The Sabaody Archipelago was considered a vital crossroads between the New World and the first half of the Grand Line. While Fishman Island lay beneath the sea, most pirates and humans avoided it due to its unique and complex nature.
Sabaody, however, was entangled with numerous forces, and as it was situated within the largest Navy-controlled sea zone in the first half, any conflict here would quickly draw the attention of Marine Headquarters.
And indeed—news had already reached them.
"What? A battle on Sabaody Archipelago?" Inside his office, Fleet Admiral Sengoku frowned, holding a Den Den Mushi. "Who are the combatants?"
"Black Crow? Damn it, it's him again. And the other one…?"
"Hmm? Silver Axe? Are you certain?"
"I see."
After hanging up, Sengoku tapped his finger on the desk rhythmically, clearly deep in thought.
Then, he picked up another Den Den Mushi and dialed.
"Head to Sabaody Archipelago. Black Crow has engaged Silver Axe, a former member of the Rocks Pirates. Don't interfere unless necessary. But if you get a chance—capture Silver Axe. He's old and alone; bringing him in could prevent future trouble. Don't bother with Black Crow… we're not ready for that war."
Sengoku knew very well that capturing Mio, the Black Crow, was not feasible at the moment. The man was at his prime, unpredictable, and armed with a terrifying array of abilities.
But Silver Axe?
Despite being once equal to legends like Whitebeard, he was now aging and isolated. Compared to Mio, Silver Axe was a far easier target.
As for the other former Rocks Pirates helping him?
Sengoku inwardly scoffed.
Impossible—unless their own interests were at stake. The pirates of that era were real cutthroats, and their relationships were tenuous at best.
…
Sabaody Archipelago
Rayleigh had already arrived on-site.
But as he gazed upon the man battling with Mio, his pupils narrowed in surprise.
"When did that old guy crawl back out?" he muttered. "And to fight with the Black Crow of all people…"
Rayleigh remained still, observing silently from a distance. He recognized Silver Axe well. As one of the elite captains of the Rocks Pirates, Silver Axe was on par with Big Mom and Whitebeard in raw physical power.
Rumble—
The air vibrated violently as the battle raged.
From his vantage point, Rayleigh watched as Silver Axe shouted, "Susanoo!" and hurled himself forward. The ground cracked under his feet as he leapt into the air, bringing his massive, Haki-coated axe down toward Mio like the judgment of a god.
The terrifying force of the blow surged across the battlefield.
But Mio didn't flinch.
His eyes were calm. His right fist clenched.
Scarlet demon power surged through him.
"Let's try this one."
With a quiet murmur, his power erupted. Layers of energy stacked atop his arm as he met the axe head-on.
Clash!
The collision sent an airwave sweeping across the island.
At first, they seemed evenly matched.
Then—
"Extreme Explosion: Power!"
Mio activated one of his newest abilities.
Muscles bulged, strength swelled, and in the blink of an eye, his power multiplied fivefold.
Even that slight boost was overwhelming.
With Mio's already monstrous base power, this increase sent Silver Axe flying like a ragdoll, crashing into the ground and forming a crater two to three meters deep. Blood leaked from his lips.
"That's stronger than before… damn it!" Silver Axe cursed, shocked by the sheer disparity in strength.
But just as he rose to his feet—
Danger!
Instinct screamed at him. He leapt to the side without hesitation.
Boom!
A split second later, Mio landed a thunderous blow where Silver Axe had just stood. The ground fractured, dust exploded outward, and the entire island seemed to tremble.
At a distance, aboard the ship, Erica had already led Hancock and the others away from the battlefield to observe safely.
Covering her mouth, Hancock watched in awe. "This… this is the power of Lord Black Crow? It's terrifying."
One punch, and the island quaked.
It was beyond anything she had imagined. Her body trembled—not in fear, but in reverence.
Nearby, Xiaowu whispered to Lilith, "I can help Sir."
Lilith placed a hand gently on Xiaowu's shoulder and smiled. "He'll ask if he needs help. But with his strength? The only loser will be the other guy. There's no need for us to act."
Xiaowu nodded softly. "Okay."
Bang!
On the island, Mio reappeared behind Silver Axe in a flash, launching another devastating punch.
But Silver Axe had activated his Observation Haki.
Sensing the ambush, he turned and swung his axe to block.
Yet at that moment—
Mio frowned slightly.
Not because of Silver Axe.
But because something else stirred.
From beneath his collar, Xiaoqi, who had been resting quietly, suddenly woke up—perhaps roused by the intensity of the fight.
Poking her head out from Mio's clothes, she stared directly at the incoming axe.
Hiss…
Xiaoqi's snake tongue flicked. Her green-scaled head extended forward, splitting into eight heads in an instant. Each serpent's dark, unblinking eyes locked onto Silver Axe.
From every mouth, a different elemental force erupted—converging into a swirling sphere of devastation.
The sky above trembled.
And the tide of the battle…
was about to shift entirely.