They were overwhelmed with emotion.
For most of the pirates present today...
Their lives had been saved by El time and time again.
How could they not be grateful? How could they not be moved?
Akainu's figure slowly emerged from behind the ruins.
His body was wreathed in churning magma, his expression dark and gloomy.
That ultimate move, which he had expended so much energy to unleash...
Had been neutralized by El in an instant.
It was nothing short of unbelievable.
Akainu knew he had barely any strength left.
To confront El now would simply be seeking death.
It would be far better to attack someone else instead!
For example, Whitebeard — who was also heavily injured and in poor condition!
His body transformed into a torrent of molten rock as he charged straight toward Whitebeard!
Akainu vs. Whitebeard!
Blackbeard vs. Ace!
In an instant, all four were locked in chaotic combat, unleashing their most powerful techniques!
BOOM!
Four different Devil Fruit powers activated simultaneously, triggering a massive, violent explosion!
"Ahhh... it seems our situation isn't looking too good, isn't it?"
Kizaru said, sounding as carefree and unconcerned as ever.
He and Aokiji...
Both stared toward the center of the blast where the four were fighting.
For some time now...
They had been wanting to go over and provide support.
But the pirates simply wouldn't give them the chance to leave.
Just the commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates alone —
Marco the Phoenix, Diamond Jozu, and the others...
Were enough to hold the two of them back.
The tide of battle had turned.
The pirates held the advantage, while the Marines were at a severe disadvantage.
The commanders had stopped fighting Kizaru and Aokiji head-on...
Instead, they engaged them in prolonged, drawn-out combat...
Ensuring they couldn't break away to help their allies.
As a result, across the entire battlefield...
Akainu was the only top-tier Marine combatant actually fighting.
This situation caused Kizaru and Aokiji great concern.
If things continued like this...
It was only a matter of time before the Marines were defeated.
Meanwhile...
There was only one person still fighting alongside the Marines.
Dracule Mihawk.
He too seemed to have realized...
That the Marines had no real hope of winning.
So, he and Vista the Flower Sword were now engaged in a slow, leisurely exchange of blows.
It was less like a life-or-death battle...
And more like he was just going through the motions.
After all, he was the World's Strongest Swordsman.
If he had fought seriously, how could Vista possibly be his match?
Right now, the two of them were trading sword techniques back and forth...
Though they appeared deadly serious...
In reality, they were both nearly bored to sleep.
"What are we going to do? It looks like we're done for here, huh?"
Kizaru said, glancing at Aokiji.
Aokiji's expression remained relatively calm.
"Don't be ridiculous. There are still people on our side!"
Before he even finished speaking...
Two figures burst straight out from the ruins!
One had graying hair but remained incredibly muscular and robust.
The other was missing an arm, replaced by a massive mechanical prosthetic!
It was none other than Garp the Hero!
And former Marine Admiral Zephyr!
"You filthy pirate brats... go die!"
Garp took a deep breath...
And shouted at the top of his lungs.
His voice boomed like rolling thunder...
Echoing across the entire battlefield!
Upon hearing his cry...
The Marines erupted into cheers!
"It's Garp-sensei!"
"And Admiral Zephyr! We're saved!"
"Navy reinforcements have arrived! Brothers, charge!"
On the pirates' side, the faces of many changed drastically.
Whitebeard looked at the two veteran legends...
"Garp... Zephyr..."
He narrowed his eyes: "Memories... they come rushing back."
"Your opponent is me! Don't get distracted!"
The moment Whitebeard's focus slipped...
Akainu's magma-covered fist slammed violently into his face.
The impact sent Whitebeard's massive body reeling sideways.
The four of them were once again entangled in fierce combat.
"Garp-sensei! You're finally here!"
Aokiji quickly greeted his former teacher.
But Garp looked around him with a dark, furious expression.
"I was gone for only a few minutes!"
"How did things end up like this?!"
Garp had specifically gone to pick up Zephyr before the battle began...
Precisely because he was worried the Marines would be short on fighting strength.
But upon returning...
He found Marine Headquarters blown completely into ruins.
Their home was gone!
What on earth had this younger generation been doing the whole time?!
Garp was seething with anger.
Aokiji said helplessly: "El arrived... and there was simply no way we could stop him!"
At the mention of El's name, both Garp and Zephyr...
Changed expressions instantly!
Zephyr especially felt a dull, aching pain in his missing arm.
"El...! Why is he here?!"
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