Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari
The battlefield's sea area, churned and distorted by the ongoing war, was now shrouded in thick smoke and a dense white mist. The relentless fire of electromagnetic guns had left the surface and sky hazy, obscuring vision.
"This is incredible! A clash between Sea Emperors, showcasing the trump cards of two mighty forces! Enough to drive the whole world insane!"
From high above in a hot air balloon, Morgans surveyed the scene. Perched on his floating platform with the keen eyes of his news birds and a high-powered projector, he broadcasted the war live for the world to see.
"Wanokuni's technology has advanced to the point of mass-producing laser weapons? What kind of joke is this?!"
Far away in the Sabaody Archipelago, the massive projection screen displaying the battle was surrounded by thousands. Gasps of shock and disbelief rippled through the crowd, their voices a chorus of awe and fear.
Watching from the deck of a Marine warship, Admiral "Kizaru" Borsalino listened intently to the reports coming through a Den Den Mushi. His perpetually lazy demeanor was tinged with disbelief.
"This is madness," he muttered.
What was even more shocking to him was the World Government's decision to intervene to aid Alex.
Borsalino stood silently, the warship advancing quickly through a sea cleared of obstacles. Thanks to Morgans' cooperation, the Marines' route and presence were hidden from the eyes of the world.
Beside him, Vice Admiral Dawson gazed out at the horizon, only to feel the ship rock slightly as gusts of wind began to pick up.
"Is the weather in the New World causing trouble again?"
Borsalino didn't reply immediately. Instead, his sharp eyes scanned the surrounding area, his Observation Haki flaring to confirm his suspicions. Finally, he raised a hand, the cross-shaped light of a laser forming at his fingertip.
"I'd rather it be bad weather," he replied with his characteristic drawl. "After all, that's easier to deal with than… a strong enemy. Isn't that right, Dragon?"
Dawson froze, his head snapping toward a nearby artillery battery. Sweat beaded on his brow as he realized, to his horror, that an enemy was already standing on the cannon.
Borsalino's laser fired, but before it could strike, a powerful gust of wind deflected it, sending the beam harmlessly into the ocean. The resulting blast threw up waves several meters high.
"It's really scary. As expected of the Revolutionary Army's leader, who's recently made quite the name for himself. But I have urgent business to attend to—could you kindly step aside?"
Monkey D. Dragon said nothing. Instead, he raised his arms, and the winds around him surged with even greater fury. Seawater spiraled upward, merging with the storm to form a massive waterspout—a catastrophic phenomenon feared across the seas.
With a calm tone, Dragon finally spoke. "Let's talk, Borsalino."
Before the words fully settled, his Conqueror's Haki exploded outward.
The oppressive wave of willpower engulfed the entire warship, leaving everyone aboard reeling. Vice Admiral Dawson collapsed instantly, unconscious without resistance. In mere moments, the entire crew fell, leaving Borsalino the lone conscious figure on the ship.
"More terrifying by the day," Borsalino muttered, his expression momentarily losing its usual smugness. His sharp eyes studied Dragon warily, no trace of his usual playful confidence in his gaze.
"You truly are one of the monsters of that era."
Despite his words, Borsalino made no move to attack.
Back on the main battlefield, the clash between the forces of Wanokuni and Totto Land continued to rage. The chaotic storm of war showed no sign of abating.
The electromagnetic cannons tore through the ranks of Totto Land's fleet like a razor-sharp blade. The weapons inflicted devastating damage, even as the opposing forces launched a fierce counteroffensive.
Medical soldiers scrambled across the decks, tending to the wounded as chaos erupted. Clutching his injured arm, Cadenza gritted his teeth. "There are specialized snipers up there, and the lightning beams are infused with Haki!"
"We'll have to be ready to abandon the ships. Speed up the boarding assault and close in on them. That's the only way to neutralize their energy weapons."
"Cracker, deploy more biscuit soldiers. Use them to absorb the blasts from those energy weapons!"
Perospero immediately took command.
The orders were given, and the crew leapt into action.
Cracker clapped his hands together, conjuring an army of biscuit soldiers that formed a layered barrier, shielding the fleet from the electromagnetic cannon fire.
From her vantage point on the airship, Robin assessed the enemy's maneuvers and issued her own command through the main Den Den Mushi. "As expected, they're preparing for a full charge. All units, prepare to meet them head-on!"
The shift in tactics played to Wanokuni's strengths. A close-quarters melee would give the elite forces a significant advantage over the disorganized masses of Totto Land.
As the vanguard of Totto Land's forces reached the Wanokuni fleet, soldiers and pirates alike raised their muskets and swords. With a thunderous roar, they charged into the oncoming forces.
"We have the numbers! Follow the ministers and break through their lines!"
"Jie jie jie! Let's show these fools what a real pirate is!"
The battlefield descended into chaos as tens of thousands clashed between the ships, transforming the space into a frenzied warzone. Gunfire and cannon blasts reverberated endlessly, the air thick with smoke and cries of pain.
Both sides suffered casualties in droves. Men fell to swords and bullets, their bodies piling up amidst the carnage. Yet the relentless momentum of war did not falter.
For Wanokuni, their resolve was unshakable.
"For the glory of Lord Shogun!"
The cries of Wanokuni soldiers rose above the fray as wave after wave of disciplined elite forces surged forward. Each soldier was a finely trained fighter, hardened by rigorous militarization.
In contrast, Totto Land's strength lay in its numbers, but many lacked the skill or power to match Wanokuni's elite. Outside of the Haki-wielding pirates and the Charlotte family, Totto Land's forces were reduced to little more than cannon fodder.
Though numerous, their disorganized ranks were quickly overwhelmed. The battlefield began to tilt in Wanokuni's favor, with Totto Land suffering heavy attrition.
A brilliant flash of blue lightning tore through the battlefield, illuminating the chaos. The sky turned an electric blue as thunder roared and bolts of energy rained down like judgment.
The lightning condensed into a single, devastating strike, exploding with raw, majestic power. In its wake, countless soldiers from Totto Land were flung aside, charred and broken.
"It's Yamato from the Royal Court!"
"Continue the charge!"
Katakuri's voice, typically calm and measured, rang out with urgency. The normally stoic commander leapt into action, his power coalescing as he shot forward, directly confronting Yamato in mid-air.