Genjutsu: Bringer-of-Darkness is a technique that disrupts vision and steals all light. In terms of effect and power, it isn't a particularly advanced ninjutsu.
While potentially fatal to average shinobi, it can be easily countered with dojutsu such as the Sharingan or Byakugan, which see through illusions with ease.
It has some utility for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering—especially for ANBU—but in real combat, particularly against skilled opponents, it's almost useless. This is why it's rarely seen in later arcs.
Yet, when used by Kaguya, even such a low-level technique transforms into something entirely different.
After being refined by her, Bringer-of-Darkness becomes more than just an illusion. It disrupts all five senses and has real physical effects, absorbing surrounding light and plunging the environment into darkness.
It works similarly to Sealing Techniques or Yin-Yang Release. By using Amenominaka, Kaguya transfers a controllable dimension into the real world. She then uses her overwhelming spatial control to absorb all light within that space—much like the concept of a Reality Marble in fiction, or a domain expansion. The names differ, but the principles are the same.
This was a technique she had picked up from the Fate world—and now, it was proving quite useful.
"What's going on? Why did it suddenly go dark?"
"This can't be! It's only afternoon—it's not time for sunset."
"This is bad! Even fire won't light!"
"What's happening? Is this the end of the world?!"
The sudden darkness threw Marineford into chaos. No one had experienced anything like it—it was like a moonless night, so dark they couldn't see their own hands. It felt as if an invisible black hole had swallowed all light.
Kizaru anxiously scanned his surroundings. But no matter where he looked, it was pitch-black. Even darker than night. It was as if light itself had been stripped away.
At that moment, Kizaru seemed to sense something. He abruptly turned and hurled a punch!
Boom—!
With a deafening crash, he was struck by an immense force and sent flying dozens of meters before crashing to the ground. His arm tingled slightly. Such terrifying power!
"Impressive, Admiral. Even without light, you can still predict my movements. Is Observation Haki really that strong?"
A clear and pleasant voice echoed from nearby. Though he couldn't see her due to the darkness, he could feel Kaguya's presence not far away.
Kizaru's heart sank. He hadn't expected such a bizarre ability—one that could even erase light. This was troublesome.
He had only managed to block her last attack using his Observation Haki to vaguely sense her position and intent.
But now, whether due to her technique or some interference, his Haki was weakening. His perception felt distorted—like trying to see through fog or reflections on water.
"Not going to fight back? Then I won't hold back."
Kaguya's voice came again. Kizaru's eyes narrowed, face tense as he took a battle stance.
"You've let your guard down too much—didn't even notice your enemy behind you?"
Startled by the voice from behind, Kizaru quickly turned and punched!
But Kaguya's fist was already upon him!
"Eighty Gods Vacuum Attack!"
Boom boom boom—!
Countless chakra-infused fists exploded forth, filling the air with a rain of punches that poured down on Kizaru like a violent storm!
Bang bang bang—!
Fists clashed violently, creating explosive bursts like popping beans. The resulting shockwaves swept outward, stirring up fierce winds.
Against Kaguya's storm-like barrage, Kizaru struggled to hold his ground. For a while, he managed to hold his own, but as time passed, his stamina drained and his injuries worsened. He began to falter.
"You look like you're in pain. Let me help you out."
As the clear voice echoed in his ears, Kizaru's eyes widened in shock, pupils shrinking sharply!
...
Suddenly, a ray of sunlight pierced the sky. The shroud of darkness began to fade, revealing the blue sky and drifting white clouds. Radiant sunlight once again bathed the battlefield.
Boom—!
A figure was sent flying as if struck by a train, crashing heavily into a distant mountain. After piercing through the peak and several structures beyond, he finally came to a stop.
Lying amid the rubble, Kizaru lay bloodied and battered.
Kaguya stepped slowly out from the void. Her gaze swept over the battlefield, now a field of ruin and debris. The once-majestic Marineford looked more like a massive garbage dump.
She stopped before the exhausted Fujitora and declared, "Looks like I win."
Fujitora's heart sank.
The three Admirals—Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru—had all fallen. Chaton and Ryokugyu had been defeated by Charlotte Linlin. Only Sengoku and Garp remained.
But even they were clearly at their limits, struggling under the relentless assault of the Eight Gates-enhanced Kaido. Their flushed faces, labored breaths, and drenched bodies showed just how close they were to collapse.
"Final judgment time has come. Is everyone ready? No? That's fine—you're going to die anyway," Kaguya said as she raised her pale arm. A beautifully ornate sword appeared in her palm. She began walking across the battlefield. "Though I do have a suggestion."
A suggestion?
Fujitora was taken aback.
Kaguya continued, "Everyone can close their eyes, lie down, and fold their hands. Think about your happiest memories."
Fujitora hesitated, then couldn't help but ask, "Will you spare them if they do?"
"No," Kaguya said, spinning her sword with a smile. "But at least—they'll die peacefully."
...
...
Seeing the sky-darkening meteor about to fall, Sengoku and Garp were filled with dread. If that meteor really hit, Marineford would be utterly destroyed—everything would be lost. Tens of thousands of lives would be buried beneath the rubble.
