Fleet Admiral Sengoku, in his golden Buddha form, stood on the frozen execution platform with his arms crossed, surveying the battlefield before him and in the skies above.
The ground trembled as magma erupted across the plaza.
In the sky, a fierce battle raged between man and dragon. The scorching breath from the dragon's mouth painted the sky a blood-red hue, while the violent winds transformed into massive wind blades, slicing in all directions. Fist strikes carrying destructive force shattered the sky in large swathes.
A sight that made even the most hardened warriors' hearts tremble in fear.
"Whitebeard has reached his limit. The Whitebeard Pirates have no more strong fighters left. Ron has been targeted by Kaido. Although many unexpected variables have arisen in this battle, as long as 'Fire Fist' Ace dies here, this war will end in the Marines' victory."
Sengoku's expression was firm and resolute.
"Executioners, step forward! Carry out the public execution of 'Fire Fist' Ace immediately!"
At Sengoku's command, two executioners wielding large blades ascended the high platform, positioning themselves on either side of Ace.
From below, Sabo, who was fending off numerous Marines, saw this and his pupils shrank sharply.
"You shouldn't be looking away in battle."
Aramaki suddenly appeared in front of him and sent him flying with a powerful kick.
So far, Aramaki had only showcased his physical combat skills and mastery of Armament and Observation Haki. His Devil Fruit abilities remained unrevealed, but his sheer strength was already overwhelming Sabo.
"Seven Thousand Tile True Roundhouse Kick!"
Jinbe delivered a devastating kick, sending a group of Marine elites flying. He then turned his solemn gaze toward the execution platform, where the executioners' blades were now descending toward Ace's neck.
Jinbe glanced at the sky, his eyes filled with confusion, anxiety, and desperation.
"What are you waiting for, Traveler Ron? What the hell are you thinking?!"
Ace, hearing the whistle of blades slicing through the air toward him, lifted his head and smiled apologetically toward Sabo and Luffy.
"Luffy, Sabo... Looks like I won't be able to go on adventures with you guys anymore. Sorry..."
Then, he turned his gaze toward Whitebeard and Marco.
"Old man... everyone... I'm sorry..."
Tears welled up in Ace's eyes.
"I always make you guys worry... What a terrible brother I am."
Finally, he looked at Garp, who stood with his back to him, fists clenched, visibly torn apart by emotions. Ace closed his eyes and whispered in his heart—
"Goodbye... Grandpa."
He had made his peace. He was ready to accept his fate.
Whitebeard and Marco's pupils shrank in rage as they watched the execution blades descend.
The Whitebeard Pirates erupted into panic and fury.
Some of the bloodthirsty Marine officers had already begun to revel in the taste of victory.
Smoker closed his eyes. "It's over."
At that moment, the entire battlefield seemed to fall into silence.
Time itself felt like it had frozen.
All eyes, from those fighting on the battlefield to the people around the world watching through the Den Den Mushis, were locked onto the two blades descending toward Ace's neck—an execution mirroring that of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, in Loguetown years ago.
But just as the executioners' blades were about to make contact—
A figure suddenly appeared beside Ace.
In Sengoku's stunned gaze, a single palm touched Ace, and in an instant, he vanished from the execution platform.
The executioners' blades struck empty air.
"Bartholomew... Kuma?!"
Vice Admiral Tsuru's eyes widened in shock.
"What are you doing?!"
Sengoku snapped out of his daze, his fury surging. His massive golden palm came crashing down toward the Tyrant, Bartholomew Kuma!
Kuma raised his massive palm.
As their attacks collided, two overwhelming shockwaves crashed into each other, distorting the air and detonating the atmosphere. The ice-sealed execution platform beneath them shattered instantly under the sheer force of their clash.
This sudden turn of events left everyone utterly stunned.
In a deep crater, the heavily injured Sentomaru stared at Kuma, his face filled with disbelief.
