"Pervert, can't you make the ship go any faster?"
On the Breaking Sky 1, Crocodile glared at Franky.
"This is already the fastest, Crocodile," Franky replied, striking his signature pose at the bow.
"Don't worry, Kuro and Enel should have arrived by now," Zoro said, wiping the blade of his beloved sword, Ryugu.
At this moment, only Zoro, Crocodile, and Franky were aboard the ship. Crocodile frowned, uneasy. Enel's tendency to flaunt his strength irritated him—not because he wanted to compete, but because that arrogance was unbearable.
They had received news that Rolan and his crew had been intercepted, and immediately, everyone had headed toward the marked location. The ship had been recently upgraded, yet the journey still took time. Crocodile kept his gaze on the constantly flashing green light on his handheld device, anxiety tugging at his chest.
Zoro and Franky mirrored his concern. The reports were dire: Rolan's crew faced two Four Emperors' forces plus three mysterious figures, who, according to Nami's intel, were most likely World Government operatives. Each one possessed strength comparable to an Admiral of Marineford.
Even with the full might of the Ion Tempest, they would be hard-pressed to face such a lineup. At that time, only half the crew was present, making the task even more perilous.
"We'll be there soon," Franky assured.
Zoro's mouth curved in a bloodthirsty arc, his eyes gleaming with combat spirit. He was ready for the fight.
The small black dot ahead on the horizon grew steadily larger. The three could now make out the details: a pure white island floating in the sky.
"What is that?" Franky asked in surprise.
As the ship drew nearer, it became clear—a massive island of floating clouds.
"That's Nami's doing," Zoro said, observing the battlefield.
"I sense them all on that island," Crocodile added. He transformed into a swirling sandstorm and vanished from the bow. Zoro followed, leaping off the deck, leaving only a voice in the air:
"Franky, I'll leave the ship to you. We'll go up and support first."
"Oh, you go ahead. I'll catch up," Franky replied.
On the battlefield, Enel laughed as he saw Cracker and the others frozen in hesitation. "What's wrong? Afraid of the power of a God?"
With a flash, he appeared before Cracker, lightning forming into a spear in his hand.
"Ten Million Volts: Discharge, Thunder Spear!"
He flung the weapon forward, piercing Cracker's chest. Cracker, focused on Rolan and the others, hadn't expected Enel to disregard any semblance of honor. He dodged clumsily, the spear slashing through his shoulder.
"Ah!" Pain radiated from the wound throughout his body.
"Cracker!" Snack yelled, rage consuming him. "Enel! You actually ambushed me!"
Enel turned his gaze. "Oh? I wouldn't leave you behind." With that, he vanished and reappeared, fist colliding with Snack's chest. Snack flew backward with a loud bang.
Perospero's heart sank. Enel's raw power was frightening.
Meanwhile, Perospero activated his Devil Fruit to retaliate, only to have a sword plunge into the island cloud before him.
"Did I allow you to move?" Rolan's voice echoed like a chilling wind from the underworld.
BIG MOM's eyes widened at Cracker's plight, her anger flaring. Yet she knew the only way to secure victory was to defeat Rolan herself.
"Rolan, I'll kill you first, then that hateful God of Thunder boy!" she roared.
Kaido's voice boomed beside her. "Rolan, your talent is terrifying. I've seen few at your age with such power. If you survive, you will become a legend. But don't expect to live past today."
The truth was clear to all: Rolan had suffered severe injuries in the previous battle with these Emperors. Kaido and BIG MOM knew this, and they were confident in the fight ahead.
"Mama, Rolan, no matter what you say, even if you beg, you'll die today!" BIG MOM's fury burned through the air.
Rolan's brow furrowed. He understood the stakes; his survival was far from guaranteed.
"Hahaha! You think you've cornered me?" he laughed, voice calm and taunting. "What makes you think that?"
"Rolan, even now, you mock us?" Kaido's confusion was visible. He understood some would speak defiantly when death neared, but Rolan's confidence was unnerving.
"I admire you, Rolan. I'll grant you one small request," Kaido said, his tone almost playful.
Hancock, restrained by a white-clothed figure, watched helplessly. Nami and Lina were likewise willing but powerless. Robin, however, showed no concern, fully trusting Rolan to handle the situation.
Beside her, Kuro remained calm. Second in combat power to Rolan, he understood him better than anyone else.
A cloud of yellow sand erupted on the field.
"Finally! Crocodile, about time you showed up," Rolan's voice rang out.
The usually composed Crocodile muttered under his breath, irritated by the display of bravado.
Zoro appeared next, using Moonwalk to make his entrance.
Hancock, Nami, and Lina breathed relief. Reinforcements had arrived.
"Oh~ I'm not late, am I?" A streak of light hit the field—Franky, landing with jets propelling him forward.
Kaido and BIG MOM's expressions remained unshaken. If Rolan failed, the arrival of more allies wouldn't matter.
Rolan sighed, glancing at the confident Emperors. "Seems like holding back any longer would be a mistake."
As he spoke, purplish-red lightning erupted across his body, crackling with lethal energy.
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