Had she gone mad?
Sweat beaded on Sengoku's forehead. He clenched his fists and charged toward Kaguya. But before he could reach her, Kaido blocked his path!
Kaido roared, veins bulging on his neck, muscles taut. He raised his massive arm and charged forward like thunder, throwing a punch directly at Sengoku!
Boom—!
A thunderous impact shook the air as their fists collided, and shockwaves blasted outward!
"Garp!"
To Sengoku's shock, the one who intercepted Kaido wasn't a random Marine—it was Garp!
"Go!"
Gritting his teeth, Garp's face turned red with strain. His veins bulged as he struggled to hold back the frenzied Kaido. Clearly, it wasn't an easy task.
Sengoku hesitated briefly, then nodded and turned, sprinting toward Kaguya.
"Kaguya, stop! Are you really going to destroy Marineford?!"
Kaguya turned with a teasing smile. "Oh my, isn't this the Marine Fleet Admiral Sengoku? What brings you here? If you've come to bribe me, don't bother. A mere 300 million Berries won't sway me. I'm not that easy. At least offer a billion."
"Three hundred million?" Sengoku was stunned. "What 300 million?"
Feigning surprise, Kaguya covered her mouth. "Wait… wasn't it you who came to me yesterday and…? Ah, never mind! My mistake. The Fleet Admiral definitely did not come to see me yesterday, nor did he try to bribe me with 300 million Berries. Nothing like that happened. Please, everyone, don't misunderstand."
Her clumsy attempt at denial only deepened the suspicion. People began whispering, their glances at Sengoku filled with doubt.
"I never imagined Fleet Admiral Sengoku would be such a person."
"Who would've thought? I always thought he was the upright type."
"There were rumors long ago about his corruption… guess they were true."
As murmurs spread through the battlefield, Sengoku finally caught on. Veins bulging in fury, he stepped forward and roared, "I never bribed you! Stop spouting nonsense!"
"Really?" Kaguya replied with a sly smile.
"Don't change the subject!" Sengoku realized she was distracting him. "Why did you come to Marineford in the first place?"
"Isn't it simple? A wager's a wager. The loser must face punishment—it's only fair," Kaguya said. "Besides, it's not me who wants to destroy Marineford. It's you."
"Nonsense!" Sengoku's face turned ashen with rage. "How could we possibly want to destroy Marineford? Enough with your jokes!"
Her twisted logic infuriated Sengoku. If this went on, he felt like he might have a heart attack.
"Is that so?" Kaguya stepped closer, her smile unfading. "If you hadn't captured Ace and tried to annihilate the Whitebeard Pirates, this war wouldn't have happened. And Marineford—an institution standing for over a hundred years—wouldn't now lie on the brink of destruction."
"You don't understand anything!" Sengoku shouted. "Punishing evil and upholding justice is the Navy's duty! The Whitebeard Pirates are criminals and must be eliminated for the sake of peace!"
"Peace? You're too naive!" Kaguya said mockingly, as if she'd heard a hilarious joke. "Where there are people, there will be conflict and strife. Do you really think that by eliminating the Whitebeard Pirates, you'll achieve lasting peace?"
"Why wouldn't we?" Sengoku said seriously. "If we eliminate lawless pirates, and there's no more crime or evil, then of course peace will follow."
"Childish. That's just wishful thinking on your part. Just watch," Kaguya's eyes gleamed strangely. "Wiping out the Whitebeard Pirates won't end the war. The peace you hope for won't arrive—in fact, the chaotic new era is only just beginning."
Sengoku's heart sank. Though he felt much of what Kaguya said was sophistry, part of it stirred a sense of unease within him—a foreboding premonition.
Could it really be, as she claimed, that even the fall of the Whitebeard Pirates wouldn't bring an end to war?
"Why do you want to destroy Marineford? Is it out of resentment?" Sengoku asked in a low voice.
"Nope. I like it here. Nice views, great environment, good benefits. Housing, transportation, expense accounts—it's a cushy deal," Kaguya said, counting on her fingers.
"Then why are you doing this?" Sengoku demanded.
"Everything's great," Kaguya said with a radiant smile. "But I still want to destroy it with my own hands, because—life is just that unpredictable. Reality is that cruel, isn't it?"
Sengoku was dumbfounded. Was that seriously her reason?
"If this is about the bounty notice from before—that was the World Government's doing. I didn't agree with it," Sengoku said seriously. "If you're willing, I'll personally speak to the Five Elders and restore your status."
"No need," Kaguya waved him off. "I'm not interested in that. So—is that all for your final words? If so, it's about time we said goodbye."
Sengoku's heart sank as his expression turned grim. "In that case, it seems we have no choice but to fight. I won't let you do as you please, Kaguya!"
Kaguya's lips curved upward. "Then let's see if you're capable, old man."
As soon as she finished speaking, she swung her arm, and Fujitora suddenly felt a crushing force. The ground beneath him cracked violently!
At the same time, the meteor above accelerated, plummeting straight toward the earth!
Fujitora's pupils shrank. Not good!
But just then, a slender figure appeared, spreading their arms to shield Kaguya.
"Sensei, please stop!"
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