Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari
----------
New World, Punk Hazard.
Four years ago, a major incident occurred at Punk Hazard: the laboratory exploded, and the leaked toxic gas enveloped the entire island, followed by a Buster Call bombardment.
The island was reduced to ruins, and important equipment from the laboratory was transferred by Caesar and the Donquixote Family to Dressrosa.
Several years passed, and Dressrosa regained its vitality, burying the traces left by the bombardment.
On the sea not far away, a handsome man on a bicycle was approaching the island.
"Oh my, it's quite lively."
Kuzan gazed ahead, hundreds of ships of various sizes scattered around the island, their flags indicating they belonged to various factions.
They were all here to watch the battle!
Although it was just a duel, its impact on the world order would be several times more severe than the Summit War.
Neither he nor Sakazuki could afford to lose.
"Ding-a-ling~~ Excuse me!"
Kuzan rang his bell and slowly weaved through the fleet, disembarking and heading alone toward the center of the island.
On the other side of the island.
Warship.
The Marine officer put down the Den Den Mushi: "Report, Kuzan has landed on Punk Hazard and is heading to the center of the island!"
"Understood."
Below the mast.
"Slurp~~"
Kizaru slurped his ramen, glancing at Sakazuki beside him: "Sakazuki, if we lose this battle, will our Marines be disbanded?"
"We will win!"
Sakazuki responded coldly.
This duel was no longer a personal grudge between him and Kuzan. They carried the fate of their respective factions.
Only the death of one of them could end this duel.
Sakazuki strode forward, leaping from the ship.
Kizaru put down his bowl and chopsticks, silently watching Sakazuki's departing back.
By now, he had long understood that the Marines under the World Government's rule had no future, and Sakazuki couldn't possibly be unaware of this issue.
But they had also fought for the Marines for most of their lives. Betraying the Marines was something they couldn't do.
Kuzan's challenge suited his intentions perfectly.
Let's settle this.
Above the center of the island.
Morgans' hot air balloon airship from the World Economic News Agency hovered in the sky. To get exclusive first-hand news, Morgans had brought the entire news agency headquarters with him.
The live broadcast at Egghead Island made him realize that the existence of newspapers was threatened, so even though it was very dangerous, he had to be on the front lines this time.
"They're here!"
"Kuzan and Sakazuki!"
On the land below, two figures were walking toward each other. Behind them, one side billowed with thick smoke, while the other was covered in ice.
Before the battle even began, the island's climate underwent drastic changes.
"Long time no see, Sakazuki."
"Kuzan."
The two gazed at each other, as if returning to that summer long ago.
Kuzan took a deep breath, speaking the words he had kept in his heart for decades: "Sakazuki, I truly hate you!"
"Hmm, me too."
Sakazuki adjusted the brim of his hat.
They weren't from the same batch. Their enlistment dates were a few years apart, but under the Marines' training system, this small gap was negligible and could quickly be caught up.
Their fate seemed predetermined.
After joining the Marines, they were both hailed as monsters, their achievements incredibly close, and their growth trajectories not far apart. Even the time it took to be promoted to Vice Admiral and Admiral was similar.
But from their first meeting, they were at odds. Not only did their personalities clash, but their ideals of justice also had huge differences, and even the abilities they gained were opposing.
They were destined opponents!
Kuzan slowly raised his palm, and bone-chilling cold erupted from him. The weather changed accordingly, with countless snowflakes fluttering down.
Sakazuki's right arm erupted with magma, and the ground beneath his feet dried and cracked, with countless streams of magma gushing from the fissures.
No words were needed.
The person who understands you best is often your opponent!
"Boom!!!"
Icefalls and magma soared into the sky, each occupying half of the sky!
Dressrosa, port.
The Groudon raised its sails.
His subordinates urged him anxiously: "Daichi-sama, Kuzan and Sakazuki have started fighting, why are you still so slow!"
"Ah ha~~ What's the rush."
Daichi unhurriedly boarded the ship.
Kuzan and Sakazuki were like childhood friends, having sparred countless times. They knew each other's abilities and fighting styles inside out, so it wouldn't be decided so quickly.
He was more concerned about why the World Government would allow Sakazuki to act so recklessly.
Even if Sakazuki defeated Kuzan, it would only slow down the Hoenn Government's advance. But if he lost, the Marines would completely collapse.
The risks were clearly not equal.
Or perhaps, Sakazuki was stubborn and didn't listen to the World Government's orders.
"Depart."
"Yes!"
The Groudon set sail.
Daichi lay down on a beach chair, opening his mouth to eat a peeled grape.
"Any news on the Kozuki samurai?"
"Daichi-sama, there was a battle at the port yesterday. Capone Bege, an officer under Big Mom, captured several Kozuki samurai."
Kikara reported while peeling grapes: "News also came from Zou, saying they caught a strange ninja, likely one of the Nine Red Scabbards."
"Come, open your mouth."
"Ah—"
Daichi gulped down the grape, a smile in his eyes.
It was normal to capture Kozuki samurai. Those samurai were completely unfamiliar with the outer seas, so how could they escape his pursuit?
It was just a little unexpected that Big Mom's subordinates got to them first, but it wasn't a big problem. He had entrusted this matter to pirates in the first place, so anyone could have captured the samurai.
Bege hadn't come to him yet, probably waiting for the battle between Kuzan and Sakazuki to end. It would be impolite not to deliver the people then.
"Daichi-sama, Apoo-san also sent intelligence. After this duel ends, he will go with Urouge to the Kid Pirates' secret base."
"Hmm, just keep an eye on them."
Daichi nodded slightly.
He had to pay some attention to what Kaido had instructed. The Fire Festival would be held soon, and the Beast Pirates would also begin their expedition.
Several hours later, Punk Hazard.
"It's the Groudon!"
"That man is here!"
"Stay away!"
The crowded pirate ships automatically made a wide passage to both sides, leaving the best position for the Groudon.
Not far away, a yellow submarine.
Bepo pointed vigorously at the Groudon.
"Captain, look over there!"
"Quiet, Bepo."
Law limped to the edge of the deck, leaning on his crutch. He was covered in bandages, and one of his feet was wrapped like a dumpling.
The encounter a few days ago still bothered him.
"Damn it, the difference is so huge!"
Law gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, blood quickly seeping through the bandages.
He was defeated in just one move. If his companions hadn't been with him for years and skilled in treating external injuries, he would have died by now.
He had expected to lose, but he hadn't expected to lose so badly!
He was too far behind!