey, green algae head! That's unfair!" Lina called from behind him.
Zoro didn't turn, eyes focused. "I want to see the gap between me and an Admiral."
Clang! The slash met resistance, slowing midair, then roared skyward, tearing a hole through the clouds.
"Who is that?" Zoro narrowed his eyes. "A Vice Admiral? And a woman?"
Rolan's gaze caught the newcomer: a female Marine, 1.85 meters tall, with striking black hair tied back, long fair legs, a spider tattoo on her left leg, and a mole on her lower right lip — Vice Admiral Gion, code-named Peach Rabbit.
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