Boom!
A blinding golden radiance erupted across the sky.
A colossal Buddha palm surged upward from below, colliding head-on with a gigantic fist of dazzling light that smashed down from above. The moment they met, a terrifying shockwave burst outward, sweeping across the island like a raging tide. Already shattered buildings finally gave in, collapsing completely as debris was hurled in every direction.
Bang!!!!!
"Hoo… hoo… hoo…"
A massive figure wrapped in a Marine justice cloak fell from the sky and crashed heavily onto the plaza.
Boom!!!!!!
The impact alone sent nearby Marines and pirates flying through the air.
"Oh dear…"
Admiral Aokiji let out a lazy sigh as he glanced at the furious old man who had just landed.
"He really is a reckless old man…"
…
"Vice Admiral Garp."
Akainu stood firm, his expression dark and unyielding as he stared at the enraged elder before him.
"Are you trying to betray the Marine?"
"Brat!!!"
Garp's face twisted with fury, his veins bulging as the muscles in his arms tightened violently. With a roar, he swung his fist forward.
Whoosh!
The immense force tore through the air, grazing past Akainu's ear before blasting toward the distant sea near the pier.
…
For a brief moment, the world went silent.
Boom!!!!!!!!!
A chaotic explosion erupted in the distance. Seawater evaporated instantly, leaving behind a massive void as warships and pirate vessels rocked violently on the waves.
"Buzz…"
Even without being struck directly, Akainu's left ear rang violently. Still, he did not retreat. His gaze remained fixed on Garp, cold and resolute.
"Do you want to actively promote the division of the Marine?"
…
The white-haired elder slowly drew back the fist that could have ended Akainu's life in a single blow. His body trembled as he stared at the man before him, grinding his teeth.
"Good. Very good. You've done very well."
Akainu had won his gamble.
He had not defended. He had not counterattacked.
He had bet everything on one thing, that Garp, no matter how furious, could not abandon the Marine.
Here, at Marineford.
Before the eyes of countless Marines who revered him.
The Hero of the Marine would never strike down an Admiral who embodied absolute duty.
A man bound by principle could be exploited by principle.
Akainu understood this perfectly.
And Garp lost.
Lost to his own integrity.
"This is what I should do. And I will continue to do so."
Akainu brushed past Garp, his voice low and unwavering.
"I hope Vice Admiral Garp can be like me, diligently and responsibly eradicating pirates."
Witnessing this scene, the surrounding Marines were filled with awe.
They stared at Admiral Sakazuki, whose stance was firm, whose power was unquestionable, and whose sense of justice appeared unshakable.
"So calm, even when facing Vice Admiral Garp's near-fatal punch. Admiral Akainu truly is a pillar of the Marine!"
"It's understandable for Vice Admiral Garp to lose control. He's still a grandfather, after all…"
"Admiral Akainu didn't even fight back. Such righteousness…"
…
"This old man…"
Garp took a deep breath, his eyes drifting toward Ace being escorted away by Jinbe, and then to Luffy's lifeless body in the distance.
"Indeed, I still have much to learn from you younger generations."
The praise directed at Akainu pierced Garp's heart like a blade.
A wound that would never heal.
"Sakazuki. This old man cannot strike you here, in front of so many people."
Garp turned away, limping toward the figures he had fought earlier, his voice hoarse.
"But someone else can. I look forward to seeing you die here."
…
Akainu sneered.
"Are you talking about Arrogant Emperor Shirogai? He would not dare appear at a time like this…"
"Heh."
A calm, amused voice sounded right beside his ear.
"Oh? Are you slandering me?"
!!!
Akainu's pupils shrank violently. Magma surged from his body in an instant.
Too late.
"Kneel."
A pale hand wrapped in Armament Haki pressed down on the back of Akainu's head and smashed it into the ground.
Boom!!!!!!
The plaza shook violently. Cracks tore through the already ruined island, spreading outward like spiderwebs.
"What just happened?!"
"Someone attacked Admiral Akainu?!"
"Who dared attack Sakazuki?!"
All eyes turned toward the center of Marineford once more.
As the dust cleared, the scene came into focus.
A young man with long black hair stood calmly, one hand forcing Admiral Akainu's head into a deep crater in the ground.
Bang!
"Sakazuki, is this your justice? Lawful, yet devoid of humanity. Completely insane."
Bang!
Bang!
The young man smiled gently as he repeatedly forced Akainu to bow toward the retreating Garp.
"To demand justice from a grandfather who just lost his family, while you stand tall under the banner of righteousness, basking in admiration. Truly impressive foresight."
The Marine high command stood frozen in disbelief.
Admiral Akainu was completely powerless.
Bang!
"If you were less bound by morality, you would be utterly lost right now. A justice built on others' suffering disgusts me."
The man finally stopped, releasing Akainu at last.
He had arrived.
The battlefield felt lighter the moment he did.
"That's him!"
"Arrogant Emperor Shirogai!"
Several Vice Admirals recognized him instantly.
…
Sengoku stared at the man in silence, his expression heavy.
So he saw through Sakazuki from the very beginning.
"Enough!!!"
Akainu roared, finally forcing strength back into his body as he swung a Haki-coated fist backward.
Crack!
A foot coated in Armament Haki stomped it into the ground, shattering bone instantly.
"Bastard!"
Akainu snarled through the pain and struck again with his other arm.
Crack!
That arm was crushed under another merciless stomp.
Standing above him, calm and indifferent, was Shirogai Yamikuro.
The Plunderer had finally stepped onto Marineford.
---
Atp, bro just want to Aura Farm.
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