On the deck of the Mammoth, the elite Gifters of the Beasts Pirates, who had followed Jack the Drought, began to panic.
Especially when they looked up and saw the countless fiery meteors igniting the sky above, their previous bravado vanished entirely.
"Captain Jack!!"
"It's Admiral Sakazuki! We're doomed!"
"Has Sakazuki lost his mind? He's unleashing his ultimate move without saying a word! Captain Jack!"
Hearing the panicked cries behind him, Jack, who had initially been stunned by the sight of Sakazuki and the overwhelming pressure from above, suddenly turned around, his eyes bloodshot with fury. "Panic? At this point, do you really think we can retreat?"
After a brief pause, Jack spun back to face the massive Marine warship speeding toward them through the storm. Letting out a final roar amidst the howling wind and rain, he bellowed, "When two forces meet on a narrow path, the brave shall win! Close in! Get us closer!"
As Jack's voice echoed, a deafening thunderclap rolled across the sky.
In the next instant, the dense magma meteors high above accelerated, bursting out of the rolling clouds like a magnificent meteor shower. With astonishing speed, they tore through the skies and descended upon the Mammoth, enveloping it entirely.
The overwhelming magma meteors carried terrifying energy, instantly detonating the surrounding sea. Towering waves surged into the sky, swallowing the pirate ships that had been closing in on the Marine warship.
Before the pirates aboard the ships could react, another wave of magma meteors tore through the stormy curtain, growing larger in their pupils by the second.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Amid the deafening explosions, the massive Mammoth disintegrated under the relentless assault of the magma meteors. Along with the ship, all its crew, including Jack, were consumed by the monstrous waves.
By the time the Marine warship approached, not only had the Mammoth been reduced to wreckage scattered across the sea, but the accompanying pirate ships had also been obliterated. Some members of the Beasts Pirates had already sunk into the depths, while others floated on the surface, wailing in despair.
At the same time, two other Marine warships sped toward the scene from another part of the sea, eventually slowing as they approached Sakazuki's warship.
Before the Vice Admirals aboard one of the warships could react, Sakazuki leaped over and issued a direct order: "You three, transfer the Donquixote Family members to the warship heading to Marine Headquarters. The rest of you, follow me to Totto Land!"
"Yes, sir!"
With a resounding and unified response, the three warships quickly adjusted their formations. The warship carrying the Donquixote Family accelerated toward the Red Line, while the other two, under Sakazuki's command, turned in the opposite direction, heading straight for the seas near Totto Land.
Loguetown Marine Base, Office of the Commanding Officer.
Fleet Admiral Xayuki had just taken a seat at Smoker's desk when he looked up at Gion and Ain, who stood before him. Without preamble, he asked, "What's the current situation in the East Blue?"
Hearing this, Ain immediately stepped forward.
During the time it took Xayuki to walk from the port to the base office, she had received reports from various branches in the East Blue. However, since Xayuki had been surrounded by enthusiastic residents, she had only recorded the information without reporting it immediately.
"Up until the moment you entered this office, six branch bases have submitted their reports!"
As she spoke, Ain pulled out the documents she had prepared and continued, "Major Hina performed quite well this time. According to her report, she has eradicated three pirate crews. While she didn't provide a detailed count of the pirates, she strictly followed your orders—no pirate surrenders were accepted!"
"Next is Captain Snaik, who has successfully taken down two pirate crews so far!"
"Captain Smoker and the other branch bases that have reported in have each eliminated one pirate crew!"
"In addition, Lieutenant Hepodi from Headquarters has just sent in new intelligence. He has discovered a pirate crew near the Organ Islands in the East Blue. However, due to the strength of the crew's captain, he has requested reinforcements!"
"Strong?" Xayuki raised an eyebrow. "A Devil Fruit user?"
Ain flipped to the next page of her document and nodded. "Yes, Fleet Admiral. This pirate crew is the Buggy Pirates. According to Lieutenant Hepodi's description, the captain appears to be a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit user with the ability to disassemble his body."
Before Ain could finish, Xayuki raised a hand to stop her, speaking calmly, "The Chop-Chop Fruit. This pirate is Buggy, a former apprentice of the Roger Pirates. Hepodi is no match for him. Contact Hepodi immediately and have him head there with Binz. Unlike many who merely fly the pirate flag, Buggy is a true pirate. He must not be allowed to escape!"
"Understood!"
Ain saluted sharply. "I will ensure the mission is completed!"
"Brubru~"
As Ain left the office, the Den Den Mushi in Gion's pocket suddenly began to ring.
"Hmm?"
Gion's eyes narrowed slightly as she retrieved the Den Den Mushi. "This is Gion."
"Admiral Gion, this is Colonel from the First Marine Branch Surveillance Room. I'm here to report the latest developments!"
"Ten minutes ago, the Mammoth, a ship under the Beasts Pirates, attempted to ambush a Marine warship but was sunk by Admiral Sakazuki."
"Additionally, Kaido has appeared at Whole Cake Island, and warships under the Beasts Pirates have begun leaving Wano Country. The Red Hair Pirates have also left their territory, destination unknown!"
"End of report!"
"Understood." Gion nodded, ending the call. She then looked up at Xayuki.
Xayuki narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression calm as he responded, "Kaido intends to start a war while I'm touring the East Blue. He's even trying to involve the Big Mom Pirates. But why has Shanks left his territory at this time? Does he also want to join the chaos?"
After a brief pause, Xayuki suddenly chuckled and shook his head. "An Eastern tour that has stirred up three of the so-called Sea Emperors of the New World... Not bad."
A flicker of concern crossed Gion's eyes. Although Xayuki appeared confident, as if everything was under control, the simultaneous movements of three Sea Emperors in the New World—two of whom had already met—could lead to a catastrophic war.
With this in mind, Gion cautiously suggested, "Fleet Admiral, should I return to Headquarters and lead a fleet to the New World for support?"
"Go ahead!"
Xayuki nodded. "Although it's still unclear how Charlotte Linlin will respond, whether or not this war breaks out, the Marine Headquarters' forces will gradually shift toward the New World in the coming days."
To Be Continued...
Apologies for the delay! Took a morning off to recharge, hehe~
Third update is here, albeit late. Show some love and go wild with your enthusiasm!