"His self-awareness should have been completely erased! How could he possibly betray the Marines?!"
A terrifying thought crept into Sentomaru's mind, sending chills down his spine.
"Could it be... that Vegapunk has turned against us?!"
Sabo and the others stared in shock at Ace, who now stood before them, still shackled in Seastone cuffs.
Even Ace himself, who had already resigned himself to death, was completely bewildered.
What... just happened?!
"What the hell is going on?!"
Even Akainu couldn't hold back his rage as he bellowed, "Why did Bartholomew Kuma suddenly betray us?! Wasn't he completely modified?!"
"Gurararara... Looks like you Marines aren't as united as you think!"
Whitebeard let out a hearty laugh and swung a massive fist toward Akainu.
"All hands, cover the retreat! Help the Revolutionary Army take Ace away!"
Marco grinned, his hardened leg—coated in Armament Haki—slamming into Fujitora's blade, forcing the Admiral back several meters.
"Get Ace out of here!"
Jozu and the other Whitebeard Pirates erupted with renewed morale, breaking through the Marine blockade with overwhelming force.
Sengoku, his face dark and grim, roared at the Marines, "Do not let them take 'Fire Fist' Ace away! Aramaki! Gion! Kill Ace and the Revolutionary Army!"
"This is a direct order from the Fleet Admiral!"
Gion narrowed her eyes as she gripped the hilt of her sword. The aura of a Grandmaster Swordsman radiated from her body, engulfing Sabo, Jinbe, and the others in an oppressive pressure that made their hair stand on end.
Her gaze was sharp and cold.
"I cannot let you take Fire Fist Ace away."
"Looks like there's no other choice."
Aramaki sighed and scratched his head. "Guess I'll have to get serious."
He bent down, pressing one hand to the ground.
His long, wild green hair shot up like vines, glowing with an eerie emerald light. His entire body radiated energy as his aura surged dramatically.
Sabo's eyes narrowed as he tensed up, his expression turning grave.
The danger emanating from Aramaki was on a completely different level compared to before—he had become far stronger!
"His power increases just by touching the ground?! What kind of ability is this?!"
Ivankov broke into a cold sweat, his face full of doubt and unease.
"Forget that for now—Sabo, break my cuffs!"
Ace urged impatiently.
With his arms coated in Armament Haki, Sabo grabbed the Seastone cuffs and tore them apart.
The moment the restraints shattered—
Gion unleashed a devastating slash, a crimson flying slash cutting through the air, streaking straight toward them without mercy.
Before the stunned eyes of the Whitebeard Pirates—
A raging inferno burst from Ace's fist, crashing into the incoming slash!
As they saw Ace standing amidst the flames, Whitebeard's men were overcome with emotion.
"'Fire Fist' Ace is back!!!"
"You idiot, Ace was never dead!"
"Finally! Finally, our captain... 'Fire Fist' Ace has returned!"
Marco and Jozu clenched their fists, their voices filled with excitement.
But on the Marine side, the atmosphere was grim.
Many high-ranking officers wore dark, ugly expressions.
"Of all people... I never expected Bartholomew Kuma to betray us! What the hell happened?!"
"'Fire Fist' Ace has been rescued... Another Logia user... This just got a whole lot worse."
"Damn it! These damn pirates!!"
One of the Marine officers ground his teeth in fury.
As they looked at the now-invigorated pirates, the morale on the Marine side wavered.
Sengoku, still in his golden Buddha form, glared daggers at Kuma.
"You were completely modified! It should be impossible for you to regain your self-awareness! Could it be... that Vegapunk really has betrayed the World Government?!"
Kuma's cold, mechanical voice replied,
"The modifications were thorough. I did lose my self-awareness. However..."
He paused, staring at Sengoku.
"That person used his power to wake me up... and I made a decision."
Sengoku's eyes widened.
"That person? A decision?"
Kuma said nothing more.
Raising his massive palm, he unleashed his attack.