Kong fixed his gaze on Zephyr and Crane, a rare flicker of concern in his eyes. After a brief pause, he said in a deep voice, "You've done well, Zephyr, Crane."
"It must have been exhausting holding off the core members of the Rocks Pirates for this long, but now that we're here—rest. You've earned it." Zhenwu Admiral reassured them.
"Understood." Zephyr and Crane nodded, showing no signs of bravado.
They knew their limits. Their injuries were severe, and forcing themselves into battle would only hinder Kong and the others.
"Have the rest of the Rocks Pirates been dealt with?" Sengoku asked suddenly.
The reason Naval Headquarters had mobilized so many forces this time was their belief that the entire Rocks Pirates crew was on the island. But so far, only Ayr, Golden Lion, Whitebeard, and Charlotte Linlin had been spotted. Rocks himself, along with the rest of his top officers, remained unseen.
"We've cleared out most of the pirates on the island," Kong replied. "However, we haven't encountered any of the other key members of the Rocks Pirates. It's possible that Rocks himself isn't here—just these core officers."
"Even if we can't wipe out the entire Rocks Pirates today, eliminating Ayr, Edward, Shiki, and Charlotte Linlin will significantly weaken their forces." Admiral Bladetooth added.
Ayr and the others were the backbone of the crew. Aside from Rocks himself, they were the most powerful members of the group. If they fell here, the future of the Rocks Pirates would be in jeopardy.
"Indeed," Zephyr agreed. "The strength of the Rocks Pirates comes from its leaders. If we break their wings, they can no longer claim dominance over the New World. And once that happens, we'll have a real opportunity to take down Rocks himself."
"But…" Garp frowned, suddenly realizing something. "Where's Fleet Admiral Brownie?"
"Brownie is fighting two powerful pirates right now," Kong explained. "When we heard the battle here, we came to reinforce you."
Hive Island was overrun with pirates—not just Rocks' officers and their underlings, but infamous New World pirates with bounties exceeding a billion berries. Many had come for the Hive Island auction, not to bid, but to rob the highest bidders after the event ended.
However, with the Marines' overwhelming presence, those plans had crumbled. Forced into battle, these pirates were now engaged in brutal clashes across the island.
"Understood." Zephyr and the others nodded.
"Garp, Sengoku, can you still fight?" Admiral Sabertooth asked.
Before reinforcements arrived, Sengoku had been fighting Ayr in a tough one-on-one battle. However, neither had sustained any crippling injuries. Meanwhile, Garp had been fighting Byrnndi Wald and Kaido. Since Kaido was still far from his future strength, even teaming up with Byrnndi Wald wasn't enough to overwhelm Garp.
As a result, Sengoku and Garp were the least injured among their group.
"Of course!" The two responded in unison.
"Then let's finish this," Kong declared. "This time, the Marines will win!"
The Battle Resumes
"Shiki, I'll be your opponent." Zhenwu Admiral stepped forward, locking eyes with the Golden Lion.
"Tch… Fighting an Admiral?" Golden Lion growled.
Arrogant as he was, Golden Lion understood the power of Marine Admirals. Taking down a fighter of that caliber would be no small feat, especially in the midst of an all-out war.
Escape wasn't an option either. His Float-Float Fruit (Fuwa Fuwa no Mi) allowed him to fly, but the Admirals had already mastered Marine Six Styles (Rokushiki) to the highest level. Using Moonwalk (Geppo) and Shave (Soru), they could easily keep up with him.
It wasn't that he didn't want to run—it was that he knew he couldn't.
"Thinking of surrendering, Shiki?" Zhenwu smirked. "If so, you'll just spend the rest of your life in Impel Down."
"You seriously think a pirate like me would surrender? Don't insult me." Golden Lion spat his cigar onto the ground, his eyes burning with defiance.
"Then prepare to die." Zhenwu's gaze sharpened with killing intent.
"Jihahaha… We'll see about that!" Golden Lion sneered.
He knew he might be outmatched, but pride wouldn't let him falter.
"Let's see how long you can last against me." Zhenwu casually tossed aside his Marine cape, rolling his shoulders in preparation.
"You think I'm scared?"
"The Rocks Pirates are full of stubborn fools, but whether you're afraid or not doesn't matter. Your fate is sealed."
Without another word, Zhenwu lunged at the Golden Lion, launching a fierce assault.
While they clashed, Admiral Bladetooth stepped toward Charlotte Linlin.
"Then I suppose my opponent is you, Charlotte Linlin."
"Hmm? You're an Admiral, and you want to pick on a poor little girl like me?" Charlotte Linlin feigned innocence, a mocking grin on her face.
"Weak girl? Don't make me laugh." Bladetooth scoffed.
Even among the Rocks Pirates, Linlin's strength was monstrous.
Looking at the world's history, how many women had ever reached the peak of power?
Even Vice Admiral Tsuru—one of the Marine's most brilliant strategists—would never be able to match Charlotte Linlin's raw strength.
Charlotte Linlin was a different breed entirely. She was destined to be one of the most feared pirates of all time.
Bladetooth didn't waste words. He charged straight at her.
Meanwhile, Kong issued his commands.
"Sengoku, handle Ayr. Garp, take care of Byrnndi Wald and Kaido."
"And the rest of you—support them!"
"Yes, Kong Admiral!" the Marine forces roared.
Sengoku stepped forward, a grin forming on his lips.
"Let's continue, Ayr."
Ayr's expression darkened. "So... you need a whole army to fight me? Isn't that a little unfair?"
Behind Sengoku stood an entire squad of Marine elites, all armed and ready.
Among them, the lowest rank was Marine Lieutenant Colonel.
Many were Rear Admirals.
"You want fairness from the Marines?" Sengoku smirked. "Pirates like you don't deserve fairness."
"Hah, as expected from the Celestial Dragons' lapdogs," Ayr sneered. "You pretend to be righteous, but all you do is serve the World Government's interests."
"Enough talk!" Sengoku snapped. "Fire!"
"Yes, Vice Admiral Sengoku!"
The Marines raised their rifles in unison.
As the elite forces of the Marines, their firearms were the best available—far superior to standard issue weapons.
Many soldiers had also infused Armament Haki into their bullets.
"Bang bang bang!"
A hailstorm of bullets shot toward Ayr.
"Tch... bullets?" Ayr scoffed.
He didn't move.
Countless rounds struck his body—yet not a single one pierced his skin.
Not a single drop of blood fell.
His body was unscathed.
With his advanced Sage Body, Ayr had reached a level of endurance that was nearly inhuman. His defenses were overwhelming.
"M-Monster!" a Marine stuttered in disbelief.
"The bullets didn't work?!"
"Even Haki-infused rounds are useless against him?!"
"This is Ayr… the Rocks Pirates' Mad Beast!"
"I've heard his name countless times in the New World, but seeing him in person is completely different! He's just as terrifying as they say!"
The Marines, who had trained their entire lives for battle, were now frozen in fear.
For the first time, they realized that their most reliable weapons—guns—were utterly useless against the monster before them.
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