Yasaka no Magatama!
From Susanoo's second form, Creed unleashed his ranged strike. The spinning projectiles, shaped like massive tomoe, tore through the sky with overwhelming might.
At the same time, Big Mom struck.
Napoleon's face twisted grotesquely, the blade engulfed in blinding white flames—ten thousand degrees hot, burning with the heat of destruction. The air itself trembled and fractured around her sword.
Her strongest Hakoku!
Her slash tore the world itself, the sky and sea trembling as everything blurred under its radiance.
Onlookers like Cracker nearly cheered.
"He's finished!"
"Only the other Emperors could possibly withstand that head-on!"
"Reckless fool, facing Mama's full Hakoku directly!"
But then—
"Kill!"
Susanoo charged, hurling three spinning tomoe that formed a shuriken, colliding with the oncoming blade of Hakoku.
Boom!
The heavens shuddered, the sea ripped open, and the clash erupted like fireworks, shockwaves sweeping like a hurricane.
"Raijin Spear!"
Susanoo formed a lightning spear, while the Yata Mirror shifted into a shield over its heart. With both hands, it thrust the spear against Hakoku's core.
Boom!
The explosion was even greater than before. The sky cracked, faint rifts flickering in the void. Even far-off ships were battered, tart vessels shattered, Cracker's fleet scattered.
"Ghh!"
Creed staggered back, the Yata Mirror shattered, Susanoo's form fading. Even with his SSSS- Armament Haki and SSSS- Strength, facing Big Mom and her Homies at full might left him reeling.
Yet Big Mom herself was pushed back several steps, shock flashing across her face.
Her full Hakoku—an attack only Whitebeard had matched head-on—had been resisted by Creed. He wasn't yet at Whitebeard's peak, but he had reached seven or eight tenths of that level.
"So terrifying at such a young age… It's fortunate you betrayed the Marines, or the New World's future would belong to them!"
For the first time, her eyes showed fear.
Both paused, weighing the battle. Creed was grateful—Aokiji and the others were nearly out of range. Soon, he would fight with freedom, without protecting anyone.
"Boy, interested in joining my Big Mom Pirates? The position of Deputy Emperor awaits you."
Her words stunned everyone. Big Mom had never before invited an outsider, let alone offering such a position.
"Mom, you can't!" Cracker roared. "He crushed Katakuri! He's not even your son! How can he deserve to be Emperor's deputy?!"
The Big Mom Pirates erupted in chaos. Was Mama truly impressed? Hadn't she come to destroy G-K Branch for Katakuri's honor? How had she ended up recruiting Creed instead?
Spies observing rushed to send word. If this alliance happened, the balance of the New World would shatter—Big Mom would be undisputed as the strongest Emperor.
But—
"Sorry. No interest."
Creed rejected her instantly.
"Then die!"
Fury twisted her face as she swung Napoleon. Her rage at being refused ignited, her first-ever invitation turned into humiliation.
"Reiza! (Laser!)"
"Hikari Ton! (Light Escape!)"
Creed dismissed Susanoo, shifting into light. He changed tactics, striking from afar, harrying and evading. Big Mom's raw strength surpassed his, but her speed lagged behind. With distance, he could keep her at bay.
The Pika Pika no Mi's brilliance shone in this style of battle—harass, dodge, wear down.
Boom! Boom!
Their fight stretched northward, leaving Cracker and the Queen Mama Chanter behind, devastation marking their trail.
Farther north, a pirate fleet sped southward. Its flag bore two massive horns—the mark of Kaido.
On the main ship's deck, a towering, muscular beast of a man roared. His metallic jaw gleamed, tusks on his shoulders, bandages wrapping his body.
"Full speed ahead! Big Mom has attacked! We'll support her! No one from G-K Branch escapes!"
It was Kaido's Calamity—Jack the Drought!
He had once led an assault on G-K Branch, only to be repelled by Issho, Ain, Falkor, and the others. Issho's strike had scarred him deeply, a humiliation he could not forget. He had lingered nearby, waiting for vengeance.
With Queen held back by Marco and the Whitebeard remnants, Jack had assumed revenge must wait. But now Big Mom herself was striking—his fury reignited.
"Everyone can die, but leave that girl Ain alive! She's mine!"
A woman's silhouette burned in his mind. His voice thundered.
"Yes, Lord Jack!"
"Lord Jack's taste is unmatched!"
"Of course! Such a beauty! Any man would want her. And she belongs to Creed, the one who scarred me. Taking her is the only way I'll be satisfied!"
He laughed cruelly.
"Congratulations, Lord Jack!"
"Another wife? Ninth, isn't it? Blessed indeed!"
"Envy us to death!"
His men cheered and flattered him.
But suddenly—
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Explosions erupted ahead.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For 20+ Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!]
[[email protected]/Draumel]
[Thank You For Your Support!]